Department of Science and Technology, DOST – ASTI, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Iloilo Science and Technology University and LGU of Dumangas inaugurate the Iloilo Ground Receiving Station on Friday, March 10.

The ground receiving station facility is the only one in Western Visayas and the 3rd of its kind in the entire Philippines. DOST VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga stressed that the GRS is a very important facility as space science technology has a lot of applications particularly on addressing the socio development requirements of the country as a whole.

DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia likened the facility to “a bridge that connects us to the vast expanse of space.” Further showing the potential of the facility to drive science – based decisions on various levels of governance and sectors of the society.

Ground Receiving Stations (GRS) are built to collect and stream remote sensing satellite data to users. These data can be used for research and development activities and disaster risk reduction management among many others.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency also provided resources and expertise in the project. Mr. Sakamoto Takema, JICA Philippines Chief Representative underscored the continuous support of their organization in realizing this initiative and in many other projects that sought to improve the lives of the people.

ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong expressed his gratitude to all the partners who made the project possible. “The University is now working on a proposal to offer a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology Program in view of this project. We are also training and conducting benchmarking activities for our people to ensure the sustainability of this laudable endeavor.”

Dumangas Mayor Braeden John Biron and 4th District Board Member Rolly Distura also sang praises to the facility describing it as a step forward not only for the people of Dumangas but for all Filipinos.

The ‘Unveiling of the Inaugural Marker’ followed in the afternoon at the GRS site located at the ISAT U Dumangas Campus. A tour and a short lecture was also given by the personnel of the DOST – ASTI to guests and media partners.

 

Iloilo Science and Technology University College of Industrial Technology signed a memorandum agreement with 6^th Forward Service Support Unit (FSSU) of the Philippine Army on February 28, 2023 at the University’s function room.

In his message, Dr. Raul F. Muyong, the University President highlighted the importance of building partnership with other government agencies as it was clearly stated in the Sustainable Development Goals particularly Goal 17 on Partnerships.

“I am very pleased for this mutually beneficial partnership between ISAT U and 6^th FSSU ASCOM. Through this partnership we are able to strengthen the existing collaboration we have that could benefit not just our community here in ISAT U but the bigger community we are serving as public

servants. Rest assured of our continued support for whatever endeavors you have in  the Philippine Army,” said Dr. Muyong.

The partnership involves providing pool of experts to teach the participants the fundamentals of their trade, providing assistance related to the needs of the trainees in the conduct of the trainings and issuing certificates to the participants upon completion of the requirements in terms of training hours and project/outputs of the course offered.

LTC Flordeliza C. Bolhayon – the Commanding Officer, Major Desi Lareen C. Resurreccion – Admin and Personnel Officer, Major Roger A. Mallorca – Operations and Training Officer and Staff Sergeant Neri Joie Soriano – Training-Non-Commission Officer from the Philippine Army were present during the said event. Select faculty members and extension coordinators from CIT together with Dr. Rene L. Celda, the dean also graced the said gathering.

Dr. Adrienne D. Veloso, Director of the Extension Services Division recognized and thanked all the attendees during her message.

 

 

 

 

Iloilo Science and Technology University Gender Center facilitated a 3-day training workshop on doing gender research with attendees coming from students of Teacher Education program , BS Community Development, Bachelor in Human Services, and select faculty and staff researchers across the system.

The main objective of the said activity is to enhance the capabilities of faculty and student researchers in doing gender researches and encourage them to explore the gender concerns in the society today.

“We are doing this not because of the mandated laws but because we are into Gender and Development which is clearly stated in the SDG 5 which is Gender Equality. After this three-day training workshop, I look forward to see outcomes not just merely outputs. Outcomes that have an impact in our college, university, community and in the world as a whole. So, let’s work together for the outcomes not just for our own benefit but for the university we are serving” said Dr. Raul F. Muyong during his opening message.

Professor Girlie Nora A. Abrigo and Dr. Mark Oliver S. Llangco both gender research experts from the Social Science Department of UP Los Bańos were the main facilitators and lecturers during the training-workshop held at the ISAT U AVR-N building on February 21-23, 2023.

“We look forward that our student participants will come up with a gender research proposal for their undergraduate theses and as with our faculty researchers present here today, we also look forwards that you will also come up with a gender research proposal with possible extension activities within this year 2023,” expressed Dr. Emily Dela Crus during the closing program.

A total of 370 participants both from the main and external campus attended the training-workshop.

 

 

 

DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. showed appreciation to the research and development projects of ISAT University during his ‘meet-and-greet’ session on Wednesday, February 15.

“We cannot stop in our research organizations or in our university by simply teaching, doing research, and publishing or patenting, but we need to translate our products and services, or ideas into commercialized products and services. And I think, you’re (ISAT U) doing that,” says Solidum.

Sec. Solidum and other DOST top officials were given a tour of the various laboratories of the Research Hub which culminated with brief presentations of the ongoing and completed projects funded by the Department. Around P17, 696,774.40 million went to ongoing researches/ projects and about  P15,262,221.40  million for completed researches coming from the combined grants of DOST – PCIEERD and DOST – PCAARRD.

The University also showcased the first batch of startups and spin offs that were incubated by ISAT U KWADRA – TBI. These start ups and spin offs, mostly focusing on providing science and technology – based innovations and solutions to industries are equivalent to commercialized products and services benefitting industries and communities.

Present during the event were DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia, DOST VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga, ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong, VPRE Carmelo V. Ambut, VPAF Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., VPAA Corazon Corbal, VPEA Nemia Mabaquiao and other top officials of DOST and ISAT U.

 

 

 

February 7, 2023 – Dr. Raul F. Muyong, the Iloilo Science and Technology University president and at the same time, the chair of the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges Region VI (RASUC VI) joined and participated in the Technical Working Group meeting to finalize the plans for Project MINI ME (Mainstreaming and Institutionalizing for the New-Generation the Investments in Monitoring and Evaluation) spearheaded by the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC VI) and NEDA-VI.

Project MINI ME is a training and mentorship program for the youth on monitoring and evaluation. The project will equip young people with knowledge and skills on monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects of the government. To ensure their participation and be heard, they will be given a seat at the RPMC-VI.

The delegation was composed of representatives coming from DBM, DILG, OP-PMS, OCD, NYC and Global Shapers Iloilo. They convened at the NEDA Building, Iloilo City to discuss matters regarding the MINI ME Project as it will provide lectures, activities, and, training workshop on planning, implementation, and reporting of monitoring and evaluation of government programs and projects to selected youth leaders from the educational institutions, community groups, and other local organizations.

As the chair of RASUC VI, Dr. Muyong emphasized the major role of the academe in honing young people’s leadership skills as they are the future leaders in nation-building. Also, he gave emphasis on the Republic Act 8044, The Youth in Nation-Building Act, that calls for youth involvement in character-building and development activities for civic-efficiency, stewardship of natural resources, agricultural and industrial productivity, and an understanding of world economic commitments on tariffs and trade and participation in structures for policy-making and program implementation to reduce the incidence of poverty and accelerate socio-economic development.

 

Photo credits: NEDA RO VI

 

The Iloilo Science and Technology University through the office of Extension Services Division (ESD) activated ‘OPLAN PAGTINABANGAY’ after a fire engulfed 234 houses in West Habog Habog and San Juan Molo, Iloilo City on Saturday, January 28, 2023.

Different campus-based organizations including student councils’ leaders, employees and private groups and individuals joined hands in organizing a relief operation wherein they initiated a donation drive intended for the affected families and individuals. Canned goods, pre-loved clothes, medicines, beddings, bottled water among others were collected and distributed to the affected community.

A total of 80 food packs, 50 pieces ham and boxes of assorted clothes and mattresses were handed over to Molo Day Care Center on February 1, 2023.

The “Oplan Pagtinabangay sa ti-on sang Kalalat-an” is a technology deployment initiative through relief (food and non-food) for the victims of Natural and Man-made disasters organized by the ESD under the leadership of Dr. Adrienne D. Veloso the director.

 

 

 

Iloilo Science and Technology University hosted a whole day conference workshop on Harmonization in the Monitoring of State Universities Physical Performance on January 11, 2023.

SUCs partner agencies such as Department of Budget and Management, Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VI and Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges were among the attendees.

During his welcome remarks, Dr. Raul F. Muyong the Iloilo Science and Technology University president and at the same time the RASUC VI president, recognized all present delegates from the different SUCs and out of 11 University Presidents, 9 were able to attend physically. He also challenged all SUCs to start the year 2023 right by harmonizing all the reports and monitoring of the Physical Performance prior to submission as one region in general.

Ms. Maria Liane L. Gayomali, Acting Director of DBM RO VI presented the FY 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP) and she also mentioned that the 2023 targets are not harmonized and SUCs interpreted the targets differently. Thus, a need to align and harmonize all targets is necessary.

Ms. Maytell A. Secuelan from DBM RO VI presented the FY 2021 actual physical performance while Ms. Maria Leane L. Gayomali presented the FY 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP) targets.

Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr., the Regional Director of CHED RO VI discussed the Defining Performance Indicator of SUCs wherein he presented the compliance with the CHED minimum standards for academic program among others.

After the series of lectures and presentations, questions, clarifications were entertained and answered by director Alvarez.

Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr. the Vice President for Administration and Finance of ISAT U presented and discussed the suggested reporting format with baseline parameters as suggested by DBM. Suggestions and recommendations from the SUCs present were all gathered and will be incorporated.

During his closing remarks, Dr. Joselito Villaruz, President of WVSU highlighted the importance of harmonizing all the reports to ensure transparency and accountability among SUCs.

“A harmonized reporting system will likewise provide an enabling mechanism for SUCs to identify targets, monitor performance and finally submit performance reports based on the identified common and unified matrix. This will ensure a harmonized understanding of our reports and serves as a channel for government to evaluate with transparency the accountability of SUCs not only in the region.” said Dr. Villaruz

A total of 68 delegates from 11 State Universities and partner agencies in the region attended the said conference.

 

 

 

The Iloilo Science and Technology University received its CapDev Accelerator Award from the Department of Interior and Local Government during the national Capacity Development Accelerator Awards: Gabi ng Pasasalamat held at the Manila Hotel on December 22.

The CapDev Accelerator Award is the ‘Department’s prestigious recognition of the outstanding and valuable contributions of institutional partners in capacitating the local government sector’.

The University is a founding member of the Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium (WVLGRC) which is the regional think tank of the Department in providing capacity development activities and projects for various LGUs. UP Visayas, Central Philippine University, University of San Agustin and Capiz State University are also among the founding members.

Since 2013, the University was involved with various landmark programs and projects of the DILG which include the Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS) for the municipalities of Zarraga, Dumangas, Concepcion, and Tubungan, Iloilo. The University was also one of the HEI’s tapped by the Department to implement the Sangguniang Kabataan Mandatory Training for the various Districts of Iloilo City.

ISAT U also played a major role in the development of the Municipal Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan (MWSSMP) for the region particularly on the formulation of the Operations and Maintenance (OM) of LGU – run water supply system and the Construction and Occupational Safety and Health (COSH). Prior to that, the University also spearheaded the documentation of completed SALINTUBIG projects in the LGUs of Pilar and Mambusao, Capiz.

The University also took part in the various episodes of “IKAW KAG ANG DILG”, a radio program aired at RMN Iloilo which is part of the DILG’s information and dissemination strategy.

According to ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong, “The partnership between ISAT U and DILG also allowed the University to deliver on its mandate particularly on research, extension, and in calibrating the portfolio of the institution as a potent accelerator in capacity development towards excellence in local governance.”

 

 

 

 

The Natural Science Department under the College of Arts and Sciences of the Iloilo Science and Technology University prepares to offer the Bachelor of Science in Meteorology program (BS Met) with the primary aim of increasing the number of professionals who can make informed decisions related to climate change impacts, resilience and sustainable development in the region.

Crafting of the proposal started in 2019 when the Commission on Higher Education identified the said program as one of the priority courses given the susceptibility of the Philippines to destructive meteorological phenomena.

In addition, the offering of the BS Met program is in consonance with the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 in the area of transformation strategies that includes achievement of quality and accessible education that enhances disaster risk reduction and management mechanisms.

Benchmarking with government and private agencies as well as state colleges and universities offering the BS Met program, faculty groups from the Natural Science Department visited the following institutions last July 2022 for support and collaboration:  Bicol University, Visayas State University, PAG-ASA – Iloilo, Mines and Geosciences Bureau – Iloilo, Manila Observatory – Ateneo, PAG-ASA – Manila and Philippine Space Agency (PHILSA at present located at U.P Diliman)

At present, there’s no University in Region 6 offering BS in Meteorology degree program.

The Bachelor of Science in Meteorology (BS Met), a 4-year degree program is designed to develop highly competent professionals in the field of atmospheric science. The BS Met program is a balance between a holistic general education program and extensive professional meteorology courses.  The program aims to produce graduates who are expected to contribute to national development by addressing the need of the country on human resources in response to the emerging

concerns on weather and climate effects and alleviating threat of losing experts to foreign countries.

The successful offering of the BS Met program strengthens ISAT University’s vision to be a leading Science and technology in Southeast Asia by 2030.

The proposed Bachelor of Science in Meteorology is recommended for approval of the Governing Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ISAT University in partnership with Universiti Teknologi, Brunie, Chandigarh University, India, Bugema University, Uganda, Kumasi Technical University, Ghana, and Kibabii University, Kenya held its 3^rd international research conference on science and technology on November 28 – 29, 2022 via Zoom Video Conferencing.

This year’s theme, “Science and Technology Research: Embracing Seamless Solutions” focused on the role of research and development in science and technology in helping communities and industries. Dr. Leah J.  Buendia, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development and the keynote speaker of the conference highlighted certain innovations and technologies that were supported by the agency particularly on smart agriculture, industrial product development, energy, and environmental protection among others. She also mentioned that the Philippines is an upward mover in furthering innovation after placing 59^th overall this year based on the Global Innovation Index (GII).

Lectures presented in the plenary by Dr. Kiran Budhrani of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Dr. Orakanoke Phanraksa of Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), Dr. Anand Agarwal of Chandigarh University, India and Dr. Tai – Hoon Kim of Glocal Campus of Konkuk University were centered on unique innovations and on how seamless solutions through science and technology can be achieved through collaboration and multi-disciplinary approaches.

In his welcome address, ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong called upon “academicians, scientists, scholars, researchers, entrepreneurs, and students to provide creative and seamless solutions through science and technology research to the everyday problems and global challenges confronting humanity today.”

The 3^rd International Research Conference on Science and Technology is a venue for paper presentation, knowledge exchange, and academic collaboration for all. Several cultural spectacles showcasing Filipino and Ilonggo talent and hospitality entertained the participants during the event.

Attendees to the conference were also greeted by Iloilo City Mayor, Hon. Jerry P. Treñas, Congresswoman Julienne ‘Jam Jam’ Baronda and Iloilo Province Governor Hon. Arthur R. ‘Toto’ Defensor Jr. while reiterating the call for more researches that will uplift the lives of the people.