ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- Banking on the vision to make the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) the premier institution in Southeast Asia by 2030, a 10-point agenda has been laid down by its new university president.

During the recent investiture ceremony, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. formally took oath as the second president of the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) before Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III.

In his inaugural message, Salistre noted that his journey to the presidency had never been easy and that he reflects on the footsteps of the past presidents who brought the university to where it is now.

“ISAT U has come this far. It has reached a standard that we are all proud of. There are people behind ISAT U’s success and it is my privilege to express my deepest gratitude to these great individuals who labor and sacrificed a lot to bring ISAT U to where it is now,” he said, recognizing the legacies of Dr. Luis M. Sorolla and Dr. Raul F. Muyong as the past presidents of the university.

Salistre also called for unity in engaging the “collective battle for every member of ISAT University, a shared pursuit to elevate our university to the status of a premier institution in Southeast Asia.”

“Be with me, in this collective journey of igniting success through academic transformation, we are committed not only to maintaining the status quo but also to actively pursuing positive chains and progress in the academic realm,” he added.

Salistre’s 10-point agenda

In achieving this dream, the new university president shared his so-called “10-point agenda” which serves as the blueprint to set his priorities in leading ISAT U.

Both aspects, as he mentioned, will provide more internship and employment opportunities for ISAT U’s students and render more extension and production programs to also support the community and improve the quality of life of the community the school connects with.

Salistre also emphasized the value of inclusivity and diversity through sustaining policies and practices that provide equal opportunities for all of the students and employees of the institution.

During his tenure, he also wanted to make sure that university staff members, students, and faculty members are in a ‘welcoming, comfortable, and conducive work environment’ by further enhancing ISAT U’s infrastructure and facilities.

men and women of integrity, and fostering accountability and transparency in all financial dealings, and the enhancement of the university’s working relationship with its alumni.

“My objective is to generate exceptionally skilled and environmentally-conscious graduates who will go on to become leaders and authorities in their particular domain of expertise,” Salistre underscored.

His administration will also be guided by the core values encapsulated in the letters of the university's initials - integrity, service, academic excellence, transformation, and unity.

To note, the appointment of Dr. Salistre as university president came following the appointment of former president Dr. Raul F. Muyong as Director IV of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) last year.

Prior to this, he served as the Vice President for Administration and Finance of the same university since 2017. An electrical engineer by profession, Salistre also has been in the teaching profession for 28 years. (AAL/FRG/PIA6)