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July 17 2025

ISUFST joins Strategic Capacity Building for Global University Rankings: Advancing WURI, THE, and QS Performance

ISUFST Admin International Affairs

𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗦. Our ISUFST delegates—Dr. Rex Paulino, Dr. Joana Paula Biñas, Dr. Armando Katalbas, Ms. Charmane Nochete, Ms. Kristine Eleanor Bedia, and Dr. Herman Lagon—wrapped up the Strategic Capacity Building for Global University Rankings with focus and fire at UNO-R, Bacolod City.

Attended by delegates from 28 higher education institutions across Region VI (Western Visayas) and Region XVIII (Negros Island), the high-level summit—steered by CHED Regional Director Dr. Raul Alvarez, Jr.—serves as a catalyst for elevating institutional performance and visibility in WURI, THE, and QS global ranking systems. (PAMMCO) #isufstisdafirst #isufst #isufstcommunity #ISUFSTRising #GlobalUniversityGoals

July 14 2025

BSHM Interns make Courtesy Call to University President before Taiwan Deployment

ISUFST Admin International Affairs

On July 12, 2025, seven Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students paid a courtesy call to the Office of the President before embarking on their six-month international internship at the prestigious Regent Hotel in Taiwan.

University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. warmly welcomed the students and offered them meaningful advice and reminders to guide them throughout their internship. He also assured them of the institution’s unwavering support as they take this significant step toward their professional growth and global exposure.

Accompanying the students during the courtesy call were the BSHM Internship Coordinator and Program Head, Dr. Peter John V. Velasco, who has been instrumental in preparing the students for this opportunity. Also present was the Dean of the College, Dr. Ricardo J. Paborada Jr., who will personally accompany the students to Taiwan to ensure their safe and smooth deployment on July 14, 2025.

The students and their respective department assignments at Regent Hotel are as follows:

Front Office Department: Jaira Garcia and Wilfred Joyce Bañez

Food & Beverage Department: Lee Christian Badando, Kurt Daniel Teves, and Alyssa Sustento

Housekeeping Department: Amira Benguan and Lea Mae Palma

This overseas internship marks a milestone in the students’ academic journey and reflects the university’s commitment to providing transformative learning experiences beyond the classroom.

#cmfamileads
#isufstisdafirst
#ISUFST_ISDA_BEST
Photo by: Sir Rholan Mark Basaygan

July 11 2025

Charting a Course with AIMS and MARINA

ISUFST Admin International Affairs

ISUFST’s BSMT Program team visited the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) Pasay and MARINA Port Area this July 10–11, 2025, as part of its ongoing benchmarking for the program’s planned revival. Guided by Chief Mate and former ISCOF Dean Dr. Edgardo Geguiento, the team explored key facilities and held dialogues with AIMS leaders and maritime education experts. The Marina encounter was also filled with insights needed for the fulfillment of the team’s marching orders. The visit marks a vital step in aligning ISUFST’s future maritime transportation offering with national standards and global best practices. (Sheila Picpican/PAMMCO)

July 10 2025

ISUFST Leadership Pays Courtesy Visit to CHED Commissioner Canapi

ISUFST Admin Activities

On July 10, 2025, the ISUFST team led by University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. paid a courtesy visit to Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Dr. Marita R. Canapi, who also serves as Chairperson of the ISUFST Board of Regents.

Dr. Canapi, a distinguished figure in Philippine higher education, warmly welcomed the delegation. With decades of leadership in academic governance, research, and policy, she continues to be a guiding force in shaping institutional excellence. Prior to her appointment as CHED Commissioner, she served as President of the University of Rizal System, and held key academic leadership roles at both the University of Makati and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina. (RJ Patosa/PAMMCO)

July 8 2025

ISUFST to Endorse BSMT Program Revival to BOR for AY 2026–2027

ISUFST Admin Activities

In a move that hopes to bring back one of its most storied programs, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) Academic and Administrative Councils have officially endorsed the reopening of its Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation (BSMT) course. The formal and unanimous recommendation came during a Special Academic Council Meeting held at the Dingle Campus’ Knowledge Management Hub on Monday, July 7, 2025. Alongside the BSMT, the university also greenlit proposals for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Doctor in Information Technology (DIT), all of which are now set for final review by the Board of Regents ahead of Academic Year 2025–2026.

The return of the BSMT program reflects ISUFST’s renewed commitment to its maritime roots, backed by strong academic and administrative support. To help align the program with global standards, an ISUFST BSMT Program team will conduct a benchmarking visit to the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) in Pasay City on July 10–11, 2025—building on an earlier visit to the University of Antique last June 20, 2025.

“This is more than a revival—it’s a return to one of our foundational strengths as a university deeply rooted in coastal and maritime communities,” said ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. “We are not merely offering a course; we are reigniting a legacy that has lifted families and changed lives.”

The BSMT program once served as the university’s flagship course under its former identity as the Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF). In Academic Year 2012–2013, it accounted for 76% of total campus enrollment, with a strong track record in national board exams. From 2015 to 2017, ISCOF produced two topnotchers and posted passing rates of 91% in Master Mariner, 87% in Chief Mate, and 87% in Officer-in-Charge for Navigational Watch assessments.

The current revival includes plans to rehabilitate the old library into simulation classrooms, with a new Maritime Building slated for construction. Equipment procurement, including a Full Mission Bridge Simulator, is underway. Maritime-specific library materials are being acquired, and a hiring plan is in motion to onboard qualified, Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW)-compliant faculty members.

Dr. Christine Diocos, Director of the Quality Assurance and Management Center, led the June 2025 cross-visit to the University of Antique’s BSMT program, which served as an early benchmarking effort. “Our goal is to ensure that the program will be globally relevant and locally responsive from day one,” Diocos emphasized. The BSMT Team is composed of nine (9) faculty members, administrators, and staff form ISUFST, most of which come from the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS).

Geographically, ISUFST’s location along Iloilo’s coastal belt strengthens its case. The Tiwi site in Barotac Nuevo, where the BSMT will be housed, is home to numerous seafaring families, many of whom have sent children into maritime careers that provided economic mobility. Local success stories from former ISCOF graduates continue to inspire interest in the program, especially among underprivileged but capable youth.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga noted that “bringing back BSMT not only addresses the maritime workforce demand but also expands ISUFST’s mission of accessible and inclusive education for coastal communities.” She added that the university is also working to ensure the program meets the standards of Joint CHED-MARINA Memorandum Circular No. 2, s. 2023.

The BSMT revival joins a broader set of academic reforms unanimously approved for endorsement during the July 7 Academic Council and Administrative Council meetings, including the BSN and DIT programs, the ISUFST Brand Book, and a revised institutional mandate and mission—all crafted to support the university’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and CHED’s call for faculty strengthening, innovation, and social impact. Application for admission is expected to open by latter part of AY 2025–2026, pending CHED approval.

Support from Iloilo 4th District Representative Ferjenel Biron has been instrumental. A long-time champion of ISUFST, Rep. Biron has committed to helping fund the conversion of the Tiwi library into a Maritime Building, as well as the relocation of library services to the future P22.5-million University Learning Center—an adjacent project also backed by Biron.

“This is the kind of partnership that makes change possible,” said Dr. Siason. “When institutional vision meets public service, we create something that benefits not just our students but entire communities.”

Pending BOR, and eventually CHED, approval, the BSMT program will open with one 40-student class in AY 2026–2027. Recruitment will be highly selective, competitive, and merit-based, ensuring the first cohort meets the rigor of maritime education and the demands of the industry.

With a proud history in maritime education, ISUFST remains the only state university in Iloilo uniquely positioned to train the country’s future seafarers. Bringing back the BSMT program is a commitment not just to its past but to the promise of building a world-class maritime workforce rooted in local strength and global vision. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

July 4 2025

ISUFST Consults PNA President for the Launching of BS Nursing Degree in 2026

ISUFST Admin Activities

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) has taken its first major step toward launching a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at its Main Campus–Poblacion Site in Barotac Nuevo by holding an initial consultation meeting today, July 2, 2025, with Dr. Rosana Grace Belo-Delariarte, a prominent educator and newly elected National President of the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA).

The consultation with ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga, and other key university officials, explored the academic, logistical, and regulatory requirements for opening the proposed BSN program by the first semester of Academic Year 2026–2027. Application for admission is expected to open by latter part of AY 2025–2026, pending CHED approval.

“This is more than a campaign promise—it is a commitment to community-responsive education,” said Dr. Siason, noting that both he and Iloilo 4th District Representative Ferjenel Biron had earlier expressed the intent to open a nursing program at ISUFST. “We are determined to ensure that our future nursing students receive quality, values-driven education grounded in our university’s core mission and aligned with regional health needs.”

The proposed BSN program is envisioned to complement ISUFST’s existing program offerings and to become the first nursing degree program in northern Iloilo offered outside Iloilo City. Alongside BSN, the university is also processing the proposed Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation (BSMT) program for its Tiwi campus in Barotac Nuevo, also targeted to begin by AY 2026–2027.

Dr. Belo-Delariarte, who hails from Barotac Nuevo and currently serves as PNA Region VI Governor on top of being PNA national chief, lauded ISUFST’s initiative and provided expert input on aligning the program with national nursing standards. “There is a strong need for accessible and community-based nursing education, especially in rural and underserved areas,” she emphasized. “ISUFST is in a strategic position to fill that gap.” She added, “It brings me great pride as a Barotacnon to witness this bold move from ISUFST. Nursing is not just a career—it is a commitment to life, and offering it here means empowering our own communities to rise through care and competence.”

In preparation for the program rollout, ISUFST is eyeing formal partnerships with major hospitals in the province for clinical training and Related Learning Experiences (RLE). These include the Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center (DJSMMC), located just a block away from the main campus, as well as the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan, Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital in Dumangas, and Asia Pacific Medical Center–Iloilo.

A larger stakeholder consultation is scheduled for July 15, 2025, to help establish the Vision, Goals, Mission, and Objectives (VGMO) of the BSN program. This meeting will include local government officials, barangay representatives, health workers, alumni, student leaders, and parents—signaling ISUFST’s commitment to participatory planning and community ownership.

“We want this program to be rooted in local realities and designed with long-term sustainability and relevance,” said Dr. Belga, who will lead the coordination of benchmarking visits, facility enhancements, and faculty recruitment. “Our preparation includes not just CHED compliance but also ensuring we uphold ISUFST’s trademark of excellence in instruction, extension, research, and innovation.”

The university aims to start with one section each for both BSN and BSMT, ensuring manageable class sizes and focused instruction during the initial rollout phase. As with all CHED-regulated health science programs, BSN will require compliance with specific faculty credentials, laboratory facilities, simulation equipment, and clinical affiliation standards. Prospective students will also undergo rigorous academic screening and physical and mental health evaluations prior to admission.

The application for CHED program recognition is already underway, with ISUFST officials confident that the institution’s strong track record of quality assurance, including its ISO 9001:2015 certification and AACCUP accreditations, will bolster its application.

Founded in 1957 and designated as the country’s first and only state university for fisheries, ISUFST has evolved into a comprehensive institution with 27 undergraduate and 16 graduate programs across five campuses with 8,500 students and 280 faculty members, half of whom hold PhD degrees in their respective fields. The addition of BSN and BSMT will mark a significant expansion of its academic footprint into health and maritime sciences—sectors identified by the Philippine government as critical to national development.

With its recent awards from CHED for excellence in Indigenous Peoples Education, community extension, and internationalization, ISUFST continues to embody its commitment to inclusive, accessible, and socially relevant education aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Our legacy is not only in producing competent professionals but in shaping servant-leaders who will bring health, hope, and humanity to the communities they serve,” Dr. Siason added.

Updates on the admission process, curriculum, and program partnerships will be announced in the coming months through ISUFST’s official channels. (Photos by Herman Lagon and Rholan Mark Basaygan/Text by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

June 25 2025

ISUFST Scientist Advocates for Marine Biodiversity at One Ocean Science Congress in France

ISUFST Admin International Affairs, Research

In a first on the world stage, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) was featured on the global stage through its faculty researcher, Dr. Mary Mar Noblezada Payne of its College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, during the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) on June 3 to 6, 2025, in Nice, France. As a top-tier scientific forerunner to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the event convened over 2,000 scientists globally to share critical concerns for the world’s oceans and share science-informed responses to the climate and biodiversity crises.

Hosted by France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER), the congress was designed to bring political leaders and international stakeholders scientific expertise relevant to policy decision-making in Sustainable Development Goal 14—“Life Below Water.” The OOSC was a designated special event of the UNOC3, which took place from June 9 to 13, also in Nice.

Dr. Payne, a Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) scholar and principal investigator of ISUFST’s DOST-PCAARRD Biodiversity and Molecular Laboratory, presented “Unveiling Marine Biodiversity in the Philippines through DNA Metabarcoding: A Contribution to Global Biodiversity Discovery and Inventory.” Her presentation featured the rich yet threatened marine ecosystems of the Philippines and emphasized the significance of genomic tools for conservation, biodiversity evaluation, and sustainability activities in Southeast Asia.

“This opportunity was more than just a platform to present data,” said Dr. Payne. “It was a chance to show that institutions like ISUFST, though geographically small, are globally significant contributors to ocean science and solutions. Our work feeds into a global effort to understand and protect marine life before it’s too late.”

ISUFST’s participation is unique since it is in line with its mandates being the country’s first and only fisheries university, authorized by CHED and a number of international accrediting bodies for quality fisheries education, community development, and environmental innovations. By virtue of its inclusive graduate and undergraduate programs, ISUFST remains a constructor of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its activities on research, international connections, and community-centered extension work.

Additionally, other Filipino researchers from the UP Marine Science Institute, UP Visayas, Catanduanes State University, and from Oceana Philippines and Sulubaai Environmental Foundation were in attendance during the Congress. Chaperoned by researchers from Norway, the USA, and France, they shared their knowledge, provided case studies, and were involved in more than 30 roundtable discussions and townhalls on climate resilience, marine policy, and science diplomacy.

Hosted at historic venues in Nice including Quai Infernet and Palais des Expositions, the OOSC included over 500 oral presentations and 600 scientific posters. The congress concluded with world-streamed keynote lectures highlighting the necessity of safeguarding marine ecosystems as a common global resource.

Dr. Payne’s participation not only brought with it ISUFST’s growing presence in the international science community but also opened avenues for potential future collaborations in the discovery of biodiversity and genomics. Her participation affirms the university’s vision of becoming not only an institution that succeeds in the country but also takes a leading role in delivering sustainable and science-enriched solutions on the global level. (Herman Lagon/ PAMMCO)

June 23 2025

183 Graduates from ISUFST Graduate School, Carrying Stories of Grit, Hope, and Purpose

ISUFST Admin International Affairs

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)

June 20 2025

CPD, DOH, ISUFST Launch AHlam Na! 3.0 to Boost Adolescent Health Literacy

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension, Gender and Development

At the core of AHlam Na! 3.0 is a simple yet powerful idea: meet young people where they are online and equip them with the knowledge to make informed choices about their health and well-being.

Launched this Friday morning, June 20, by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region VI, together with the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) and the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), the event brought together a diverse group of local leaders, educators, health professionals, and media partners at Sotogrande Hotel, Green Meadows Avenue in Jaro, Iloilo City. Their shared mission? To help adolescents access trustworthy, youth-friendly health information in ways that make sense to them.

First introduced in 2018, AHlam Na!—short for Adolescent Health Literacy Advocacy and Mobilization—has steadily evolved into more than just an app. For many young Filipinos, it has become a digital ally in understanding sensitive but vital topics like reproductive health, mental wellness, nutrition, and gender sensitivity.

In his keynote address, CPD Region VI Director Harold Alfred Marshall emphasized the urgency of addressing adolescent pregnancy and misinformation through modern platforms. “Adolescents are not just our future—they are very much part of our present,” Marshall said. “We lose P33 billion annually due to adolescent pregnancy. That’s not just a financial loss—it’s a loss of dreams, aspirations, and opportunities.”

Citing the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS), Marshall relayed that while there are many adolescents who lack reliable information sources for their reproductive and sexual health, most already have smartphones and internet access. “Their screen is their space, and it’s time we show up in it,” he added, noting that an app such as AHlam Na! 3.0 can capture youth where they are—online.

Dr. Joan Belga, Vice President for Academic Affairs of ISUFST, expressed pride in the university’s role in co-developing the application. “This project reflects our commitment to transform lives not just through formal instruction but also through meaningful digital innovations,” Belga said. She also highlighted the university’s ongoing mission to reach underserved communities. “Let us continue to work together—schools, communities, and government agencies—to ensure that no young person is left behind.”

AHlam Na! 3.0 can be accessed through https://ahlam-na-test.web.app/. It offers new features such as up-to-date information on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), an integrated map of adolescent-friendly health facilities in Western Visayas, and tools for data analytics to support healthcare providers. Once downloaded, the app works even without internet—making it easier to use anytime, anywhere. It also features interactive games that turn often awkward or avoided health topics into something more engaging, relatable, and Gen Z-friendly.

Medical Officer IV Dr. Jem Laurie Borja of Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) affirmed the Department’s commitment to this initiative. “This app is not just a digital resource—it’s a statement that we prioritize young people’s right to accurate health information and access to services,” Borja said. Speaking on behalf of Regional Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang, she reiterated that adolescent well-being must remain central in health planning.

The application’s relaunch is timely, with Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFSS) 2021 data showing that 39% of males and 44% of females aged 15–24 lack any material sources of sex-related information. The mobile app, a of its kind in the country, aims to bridge this gap by providing easy-to-navigate content that reflects the realities and needs of Filipino adolescents.

A key figure behind the application, ISUFST professor Sol Baldevarona, was also recognized for her leadership in its development. Belga conveyed ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr.’s gratitude, stressing that “ISUFST is honored by the trust placed in it by CPD and DOH.”

The launch featured a short AVP on AHlam Na! 3.0 and an open forum where media and community partners voiced their support. The message was clear: improving teen health takes both tech and teamwork.

Participants hoped the app would help young people feel safer asking questions—whether in classrooms, barangays, or at home. Behind it is a bigger goal: supporting national and global efforts to make health, education, and equality more accessible to all.

As CPD’s Marshall concluded, “Let’s make digital health access a standard, not a privilege.” (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO) (Photos from Philippine Information Agency Western Visayas)

June 18 2025

ISUFST joins Global SDG Rankings, Shines in 5 Key Areas

ISUFST Admin International Affairs, Recognitions

First-time milestone celebrates the university’s commitment to people, the planet, and purpose.

There’s a fresh wave of pride sweeping through the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), and for good reason. In a milestone moment for the province and the country, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) has entered the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings—its debut in the global list of universities driving real-world change.

Ranked in the 1501+ bracket out of 2,318 institutions worldwide, ISUFST’s inclusion, announced on June 18, 2025, is a meaningful nod to its roots in community service and its growing role in promoting science, education, and sustainability at both local and global levels.

As the country’s only state university specializing in fisheries, ISUFST’s entry into THE’s global sustainability scoreboard marks a turning point. The rankings are not about fame or prestige—they measure how well a university is living up to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world’s blueprint for a fairer, greener, and more peaceful future. For ISUFST, it is an affirmation that its years of quiet but committed work are being seen.

And what a debut it was. The university earned distinction in five SDGs, demonstrating that, although new to the rankings game, it’s no novice when it comes to purpose-driven education.

The university’s strongest showing came in SDG 14: Life Below Water, where it ranked between 301–400 worldwide. That makes perfect sense—fisheries and marine science have long been ISUFST’s heart and soul. From coastal biodiversity research to community-based marine conservation programs, the university has made waves not only in academia but in the lives of fisherfolk and coastal dwellers.

Meanwhile, SDG 4: Quality Education saw ISUFST placed in the 1001–1500 bracket. But numbers do not tell the whole story. What stands out is the university’s unwavering drive to bring education to the margins—to equity-seeking learners, to students in far-flung barangays, and to every young person who dares to dream of a better life through learning.

The university also made meaningful strides in three more areas:

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (601–800), reflecting its advocacy for ethical governance, anti-corruption practices, and education for peace;

SDG 15: Life on Land (801+), in recognition of its agro-ecological research and land stewardship programs;

and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (1501+), which celebrates ISUFST’s many linkages—with government, civil society, and international partners alike.

For ISUFST, the rankings affirm that its blend of science and service is making waves beyond Western Visayas. New to the global stage, its journey is powered by grit, growth, and real impact.

CHED seems to agree. Just this year, the Commission on Higher Education recognized ISUFST for excellence in fisheries education, peace education, internationalization, Indigenous Peoples (IP) education, and community extension. The national spotlight has slowly but surely turned toward this institution—and now the world is catching on, too.

The Philippines also had a standout year, with 121 universities making it to the 2025 Impact Rankings—double last year’s count. This puts the country first in Southeast Asia and third in the world, behind only India and Pakistan, reflecting the steady rise of Filipino higher education on the global stage.

Now on its sixth year, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings remains the only international system that gauges how well schools contribute to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with SDG 17 on partnerships as a required benchmark.

At home, ISUFST continues to walk the talk. With five campuses, 8,500 students, and 280 dedicated faculty, half of which are doctors in their respective specializations, ISUFST stays true to its mission: growing skilled, socially conscious professionals ready to help build a more sustainable world.

The global ranking may be humble, but the message is loud and clear—ISUFST is making its mark where it matters. It signals a university coming into its own—rooted in the soil and sea of Iloilo but reaching farther than ever before. (Herman Lagon/Patrick Lance Nacion/PAMMCO)

ISUFST joins Strategic Capacity Building for Global University Rankings: Advancing WURI, THE, and QS Performance

BSHM Interns make Courtesy Call to University President before Taiwan Deployment

Charting a Course with AIMS and MARINA

ISUFST Leadership Pays Courtesy Visit to CHED Commissioner Canapi

ISUFST to Endorse BSMT Program Revival to BOR for AY 2026–2027

ISUFST Consults PNA President for the Launching of BS Nursing Degree in 2026

ISUFST Scientist Advocates for Marine Biodiversity at One Ocean Science Congress in France

183 Graduates from ISUFST Graduate School, Carrying Stories of Grit, Hope, and Purpose

CPD, DOH, ISUFST Launch AHlam Na! 3.0 to Boost Adolescent Health Literacy

ISUFST joins Global SDG Rankings, Shines in 5 Key Areas

ISUFST

The first and only State University of Fisheries in the Philippines

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ISUFST

The first and only State University of Fisheries in the Philippines

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