​Mrs. Rhoda Garzon Campillan, Academic Supervisor of AB Communication of the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education won the EXCELLENT PAPER AWARD in the recently concluded International Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering and Management:  International Conference on Social Science and Humanities on July 4-5, 2019, at Seoul, South Korea. She triumphed over other researchers from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, University of Guam, Tokushima University Japan, Arizona State University, and National Taipei University of Education. Mrs. Campillan presented her paper on Difficulties in Research Writing Among Communication Students in a Private University. She received a certificate, trophy, and medal for this meritorious award. According to Conferences Asia, “The award reflects the endless efforts of the winners in the academic arena.”
The goal of IASTEM Conference is to promote and enhance the dialogue in education among the institutions devoted to Science and Engineering fields through the promotion of best-practice standards in the service of international education; facilitation of relevant forums, training, and information exchange; creation and dissemination of knowledge; exert an influence in public policy and production of publications used as a database document for research works, projects and innovation activities held on the international education field.
Campillan is just one of the faculty members of the University of San Agustin who is pursuing research for the common good.

Recognizing the active role of mass media in Western Visayas, the University of San Agustin held the 1st SanAg Media Awards last Saturday, May 18, 2019. The award is given to ten media outfits which the University has been partners with to bringing Iloilo City and Western Visayas to the forefront of being a provider of an excellent education.
This year’s recipient of the SanAg Media Awards are The Daily Guardian, ABS-CBN TV-10 Iloilo, Manila Bulletin, DYSI Super Radyo, Panay News, Manila Bulletin, GMA Network, Inc. - TV 6, Aksyon Radyo Iloilo, Bombo Radyo Iloilo, and Radyo Pilipinas Iloilo. The awards were received by media personalities during the awarding ceremony at the Dolce Garcia Conference Room, University of San Agustin, Iloilo City.
Other representatives from the Iloilo Metropolitan Times, Philippine News Agency, and USA Publications were in attendance. One of the best features of SanAg Media Awards is a Talk on Stress Management among Media Men delivered by an expert in psychology and psychotherapy - Dr. Alda Perlita Polestico. Salient issues confronting the members of the fourth estate were discussed and given utmost attention.
SanAg Media Awards is a project initiated by the Philanthropic, External and Alumni Relations Office in cooperation with the AB Communication program of the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education.

​After stages of screening, evaluation and final selection of the qualified nominees, Dr. Doralyn S. Dalisay was named the “2019 Outstanding Professional of the Year in the field of Pharmacy”, a recognition awarded by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). She brought honor and pride to the University of San Agustin as she is the first Augustinian Pharmacist to receive the award.
The “Outstanding Professional of the Year Award” is the highest award bestowed by PRC upon a professional for having sufficiently demonstrated competence of the highest degree, professional integrity, significant contribution to the advancement of the profession and with a meaningful contribution in society and country. The conferment of this award began in 1997 and is the highlight of the PRC Anniversary Celebration and the Professional Regulation Week is observed every year from June 16 to 22.
Dr. Doralyn Dalisay graduated from the University of San Agustin, Iloilo with a degree in Pharmacy (Cum Laude) and earned her Master of Science in Biology at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas. She obtained her Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of New South Wales, Australia. She received a postdoctoral fellowship to specialize on marine natural products chemistry at the University of California, San Diego, USA. Dr. Dalisay has been engaged in several drug discovery scientific research undertakings at University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada and Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA. Her research leads to the discovery of 25 novel antifungal and anticancer compounds from rare marine invertebrates and marine sediment-derived microorganisms. These compounds have attracted the interest of the scientific community because of their novelty and potential as drug leads. She also holds two US patents on the use of a marine natural product for fungal infections and cancer.
Dr. Dalisay returned to the Philippines as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Balik Scientist in June 2015 to establish a research program on natural products drug discovery at the Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology (C2B2) in University of San Agustin. She is a pioneering pharmacist and scientist to work on the biodiversity, biological activities, and chemistry of marine sediment-derived actinobacteria from Philippine archipelago that could one day help to find new antibiotics and potentially address the problem of drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria.
Dr. Dalisay has worked extensively on the development of culture dependent strategies to access the vast biodiverse actinobacteria from different environmental samples in the Philippines. Her research group explored the Philippine archipelago for the presence of promising actinobacteria found in the marine sediment samples collected in different islands in the country. Her laboratory at C2B2 now houses a library of more than 3,000 highly diverse marine sediment-derived actinobacteria isolates that serves as “BioBank for Drug Discovery Research” in the country.
Dr. Dalisay has published research on drug discovery in high impact journals. Her publication received more than 2000 citations. She has won a number of awards in recognition for her research, publications, and patents. She was awarded as The Outstanding Pharmacist, TOP Award in Research by Philippine Pharmacists Association in 2016. She was recently conferred as Diplomate of the Philippine Academy for Microbiology. Her research program on drug discovery at the University of San Agustin is supported by the National Research Council of the Philippines-Department of Science and Technology (NRCP-DOST), Philippine Council for Health Research and Development-Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST), United States Agency for International Development, Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (USAID-STRIDE) Program and the University of San Agustin.
Dr. Dalisay will receive the Outstanding Professional of the Year Award on June 20 at Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel during the PRC Anniversary Celebration.

Dr. Doralyn S. Dalisay, first Augustinian Pharmacist to receive the Outstanding Professional of the Year Award in the Field of Pharmacy.

With the Screening Committee for Final Selection and Deliberation last May 9, 2019. (L-R) Dr. Maria Liza C. Centeno (Foundation of Outstanding Professionals, FOP), Hon. Paraluman R. Giron (Philippine Association of Professional Regulatory Boards, PAPRB), Hon. Yolanda D. Reyes (PRC Commissioner), Dr. Doralyn S. Dalisay (University of San Agustin, USA), Hon. Mildred B. Oliveros (Professional Regulatory Board of Pharmacy, PRB) and Hon. Reynaldo Umali (Professional Regulation Commission, PRC).

​Join the University of San Agustin College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education (CLASE) and Graduate Program in collaboration with Third Wave Health and Education Specialists, Inc., in a seminar-workshop entitled: “Teaching Difficult Topics and Skills in English, Science, and Mathematics” (with 15 CPD Units) on May 16-18, 2019 at the University of San Agustin.


For reservations, kindly fill up the attached Word document and contact Mr. James V. Pedregosa, Academic Supervisor of Education and Graduate Programs at 09165257599 or jpedregosa@usa.edu.ph, Dr. Rhodora A. Cartagena, Academic Supervisor of Mathematics at 09178280185/ 09096207595 or rcartagena@usa.edu.ph, and Dr. Ma. Delsa P. Gange, Academic Supervisor of Biology at 09209659451 or mgange@usa.edu.ph.

​On Saturday, April 27, 2019, Associate Justice Zaldy V. Trespeses, Senior Member of the Seventh Division of the Sandiganbayan comes home to the University of San Agustin as commencement speaker of the Class of 2019 at the campus parade grounds. He holds the distinction of being the youngest appointee for said position in the history of the judiciary.
An Augustinian since High School, he has shown promising talent both in academic and non-academic activities. Hon. Trespeses earned his B. A. Political Science degree from the USA College of Liberal Arts, graduating Cum Laude of the Class of 1993. He served as the Editor-in-Chief of the LA Journal, the student publication of the College.
Onwards to law school, Hon. Trespeses exhibited excellence in academics as Second Honors of the Ateneo de Manila School of Law of the Class of 1997. A year later, he was admitted to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. His professional career as a lawyer began as Associate Counsel for the Intellectual Property and Corporate Law departments of a medium-sized law firm.
Hon. Trespeses found a foothold in the judiciary when he started working as Court Attorney VI (Law Clerk) of the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 2010. He was appointed to various key positions in the judiciary such as Judiciary Staff Head and Chief Justice Staff Head.
He also continued to seek professional development through trainings and conferences either as delegate or speaker. In 2017, he spoke on "Judicial Colloquium on the Sharing of Good Practices Regarding International Human Rights" at the ASEAN International Commission on Human Rights in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He also participated in an anti-corruption conference by the International Center for Parliamentary Studies in London, United Kingdom of Great Britain.
Hon. Trespeses is a candidate for Masters in Global Development and Social Justice of St. John's University (Rome Campus) in Italy.

By
 Margaret Anjelie P. Llorico
Tuesday, April 2, 2019

​THE Fray Luis de Leon Creative Writing Institute, under the University of San Agustin (USA) College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education, is now accepting applications for writing fellowships to the 17th San Agustin Writers Workshop which will be held on May 2 - 4, 2019 at the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City.  There is no specific theme for this year’s workshop.
 
Eight to ten fellowships are open to creative writers who are willing to learn more about the craft of writing from panelists led by award-winning writers and literature professors, including Alice Tan Gonzales, Criselda Yabes, John Barrios, Isidoro M. Cruz, and John Iremil Teodoro, the workshop director.  Atty. Raymundo Pandan Jr. is this year’s keynote speaker.
 
Interested applicants must submit the following:  (a) application letter stating that the literary writings submitted are the original works of the applicant; (b) letter of recommendation from a school admnistrator or faculty member or established writer;     (c) biodata with one 2” x 2” colored picture, and contact details (landline/cellphone number and e-mail address); (d) for minors, a letter of consent from parent/ guaradian; and (e) printout of a collection of five poems; or two short stories; or two one-act plays; or two creative nonfiction pieces in Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, Aklanon, Filipino, or English; in Arial or Times New Roman, double-spaced, on 8 ½” x 11” bond paper.
 
Deliver or send (through courier) the complete application packet to:
Dr. Isidoro M. Cruz, College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education, University of San Agustin, General Luna Street, Iloilo City 5000.  Entries sent by courier must be dated April 15, 2019.  Entries submitted through means other than personal delivery or courier will not be accepted.
 
In addition, email the same application packet as attachment(s) to the workshop director, Dr. John Iremil E. Teodoro, at jieteodoro@gmail.com and sidmcruz@gmail.com, not later than April 15, 2019, the deadline for application.
 
Qualified fellows will be informed by e-mail by the workshop director/secretariat. The names of the qualified fellows who have confirmed their participation will be announced on April 19. 
 
The fellowship covers workshop kit, meals, and plus a modest transportation allowance within the city/West Visayas.  Fellows from other regions will have to look for their own travel funding, inasmuch as NO allowance for transport from and back to places outside the region will be provided.  Free board and lodging will be provided to those residing outside Iloilo City, for the duration of the workshop. 
 
For more information, please contact Ms. Josefina “Fina” Pelingon at cellphone number 09218828800. 

IN a recent meeting, the University of San Agustin Board of Trustees (USA-BOT) approved the nomination of Atty. Ricardo Pio C. Castro, Jr., a homegrown lawyer, as a new member of the BOT and its Corporate Secretary.  The 1970 Summa cum Laude Bachelor of Arts major earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the USA College of Law in 1974, and was admitted to the Integrated Bar of the Philippines a year later after passing the examinations.
His legal acumen proved valuable in local and international settings. He has served as lecturer under the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education program of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Atty. Castro is a retired international partner of Baker and McKenzie, the largest global law firm; and a retired partner of its Manila office, the Quisumbing Torres law firm.

In the corporate world, Atty. Castro, who is also a Master of Management degree holder, has gained extensive experience through serving key positions in companies such as Airbnb Philippines, Inc., Bausch and Lomb, Philippines, Inc., Dover Business Services Philippines Corporation, Fischer PH Asia, Inc., and Philippine Japan Initiative for Clark Green City, Inc., among others.
Atty. Castro’s active participation extends beyond the socio-civic activities of the Metro Iloilo Lions Club. He is the first and only Asian member of the Supervisory Board of the Christoffel Blindenmission, a Germany-based foundation that helps persons with disability in 80 of the poorest countries of the world./PN

The University of San Agustin (USA) research program on natural products drug discovery was showcased at the 30th International Symposium on the Chemistry of Natural Products (ISCNP) and10th International Conference on Biodiversity (ICOB) last Nov 25-29, 2018 in Athens, Greece. This prestigious conference is sponsored by International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), the world’s authority on chemical nomenclature and terminology and a leader in catalyzing scientific expertise in every aspect of chemistry to solve critical global issues with societal impact.
 
Dr. Doralyn S. Dalisay, Director of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology (C2B2) delivered a lecture about the USA’s natural product discovery research on marine sediment-derived actinobacteria as source of new antibiotics. Dr. Dalisay was invited by the organizing committee as a plenary speaker at the symposium for her expertise and role as an emerging leader of marine natural products research in the Philippines.  She was the only Filipino plenary speaker from among the 32 invited speakers from Europe, United States, China, Japan, Brazil and South Africa.  Her travel, accommodation, and symposium registration were covered by the organizing committee as part of the invitation offer.  Another natural product discovery project that was presented during the symposium is the potential application of Philippine honey as antibacterial material for skin infections. The contributed lecture was delivered by Dr. Jonel P. Saludes, Associate Vice President for Research and Global Relations and Principal Investigator at USA Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (CND3). Dr. Saludes participation in the symposium was supported by the Human Resource Development Committee of USA.
 
The research programs at USA’s C2B2 and CND3 are supported by National Research Council of the Philippines and Philippine Council for Heath Research and Development of Department of Science and Technology and United States Agency for International Development - Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (USAID-STRIDE) Program.
 
ISCNP and ICOB are biennial conferences held in Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, or South America. Their aim is to shed light on current challenges and advances in natural products, thus eminent experts and emerging young scientists were carefully selected to deliver lectures. The Athens meeting gathered prestigious scientists from all over the world for five days of exciting lectures, covering various aspects of natural products that contributes to a better understanding of the role of natural resources in drug discovery, nutrition, cosmetology, and applied chemistry, bringing together 550 participants from 60 countries. It also served as a venue for USA’s scientists to build network and establish collaborations with colleagues whose expertise are complementary to USA’s research specialty.
 
For more information about the recent conference check this link: https://www.iscnp30-icob10.org

​The University of San Agustin in Iloilo City has been granted the ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) Certification by the AJA Registrars, Inc.
 
ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization which ensures that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality. For business, they are strategic tools that reduce costs by minimizing waste and errors and increasing productivity. They help companies to access new markets, level the playing field for developing countries and facilitate free and fair global trade.
 
ISO creates documents that provide requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose. International Standards make things work, covering almost every industry, from technology, to food safety, to agriculture, health care, and in our case, education.  They give world-class specifications for products, services and systems, to ensure quality, safety and efficiency. They are instrumental in facilitating international trade. ISO International Standards impact everyone, everywhere.
 
The University of San Agustin underwent with the ISO 9001:2008 edition of the quality management system and was awarded with the certification last 2017. However, this edition was revised to ISO 9001:2015 effective September 2018.  This sudden change in the requirements propelled the university to pursue and transition to the 2015 edition which meant from 8 clauses required by the 2008 edition, the organization now has to work on 10 clauses. All organizations that use ISO 9001 are encouraged to transition to ISO 9001:2015 as soon as possible and this includes not only organizations that are certified to ISO 9001:2008, but also any organizations involved in training or certifying others.
 
Last April 2, 2018, AJA Registrars, Inc. auditor Alan Carandang visited the university to assess the readiness for the transition to ISO 9001: 2015. It was that step that enabled the whole Augustinian Community to commit to the organization of processes, improvement of the efficiency of processes, and continually improve as an organization.
 
After the Stage 1 Audit, the action to transition to 2015 was underway with the internal audits handled by Augustinian personnel who are the members of the Internal Quality Audit Teams. Findings were assessed, evaluated, and action plan implemented. By the time external auditors arrived for the Stage 2 audit, the university was ready.  The audit was done by AJA Registrars Inc. auditors: Ella Ajero (Team Leader), Kim Winston Pajares, Ringo Pabua, and Zyra Tungol (Team Members ).
 
Last August 16-17, 2018, some observations and minor non-conformances were found to which the university responded by complying in the implementation of required processes to answer the non-conformances.  The AJA Registrars deemed it acceptable and by October 1, 2018, through email, they informed that the University of San Agustin has passed the audit and is now ISO 9001:2015 certified. Then on November 14, 2018, after the university’s Mass of the Holy Spirit the awarding on the Registration certificate was given by AJA representative  Ms. Laarni Narido and received by  Rev. Fr. Frederick C. Comendador, OSA, University President; Rev Fr. Arnel A. Dizon, OSA,Vice President for Administration and Finance; Rev. Fr. Manuel M. Vergara, OSA, Vice President  for Academic Affairs and Ms. Zesil Gay E. Gelle, ISO Officer. The awarding was witnessed by the whole Augustinian community – Augustinian friars, administrators, academic and non-academic personnel, other stakeholders and the students of the University of San Agustin.
 
The work and support provided by every Augustinian in this organization paid off and with its continuous aspiration to provide quality education and service, the university is going to be ready for the annual surveillance of our processes. (SQMO/tsa)

​The University of San Agustin in Iloilo City has been granted the ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) Certification by the AJA Registrars, Inc.
 
ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization which ensures that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality. For business, they are strategic tools that reduce costs by minimizing waste and errors and increasing productivity. They help companies to access new markets, level the playing field for developing countries and facilitate free and fair global trade.
 
ISO creates documents that provide requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose. International Standards make things work, covering almost every industry, from technology, to food safety, to agriculture, health care, and in our case, education.  They give world-class specifications for products, services and systems, to ensure quality, safety and efficiency. They are instrumental in facilitating international trade. ISO International Standards impact everyone, everywhere.
 
The University of San Agustin underwent with the ISO 9001:2008 edition of the quality management system and was awarded with the certification last 2017. However, this edition was revised to ISO 9001:2015 effective September 2018.  This sudden change in the requirements propelled the university to pursue and transition to the 2015 edition which meant from 8 clauses required by the 2008 edition, the organization now has to work on 10 clauses. All organizations that use ISO 9001 are encouraged to transition to ISO 9001:2015 as soon as possible and this includes not only organizations that are certified to ISO 9001:2008, but also any organizations involved in training or certifying others.
 
Last April 2, 2018, AJA Registrars, Inc. auditor Alan Carandang visited the university to assess the readiness for the transition to ISO 9001: 2015. It was that step that enabled the whole Augustinian Community to commit to the organization of processes, improvement of the efficiency of processes, and continually improve as an organization.
 
After the Stage 1 Audit, the action to transition to 2015 was underway with the internal audits handled by Augustinian personnel who are the members of the Internal Quality Audit Teams. Findings were assessed, evaluated, and action plan implemented. By the time external auditors arrived for the Stage 2 audit, the university was ready.  The audit was done by AJA Registrars Inc. auditors: Ella Ajero (Team Leader), Kim Winston Pajares, Ringo Pabua, and Zyra Tungol (Team Members ).
 
Last August 16-17, 2018, some observations and minor non-conformances were found to which the university responded by complying in the implementation of required processes to answer the non-conformances.  The AJA Registrars deemed it acceptable and by October 1, 2018, through email, they informed that the University of San Agustin has passed the audit and is now ISO 9001:2015 certified. Then on November 14, 2018, after the university’s Mass of the Holy Spirit the awarding on the Registration certificate was given by AJA representative  Ms. Laarni Narido and received by  Rev. Fr. Frederick C. Comendador, OSA, University President; Rev Fr. Arnel A. Dizon, OSA,Vice President for Administration and Finance; Rev. Fr. Manuel M. Vergara, OSA, Vice President  for Academic Affairs and Ms. Zesil Gay E. Gelle, ISO Officer. The awarding was witnessed by the whole Augustinian community – Augustinian friars, administrators, academic and non-academic personnel, other stakeholders and the students of the University of San Agustin.
 
The work and support provided by every Augustinian in this organization paid off and with its continuous aspiration to provide quality education and service, the university is going to be ready for the annual surveillance of our processes. (SQMO/tsa)

The University of San Agustin in Iloilo City has been granted the ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) Certification by the AJA Registrars, Inc.
 
ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization which ensures that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality. For business, they are strategic tools that reduce costs by minimizing waste and errors and increasing productivity. They help companies to access new markets, level the playing field for developing countries and facilitate free and fair global trade.
 
ISO creates documents that provide requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose. International Standards make things work, covering almost every industry, from technology, to food safety, to agriculture, health care, and in our case, education.  They give world-class specifications for products, services and systems, to ensure quality, safety and efficiency. They are instrumental in facilitating international trade. ISO International Standards impact everyone, everywhere.
 
The University of San Agustin underwent with the ISO 9001:2008 edition of the quality management system and was awarded with the certification last 2017. However, this edition was revised to ISO 9001:2015 effective September 2018.  This sudden change in the requirements propelled the university to pursue and transition to the 2015 edition which meant from 8 clauses required by the 2008 edition, the organization now has to work on 10 clauses. All organizations that use ISO 9001 are encouraged to transition to ISO 9001:2015 as soon as possible and this includes not only organizations that are certified to ISO 9001:2008, but also any organizations involved in training or certifying others.
 
Last April 2, 2018, AJA Registrars, Inc. auditor Alan Carandang visited the university to assess the readiness for the transition to ISO 9001: 2015. It was that step that enabled the whole Augustinian Community to commit to the organization of processes, improvement of the efficiency of processes, and continually improve as an organization.
 
After the Stage 1 Audit, the action to transition to 2015 was underway with the internal audits handled by Augustinian personnel who are the members of the Internal Quality Audit Teams. Findings were assessed, evaluated, and action plan implemented. By the time external auditors arrived for the Stage 2 audit, the university was ready.  The audit was done by AJA Registrars Inc. auditors: Ella Ajero (Team Leader), Kim Winston Pajares, Ringo Pabua, and Zyra Tungol (Team Members ).
 
Last August 16-17, 2018, some observations and minor non-conformances were found to which the university responded by complying in the implementation of required processes to answer the non-conformances.  The AJA Registrars deemed it acceptable and by October 1, 2018, through email, they informed that the University of San Agustin has passed the audit and is now ISO 9001:2015 certified. Then on November 14, 2018, after the university’s Mass of the Holy Spirit the awarding on the Registration certificate was given by AJA representative  Ms. Laarni Narido and received by  Rev. Fr. Frederick C. Comendador, OSA, University President; Rev Fr. Arnel A. Dizon, OSA,Vice President for Administration and Finance; Rev. Fr. Manuel M. Vergara, OSA, Vice President  for Academic Affairs and Ms. Zesil Gay E. Gelle, ISO Officer. The awarding was witnessed by the whole Augustinian community – Augustinian friars, administrators, academic and non-academic personnel, other stakeholders and the students of the University of San Agustin.
 
The work and support provided by every Augustinian in this organization paid off and with its continuous aspiration to provide quality education and service, the university is going to be ready for the annual surveillance of our processes. (SQMO/tsa)