ISUFST Hosts International Fisheries Modeling Training Backed By French Embassy
Teacher-Researchers from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) showcased their groundbreaking studies at the 11th International Conference on Teacher Education (ICTED), held November 13-15, 2024, at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Centered on the theme “Preparing Teachers for Education 5.0 Toward Sustainable Futures: Thrusts, Challenges, and Praxis,” the conference highlighted innovative approaches to leveraging technology for sustainable, inclusive learning environments.
ISUFST researchers presented studies that underscored the university’s dedication to advancing educational practices. Dr. Ronilo Aponte, together with advisees Hannah Marie Failanza and Camila De los Reyes, explored how game-based learning enhances students’ understanding of mitosis through their study, “Four Games, One exCELLent Goal: Investigating the Effectiveness of Game-Based Learning on Learners’ Understanding and Experiences in Mitosis.” The research demonstrated the potential of interactive learning in improving educational outcomes.
Dr. Shiela May Labajo’s presentation, “Family Reading Practices and Parents’ Involvement on Learners’ Reading Performance in English,” emphasized the vital role of family reading habits and parental involvement in boosting students’ literacy skills. Meanwhile, Michle Celeste introduced photovoice as a reflective tool in her study, “Lens on the Classroom: Photovoice as a Reflective Tool for Pre-Service Teachers’ Narrative Writing,” showcasing its effectiveness in enabling pre-service teachers to document and reflect on their classroom experiences.
Adding to ISUFST’s presence, John Mark P. Burila, a faculty member from the Main Tiwi Site and a PhD Education student at UP Diliman, served as a facilitator in the Program Committee, working with local organizers from UP Visayas. Burila reflected on the significance of the conference, noting that it underscored the need for educators to integrate technology with purpose, equity, and sustainability, ensuring that learning remains meaningful in an ever-changing world.
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., commended the researchers for their contributions to the conference, emphasizing the university’s commitment to fostering a research-driven academic culture. Dr. Siason highlighted that the achievements of ISUFST’s faculty and researchers reflect the institution’s dedication to realizing its vision of becoming “a leading and empowering research university in fisheries, agriculture, education, and technology in Southeast Asia by 2030.” He noted that participation in international platforms such as ICTED affirms the university’s role in shaping innovative and inclusive education.
The ICTED conference, organized by the University of the Philippines College of Education, brought together educators, policymakers, and researchers to discuss the integration of technology, socio-economic challenges, and cultural diversity in education. This year’s conference explored critical themes such as Artificial Intelligence, STEM, inclusive education, and teacher development, offering actionable insights into preparing educators for Education 5.0.
The participation of ISUFST in ICTED 2024 underscores its commitment to advancing educational research and innovation while promoting its guiding principles of Integrity, Social Justice, Discipline, and Academic Excellence. The event also reaffirmed the shared responsibility of educators to foster sustainable futures through meaningful and inclusive education practices. (Photos by JM Burila/Text by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO/Published by: Patrick Lance Nacion/MIS-PAMMCO)
Manila, November 13, 2024–In a landmark event at De La Salle University (DLSU) on Taft Avenue, Manila, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between DLSU and the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), cementing their partnership to strengthen academic collaboration and spearhead a Policy Center dedicated to localizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ceremonial signing, held this Wednesday morning, formalized both the general memorandum of agreement (MOA) and the initiative to create a Policy Center in Iloilo, which will drive research and community engagement focused on sustainable development and fisheries science.
Dr. Robert Roleda, DLSU Provost, and Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., ISUFST President, represented their respective institutions at the signing. Dr. Siason highlighted the collaboration’s transformative potential, noting, “This partnership marks a significant step forward in promoting knowledge-sharing and collaborative research in fisheries, agriculture, management, education, and technology, which will have a long-term impact on both institutions and the communities they serve.” He emphasized that the Policy Center would play a pivotal role in bringing research-driven, sustainable practices to communities outside Metro Manila.
The event was attended by key figures, including ISUFST’s Director of Research and Development, Dr. Jescel Bito-onon; Director of Gender and Development, Dr. Lenirose Mondero; and Legal Counsel, Atty. Joey Mondero, and DLSU’s Dr. Franciso Magno, Dr. Jason Hecita, and Prof. Eddie Nuque, underscoring the broad support for the initiative. Another first for ISUFST, the UN SDG Policy Center, grounded in mutual objectives of academic excellence and research innovation, will not only support SDG-aligned policy but will also facilitate future projects, joint research endeavors, and faculty-student exchanges, reinforcing both universities’ commitment to impactful, community-focused education and development.
By establishing this Policy Center, ISUFST and DLSU seek to localize the UN SDG 17’s principle of “Partnership for the Goals,” creating a model for sustainable and localized SDG initiatives across the country. This collaboration aligns with ISUFST’s vision of extending its academic reach and DLSU’s mission to foster transformative, socially relevant education, paving the way for enhanced contributions to the scientific and educational landscapes nationwide. (Photos by Nordy Siason, Jr. and Jescel Bito-onon/Text by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO/Published by: Patrick Lance Nacion/MIS-PAMMCO)
Iloilo City— The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) have successfully wrapped up a three-day cultural mapping validation event at the UPV Little Theater. Held from November 11 to November 13, the gathering verified and refined cultural and heritage data from Iloilo’s 4th and 5th Districts, highlighting the distinct histories and identities of the area’s 17 municipalities and one city.
The event showcased detailed presentations by researchers and study leaders on each town’s natural heritage, tangible immovable cultural assets, tangible movable cultural assets, intangible traditions, prominent figures, and essential cultural institutions. Each presentation was followed by rigorous feedback from cultural experts, external validators, and representatives from the Department of Tourism Region 6, ensuring that the collected data accurately reflects the unique heritage of each community.
On the first day, presentations covered the histories of Carles, Estancia, Balasan, Concepcion, Sara, San Dionisio, and Batad. Day two continued with Duenas, Passi City, San Rafael, Ajuy, and Lemery, while today’s final session focused on Banate, Anilao, Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, and Dingle.
Prof. Martin Genodepa, Program Manager for Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras, emphasized the ongoing nature of cultural mapping, stating, “Cultural mapping is not a one-shot deal; it’s an ongoing process. This effort is a meaningful way for communities to recognize and protect their identity. The insights shared here today are crucial for policies that balance cultural preservation with sustainable development.”
Prof. Genevieve Palmares, a facilitator of the event, highlighted the collaborative essence of the validation process: “This validation is a true community effort. Every insight enriches the project, making it a genuine representation of our towns. This initiative not only records history but also shapes our future by deepening our understanding of our roots.”
With today’s conclusion, ISUFST and UPV are set to consolidate feedback and recommendations, paving the way for future policies dedicated to preserving Iloilo’s vibrant cultural heritage. The validated data from this event will serve as a foundation for initiatives that honor and sustain the cultural identity of the region.
The Cultural Mapping of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental is a priority project of the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, connected with RA 11961, also known as the Cultural Mapping Law. (Photos by Marc Leo Layson, CMPG/Text by Herman Lagon, PAMMCO/Published by: Patrick Lance Nacion/MIS-PAMMCO)
Tiwi, Iloilo–The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) has embarked on an journey of enhanced communication with the conceptualization of Tunda, special newsletter designed to keep the community informed and engaged during the upcoming Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) 2024 Sports Festival and Conference Tunda, which translates to “announcement” in Hiligaynon, encapsulates what the newsletter aims to achieve: disseminating valuable information and fostering collaboration and inclusivity among participants.
The idea for Tunda was first introduced during the RSCUAA 2024 Strategic Planning initiatives held on October 10-11 and October 15, where RSCUAA and ISUFST officials and sports administrators, respectively, gathered to strategize for the upcoming event. With the theme “One Western Visayas: Promoting Peace, Inclusivity, and Well-Being through Sports,” Tunda serves as an organic bridge, connecting the broader Region VI SUCs community and its stakeholders. It also embodies the spirit of multi-party partnership, highlighting the strength of collaboration and shared values among diverse individuals and institutions. Tunda will operate side by side with the RSCUAA 2024 website and social media platforms to enhance engagement, improve dissemination, and strengthen communication in the duration of the six-day sports event.
Tunda not only serves as a conduit for information but also embodies the core values of ISUFST, enhancing the RSCUAA theme through its commitment to fostering a supportive environment. By promoting transparency, encouraging active participation, and celebrating achievements, Tunda aligns with the Guiding Principles of Integrity, Social Justice, Discipline, and Academic Excellence. This initiative also highlights the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that every voice within the greater community is heard and represented, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious, thriving, and unified spirit during the RSCUAA 2024 celebrations.
Tunda publication will include a special release following the opening rites and a detailed summary of the six-day, ISUFST-hosted regional event from December 15-20, 2024, covering 14 state universities and more than 15 sports events. These issues will also be released digitally through the ISUFST’s official FB page, website, and info boards of RSCUAA 2024.
Dr. Jescel Bito-onon, RSCUAA Newsletter Sub-Committee Chairperson, said, “Tunda will not only inform but also unite our community under a shared purpose, reflecting our commitment to integrity, social justice, and academic excellence. We will collaborate closely with the Public Relations, Documentation, Website, and Secretariat Committees, among others, to ensure comprehensive and cohesive coverage.”
This Thursday, November 7, the newsletter committee convened with its members and a representative from the Public Relations Committee at the ISUFST Main Campus-Tiwi Site Conference Room to discuss publication protocols, lay-out and pagination, inter-committee collaboration, content creation strategies. This meeting highlighted the importance of a unified approach in disseminating information, reinforcing Tunda’s collaborative spirit.
As agreed, a training workshop for volunteer students and staff is set for Thursday, November 14, in the same venue, in preparation for the newsletter’s upcoming issues. This hopes to equip committee members with the necessary skills and ensure that all content adheres to a consistent language, layout, and style that will also be adopted by the other adjacent committees.
As the ISUFST community gears up for RSCUAA 2024, Tunda stands as a clarion of communication, heralding a new era of engagement and cooperation among the region’s student-athletes. Through this initiative, ISUFST reaffirms its commitment to empowering individuals and communities, nurturing a culture of excellence, and fostering well-being through sports. (Photos by Herman Lagon and Eli Gene Tisuela and Herman Lagon/Text by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO/Published by: Patrick Lance Nacion/MIS-PAMMCO)