The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology – Dingle Campus honored the ASEAN Celebration, August 10, 2026. The event commenced with a flag ceremony, followed by an engaging trivia game for first-year students hosted by the Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Jescel B. Bito-onon.
This was followed by a colorful foot parade led by the Hanas Talento performers and banner representatives from Faculty and Staff. Each college represented an ASEAN member state: CBMSD for Cambodia, COED for Brunei, CICT for Indonesia, and COAG for Malaysia. The parade highlighted the 11 ASEAN nations: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste. Following the foot parade, a solemn flag-raising ceremony for the 11 ASEAN countries was held alongside the playing of the ASEAN Anthem, concluding with a photo opportunity for the faculty and staff of ISUFST.
The event then moved to the PTEA Hall for the main program. Campus Administrator, Dr. Dingras E. Balbona, delivered the welcome remarks, linking the event to the ASEAN theme. She emphasized that the same spirit is one we nurture in our community, noting that true unity recognizes our differences while walking the same path. She concluded by expressing her gratitude to the guest speaker.
Dr. Febe Jane I. Sales then formally introduced the guest speaker, Ms. Jodelen Ortiz-Mitra, Consultant for the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.
In her address, Ms. Ortiz-Mitra highlighted the protection of migrant workers and used the ocean as a metaphor, reminding the audience that member nations share common challenges and interconnected supply chains. She noted that with the Philippines serving as the ASEAN Chair, diplomacy and helping one another carry shared burdens are essential, especially since ASEAN operates primarily on consensus. She addressed key issues such as illegal fishing, as well as the severe impacts of climate change, extreme heat, and flooding on farmers.
Furthermore, she discussed the vital role of ASEAN sectors in setting food safety standards, building shared communities, and providing accessible financing. She encouraged students to ensure that knowledge does not remain confined to the campus but extends into the community.
Emphasizing that ASEAN countries do not compete with one another but rather grow stronger together. she urged everyone to “think,globally, act locally”, and commended ISUFST for its strong foundation in agriculture, education, innovation, and hospitality management in preparing graduates for the future.
Lastly, she reminded the audience that a bright future requires a clear vision and responsible stewardship of finite natural resources.
Following the address, a certificate of recognition was presented to Ms. Ortiz-Mitra as a token of gratitude by Dr. Dingras E. Balbona, Dr. Febe Jane I. Sales, and Instr. Jonard Verdeflor.
The next segment in the program is the awarding of the top 10 male and female nominees for the best costume were announced.
The morning event concluded with reading of guidelines and criteria for judging of different contests.
Caption: Marianne Joy Tamano
Photos: Clark Delsolor, Khim Arellado, Eden May Sua-an & Vallery Angela Miranda
Lay-out: Mae Joy Ladoing
