The internationalization of education places an emphasis not just on the interactions between and among people, institutions, countries, cultures, and systems but most importantly, it allows for the integration of an international, intercultural, and global dimension into the processes, policies, teaching and learning, research, production, and other service functions of a higher education institution. However, there is yet to be a set of indicators for an internationalized university. Apparently, there is no “one size fits all” internationalization model. Internationalization of education is a process of transformation that is adapted to the specific requirements and objectives of each higher education organization. ISAT U must therefore choose its own unique strategy for internationalization based on its well-stated vision, mission, goals, objectives, and anticipated outcomes. Furthermore, the University also acknowledges the need to learn and collaborate with international universities to study their respective internationalization processes driven by assessment of priorities, current global trends, and numerous beneficial initiatives.

In order to create new approaches, and improve current processes and systems in the University to meet international higher education standards, some of the ISAT U Board of Regents and some of the Administrative Council members led by University President, Dr. Raul. F. Muyong, conducted a schools visit and collaboration talks with the following institutions: (1) Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, Malaysia (2) Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, (3) Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, (4) Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, Malaysia and (4) Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore. The rest of the delegation was composed of Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut – Vice President for Research and Extension, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr., – Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao – Vice President for External Affairs, Hon. Erafil Joy Cabangal – Student Regent, Hon. Samuel Arsulo – Faculty Regent, Hon. Leo Sombiro – Regent representing the Alumni, Hon. Rowen Gelonga – Regent representing the Department of Science and Technology, Hon. Jessraf  Palmares, Regent representing the Private Sector, Hon. Eddie Cañuto – Regent representing Hon. Francis Joseph G. Escudero (Chairperson, Committee on Education, Culture and Arts – Senate of the Philippines).

The ISAT U international schools visit and collaboration talks allowed the delegates to make a school performance comparison. This comparison can help identify areas of strengths and weaknesses and provide insights into how ISAT U can improve its overall performance in its tripartite function. Best practices of the five institutions in Malaysia and Singapore were presented which helped the delegates identify those that have been effective so they may study them further, and look into the possibility of incorporating them in the ISAT U academic community which may lead to better outcomes. Furthermore, the collaboration talks were also able to rouse motivation for innovation by exposing administrators and the Board of Regents to new ideas and approaches. The delegates further learned about the educational landscape of Malaysia and Singapore, their national imperatives; the polytechnic sector of both countries; and international initiatives on research, instruction, scholarships, marketing; and human resource policies.

And as ISAT U forges onward toward the future, it continuously makes sure to answer the call of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The international activity supports SDG No. 4: Quality Education, SDG No. 8: Decent Work Economic Growth, and SDG No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The Global Goals can only be met if people in the academic institution, industry, and communities work together. To build a better world, people in various sectors need to be supportive, sympathetic, resourceful, enthusiastic, and most importantly, cooperative.

In summary, the ISAT U international schools visit and collab talks have provided valuable insights for the administrators and Board of Regents of the university, helping them find ways to improve the institution’s performance, adopt best practices, stimulate innovation, encourage sustainable practices, and ensure that ISAT U is meeting quality international standards and be future-ready.

written by: Jieza J. Napone, LPT

“What I am now and what I have achieved, I owe it to the university.”

This was the prevailing statement made by Dr. Ramil G. Lumauag, newly installed Campus Administrator of ISAT U Dumangas Campus during the Turnover Ceremony on January 3, 2023.

Dr. Lumauag added, “It’s now my time to create leaders of this campus,” as he acknowledged Dr. Raul F. Muyong, ISAT U President for being his mentor and for creating future leaders like him.

Present also to witness the event were Dr. Corazon C. Corbal, VP for Academic Affairs; Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., VP for Administration and Finance; Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao, VP for External Affairs; Vice Mayor Ronaldo Golez and SB Reynaldo Dusaran, representative from Municipality of Dumangas; Mrs. Jocelyn Q. Deygabi, PTA President; Dr. Rosemarie Bebera, Alumni President; Other university officials; Student Republic Officers; Dr. Lumauag’s Family Members; and, other guests.

In his speech, Dr. Lumauag re-emphasized his plans and projects during the presentation

for the search of new campus administrator to strengthen the research capability of faculty members, establish a sustainable extension program that will help community, promote and strengthen the partnership with the international, national and local partners and stakeholders.

As  an IT Professional, one of his priorities is geared towards technological advancement by strengthening the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for distance education and improving IT infrastructures to provide fast internet access for the faculty and staff, students and the operations of the campus.

The newly installed campus administrator also promised to give full support to the faculty members for their professional development and continued improvement of the curriculum and instruction; students for their activities that will promote leadership and academic excellence and gender equality. The Administrative Support Staff was also acknowledged for their essential role and contribution and assured that his administration will work its best to provide what is best for them.

He ended his speech by inviting everyone to join with him in his journey following the Roadmap I.S.A.T.U. which stands for Innovative Systematic Awesome Technological Transparent United Dumangas Campus.

Dr. Lumauag’s previous administrative assignments were former Head of Instruction and OIC Campus Administrator of ISAT U Miagao Campus and recently as VLE Director of the University.

Written by: Dr. Lowel De La Torre – PICO Coordinator, Dumangas Campus

Key players in the innovation space in Iloilo City and their technopreneurship initiatives were showcased to students and academic and local government stakeholders at the recent Iloilo Startup Forum in Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U).

The Iloilo Startup Forum was part of the QBO x (Cities): Igniting Startup Cities, a roadshow led by the Manila-based incubator QBO Innovation Hub. The roadshow aims to spark the technopreneurial spirit among Filipinos, especially the youth.

Karla Legaspi, Startup Community program lead, presented to the audience various initiatives of QBO, which has recently integrated with IdeaSpace, a major private startup accelerator in the country. She also showed an overview of the startup ecosystem in the Philippines and where it is headed.

Their program associate Auguste Ku, meanwhile, discussed details about what makes a startup, the stages that these ventures go through, and the kinds of support that young founders can get from the private and government sectors, in a session that welcomed interactions from the mostly young audience.

A highlight of the Forum was the chat with “Iloilo Homegrown Heroes,” the key players enabling startup growth and development in Iloilo City.

They were Rayjand Gellamucho, General Manager of ISAT-U Kwadra Technology Business Incubator (KTBI); Krz Pareja, cofounder of workplace well-being platform Welby; Daryl Lasafin, program officer at FyrLab, the first private sector-led accelerator in Western Visayas funded by DOST VI; Ma. Lea Lara from the Iloilo City-Local Investment and Promotions Office and Secretariat of Innovate Iloilo; and Abraham Porcal, science research specialist at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 6.

They shared insights from their experience in the startup and innovation space in the region, including the characteristics that – in their view – will make young Ilonggos succeed in technopreneurship. They also announced the programs they are holding or involved in that support brilliant entrepreneurial ideas from talented founders.

The “Iloilo Homegrown Heroes” and the sectors they represent are part of Innovate Iloilo, a multisectoral movement that aims to make Iloilo a premier innovation hub by 2030.

Dr. Carmelo Ambut, vice president for research and extension of ISAT-U and Head of UMWAD Western Visayas Consortium, announced to the audience the university’s various programs for commerciable research, or “spinoffs,” and accomplishments in the field of technology transfer.

Under Ambut’s office is the ISAT-U Kwadra TBI, one of the dozens of university-hosted TBIs across the country supported by a DOST program on innovation and technopreneurship readiness among higher education institutions.

Noreen Bautista, marketing and programs head at Kwadra TBI and cofounder of sustainable textile sourcing platform Panublix, also spoke about startup life, giving the audience a glimpse of the journey of being a startup founder. Meanwhile, Velma Jane Lao, head of the Iloilo City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office, spoke about the Innovate Iloilo movement.

ISAT U Kwadra TBI and Innovate Iloilo were co-organizers of the Iloilo Startup Forum.

The Iloilo Science and Technology University celebrated its 117th Founding Anniversary with a line-up of fun and educational activities for all.

The festivity started with a motorcade spearheaded by the University’s very own bike club. A thanksgiving mass was held at the University’s multi-purpose educational center officiated by Rev. Fr. Philip Vincent Sinco and was attended by the students, faculty members, external campuses and other stakeholders.

During the opening program, Honorable Mayor Jerry P. Treńas, gave his video message and congratulatory note to the entire ISATU system. This year’s theme is ISAT U @ 117: Championing Education an d Innovation in Science and Technology Beyond Borders.

“Throughout the years, ISATU has made a reputation as a good performing state University. Thus, let us remain committed to sustaining quality and excellence in our four major functions such as Instruction, Research, Extension and Production.

“This year we are fortunate to be included in the second batch of grantees of fostering world class Philippine University’s project of the Commission on Higher Education. Through this project, we received financial assistance for our application to the QS star University ranking.

With your full support and cooperation in this project, we are hoping and praying that in 2023 ISATU will be included in the QS world University ranking,” Dr. Raul F. Muyong highlighted these points during his opening message.

Series of activities commenced after the opening program such as the open house, robotics display, academic quiz bowl, alternative class, professional lectures, blood-letting activity, students’ day, testimonial dinner, family day, cosplay, alumni homecoming and community luncheon.

During the testimonial dinner held at Grand Xing imperial hotel, various plaque of appreciation and other awards were given to staffs and faculty members who have served the university for 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15 and 10 years. The said dinner also honored the retirees who in one way or another made an impact in the life and development of the entire system.

The week – long celebration officially concluded on Monday, September 19 and during the closing program, Dr. Rowena P. Calisara, dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture and also the over-all chairperson of the founding anniversary thanked everyone for their efforts and dedication extended during the preparations and implementation of the various activities.

“To the committee chairs and members, from the planning and meetings, be it virtual or face to face, motorcade down to this closing program, thank you for all the efforts, support, and commitment.  Thank you also to those who in one way or the other gave advice, and guidance. To my CEA family, thank you for your support and cooperation. My deepest thanks also to the external campuses. This activity will not be successful without your help and cooperation.”

May 18, 2022 – Delegates and faculty from the different colleges and campuses celebrated the founding anniversary of Iloilo Science and Technology University themed, “ISATU: Transforming Lives Through Science and Technology.”

The 7^th Charter Day founding anniversary of ISATU is a 1-day celebration packed with exciting activities.

The morning activities started with a mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Joaper G. Geraneo, the vice-chancellor of the Archdiocese of Jaro and was attended by the faculty, staff and students.

After the mass, the blessing of the administration building followed. The University’s key officials headed by, President Raul F. Muyong, the Vice Presidents of the ISAT U system, Student Regent, John Joseph Tabladillo and the representatives from the colleges and external campuses of the institution were present during the event.

The President’s Cup: A sociocultural activity was held in the afternoon. Selected students from the colleges and campuses of ISAT U showcased their talents and skills in the various competitions such as the Binalaybay Contest, Dayaw and Hiphop Dance Competition.

For seven years now, the University has been faithfully and dedicatedly living by its virtues,  “Labor is Honor.”

Written by: Senator Kevin Rey Deanon

November 4, 2021 – the Department of Agriculture Regional Office VI has officially turned over the “Multiplier Farm for Native Swine and Goats” to Iloilo Science and Technology University Leon Campus.

Director Remelyn R. Recoter led the turning over of the One Million and Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php. 1, 350,000.00) project funded under the DA National Livestock Program.

In her message, Director Recoter mentioned that the project includes the provision of stocks of native swine and goats with facilities. She also emphasized that the project will serve as complementary to the agricultural marketing facilities in Leon.

Meanwhile; Dr. Raul F. Muyong, University President indicated that through this project the University will be able to realize its vision for the ISAT U Leon Campus to be the center of smart agriculture and agri-eco tourism. Moreover, this project addressed other sustainable development goals such as poverty, hunger, quality education, and partnerships.

Hon. Ma. Lina C. Holipas, MunicipalMayor and Hon. Michael B. Gorriceta, 2^nd District Representative  extended their support to the University by committing to continuously provide programs for the development of the municipality not only in terms of infrastructures and farm to market roads but also providing livelihood to the people of Leon.

Fir his response, Dr. Julito C. Aligaen,  assured that the whole ISAT U Leon Campus will work hand in hand in sustaining the project for the benefit of Leon and other nearby municipalities.

With this, ISAT University remains true to its mission of undertaking sustainable production and extension services. The Multiplier Farm for Native Swine and Goats will not only serve as venue for hands-on training during instruction, research and production activities of students and external clients but it will also benefit the community through its various extension programs like dispersal of stocks to qualified farmer beneficiaries.

The Multiplier Farm for Native Swine and Goats is only one of the many projects and collaborations the University hopes to undertake.

The Turning Over Ceremony culminated with the cutting of ribbon at the project site by ISAT U officials along with the invited guests.

-Keith Guantero

The External Affairs Office of Iloilo Science University has achieved a new milestone in the internationalization agenda of the University through 15 formalized international partnerships with various academic institutions from Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Approved Minutes of the Meeting (AMM) Signing Ceremony was done virtually and was led by ISAT U President Dr. Raul F. Muyong. Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao, Vice President for External Affairs served as witness during the online event supported by the rest of the Vice Presidents of the University, Campus Administrators, Deans, Directors and External Affairs personnel.

The MOU and AMM Signing Ceremony was done on three separate days which started on October 16, 2021 at 2:00 PM Philippine time with Pangkep State Polytechnic of Agriculture (PSPA) in Indonesia. On October 25, 2021, there were 13 international institutions that took part in the ceremony with  nine (9) Indonesian institutions: Bina Insani University (BiU), Institut Teknologi dan Bisnis Asia Malang (Institut Asia), Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya (PENS), Sekolah Tinggi Informatika dan Komputer Indonesia (STIKI), Universitas Muhammadiyah Pontianak (UM Pontianak), Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha (Undiksha), Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA), Universitas PGRI Semarang (UPGRIS), Universitas Tidar (UNTIDAR); one (1) from Laos: Dongkhamxang Agriculture Technical College (DATC); two from Malaysia: Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan and Politeknik Mersing Johor; and one from Thailand:  Chiang Rai Rajabhat University (CRRU). The online event was capped with the MOU signing of ISAT U and Institut Pertanian Bogor University (IPB) on October 26, 2021.

In his message of commitment, Dr. Raul F. Muyong – ISAT U President, promised international partner institutions to uphold the commitment toward international higher education mobility and internationalization of education among ASEAN partners. He wished good health, reinforced commitment, strengthened motivation and enthusiasm to students, faculty, staff and international affairs personnel. According to him, these people are the prime movers of the each school’s goal to internationalize education. Dr. Muyong also emphasized that partnerships do not only aim at sharing knowledge and expertise, and provide avenues for growth and development, it is also an opportunity for appreciation of values and uniqueness amidst cultural diversity in the academe.

The international partner institutions agreed to collaborate with ISAT U in collaborating with each other on various mobility programs like international credit transfer program, guest lecturer exchange, co-curricular and extra-curricular online activities, summer programs, short courses and the like.

-Jieza J. Napone, LPT, MA.Ed.