The latest products of research and innovations of ISAT U and other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) of the country were the focus of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) 2020 State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Expo at the Activity Center, Ayala Malls, Trinoma on March 9-11, 2020.

Dubbed The Art of SUCCESS, ISAT U along with other SUCs exhibited distinct products showing their involvement to the development of science and technology that could provide impact on the socio-economic sector in their locality.

Attuned to the theme, “Passion, Innovate, and Connection,” ISAT U presented its produce from research and innovation. The university booth offered the yarn and fabrics generated at the newly-launched Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC), bangus hopia and cookies, banana butterscotch and chips a peel (made from banana peel flour), stuffs from the Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) and the tea products from the dehydrator machine, an ISAT U research innovation.

The yarn from the RYPIC aims to revive the native weaving industry and to develop tropical fibers native to the region. In collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) the project will also provide technical support to micro-small-medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) in textile and allied products through the development and production of natural textile-fiber based yarn. The RYPIC is the first regional yarn innovation center in the country.

The output of the FabLab, on the other hand, jumpstarts the expectation that the facility will spur the growth of micro, small, medium scale enterprises through the university’s research and innovation. The equipment and facilities of the FabLab granted by the Department of Trade and Industry at ISAT U is the only fabrication facility in the region.

Meanwhile the materials for herbal tea  are results of development in research and technology. In October last year, the Dehydrator Machine for Herbal Tea Products was launched. The dehydrator is the latest of the two ISAT U research projects for food processing.
In 2018, a Multi-powered Drying System for Food Production was launched and has been creating impact to the livelihood of the seaweeds farmers. It was also presented by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) to the Senate to support the SUCs budget proposal for research.

The Commission on Higher Education launched the “The Art of SUCCESS: 2020 State Universities and College Expo” to ensure that the Higher Education Act of 1994 continues to promote the country’s research culture and relative functions.
Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez was the guest of honor. Invited guests were HE Peter MacArthur, Embassy of Canada Ambassador-Designate and Ms. Crista McInnis, Senior Trade Commissioner Counselor . Rizal Technological University is this year’s host.

A consultative stakeholders consultation for Fiscal Year 2021 was held simultaneously in all ISAT U campuses on January 30, 2020.

The meeting was pursuant to National Budget Memorandum NO. 133 directing the agencies to conduct consultation with RDC’s, CSO’s, Student/Faculty Associaition and PASUC and other stakeholders on the proposed strategies of the agency for new and expanded programs and projects.

Aside from the students and faculty, representatives from the administrative staff, alumni, College, Community, Parent and Teachers Association (CCPTA) were also invited. “Suppose to be, this is only for students and faculty but we also need the inputs of all the stakeholders, “ said Dr. Raul F. Muyong.

The consultation covered the areas of General Administration and Support Services, Support to Operation, Operations which include advanced education program, higher education program, research program and technical advisory extension program.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Study in the Philippine Program (Education Tourism Program) will support the revival of the ISAT U historic tunnels. The pronouncement was made by Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla, Officer-in Charge, CHEd-International Affairs Staff, when she was invited speaker of the University’s strategic planning on internationalization on Jan. 23-24, 2020.

“Yung commitment namin sa edu-tourism, we have been discussing this with the Chair ( De Vera).  It is about the whole  eco-tourism of making ISAT U as a destination creating more partnership for you not just internationally but also convergence with the communities, with the local government and the national government, “ said Atty. Milla.

The Commission realized the potential of ISAT U’s rich historical and cultural heritage fitted to the priority area of the program.
The then Iloilo Trade School was built in 1905 under the Bureau of Education of the American Civil Government. During the Japanese occupation, tunnels were built in the compound of the school which have been a part of Iloilo City historical and cultural heritage.
“It looks like a deep well but actually it is a tunnel. We wanted to revive that tunnel,” said Dr. Raul Muyong. The tunnel runs from the main campus to the new site and into Salog River in Jaro district..

The University President also recognized the impact of the project once it pushes through. “Iloilo City is a booming city in terms of tourism. So it will boost the tourism industry of our city,” he said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency. “Aside from helping the city’s tourism industry, it will also support the institution’s Bachelor of Science in Tourism program,” Dr. Muyong added.  It has also been known that in several instances Japanese tourists visited the tunnels at the New Site.

He also divulged that at present coordination with the Iloilo City government is undertaken for mapping of the tunnels.
According to National and International Affairs (NIA) Director Nemia H. Mabaquiao,  the Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council has already issued a conservation clearance as initial step for the project.  The NIA Office takes lead of the undertaking.

Atty. Milla though clarified that the edu-tourism involves not only the tunnels but also the whole ISAT U. “Very exciting project hindi lang yung tunnel, even the one in Leon for agri-tourism,” she said.

Dr. Raul F. Muyong was also quick to point out the newly-inaugurated Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center that revives the weaving industry at Miagao Campus as another tourist attraction in the making.

“Yan ang partnership ng tourism. The university should actively promote about heritage, about culture, about the potentials also about communities. “Atty. Milla responded.

The project addresses one of the priority areas of the program that is to transform Philippine Higher Education into a hub of world-class higher education in key disciplines that integrates heritage, local culture, and diversity of natural resources which demands acquisition of competencies gained from hands-on and practical experiential learnings in a social laboratory that is characterized by flexibility, industry partnership and convergence of disciplines where learning is a family experience.

 

The University conducted a strategic planning for integration of programs and policies to enhance the 5-year plan for internationalization (IZN) on January 23-24, 2020.

Spearheaded by the National and International Affairs (NIA) Office, the two-day program enabled the different offices to collaborate and integrate their respective roles. The activity was guided by pools of Specialist from the Commission on Higher Education-International Affairs Staff (CHEd-IAS).

Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla, CHEd OIC Executive Director, discussed the leveling of IZN expectation, institutional internationalization process and design and the CHEd Memorandum Order No. 55 series of 2016. She gave particular emphasis on the internalization and to level up the curriculum as well as partnerships to create impact to international rankings of the universities.

With the support of the Commission, Atty. Milla also acknowledged the higher learning institutions’ contributions to the UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). “The universities contribute to all the 17; you are to facilitate localize and sustainable development goals so that they will not become ghost, they become reality in the locality, in the communities,” she said.

Atty. Milla also explained UNESCO key indicators for INZ, the INZ framework, the newly-developed IZN roadmap which includes creation a brand that will be put in the ASEAN region. The CHEd according to her, is supporting the different institutions in developing their brands and they develop a program called Fostering World-class Philippine Universities –Philippines HEIs program. Through the program, CHEd is giving support by providing SUCs with international benchmarking activities.

The presentation and appraisal of ISAT U Vision, Mission and Goals, Mandates and Institutional Programs in relations to INZ programs was conducted by Ms. Jennifer D. Montero, Project Technical Staff III, CHED-IAS. Meanwhile, Dr. Christine Ferrer, Director for External Linkages and international Affairs, Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), shared TAUs best practices in international programs, linkages and projects. Ms. Montero and Dr. Ferrer discussed the strategic planning process and accountability indicators of IZN and the SDGs. They also facilitated the workshop for enhancement of strategic INZ program of ISAT U which was participated by the Administrative Council members, external affairs coordinators, faculty and administrative personnel from different ISAT U Campuses.

The third lecture forum on employees’ welfare and benefits held at the Mansion on January 10, 2019 focused on non-monetary benefits and wellness.

Atty. Alexis Palomar-Tabino discussed updates and latest issuances of the Civil Service Commission on non-monetary benefits like Expanded Maternity Leave, Rehabilitation Leave, Solo Parent benefits. Atty. Tabino is the Asst. Regional Director of Civil Service Commission Regional Office 6 and one of the resource persons of the lecture

Health and wellness in the workplace is another concern of the ISAT U administration. This year, stress management was given emphasis.
Ms. Florabel Santacera-Suarez, University Psychometrician of the Central Philippine University lectured on “Work and Well-being: A Stress Management and Self-Care Seminar for University Personnel.” She discussed on stress and its factors, the effect on the performance and the coping mechanisms. A series of relaxing mental and physical exercises were also taught to the participants.

The activity was also the venue for the University President, and the Vice Presidents for Administration and Finance and the Research and Extension to update the employees on the status of the university and what direction it is heading to.

In the President’s time, Dr. Raul F. Muyong presented the need for curriculum and syllabus revision, program compliance with policies, standards and guidelines of the CHEd, updates on new courses and new CHEd issuances The University was also granted by the Bureau of Immigration the authority to accept foreign students and the inauguration of the RYPIC.

For the challenges, Dr. Muyong shared the strategic direction of every campuses. Miagao campus is planned to become industrial creative design campus because of the RYPIC while Leon Campus is for agricultural engineering and smart farming. Iloilo City Campus is positioned to be center of education, science, engineering and technology. Dumangas and Barotac Nuevo Campus is developed to for techno-preneurship programs. The University is also planning to offer textile technology. Talks and compliance are also being undertaken in preparation for the offering of environmental planning, environmental science, agricultural engineering, agri-cultural technology. ISAT U is also one of the few universities groomed to offer data science. Bio-technology, Bachelor of Arts in English Language are also included in the plans

“Due to proper budget utilization, ISAT U is one of the universities granted with highest budget for fiscal year 2020,” announced Dr. Muyong. Equitable distribution of resources for more infrastructure projects and additional facilities are among the top priorities of the administration. “Our budget will be equitably distributed- no campus will be left behind, we will grow together,” he said.
For administrative concerns, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. discussed the latest guidelines as tool for measuring the performance of the individual and the different units.

Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, on the other hand, elaborated the need of every faculty to engage in research. He also presented the different fields of research needed by the community and the guidelines for research proposal, research presentation and the benefits of research to individual performance of the faculty.

The 2nd International Research Conference on Science and Technology spearheaded by ISAT U on November 27-29, 2019 focused on the development of Industry 4.0.

Themed “Advancing Scientific and Technological R&D Towards Industry 4.0,” the conference was participated by 89 national and international academician, researchers and scientists.

Dr. Isagani D. Padolina, USAID STRIDE Senior Consultant Director of Research Development, delivered his keynote address entitled “Back to Basics: Tools in your Pocket to Meet Industry 4.0 Needs.”  Three foreign speakers also shared their ideas on industrial revolution, Industry 4.0 and TVET concerns in the plenary lectures.

Engr. Abdul Ghani Rajput, Faculty Specialist, Colombo Plan Staff College for Technical Education talked on “Curriculum Delivery to meet Industrial Revolution Needs” while Engr. Saju Vincent, Director, Curicent Technologies and Infrastructure lectured on “ Industry 4.0 –Stepping Towards a more Integrated Iot Enabled e-Health Reality.”

On the other hand, the discussion on “TVET Competency Skills for Future Works Towards Industry 4.0” was delivered by Dr. Razali Hassan, Professor, Universiti Tun-Hussien. In another session, Dr. Margarita Pavlova, Director, UNEVOC Centre Hongkong talked on “Greening TVET towards Industry 4.0.”

In the parallel sessions, 19 papers on technology, agriculture, food and environment were presented; 19 on technology, education and Social Sciences and; 16 on technology, environment and climate change.

In collaboration with Guimaras State College and Carlos Hilado Memorial State College the conference aims to bring together leading academicians, scientists, researchers, scholars, entrepreneurs and students to exchange and share their knowledge, experiences and research results on the aspect of advancements in Science and Technology. The forum may also provide network and discuss solutions in different concerns in different countries.

DOST Sec. Fortunato T. De La Pena and CHEd Chair J. Prospero E. De Vera III lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the RYPIC. In picture are Great Women Phil. President Ms. Jeannie E. Javelosa, ; CHEd Chair De Vera;  ISAT U Pres. Dr. Raul F. Muyong; PTRI Dir. Celia Elumba; Sec. De La Pena; Miagao Mayor Macario Napulan; DOST  Usec Rowena Cristina L. Guevarra,  and Dir. Rowen R. Gelonga, DOST RO6. 

The Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) inaugurated the country’s first Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) for the  revival of the native weaving industry with cultural, economic, environmental and tourism components.  The 42-million facility now produces yarns from blends of natural fibers such as abaca and pineapple, combined with cotton to be used in weaving fabrics.

DOST Sec. Fortunato T. De La Pena  and CHEd Chair J. Prospero E. De Vera III graced the RYPIC’s  inauguration at ISAT U Miagao Campus on November 6, 2019.

The RYPIC was conceptualized in 2016 through the collaboration of ISAT U with DOST-PTRI. Its objective is to provide technical support to micro-small-medium scale enterprises (MSME) involved in the manufacture of garments, textile, and allied products through the development and production of natural textile-fiber based yarn.

As one of the prime movers of the project, ISAT U sees the bright future of the industry by bringing back weaving courses in its programs. “Now, we are happy that we have this facility at ISAT U and this is an opportunity for us to offer new programs, the Bachelor of Science in Textile Technology and Design, “stressed ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong.

He added that faculty members were already sent to India to observe practices in weaving industry that could further enhance RYPIC’s  operation, promote its sustainability and in preparation for future curricular offerings.

Dir. Celia B. Elumba of the PTRI explained the environmental and cultural impact of the project, “Every time we wash our clothes with synthetic materials, there are micro-fibers left in the waters. One study has claimed that a liter of water contains seven to eight pieces of micron of polyester.” She asserted that blended yarn produce in the RYPIC does not contain polyester and has positive impact to the environment.

She also emphasized the value of fabrics from natural fibers and woven the traditional way. In her previous visits to ISAT U, she shared that it is more marketable abroad and with higher price compared to those made of synthetic materials.

Miagao Mayor Macario Napulan also expressed his gratitude as the project complements his efforts of reviving a dying industry. Hablon once flourished in Miagao but due to ready to wear garments and the migrations of weavers to the booming sugar industry, hablon weaving dwindled.

Great Women Philippines through its President, Ms. Jeannie E. Javelosa, expressed full support to the project.  “We are excited how far we can help push this initiative,” she said. Great Woman Philippines is one of the partners and takes charge of the marketing of the products.

Dir. Rowen R. Gelonga, DOST RO6 described RYPIC “as a major contribution not only in revitalizing the economy of Iloilo and its textile industry but more so in making Iloilo as an innovation landmark.” Recently, Innovation Iloilo was launched with DOST at the helm and RYPIC fits the intention of the movement to position Iloilo as a premier innovation hub of the country in 2030.

The facility is also seen to boost tourism in Miagao. Talking before the press during the Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) at the Iloilo Convention Center on October 21, 2019, Sec. De La Pena shared his view on how technology could generate tourism, “ pagpunta ko halimbawa sa lugar kung saan pinapalaki ang mga isda, sa akin ay parang attraction na iyon, eh, . .ang pagkuha ng fiber ng pinya, yung makita mo na ginagawa yung mga local products, is in itself an attraction ” he said. Referring to the RYPIC,  Dir. Gelonga and Dr. Muyong shared the same outlook with the Secretary.

A TOUGHER CHALLENGE FOR ISAT U

Sec. De La Pena divulged that he was part in the first round table discussion on the idea of a micro scale yarn spinning facility that gave birth to the RYPIC. He mentioned of the Philippine Tropical Fiber (PTF) Act which requires government employees to wear uniforms made of PTF. However, according to him there was no supply of fabrics for the purpose. There were little or no supply because no one was spinning the yarns necessary to weave the PTF and no one was extracting the textile fibers at a commercial scale.

The Secretary believes that the facility could “respond naturally to market demand.”

The same challenge was presented by DOST Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevarra.  According to Dr. Muyong, in a meeting in Thailand USEC Guevarra challenged ISAT U to produce a fiber to be used for the uniform of all government agencies in the Philippines. “ It is a big challenge for ISAT U of course, but we take the challenge,” assured Dr. Muyong.

With this, ISAT U needs to innovate and develop new products and come up with a large scale fabric production.  “We have deliverables in the second phase of the project; we have to develop a volume of yarns based on different blends and combinations,” explained Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, ISAT U VP for Research and Extension.

To address the need of supply shortage, a prototype of a power loom for large scale production is also considered by ISAT U. The issue, however is the effect of mass production to the prestige and value of handwoven fabrics. Dr. Ambut nonetheless refuted the perceived implication. “There is no effect; the latter is special and for special occasions; its value and distinction remain,” he explained.

The university is also tasked to discover new blends of fibers. Dr. Ambut highlighted the different topography, climatic situation and different species to consider in choosing a plant fiber. “It may be the same material but where it grows significantly spell out an output; and we are targeting to utilize any local plants provided that its fiber length is not shorter than 2 inches,” he explained.

Research and development play a role in proving and producing new materials. “We need to utilize research to develop and use new combination of fibers native to Region VI and distinct from what the RYPIC is producing right now,” he added. Currently, the yarns are produced from common materials.

A different name for the new fabric is also considered to add value and to establish its uniqueness. “Our product is not hablon,” said Dr. Ambut, “we need to have a branding to our fabric since it is unique and made of local and new fibers.”

The birth of RYPIC also opens more opportunities on research and development for ISAT U. Dr. Ambut toyed the idea of a Balik Scientist Program for textile. He said it would encourage researchers to develop technology, circuitry, ceramics and other areas that could make a difference in textile industry.

Sec. Fortunato T. De La Pena of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) mentioned ISAT U’s Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC) and the Understanding Lightning and Thunderstorm (ULAT) Project as among the DOST-assisted programs for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the present administration during the Regional Science and Technology Week at the Iloilo Convention Center on October 21-25, 2019.

“There are two major programs of the ISAT U, and these are the RYPIC, and then we will have very soon a ground receiving station for satellite images; we call it ULAT dito sa Iloilo,” Secretary De La Pena said. He added that ULAT will provide useful data for different agencies, “it is a receiving, processing, and transmitting information for remotely sense images for use by our national government agencies; it can be used for agriculture, environment and defense purposes.“

In his keynote address, Sec. De La Pena underscored the importance of partnership with HEIs in research and innovation. Science and Technology, according to him, plays a role in the sustainable development goals of the present administration. “From my own count, 13 (of the 17 SDGs), were we can directly contribute from the science and technology community,” he said.

ISAT U’s projects along with programs from other SUCs and private institutions were the contributions in science and technology according to the Secretary. The programs are the products of DOST’s efforts to reduced inequalities in research and innovations by partnering with higher educational institutions (HEIs).

The University is also involved in other DOST’s programs enumerated by Sec. De La Pena.  One of these is the agency’s initiative of smart cities and choosing the City of Iloilo as the pilot city in the Visayas. The University partnered with DOST to establish data science in this project.

To promote and encourage innovation and research, he highlighted the achievement of Ilonggo Dr. Ramon Gustilo for inventing the knee replacement design for Asian population, and the bio kit for rapid dengue infection testing (in an hour) and smart surface technology which won gold at Geneva Expo.

Going with the celebration’s theme “Science for the People,” ISAT U displayed researches, innovations and projects with has impact to the community, robotics and other science and technology products. The ceremonial launching of the ULAT was also one of the highlights of DOST-assisted projects.

After his message, Sec. De La Pena gamely interacted with the students. Three students from ISAT U received an early Christmas gift after answering correctly science and technology related questions from the Secretary.

See related photos: