Under one roof at the Dumangas Campus on Friday, January 9, the ISUFST community came together to celebrate the university’s Third Foundation Anniversary—a full day that gathered students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners from all five campuses.
More than celebration, the day felt like a breath—a pause to recognize the distance traveled and the responsibility that comes with growing into the name “university” only three years since its conversion.
A Day That Began with Gratitude
The day began with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Dumangas Campus Gymnasium, drawing the community into a shared space of prayer and reflection. It was an offering of gratitude—and a gentle reminder that growth does not begin with celebration, but with faith, humility, and a common purpose.
This solemn opening softly shaped the mood of the celebration, honoring achievements while giving space to the unseen sacrifices, steady effort, and perseverance that carried the journey forward, year after year.
Grand Convocation: Leadership, Memory, and Direction
The Grand Convocation followed with the Processional of University Colors and Key Officials, the Philippine National Anthem, and opening prayers. Through the voices of the ISUFST Dumangas Chorale, the University Hymn and Dumangas Hymn filled the hall—carrying memory, pride, and resolve in equal measure.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Matthew T. Lasap, Campus Administrator of Dumangas Campus, reminded the audience that ISUFST’s growth has always been shaped by perseverance: “Our university rose from struggle, and education keeps our collective dreams alive.”
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. reflected on the institution’s journey to universityhood—marked by years of audits, compliance, documentation, and collective effort across campuses. “We remember the hard, transformative days of our conversion, and we march forward with renewed purpose and promise,” he said, urging the community to honor past struggles while shaping a better future.
Vice Presidents Dr. Stephen Raymund T. Jinon (Academic Affairs) and Dr. Jescel B. Bito-Onon (Administration and Finance) echoed the message that ISUFST’s progress was the result of shared vision, quiet excellence, and systems built for long-term impact.
Messages of support followed from key leaders and partners. Speaking on behalf of Congressman Ferjenel G. Biron, former councilor Hon. Bryan D. Gumban highlighted the role of character in education: “True education fuses intelligence with character. As you navigate the future, may you lead with integrity and serve with heart.”
A moving highlight of the convocation was the Honoring of ISUFST Retirees, recognizing individuals whose years of service helped lay the foundation upon which the young university now stands.
Creative Synergy Takes the Stage
The afternoon shifted into high energy with Creative Synergy, where talent, teamwork, and campus pride came alive through performances and competitions inspired by the theme “Navigating the Future with Purpose and Panache.”
Vocal Trio Pop: “The ISUFST Harmony”
The unique faculty–staff–student trio format showcased unity through music and stage presence.
Results:
Champion: ISUFST Main Campus – Tiwi Site
First Runner-Up: ISUFST Main Campus – Poblacion Site
Second Runner-Up: ISUFST Dumangas Campus
The performances blended harmony, musicality, and confidence, drawing enthusiastic responses from the audience
Creative Dance Drama: “Pulse of Purpose”
Interpreting ISUFST’s three-year journey through movement and storytelling, all campuses delivered performances praised for depth, unity, and emotional impact.
Results:
Champion: ISUFST Main Campus – Tiwi Site
First Runner-Up: ISUFST Main Campus – Poblacion Site
Second Runner-Up: ISUFST Dumangas Campus
Third Runner-Up: ISUFST San Enrique Campus
Fourth Runner-Up: ISUFST Dingle Campus
Each entry was judged on how well it brought the theme to life, the creativity of movement, and the harmony on stage—showing real collaboration across the community.
Voyager’s Reel: Telling Campus Stories on Screen
Campus publications competed in the Voyager’s Reel video montage contest, capturing achievements, research milestones, and everyday campus life.
Results:
Champion: The Blaze Publication (ISUFST Dumangas)
First Runner-Up: Golden Grains (ISUFST Dingle)
Second Runner-Up: The Sea Treasure (ISUFST Tiwi)
Consolation: The Clarion (Poblacion Main), The Igang (San Enrique)
During the afternoon presentations, Vice Governor Hon. Lee Ann F. Debuque commended ISUFST’s steady progress and strong community spirit: “The strength of ISUFST comes from unity and dedication. Every member of this community is part of the heritage we celebrate today.”
Three Years On, Still Moving Forward
Three years into universityhood, ISUFST stands in a space between arrival and aspiration—growing, learning, and holding itself to higher purpose. As the country’s lone fisheries university, it stays anchored in realities close to home: food security, coastal life, sustainability, and education that serves communities beyond the classroom.
The Third University Foundation Anniversary was not simply a moment to celebrate success. It was a reminder that universityhood carries responsibility—to live out integrity, social justice, discipline, and academic excellence in ways that truly matter.
As the celebration drew to a close, one quiet truth lingered: ISUFST’s journey continues. Guided by people who believe that meaningful progress does not need to be loud—only shared, sincere, and purposeful. (Jen Gonzaga | Andrea Shane Suelo | PAMMCO)
#ISUFSTat3 #isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity #ISUFST #pammcostoriesthatmatter #ISUFSTwithpurposepanache #ISDA #Integrity #socialjustice #discipline #academicexcellence #NavigatingtheFuturewithPurposeandPanache #PurposeandPanache #isufstat3coverage #pammcoambassadors #VoyagersReel #pammco #ISUFSTwithPurposePanache
