ISAT U Leon Celebrates 79th Founding Anniversary
To celebrate the 79th Founding Anniversary of the Iloilo Science and Technology University Leon Campus, an ecumenical service and thanksgiving program was held on July 13, 2026, at the Covered Court. The event was officiated by Rev. Fr. Reynold H. Caigoy, Order of Carmelites, whose message centered on “Planting Seeds of Hope for Future Generations,” and Pastor Richard Bill S. Caalem, who shared the theme “Stewards of God’s Creation: Cultivating Green Futures with Faith.”
The program brought together members of the university community in a meaningful celebration of the institution’s continued service and in thanksgiving for the achievements it has attained throughout the years. In addition, the newly rehabilitated comfort rooms and the piggery extension were blessed as part of the celebration.
On the same day, the program was officially opened with a theme “Cultivating Green Futures: 79 Years of Agri-Education”. This was highlighted by the several speakers including the welcome remarks of Dr. Eric James P. Talagon, OIC Campus Administrator, the inspirational message from Dr. Carmelo V. Ambot, Vice President for Research and Extension as a representative of the University President Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr. together with the message of Dr. Gilbert Stanley D. Baylosis Campus Administrator and from the previous administrators of ISAT U Leon Campus – Mr. Jovito T. Montano, Dr. Ma. Eugenita C. Capaciete, Dr. Julito C. Aligaen, represented by Mr. Quirino C. Aligaen, Jr., and Dr. Rafael C. Cabarles.
The program also featured a tree-growing activity followed by the introduction of the resource speaker, Mr. Ryan V. Rasgo, Chief, Field Operation Division, DA RFO VI, and the Ribbon Cutting for the Agri-Fair Exhibit.
Agriculture Takes Center Stage as Mr. Ryan V. Rasgo Addresses ISAT U Leon’s 79th Founding Anniversary
In the opening program of the 79th Founding Anniversary of the Iloilo Science and Technology University Leon Campus, Mr. Ryan V. Rasgo, Chief, Field Operation Division Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office VI (DA RFO VI) was introduced as the resource speaker for the event. He started by extending his congratulations to the ISAT U Leon Campus community on its 79th founding anniversary and to all the registered instructors and professors in celebration of the Philippine Agriculturists’ Month.
In his speech, he challenged the institution to calibrate its curriculum based on the regional agricultural context, for the graduates to have a better understanding of the region’s agricultural activities, programs, and extension services, making them well-equipped for careers in their chosen field. Additionally, he encouraged them to support local products by purchasing locally produced rice, vegetables, fruits, and handmade garments and to aggressively fortify the functions in the implementation of agricultural extension services. This resolve will ultimately strengthen the local economy and promote sustainable agriculture. He further urged the university particularly the agriculture instructors, to widen their perspective in helping he farmers to become more prosperous. Underlining that agriculture is an income-generating opportunity that should be taught to farmers while simultaneously making them feel that their work is valued and appreciated.
As he continued, he couldn’t help but reminisce about the transition of Philippine agriculture, covering from the 1500s to the current administration. He then covered the flagship programs of the current administration, the MaSaGaNa Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP). Articulating that MaSaGaNa stands for Matatag (Resilient), Samasama (Together), Ganado (Motivated), and Napapanahon (Timely). These strategies included adjusting planting calendars to adapt to climate change, promoting the clustering and consolidation of farms to streamline interventions, adopting a value chain approach, and integrating digital transformation into the rice industry.
Campus Tree Growing Activity
Demonstrating a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible stewardship, faculty members and staff of ISAT U Leon Campus gathered on July 14, 2026, for a Campus Tree Growing Activity at the Multiplier Farm Area.
The initiative highlighted the critical role of collective action in preserving the campus environment and fostering a culture of ecological responsibility among the university community. By planting native and fruit-bearing trees, participants took active steps toward enhancing the local ecosystem and combating climate change.
The activity aligns with the university’s broader environmental advocate initiatives, reinforcing ISAT U’s dedication to creating a sustainable, eco-friendly campus environment. University leaders expressed gratitude to all the faculty and staff members who contributed their time and effort to make the event a success.
Strategic Planning and Instructional Development
ISAT U Leon Campus hosted a comprehensive Strategic Planning, Syllabus Enhancement through Gender and Development (GAD) Integration, and Instructional Development Workshop on July 15, 2026, at the 2nd Floor College Library.
The workshop convened faculty members and key academic personnel for an intensive session focused on aligning institutional goals with modern educational standards. Participants engaged in refining institutional growth plans, embedding gender-responsive principles into course syllabi, and producing high-quality instructional materials tailored for student success.
Through this initiative, ISAT U Leon Campus reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence, gender-responsive education, and continuous improvement in teaching and learning as it celebrates its 79th Founding Anniversary.
By incorporating GAD integration directly into the curriculum, the campus ensures an inclusive and equitable learning environment alongside its strategic push for elevated academic quality. The successful conduct of the activity highlights the university’s enduring dedication to institutional growth as it marks nearly eight decades of service and educational leadership.
AgriFair and AgriVentour: A Day Filled of Fun and Learning at ISAT U Leon Campus
Smiles and giggles radiated from the faces of visitors as they explored and enjoyed the recreational activities prepared by the university for the day. The AgriFair and AgriVentour were held on July 16, 2026 as part of the celebration of the 79th Founding Anniversary of ISAT U Leon Campus.
The event was filled with fun, educational activities and games designed to nurture young minds while sparking their curiosity and interest in the field of agriculture. Children, together with their parents and teachers, had the opportunity to meet and interact with the university’s farm animals, including piglets, goats, sheeps, rabbits, and a carabao.
Aside from the animal encounters, several farm machines and equipment were also displayed for the children to observe and learn about. Interactive planting and gardening activities were likewise prepared to give visitors a hands-on agricultural experience. A variety of food and drinks were offered at the Multipurpose Hall as part of the AgriFair, allowing students, visitors, faculty members, and staff to enjoy refreshments throughout the event. The activity was participated in by several stakeholders, including Saint Catherine Parochial School, Leon Central Elementary School, National Child Development Center, Leon Holy Family Learning Center, Barangay Lanag Day Care Center, En Hakorre Learning Center and Spring Valley Baptist Academy.
Overall, the event highlighted the university’s commitment to promoting agriculture through meaningful, engaging, and family-friendly activities. It provided visitors with an enjoyable learning experience while inspiring greater appreciation for agriculture and its importance in everyday life as part of its Founding Anniversary and the National Agriculturists Month.
ISAT-U Leon Campus Welcomes Back Campus Administrator Dr. Baylosis in Turn- Over Ceremony
The Iloilo Science and Technology University Leon Campus formally welcomed the return of its Campus Administrator, Dr. Gilbert Stanly D. Baylosis, through a Turn-Over Ceremony held on July 17, 2026, at the 2nd Floor Library Building, marking the resumption of his leadership following his school leave. The event also featured the introduction and welcoming of newly hired employees and the recognition of reclassified faculty members, signifying the strengthening of the university’s workforce and its commitment to providing quality service. The program was graced by the presence of the University President, Dr. Gabriel M. Salistre Jr., together with the faculty and staff, who witnessed the formal turnover of leadership and responsibilities from the Officer in Charge (OIC) Campus Administrator, Dr. Eric James P. Talagon, who led the Leon Campus during Dr. Baylosis’ temporary absence.
In his speech, Dr. Salistre applauded and thanked the entire Leon Campus community, including its students, faculty members, staff, campus officials, and partners, emphasizing that the university’s achievements throughout its nearly eight decades of service were not attained overnight but were built through years of sacrifice, dedication, and collective effort, highlighting that these contributions have produced highly competent individuals. He also extended his congratulations to the newly hired employees and the reclassified faculty members.
In Dr. Talagon’s message, he centered his speech in the theme “Cultivating Green Futures” meaning to demand more. Elucidating that relevance should be chosen over comfort so as collaboration over silos, and impact over paperwork. He emphasized that to innovate despite of the limited resources, serve even no one’s watching, and work even the progress is slow. He additionally challenged everyone present to work with excellence not for praise, but for purpose and left a lasting insight to never forget that behind every lesson, experiment, and transaction made was a student, a farmer, and a community whose futures are shaped.
In his response, Dr. Baylosis expressed his sincere appreciation to Dr. Talagon for his dedicated leadership and stewardship of the campus during his study leave. He also thanked the faculty members, staff, administrative personnel and partners for their continued commitment and hard work and support to Dr. Talagon who enabled the campus to sustain its programs and accomplishments. He acknowledged the challenges and difficulties that lie ahead, but he firmly believed that if the campus had endured, grown, and served for 79 years, it could continue to overcome any challenge in the years to come.
The program concluded the 79th Founding Anniversary celebration of ISAT U Leon Campus but the spirit of fun, camaraderie, dedication, and hard work throughout the years will be carried forever by the academic community.
Written by: The Green Thumb Publication
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