Seventeen professors of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) presented 12 research papers in the 1st Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta (UPY) International Conference on Applied Science and Education (1st UPY-INCASE) & 2018 International Conference on Education for Sustainable Development (5th ICESDev) at Yogyakarta, Indonesia on October 24-26, 2018.

The conference was also a venue for networking and partnership among the higher education institutions.  Dr. Manuel A. Sanchez, Jr.,  Vice President for Academic Affairs, signed an agreement for educational collaboration with 22 Indonesian  colleges and universities.

With the theme, “Integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for Future Education”, the conference was co-sponsored by the Association of Science and Mathematics Coaches of the Philippines (ASMAC Philippines). Dr. Jasper L. Pastrano, ASMAC President and ISAT U professor was the first keynote speaker. He talked on “The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education: A Vital Approach to Sustainable Development in the Philippines.”

Delegates from ISAT U shared their studies relevant to the activity’s theme. Below are the different presenters and their respective researches.

The university hosted the Middle Way Meditation Institute’s (MMI) activities and the American Field Services (AFS) “Peace Crane Project” in the celebration of the International Day of Peace.

The ISAT U was the venue in Asia for MMI’s Light of Peace, Forum on Inner Peace and Wellness and concert for the promotion of world inner peace on September 22, 2018.

The (MMI) and ISAT U collaborated to hold the activity in line with the celebration of the International Day of Peace. Ms. Mazel May Jeongco, MMI coordinator, said that the event “also aimed to promote the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals and the Inner Peace Education. “

Similar activities were also conducted in New York City (USA), Lisbon, Portugal (Europe), Maputo Mozambique (Africa), and Sydney Australia (Oceania). Jeongco added that representatives from Thailand, Laos, Solomon Island and from different religious denominations joined in the different activities.

After the Forum for Inner Peace and Wellness and while waiting for twilight, the ISAT U Performing Arts and the PNP Band perform the concert for peace.

Earlier, the American Field Services (AFS) through the ISAT U Office of the Internal and External Affairs spearheaded the “Peace Crane Project and the “Peace Statement” to celebrate the International Day of Peace Celebration on September 21, 2018.

With 150 students, the crane, an international symbol of peace, was formed at the school football field.

The students also voiced their sentiments through the “Peace Statement”. In a piece of paper the participants wrote, “I AM A GLOBAL CITIZEN AND I WILL STAND UP FOR PEACE” to communicate their stand.

Numerous activities relating to music, meditation, and arts were also held in different countries to advocate peace.

The University implemented free tuition for Academic Year 2017-2018 pursuant to Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2017-1 dated April 20, 2017. The aforementioned issuance detailed the guidelines on the 2017 Free Tuition Policy or the “Free Tuition 2017.”

In compliance with the conditional implementation ordered by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, ISAT U gave preference to qualified and deserving students and subjected them to fair and equitable admission and academic requirements. Pres. Duterte emphasized the need to safeguard the proper implementation of the provision of the free tuition fee. He also underscored to prioritize financially disadvantage but academically able students.

After complying with the guidelines, ISAT U was reimbursed with Php 27, 481, 881.67 for the tuition fee of 9, 571 students for the first semester, Academic Year 2017-2018. For the second semester, the University received  Php25, 083, 267.89 as reimbursement for 8,633 students.

The amount is part of the Php 8 billion appropriated for the Higher Education Support Fund. Stated in the guidelines of the 2017 Free Tuition Policy, the amount appropriated shall be used for the priority programs and projects of the State Universities and Colleges.

According to Dr. Raul F. Muyong, ISAT U President, the reimbursed amount will be subjected to budget deliberations and will be appropriated for the improvement of students’ services.

Students, faculty and staff of ISAT U campuses joined the nationwide information caravan for Republic Act 10931 (RA 10931) or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act at the Iloilo Convention Center on April 11, 2018.

The information caravan was organized by the Commission on Higher Education and the United Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) to orient higher education institutions of Region VI on the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 10931.

Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III, CHEd Officer -in-Charge and Atty. Carmelita Yadao-Sison, CHEd OIC Executive Director IV, spearheaded the information campaign.  Among the important matters discussed were the scope of the free tuition fees, retention and admission policies, return service system (RTS) and the tertiary education subsidy (TES) which was also expanded to private colleges and universities..

Referring to the admission and retention policies,  Dr. De Vera reminded all state colleges and universities (SUCs) to level up.  Fair and equitable admission and academic requirements should be imposed.

He also clarified that RTS should depend on the needs of the SUCs and suggested to utilize the school’s extension services in conducting the affirmative action programs.. The commissioner, likewise, called on the students to be serious in their studies.

Commissioner De Vera reiterated his statement on universal free higher education during his listening visit in ISAT U campuses last August 2017, “wala pang maunlad (na bansa) sa buong mundo ang sumubok nito . . .tayo pa lamang.”

The commissioner also urged all stakeholders, implementers and beneficiaries to work hand in hand for the success of the program, “ magtagumpay tayo kung tayo ay magtulungan, “ he said.

The implementation of the 8-billion pesos Free Tuition Policy 2017 which was undertaken prior to the approval of RA 10931 was also reviewed. Ms. Marife Lou I. Bacate, UniFAST Technical Assistant for Macro-Human Resource Development, pointed out that there were 888, 799 recipients of Free Tuition Policy 2017 from 112 SUCs and 78 local universities and colleges (LUCs) for Academic Year 2017-2018.

Given the opportunity to report on the status of billing for the program, Dr. Raul F. Muyong shared that ISAT U was the first SUC in Western Visayas that complied with the requirements and received the reimbursements for the second semester in the amount of  25 million pesos.

A Multi-Powered Drying System for Food Processing designed for all year round and all weather production of green seaweed- based food products of local residents of Brgy. Tiabas, San Dionisio, Iloilo was inaugurated on August 15, 2017.

The one million pesos project will provide uninterrupted income generated from the industry  even during inclement weather. It utilizes the solar radiation as its primary source of drying energy assisted with electric energy in an event that the solar heat is insufficient. It is also controlled and monitored using an intelligent electronic control system.

Mr. Florello Abines, USAID/STRIDE Technical and Development Manager, emphasized that the project was one of his favorites because it is presentable and sustainable despite of its low cost. He further encouraged beneficiaries to utilize the project and is optimistic to see more drying machines in the future. He likewise pushed for ISAT U to be an entrepreneurial university.

In partnership with the local cooperative Magagmay nga Kristyanong Katilingban, the project was developed by Dr. Renerio S. Mucas, Principal Project Investigator; Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao, Project Manager; Dr. Joel A. Ciriaco, Study Leader; and Dr. Rene L. Celda and Engineer Pablo N. Minerva, Jr. as Technical Investigators under the STRIDE Prototype Research and Innovation Grant (SPRIG), a USAID funded project.

According to Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Research and Extension (VPRE), the project was conceptualized by accident. The research team was heading to the town proper for a different study observed the abundance of the green seaweeds along the coastline of Brgy. Tiabas. However, the use of traditional drying system was noted. In the succeeding investigation, it was found out that the income generated from the industry was halted during inclement weather and the need to innovate the system was necessary. This situation prompted the researcher to submit the proposal to USAID, that, at the time offers to fund only ten selected researches. ISAT U proposal landed at number eleven in the ranking. By some twists of fate, one of the selected projects did not make it, giving way to ISAT U’s Multi-Powered Drying System for Food Processing.

Dr. Raul F. Muyong, ISAT U President, explained that the university does not only engage in instruction but also in research and extension services as well. The project is part of ISAT U’s commitment to its social responsibility. Dr. Muyong is also positive that the project would bring changes in the lives of the beneficiaries. “I like to see your products in the malls and markets soon, “he said. He also shared some secrets to the success of cooperatives, “be united and do not get jealous.” To support the local industry, Dr. Muyong gave the instruction that the seaweed food products will be sold during the university foundation week and will be part of ISAT U’s booth in its succeeding engagement.

 

See more photos: