BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo — The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Western Visayas’ emerging leaders in higher education after once again earning multiple recognitions from the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VI (CHEDRO VI) during the 5th CHED Regional Quality Awards for 2026.
The latest recognition marks the third consecutive year that ISUFST has been honored in the prestigious regional awards, following major recognitions received in 2024 and 2025. The awards form part of the celebration of the CHED’s 32nd Anniversary and 6th Higher Education Day, which recognize institutions that demonstrate excellence in instruction, research, extension, internationalization, governance, and community engagement.
Based on the memorandum and invitation issued by CHEDRO VI dated April 29 and May 12, 2026, ISUFST will receive recognitions in the following major categories: Excellence in Community Extension, Excellence in Research, Excellence in Peace Education Implementation, Excellence in Gender and Development Implementation, Excellence in Indigenous Peoples Education Implementation, Top HEI on Internationalization Programs and Initiatives, and Awardee for CHEDROVI Partner HEls in the conduct of Internationalization Programs, Projects and Activities.
The awarding ceremony is scheduled on May 21, 2026 at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center in Iloilo City and will gather presidents, administrators, faculty members, and stakeholders from higher education institutions across Region VI.
For many within the university community, the latest awards reflect not only compliance with national standards but also the university’s growing institutional culture centered on quality, inclusivity, innovation, and public service.
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. described the recognition as a collective achievement of the university’s faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners across its five campuses.
“These recognitions reflect the many small but meaningful efforts happening quietly across our university every day. Quality education is something that takes time, teamwork, and genuine commitment to serving our students and communities,” Dr. Siason said.
The 2026 recognitions continue the strong momentum ISUFST has sustained over the past three years.
In 2025, the university received nine CHED Regional Quality Awards, including recognitions for Outstanding Board Performance, 100% Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) for undergraduate and graduate programs, Excellence in Community Extension and Linkages, Excellence in Internationalization Initiatives, Excellence in Peace Education, Excellence in Indigenous Peoples Education, Excellence in Student Affairs and Services, support to CHEDRO VI initiatives, and Model Implementer awards for scholarship programs.
A year earlier, in 2024, ISUFST also bagged five major awards during the 3rd CHED Regional Quality Awards, including recognition as a State University and College with 100% COPC for undergraduate programs, Model Implementer of the Scholarships for Instructors’ Knowledge Advancement Program (SIKAP), Award for Excellence in Indigenous Peoples Education, Award for Excellence in Internationalization Initiatives, and recognition for support to CHEDRO VI programs.
University officials said the continuing recognition highlights the institution’s transformation following its conversion into university status and its sustained efforts to strengthen instruction, research productivity, community extension, student services, and global engagement.
Over recent years, ISUFST has also gained national and international recognition beyond the CHED awards. In 2026, the university entered the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) and secured several placements in the Global Top 100, including a notable ranking in Social Impact through Knowledge Transfer. The university likewise maintained its ISO 9001:2015 certification, Center of Development status in Fisheries, and consistent AACCUP accreditation performance.
CHEDRO VI earlier emphasized that the Regional Quality Awards recognize institutions that contribute significantly to improving higher education standards and advancing inclusive, innovative, and transformative learning across Western Visayas.
For many stakeholders, ISUFST’s consistent presence among the region’s recognized institutions reflects the university’s continuing efforts to elevate educational quality while remaining grounded in community service and regional development.
As the university prepares to receive another round of recognitions this 2026, many faculty members, employees, students, and alumni view the achievement not simply as an institutional milestone, but as proof that sustained commitment, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership can steadily transform a growing state university into a respected force in Philippine higher education. (PAMMCO | AI Assisted)
