One hundred eighty-three graduate students of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) beamed with pride crossing the stage last Sunday, June 22, 2025, during the Regalia Hooding and Graduation Ceremonies at the Iloilo Convention Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Donning academic hoods that not only reflected their degrees but years of devotion, each of them embarked on a new page humbly harboring behind their grins the nights of sacrifice, deafening doubts, and bracing choices that led them to where they were.
The historic event gathered Master’s and Doctorate degree awardees from five colleges who came under one roof to share the common theme: “Anchored in Excellence, Empowered by ISUFST: Graduates United in Charting a Sustainable and Transformational Future.” Leading the ceremony were ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan M. Belga, Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Johnny B. Dolor, SGS Director Dr. Stephen Raymund T. Jinon, and keynote speaker Atty. Julius Palomar Alegrado, CESE, Deputy Director (Director III) of the Career Executive Service Board (CESB).
Of the 183 graduates, 132 hailed from the College of Education, 25 from the College of Management, 12 from the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 8 from the College of Information and Communications Technology, and 6 from the College of Agriculture—a tapestry of educators, development workers, scientists, technologists, and future academic leaders.
Dr. Cjay B. Soliven, recognized as Most Outstanding Graduate and Best Dissertation awardee in the SGS International Research Colloquium Agricultural and Fisheries category, delivered the graduates’ message. A faculty member of ISUFST and a Top 5 placer in the 2016 board exam, he shared that the honor was not just about titles—it was about choosing to stay, grow, and serve where he felt most needed. For him, ISUFST became more than a job—it became home.
Guest of honor Atty. Julius Palomar Alegrado reminded the graduates that their degrees are not just for display but tools for resilience, gratitude, and service. What truly counts, he said, is the heart they bring to the lives they touch. SGS Director Dr. Jinon, for his part, closed the ceremony by urging the class to lead with purpose—not just as achievers, but as sincere, capable leaders ready to make a real difference.
The ceremonies coincided with the conclusion of SGS’s enrollment for Academic Year 2025–2026. Orientation for new students is set later this week, and classes officially begin next week, ushering in a fresh wave of graduate students who will, like today’s honorees, take their turn in shaping the future. (Photos by Pete Photography/Text by Herman Lagon /PAMMCO)
