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June 23 2026

Commencement Exercises 2026

For a few unforgettable hours on June 19, 2026, the Tamasak Arena became more than a venue.

It became a place where years of sacrifice finally met their reward.

Nearly 2,000 graduates walked across the stage carrying more than diplomas. They carried the dreams of parents who worked overtime, grandparents who never stopped praying, teachers who believed in them, and communities that quietly cheered them on from afar. The Class of 2026 arrived at this moment through different journeys, but all were united by perseverance, hope, and the desire to build a better future.

This historic commencement celebrated 1,977 graduates from 42 undergraduate programs and a record 618 academic awardees, including ISUFST’s first three Summa Cum Laude graduates in 41 years—a milestone that will forever be part of the University’s story.

Under the theme, “Sovereigns of Service: Bridging Excellence and Social Justice for Nation-Building,” the ceremony reminded graduates that education is more than personal achievement. It is a call to serve, to lead with integrity, and to use knowledge for the good of others.

This video captures only a few moments—the procession, the applause, the tears, the laughter, the songs, the embraces, the alumni pledge, and the countless smiles that filled the arena. Yet behind every frame is a much bigger story: a story of resilience, family, friendship, faith, and dreams fulfilled.

To the ISUFST Class of 2026, may this be more than a memory.

May it remain a reminder of how far you have come, who helped you get here, and why your journey matters.

The ceremony has ended.

The mission begins now.

Video by PeteFuentes Photography and the ISUFST Technical Team (MIS and PAMMCO)

Tamasak Arena, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo

ISUFST Commencement Exercises 2026

May 31 2026

Let the Line Hold

ISUFST Admin Activities SDG 1, SDG 10, SDG 14, SDG 2, SDG 8

As we commemorate 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐊𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, we honor the women and men whose daily labor sustains our communities, strengthens our food security, and keeps our coastal traditions alive. In celebration of their courage, resilience, and enduring hope, we present “Let the Line Hold,” an advocacy folk ballad inspired by the growing call of the Atin ang Kinse movement and the continuing struggle to protect the 15-kilometer municipal waters reserved for small-scale fisherfolk.

This song was not only produced by ISUFST Faculty as a musical tribute but was also presented as a Creative Works Presentation and performed during the plenary session of the Second Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS2) held on October 20–24, 2025, at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, Philippines. Through music, it tells a story of dignity, justice, livelihood, and the shared responsibility of protecting our seas for future generations.

For the fisherfolk. For the coast. For the kinse. Let the line hold.

***

Before the music begins, it is important to understand why this song was written.

“Let the Line Hold” is more than a folk ballad. It is a tribute to the women and men of our coastal communities whose lives, livelihoods, and futures are tied to the sea. Inspired by the growing call of the Atin ang Kinse movement, the song speaks for small-scale fisherfolk who continue to defend the 15-kilometer municipal waters reserved by law for municipal fishers—waters that have sustained families, communities, and local food security for generations. The song draws inspiration from the stories, struggles, hopes, and resilience shared by fisherfolk, scientists, educators, advocates, and community leaders who believe that protecting the kinse is not merely a fisheries issue but a matter of justice, dignity, and national survival.

This advocacy folk ballad was written by Dr. Herman M. Lagon, inspired by conversations and encounters with fisherfolk and stakeholders during the National Fisherfolk’s Day Celebration and the broader Atin ang Kinse campaign. The music was composed and interpreted by Jezreel Cabansagan-Donguila, whose heartfelt melody gives voice to the emotions behind the movement, while the Psalmista Band provided the instrumental arrangement that carries the song’s message across communities.

Together, they transformed policy discussions and scientific evidence into a musical narrative that ordinary Filipinos can feel, remember, and share.

At its heart, “Let the Line Hold” reminds us that the kinse is more than a boundary on a map. It is a symbol of livelihood, cultural memory, food security, community resilience, and hope. It represents the right of small-scale fisherfolk to continue fishing in the waters their families have depended upon for generations. Through music, this work invites us to listen to the voices behind the statistics, to see the people behind the policies, and to stand with those who continue to protect our seas for future generations.

As the song unfolds, may we remember a simple but powerful truth: when we protect the kinse, we protect not only fish and waters, but also families, communities, heritage, and the future of sustainable small-scale fisheries in the Philippines.

Lyrics: Dr. Herman M. Lagon

Composition and Interpretation: Dr. Jezreel Cabansagan-Donguila

Instrumentals: Psalmista Band

Video editing: Mr. Patrick Lance Nacion

Genre: Advocacy Folk Ballad | Key: G Major | Tempo: ~70 bpm

For the fisherfolk. For the coast. For the kinse. Let the line hold. #AtinAngKinse

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB_uKskahos

Official ISUFST Statement on the Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Commercial Fishers to Operate on the Municipal Waters, entitled SAFEGUARDING OUR SEAS: https://web.faceboo*om/share/p/18UtjUbyQe/

May 31 2026

Lines we Cast

ISUFST Admin Activities SDG 1, SDG 10, SDG 14, SDG 2, SDG 8

As we commemorate 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐊𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, we celebrate the women and men whose hard work, resilience, and sacrifices help feed the nation every day. Beyond every fish sold in the market and every meal shared at the family table are small-scale fisherfolk who brave uncertain seas, rising costs, and economic challenges while sustaining coastal communities and local economies.

In their honor, we present “Lines We Cast,” an advocacy folk ballad that tells the story of the economic realities of small-scale fisheries in the Philippines. More than a song about fishing, it is a song about dignity, livelihood, empowerment, and hope. It captures the journey of fisherfolk from hardship and survival toward organization, leadership, and a stronger voice in shaping their own future.

This creative work was presented under Theme 3: Economies of Small-Scale Fisheries during the Second Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS2) held on October 20–24, 2025, at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, Philippines. Through music, it transforms research, lived experiences, and the voices of fishing communities into a story that ordinary Filipinos can hear, feel, and understand.

As the song unfolds, may we remember that small-scale fisherfolk are not merely providers of food. They are entrepreneurs, community builders, environmental stewards, and guardians of coastal heritage. Their stories deserve not only recognition but also support, respect, and justice.

For every fisher who casts a line. For every family waiting ashore. For every dream carried by the bangka. These are the lines we cast—and we are not turning back.

***

A Folk Ballad on the Economies of Small-Scale Fisheries

Before the music begins, it is worth remembering that every fish sold in a market, every meal shared around a family table, and every community sustained by the sea often starts with hands that few people notice. Behind every catch are small-scale fishers who rise long before sunrise, brave uncertain waters, carry the burden of debt, rising fuel costs, and unstable markets, yet continue to provide food for millions of Filipinos. Their work feeds the nation, but their stories are too often left untold. “Lines We Cast” was written to help tell those stories.

Inspired by the lived realities of small-scale fisherfolk across the Philippines, this advocacy folk ballad explores not only the hardships of fishing communities but also their resilience, ingenuity, and growing economic empowerment. The song follows a journey from struggle to hope—from aging boats and mounting debts to cooperative action, fairer markets, stronger networks, and a renewed sense of dignity. It reminds us that small-scale fishers are not passive beneficiaries of development. They are entrepreneurs, food producers, environmental stewards, and vital contributors to local and national economies.

This musical collaboration brings together the talents of Dr. Herman M. Lagon of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) as lyricist, Mr. Joao Amadeus M. Solas of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music as composer, and Prof. Jezreel Cabansagan-Donguila as interpreter, with instrumental accompaniment by the Psalmista Band. Together, they transformed research, lived experiences, and the voices of fisherfolk into a song that is both tribute and advocacy.

More than a song about fishing, “Lines We Cast” is a song about economics from the perspective of ordinary people. It speaks of rising fuel prices, trader domination, unfair market conditions, and the challenges faced by those who harvest food from the sea. Yet it also celebrates the power of organization, cooperatives, branding, knowledge-sharing, and data-driven recognition that help fishing communities move from mere survival toward leadership and self-determination.

The title itself carries a deeper meaning. The “lines” are not only fishing lines cast into the water. They are also lines of solidarity, lines of resistance against exploitation, lines that connect families and communities, and lines that define a future shaped by dignity rather than dependency. As the song reminds us, fisherfolk are not merely mending nets—they are helping repair systems that have long left them unseen and unheard.

Presented under Theme 3: Economies of Small-Scale Fisheries of the 2nd Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS2), this work honors the countless fisherfolk who continue to cast their lines despite uncertainty, believing that a better future remains possible. It is a tribute to every hand that grips a paddle, every family that depends on the sea, and every community striving to transform hardship into opportunity.

As you watch and listen, may you hear not only the melody but also the voices behind it—the voices of people whose labor sustains communities, whose resilience inspires hope, and whose dreams continue to rise with every tide.

Lyrics: Dr. Herman M. Lagon

Composition: Mr. Joao Amadeus M. Solas

Interpretation: Dr. Jezreel Cabansagan-Donguila

Instrumentals: Psalmista Band

Video editing: Mr. Patrick Lance Nacion

Photos and Videos: Dr. Rolindo Demo-os

Genre: Advocacy Folk Ballad

Theme: Economies of Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF)

Key: G Major

Tempo: Slow and Reflective (~70–75 BPM)

For every fisher who casts a line. For every family that waits ashore. For every dream carried by the bangka. These are the lines we cast—and we are not turning back.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb379uxFyV8

Official ISUFST Statement on the Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Commercial Fishers to Operate on the Municipal Waters, entitled SAFEGUARDING OUR SEAS: https://web.facebook.com/share/p/18UtjUbyQe/

May 18 2026

Beyond the Hood and Diploma: The Human Stoories behind ISUFST’s 30 New Doctorates

ISUFST Admin Recognitions SDG 17, SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 9

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BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo — Before the medals, graduation photos, and congratulatory posts, there were sleepless nights no one saw.

There were faculty members revising dissertations after long days of teaching. There were weekend trips taken instead of family rest days. There were flooded roads crossed before sunrise just to avoid missing a morning class. There were moments of burnout, doubt, financial pressure, and quiet prayers offered in silence.

This year, 29 faculty members and one staff member of ISUFST are preparing to complete their doctoral degrees, a milestone shaped by years of sacrifice, perseverance, and belief in education’s power to transform lives.

Across all five campuses, the stories behind the doctoral hoods speak louder than the titles themselves. They reveal educators who kept showing up, for students, for family, for community, and for dreams that often felt distant and exhausting.

“The journey was not linear,” shared Angie Almarza of the Main Campus–Poblacion Site. “It involved challenges, revisions, and continuous learning.” Yet despite the difficulties, she said ISUFST provided “a structured yet flexible ecosystem that fostered resilience, critical thinking, and innovation.”

For many, the doctorate journey unfolded while carrying multiple responsibilities inside the university.

John Rey Alipe balanced doctoral studies while serving as Research Coordinator and BSIT Program Chair. “ISUFST wasn’t just my workplace,” he reflected. “It was a supportive community that pushed me to keep growing.” He added that applying what he learned directly to leadership work made “all the late nights and hard work feel purposeful.”

Others carried even heavier emotional and physical burdens.

April Joy Acosta of the Dingle Campus recalled leaving home early and traveling nearly two and a half hours just to avoid being absent from her 7:30 a.m. class in Roxas City. Many evenings, she arrived home soaked from heavy rain and flooded roads. “These experiences were exhausting,” she admitted, “yet they became powerful reminders of the commitment I had made to myself.”

For Ralph Gerald Bermejo, the journey demanded balancing three identities at once: instructor, doctoral student, and family man.

“Each role demanded time, focus, and commitment,” he said. Yet even amid the pressure, he found strength in the support of colleagues and university leaders who helped lighten the burden during the dissertation stage.

Behind many of the stories was one recurring realization: ISUFST had become more than simply an institution.

“To me, ISUFST was never just a place where I went to work,” shared Roslyn May Paclejan. “It was a true home.” She described the university as more than a workplace — a place that shaped not only her career, but also her values, resilience, humility, and compassion.

That same sentiment echoed across many stories.

John Catunao, who completed a second doctorate in Filipino Language Teaching after earlier earning a PhD in Educational Management, spoke warmly about the people who helped him keep going through the journey. He credited President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., campus administrators, deans, and fellow teachers for helping him persist during the most difficult moments.

“These people remind me that ISUFST is not just an institution,” he said. “It is a true community that genuinely looks after its own.”

Several faculty members also emphasized how institutional support became the bridge between nearly giving up and eventually finishing.

Many cited dissertation subsidies, CHED SIKAP scholarships, teaching deloading, official travel authority, and financial assistance programs that eased the burden of doctoral work. Others said moral encouragement mattered just as much as funding.

“The University did not just give me a job,” Catunao reflected. “It supported my journey every step of the way.”

For some, the doctorate journey permanently reshaped how they now see teaching itself.

“I no longer see my role as limited to delivering instruction,” one faculty member shared. Others described becoming more reflective researchers, more patient mentors, and more community-oriented educators after experiencing firsthand the pressures their own students often face.

Ramir Torreces explained that the experience deepened his understanding that teaching “goes beyond classroom instruction” and now includes research, leadership, extension work, and mentoring.

Meanwhile, Michle Celeste described how her dissertation evolved into something larger because of ISUFST’s research culture. Rather than producing a purely academic output, she developed documentary-based educational materials connected to fisheries and coastal communities.

“Finishing this degree felt like more than a personal achievement,” she shared. “It was a contribution to the goals that ISUFST stands for.”

According to ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., the growing number of doctorate holders reflects the university’s investment in people who will shape future communities through education.

He emphasized the importance of developing faculty members who can produce graduates that are competent, socially aware, and values-oriented.

The milestone also echoes the goals of CHED’s A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education and lifelong learning.

Yet behind all these institutional goals are stories of sacrifice, resilience, and ordinary people simply trying to become better educators.

Some of these educators studied while raising families. Some worried about tuition and transportation. Some traveled long distances every weekend. Some balanced extension work, administration, research, and teaching all at once. Some nearly stopped.

Yet they kept going.

And perhaps that is what makes this milestone quietly inspiring. Behind every doctorate hood this year is not simply academic excellence, but endurance — the kind built slowly through sacrifice, discipline, faith, and people who chose to believe in one another.

In many ways, these 30 new doctorates are not just personal victories. They are reminders that education, at its best, is still an act of hope. (Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)

***

Graduating Doctorates of ISUFST for 2026

San Enrique Campus – College of Education (COED)

1. Jayson C. Palma — Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education major in Mathematics

2. Michael B. Dizon — Doctor of Education major in Science Education

3. Isabel F. Biana — Doctor of Education major in Mathematics Education

4. Zyra E. Gregorio — Doctor of Education major in Mathematics Education

5. Jerlie Mae L. Panes — Doctor of Education major in Filipino Language Teaching

6. Kenth Mark A. Salcedo — Doctor of Education major in Social Science Education

7. Rodelyn P. Padios — Doctor of Management major in Business Administration

8. Roselyn P. Paclejan — Doctor of Management major in Business Administration

Main Campus – Poblacion Site

9. Ralph Gerald M. Bermejo — Doctor in Hospitality Management

10. Ma. Charlene Mae B. Gallo — Doctor in Management in Business Administration

11. John Rey Alipe — Doctor in Information Technology (Artificial Intelligence)

12. Angie Almarza — Doctor in Information Technology (Natural Language Processing)

13. Joanna Marie S. Sabid — Doctor of Education major in Physical Education

14. Liezl A. Dula-ogon — Doctor of Education major in Science Education

15. Kristine M. Hofileña — Doctor of Education major in Physical Education

Dumangas Campus – College of Hospitality Management (CHM)

16. Alfredo A. Gambala — Doctor of Management major in Tourism and Hospitality Management

17. Norlyn Jane B. Valera — Doctor of Management major in Tourism and Hospitality Management

Main Campus – Tiwi Site – College of Education (COED)

18. Christine M. Deocampo — Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Leadership and Education major in Social Science

19. Frietzie S. Inayan — Doctor of Education major in Physical Education

20. Jezreel C. Donguila — Doctor of Education major in Physical Education

21. Ramir C. Torreces — Doctor of Education major in English Language Teaching

22. Michle M. Celeste — Doctor of Education in Filipino Language Teaching

23. Jomel B. Guintivano — Doctor in Education major in Curriculum Development

24. Clariesol F. Belo — Doctor of Education major in Physical Education

Dingle Campus – College of Education (COED)

25. April Joy D. Acosta — Doctor of Education major in English Language Teaching

26. John D. Catunao — Doctor of Education major in Filipino Language Teaching

27. Soceline N. Batisla-ong — Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

28. Febe Jane I. Sales — Doctor of Philosophy in Education major in Psychology and Guidance

29. Giefred Ian P. Paniza — Doctor of Education major in Social Science Education

Administrative Staff

30. Emely D. Armonidad — Doctor of Education major in English Language Teaching (EdD-ELT)

(Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)

#pammcostoriesthatmatter #isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity

@followers @topfans The Sea Treasure The CLARION The Blaze-ISUFST DC The Igang Publication 𝐈𝐒𝐃𝐀 𝒩𝑒𝓌𝓈

May 13 2026

ISUFST Wins Multiple CHED Regional Quality Awards for Third Straight Year

ISUFST Admin Recognitions SDG 10, SDG 16, SDG 17, SDG 4, SDG 5

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)

May 6 2026

ISUFST earns Eight Global Top 100 Spots in WURI Debut

ISUFST Admin Recognitions SDG 10, SDG 16, SDG 17, SDG 4, SDG 9

BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo—For a university joining the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) for the first time, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) made a quiet but meaningful entrance—landing eight spots in the Global Top 100 across different innovation categories.

The 2026 results placed ISUFST at 7th in Social Impact through Knowledge Transfer (C5), followed by 21st in Empowerment-Based Management (B2). It also ranked 74th in Financial Impact-Driven Technology Transfer (C8), 76th in Curricular Innovation for Future-Readiness (C3), 86th in Funding for Sustainability (B5), 88th in Interdisciplinary Research (C2), 93rd in Cost-Effectiveness Management (B7), and 100th in AI-Based Teaching and Learning Transformation (C4).

For those on campus, the recognition does not feel sudden or overwhelming. It feels familiar—like something that grew out of long, steady effort, much of it done quietly, without expecting anything in return.

University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. described the result as a reflection of what the institution has been trying to build over time. “This is really about staying true to what we believe education should do,” he said. “Academic excellence matters, but it has to translate into something that improves lives. That has always been part of how we see our role.”

He also pointed out that the recognition aligns with broader national directions in higher education. “Our efforts are closely tied to CHED’s ACHIEVE framework under Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis,” Siason added. “What this shows is that when innovation is anchored on service and social justice, it resonates beyond our immediate setting.”

Unlike more traditional rankings, WURI looks less at reputation and more at how universities respond to real problems—whether their ideas can actually work, and whether they make a difference. Its process combines blind peer review, expert validation, and system-based analysis, putting emphasis on programs that are not only creative, but also practical and impactful.

That approach has attracted growing global participation. In recent cycles, thousands of innovation cases from over a thousand universities worldwide have been reviewed, creating a space where institutions are compared not just by what they produce, but by what they change.

For ISUFST, the WURI entry builds on earlier steps toward international visibility—from internal workshops on global rankings to participation in regional capacity-building efforts. These were not isolated activities, but part of a longer attempt to align teaching, research, and extension work with global standards while staying grounded in local realities.

Over the years, much of the university’s work has naturally fallen in step with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Whether it’s widening access to education, finding practical ways to innovate, working with partners, or caring for marine resources, these have never really been new directions—they’ve long been part of what ISUFST stands for as the country’s only fisheries university.

Founded in 1957, the university has grown across five campuses, with programs spanning fisheries, education, technology, and management. In recent years, it has also received multiple recognitions from CHED, particularly in extension, peace education, student services, internationalization, and inclusive education.

Dr. Siason says the WURI results are “less about arrival and more about direction.”

“The work is far from finished. Much remains to be done—systems to improve and communities to serve better. But this recognition holds a simple truth: institutions do not have to be at the center to matter, as long as their work reaches people in real ways.” (Herman Lagon | Rex Paulino | PAMMCO)

#isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity #isufst #pammcostoriesthatmatter

April 8 2026

ISUFST Admission Qualifiers for AY 2026–2027

ISUFST Admin Activities SDG 4

Main Campus Tiwi Site

March 30 2026

ISUFST CHM Shines at COHREP Western Visayas

ISUFST Admin Activities, Recognitions SDG 17, SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 9

Fifty Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) II students and two faculty members from the College of Hospitality Management proudly joined the 1,191 participants of the recently concluded 5th COHREP Western Visayas Regional Congress held on March 27, 2026, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel. The event gathered hospitality management students, educators, and industry partners from across the region, creating a dynamic platform for learning, networking, and professional growth. The congress was made even more significant with the presence of distinguished keynote speakers Dr. Raul F. Muyong, CHED Regional Office VI Director, and Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., President of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST).

The BSHM II students were accompanied by Instructors Enrique I. Sariño and Frenie Ann B. Permiso, with Dr. Ricardo J. Paborada Jr. serving as the head of the delegation. Their participation reflected the strong commitment of ISUFST to providing students with meaningful exposure to regional academic and industry engagements. Also present at the event was Instr. Ma. Paula E. Balbona, SIPP/SEAP Coordinator, who took the opportunity to strengthen partnerships with industry stakeholders and explore opportunities that will benefit student internship and professional development programs.

Adding to the significance of the event, members of the Ka-ISDA Vlog covered the congress, capturing highlights and experiences of the participants. The team was guided by their advisers, Instructors Jonard V. Verdeflor and Leo V. Paparon, whose mentorship continues to empower students to document and share the university’s milestones. The participation of ISUFST in this regional congress underscores the institution’s active role in advancing hospitality education, fostering collaboration, and preparing future hospitality professionals for the evolving demands of the industry.

FLAVORS OF EXCELLENCE: CHM Culinary Team Places Fourth in COHREP Iron Chef’s Showdown

The Culinary Team of the College of Hospitality Management (CHM) proudly secured a 4th place finish in the Iron Chefs Category during the recently concluded 5th COHREP Western Visayas Regional Skills Olympics held on March 28, 2026, at the Fountain Area of Robinsons Place, Iloilo. The competition brought together talented student chefs from various institutions across the region, showcasing creativity, technical skills, and the rich culinary heritage of Western Visayas. Representing the campus in this prestigious culinary showdown were three promising student chefs: Denmark J. Quinoveva and Rhozen O. Etino, both BSHM II students, and Christ John M. Arabit, a BSHM I student, who demonstrated remarkable teamwork and innovation in the kitchen.

For the appetizer round, Quinoveva impressed the judges with Umami Rolls, a classic Ilonggo-inspired lumpia crafted from fresh Visayan shrimp blended with pork fat and finely chopped jolly mushrooms. Wrapped in thin rice paper and deep-fried to perfection, the dish featured a crisp exterior and a succulent, flavorful filling, complemented by tangy pickled onions that balanced richness with acidity. Meanwhile, Etino elevated the main course with Darag Royale in Coconut Embrace, a refined dish highlighting premium Darag chicken stuffed with malunggay and native chili leaves. Baked to tenderness and finished with a velvety coconut milk and coconut cream reduction, the dish was served with sautéed green papaya and bell peppers, alongside dehydrated organic black rice that added texture and a subtle nutty finish.

Completing the team’s culinary presentation, Arabit prepared the dessert KBL Hopia de Oro, a modern Filipino creation inspired by the Ilonggo flavors of Kadyos, Baboy, and Langka (KBL). The golden-baked hopia featured a filling of steamed kadyos and caramelized langka, elegantly plated over caramelized batwan and finished with a silky coconut reduction. The team’s achievement highlights the growing excellence of CHM students in culinary innovation, as they skillfully blended heritage ingredients with modern techniques. Their performance not only showcased the university’s commitment to developing future culinary professionals but also celebrated the richness of local flavors on a regional stage.

#sufstisdafirst #isufst_isda_first #isufstcommunity #isufstisdabest #oneisufst #ISUFST_ISDA_BEST #isufstdinglecampus #isufstdingle #pangibabawchm #TatakCHM #TeamBaskog #BreakingBarriers #InspireToAspire

March 28 2026

ISUFST-Dumangas Campus shines at the National Edukalidad 2026

ISUFST Admin Recognitions SDG 17, SDG 4, SDG 9

Out of 29 participating universities across the country, the campus emerged as 4th Place with a remarkable 13.5 points, showcasing excellence, creativity, and dedication in the field of education held on March 28 at Iloilo Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.

Tiffany Anne J. Sullesta led the victory after claiming the championship title in the Cluster 1 Demonstration Teaching Contest trained by Dr. Roberto Oberio, proving that passion and mastery in teaching truly stand out.

Meanwhile, KC Klynth Montefrio, Wela Janin Dema-ala, and Kieziah Abegail Sison secured 2nd Place in the Instructional Material Making Contest, mentored by Dr. Pearl Kathlene Francisco highlighting innovation and collaboration in crafting impactful learning tools.

Adding to the list of commendable participants, Yurie D. Hablero competed in the Demonstration Teaching – Cluster 2 under the guidance of Coach Dr. Branche A. Sumido. In the Research Presentation – Cluster 1 category, Angelyn G. Edullan, coached by Dr. Maria Dolyn D. Doromal, and Reina Rose Alcantara, mentored by Dr. Randy Anib, also represented the campus with excellence.

Via || Joseph Sasa Photo courtesy of Dr. Pearl Kathlene Francisco & Silak Media Layout by Sir Ernie Pedregosa

March 19 2026

ISUFSTian Gerobe Arce: Small Stature, Big Drive on a Trike

ISUFST Admin Activities

There are stories that arrive quietly, without drumrolls or headlines, and yet linger longer than the loudest victories. Gerobe Arce’s story is one of them. You might first notice him not for the engine he is fixing or the class he is answering in, but for how the world initially sees him—shorter, different. But stay long enough, and what you will remember is not his height. It is his drive. It is the rhythm of a life that refuses to be measured by what is lacking, but instead by what keeps moving forward.

Gerobe, 24, grew up between Tuburan, Pototan and Buyu-an, Tigbauan, in a life he casually calls “normal”—easygoing, carefree, the kind of childhood that did not feel like it needed a narrative. But somewhere in that simplicity was a quiet inheritance: a father who modeled self-love not through speeches but through living, and a family that never treated limitation as identity. “I was born confident,” he says, almost as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.

He knew early on that he was physically different. But in his telling, that difference never stretched beyond the surface. “Physically only,” he says. Everything else—his curiosity, his humor, his will—remained intact. That clarity shaped how he entered school, how he faced stares, and how he refused to let curiosity about him define him. He had already decided: he would define himself.

A LIFE IN MOTION

Long before he entered the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), Gerobe already knew what he wanted. Machines fascinated him. Engines, in particular, spoke a language he wanted to master. “Even before elementary, I knew I wanted automobiles,” he recalls. It was not just about fixing things. It was about understanding how they worked—how parts moved together to create something bigger than themselves.

That same philosophy quietly shaped his own life. Because while most students measure their days in lectures and deadlines, Gerobe measures his in kilometers.

He drives a tricycle.

Not occasionally. Not as a side story. But as part of the everyday rhythm that sustains his education. Born into financial constraints, he watched his father move from one job to another, often behind the wheel. So when his turn came, he did not hesitate. “I think of finishing my studies through my own sweat and blood,” he says, without drama, just truth.

A typical day for him is not something easily romanticized. It is early mornings, long routes, passengers who come and go, then classes, then studying, then sometimes laughter with friends squeezed in between.

And lately, the road has become even more demanding. With fuel prices rising, every trip carries a heavier weight—not just for passengers, but for him as both driver and student. What others experience as inconvenience, he feels as daily calculation. Still, he manages. He times his trips before and after classes, squeezes in study hours between shifts, and learns to stretch both time and earnings. Some days begin before sunrise, with a few early passengers before his first class. On lighter afternoons, he returns to the road, then studies at night—sometimes in between trips, sometimes long after the last passenger has gone home.

It is not perfect. It is not easy. But it works—because it has to.

It is the kind of life that would exhaust many. But Gerobe does not describe it that way. “It’s extraordinarily fun,” he says, smiling through the grind.

There is something disarming about that answer. In a culture that often celebrates struggle only when it looks painful, Gerobe quietly disrupts the script. For him, hardship is not always heavy. Sometimes, it is simply part of the journey—something you carry without complaint because you know where you are headed.

NO ROOM FOR QUITTING

Gerobe does not even pause when asked if he ever thought of quitting. The answer is simple—and striking in its certainty: he never did. Not once. “It was never considered,” he says. No dramatic breakdown, no near exit—just a quiet, stubborn choice to keep going, no matter what.

It is not because life was easy. It is because his mindset was already set. He was, in his own words, “driven.” And that word, repeated across his story, becomes its quiet anchor.

At ISUFST, he found a space that did not reduce him to his differences. There were moments of curiosity, of course—people who stared, people who wondered. But beyond that, he found something more important: normalcy. Belonging. “I just don’t mind,” he says. What stayed with him more were the teachers who encouraged him, classmates who listened, and a community that let him grow without needing to explain himself.

It is the kind of environment the university continues to build under the leadership of ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr.—one that does not merely accommodate differences, but recognizes them as part of a larger vision of inclusive, empowering education. In Gerobe’s case, inclusion is not a policy. It is something lived, quietly, every day.

In fact, one of the moments he cherishes most is simple: speaking in class and being heard. “When I speak and everyone listens,” he shares. In that moment, the labels fall away. He is not the “PWD student.” He is simply a student—with ideas, with a voice, with presence.

That is what inclusive education looks like—not grand statements, but everyday spaces where dignity is ordinary.

THE MEASURE OF A MAN

Gerobe’s academic journey is not just about finishing. It is about finishing well. He wants to graduate with Latin honors—not “para magpasikat,” not for recognition, but for something closer to the heart. For pride. Not just his, but his family’s—the same people who never questioned his potential even when life was not easy.

“My teachers are my motivators,” he says, giving credit without hesitation. At ISUFST, where education is meant to empower, his story becomes a reminder that success is not just about skills—it is about who you become along the way.

The university’s values are not just slogans to him. They show in how he lives. Integrity in earning honestly. Discipline in showing up every day. Social justice in proving that education should be within reach. And excellence—not about being perfect, but about being consistent.

Driving a tricycle taught him things school cannot. “I learned the value of every peso,” he says. Each fare is effort. Each earning is responsibility. Walang sayang.

For now, he is at F&E Automotive Division in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, learning not just how engines work, but how a future begins. It is one step in a journey still taking shape. He hopes to stay on after graduation, but he also trusts the road ahead. One day, he dreams of a talyer he can call his own—built from the same grit that brought him this far. There is also the possibility of working abroad. Nothing is fixed yet. Like the engines he studies, his life is still in motion—still being assembled, still becoming.

So when he talks about his dreams, simple lang. A happy home. A comfortable life. Hindi magarbo, but real.

DRIVEN BEYOND LIMITS

On March 11, 2026, at the ISUFST TechnoHub, Gerobe stood in front of the Filipino and Korean Rotarians and ISUFST officials—not as “the tricycle driver,” not just as “the student,” but as someone representing many. He delivered a testimony during the Global Grant turnover of ₱1.89 million worth of equipment.

“Because of these tools, we are more confident that our practical training will prepare us for real work, business, and professional life,” he said, shifting seamlessly from Hiligaynon to English, and closing with a heartfelt “Kamsahamnida”—a quiet but powerful thank you that carried both gratitude and hope.

That moment was bigger than him. He became the link between those who gave and those who will benefit.

Aligned with SDG 4, 8, and 17, the project supports education and opportunity. But beyond that, it is stories like his that make everything feel real. It is students like Gerobe who give those numbers meaning.

Because what good are tools if there are no hands willing to use them? What good are opportunities if there is no one determined enough to take them?

Gerobe answers those questions not with words, but with a life lived in motion.

There is a tendency to tell stories like his in a certain way—to frame them as extraordinary because of difficulty. But perhaps the more honest way to tell it is this: Gerobe Arce is not inspiring because he is a person of short stature who succeeded. He is inspiring because he refused to see himself as anything less.

His definition of success is simple: perseverance. “If you have a goal, strive hard to reach it,” he says. Ability, strength, success—these, for him, are not separate ideas. They come together, built over time, shaped by effort.

And maybe that is the quiet lesson his story leaves behind. Not all victories are loud. Some are steady. Some are built in early mornings, long rides, and classrooms where a voice finally finds space.

Years from now, when someone tells the story of Gerobe Arce, he hopes to be remembered for his faith and for inspiring others to persevere. But even now, without waiting for that future, his life is already doing exactly that.

Not by asking for attention.

But by moving forward—one determined step, one long ride, one honest day at a time. (Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)