Activities

February 20 2026

World Day of Social Justice

ISUFST Admin Activities SDG 14, SDG 16, SDG 17

February 20, 2026

ISUFST proudly stands with the global observance of the World Day of Social Justice, affirming its support for the call of the Too-Big-To-Ignore (TBTI) Philippines National Consortium for Small-Scale Fisheries Research and Development.

Together with TBTI Philippines, we uphold the full implementation of RA 8550, as amended by RA 10654, protecting the 15-kilometer municipal waters for our small-scale fisherfolk. Their rights, livelihoods, and dignity matter.

Our municipal fisherfolk are too big to ignore. (ISUFST | PAMMCO)

February 3 2026

Official First Batch Results – University Entrance Examination 2026

ISUFST Admin Activities

Tiwi Site UEE Results – Marine Biology

Tiwi Site UEE Results – Fisheries

Tiwi Site UEE Results – Filipino

Tiwi Site UEE Results – English

Tiwi Site UEE Results – BEED

Tiwi Site UEE Results – Automotive

Tiwi Site UEE Results – Mathematics

Tiwi Site UEE Results – Science

Tiwi Site UEE Results – Social Studies

Tiwi Site UEE Results – Physical Education

Poblacion Site UEE Results – BSTM

Poblacion Site UEE Results – BSHM

Poblacion Site UEE Results – BSIT

Poblacion Site UEE Results – BLGA

Poblacion Site UEE Results – BIT (Electricity)

Poblacion Site UEE Results – BIT (Electronics)

Dingle Campus UEE Results – BSAgri (Animal Sci)

Dingle Campus UEE Results – BSAgri (Crop Sci)

Dingle Campus UEE Results – BSHM

Dingle Campus UEE Results – English

Dingle Campus UEE Results – Filipino

Dingle Campus UEE Results – Mathematics

Dingle Campus UEE Results – BEED

Dingle Campus UEE Results – BSIT

Dumangas Campus UEE Results – English

Dumangas Campus UEE Results – Science

Dumangas Campus UEE Results – Mathematics

Dumangas Campus UEE Results – BEED

Dumangas Campus UEE Results – BSIT

Dumangas Campus UEE Results – BSHM

San Enrique UEE Results – BSAgri (Animal Sci)

San Enrique UEE Results – BSAgri (Crop Sci)

San Enrique UEE Results – BSOff Ad

San Enrique UEE Results – Filipino

San Enrique UEE Results – Mathematics

San Enrique UEE Results – English

San Enrique UEE Results – BSHM

San Enrique UEE Results – BSIT

Main Campus Tiwi Site

Main Campus Poblacion Site

Dingle Campus

Dumangas Campus

San Enrique Campus

February 2 2026

ISUFST Adopts 4-Day Compressed Workweek

ISUFST Admin Activities

POLICY STARTS FEB 2. The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) has formally adopted a four-day compressed workweek (CWW) for the entire second semester of the Academic Year 2025-2026, becoming the first university in Western Visayas to implement the scheme under approved internal guidelines anchored on civil service regulations.

The innovative policy was proclaimed this Wednesday afternoon, January 28, by ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. at the University Library on the Main Campus–Poblacion Site. Faculty, staff, students, and university authorities were all in attendance. The meeting also discussed the internal guidelines for its semester-long implementation and evaluation.

The CWW scheme was earlier approved by the ISUFST Board of Regents during its first-quarter 2026 meeting at the CHED Central Office in Quezon City on January 26, following weeks of internal consultations and an institutional survey that served as one of the bases for the proposal.

Policy basis and objectives

Under the approved guidelines, the CWW is adopted to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining the mandatory 40-hour workweek prescribed under civil service laws. The University emphasized that the arrangement does not reduce actual time on duty, but reorganizes work schedules to improve productivity, morale, and work–life balance.
“The compressed workweek is a management option—not a privilege—that allows us to work smarter and healthier, while protecting service delivery,” Siason said. “It will be closely monitored and may be modified or suspended if it affects academic operations or public access to services.”
The guidelines cite cost efficiency, particularly reduced utility consumption, as a key rationale. At the same time, the policy is positioned as a wellness-sensitive measure, acknowledging that faculty, staff, and students perform better when work and learning schedules allow adequate rest, recovery, and balance.

Coverage and work schedule

The new work arrangement will apply across all ISUFST campuses and offices, including administrative, academic support, and auxiliary units. It covers all personnel—permanent, temporary, or casual—unless their specific roles require a different setup, subject to the President’s approval.
However, those assigned to university-run farms, fishponds, agricultural stations, and other field-based facilities will continue to follow existing schedules that better fit the realities of hands-on, on-site work.
Under the CWW:
* Personnel shall work four days a week, from Monday to Thursday
* Duty hours (and classes) shall be 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., inclusive of break periods
* Friday is designated as a no-duty (no-class) day, unless service exigencies require otherwise
* Safeguards on attendance, overtime, and service delivery

Attendance and time keeping will remain strictly enforced. One day of absence under the CWW will be charged as 1.25 days, corresponding to the ten-hour workday. Overtime work and service on Fridays or rest days will require prior written approval and may be compensated through overtime pay or Compensatory Overtime Credit (COC), in accordance with existing rules.

To ensure continuity of essential services, offices providing frontline and academic services are required to adopt work rotation, or alternative arrangements.

Academic and operational readiness

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Stephen Raymund Jinon said academic processes—including internships, teaching enhancement, thesis and dissertation supervision, and extension and research activities—will be adjusted carefully to protect learning time and outcomes.

“The policy gives us flexibility, but it also demands discipline,” Jinon said. “Academic delivery remains non-negotiable, and student learning will not be compromised.”

Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Jescel Bito-onon noted that the policy aligns operational discipline with employee well-being and fiscal responsibility.

“This is a balanced approach,” Bito-onon said. “We are improving work conditions while ensuring accountability, performance standards, and responsible use of public resources.”

Monitoring and evaluation

The CWW will be subject to continuous monitoring and periodic evaluation, with the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) leading the consolidation of attendance data, employee feedback, and performance indicators. Administrative and finance units will monitor utility use and possible savings, while heads of offices will regularly report on productivity and service delivery.

Using these results, the University President may continue, adjust, pause, or end the arrangement to ensure it serves both the University’s mission and the public.

University officials said the semester-long pilot gives ISUFST the space to listen, observe, and learn—so decisions are shaped by real experience, guided by ISDA guiding principles, and the UN SDGs on mindful of health, decent work, and strong institutions. (Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)
#isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity #isufst #pammcostoriesthatmatter
Cartoon sketched by ChatGPT upon specific instruction.

January 10 2026

ISUFST Marks 3 Years of Universityhood with Purpose and Panache

ISUFST Admin Activities

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

January 6 2026

Search for One (1) Private Sector Representative for the Board of Regents

ISUFST Admin Activities

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

a. Be a Filipino citizen and of legal age;
b. From an industry, business, or profession preferably related to the SUC’s charter or mandate;
c. Have at least five (5) years of employment, business, or practice of a profession in the private sector;
d. Be domiciled in or a resident for at least two (2) years of the city or province where the SUC or its campuses are located;
e. Not connected with the sue concerned or other government agencies and instrumentalities in any manner, for one (1) year immediately prior to his or her nomination to the PSR position;
f. Not currently employed or appointed to any position in the government (local, national, including government-owned and controlled corporations), be it full time or part-time, at the time of nomination for the PSR position;
g. Not related to any member of the present Board or their duly-authorized representatives, within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity; and,
h. Not have been a candidate who lost in any national or local election, except for barangay elections, within one (1) year after such election.

Documentary Requirements

a. Duly notarized application or nomination (with the consent of the Nominee);
b. Duly accomplished, computerized, and notarized Personal Data Sheet (CSC Form 212);
c. Certificate of Employment stating Nominee’s present position in the private sector related to the industry, business, or profession related to the SUC’s charter or mandate;
d. Service Record of Nominees who have been employed in the government at any point;
e. NBI Clearance;
f. Certification of No Connection with SUC, the Nominee is applying to or nominated to;
g. Signed Commitment and Availability of the Nominee to serve as PSR;
h. Signed Conforme to the Conditions of PSR as provided in Section 14; and,
i. Other documents as may be required by the GB.

Selection Criteria for Candidates

a. Prestige and prominence of the applicant or nominee;
b. Past and current membership in civic, social, religious, and professional organizations;
c. Past and current achievements in the field of specialization; and,
d. Knowledge, expertise, depth, and breadth of experience and business acumen.

Address your Letter to:

Dr. Belinda R. Valaquio

Head of ISUFST Search Committee for PSR

Submit your Applications/Nominations to:

Mrs. Jessa Mae P. Nacion, MILE

Acting University Board Secretary

Main Campus-Poblacion Site,

Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo

Email: boardsec@isufst.edu.ph

The Search Committee shall only consider applications/nominations with complete supporting documents.

December 22 2025

ISUFST Opens Batch 2 of UEE Applications for AY ‘26–‘27

ISUFST Admin Activities

Students who missed the first round of applications now have another opportunity as the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) officially opens Batch 2 of its University Entrance Examination (UEE) applications for Academic Year 2026–2027, following strong public demand.

From December 22, 2025, until February 7, 2026, people can apply for Batch 2. They can do so online or in person at any of ISUFST’s five campuses. The Batch 2 entrance exam will be on February 28, 2026. The Batch 1 exam, for which applications were due on December 12, will be on January 17, 2026.

University officials said the opening of a second batch responds to numerous requests from students, parents, and partner schools—particularly those who faced internet limitations, delayed school documents, late college admission campaign of senior high schools, or personal constraints during the first application period.

“We listened,” said ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. “Many students reached out because they still wanted to apply but needed more time. Opening Batch 2 is our way of keeping education accessible and making sure no deserving learner is left behind.”

Applicants may submit their requirements through the following channels:

ONLINE – via the official ISUFST admissions portal.

ONSITE – at any ISUFST Registrar’s Office during regular office hours

Students are reminded to prepare the following basic requirements: Completed application form, Recent 2×2 ID photo, and Certification of enrollment signed by the School Head or Principal.

For more than six decades, ISUFST has served learners across fisheries, marine sciences, education, agriculture, technology, and management. Today, with over 8,500 students, the opening of Batch 2 reaffirms the university’s promise—since 1957—to keep education accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the future.

For inquiries, email asro@isufst.edu.ph or follow ISUFST’s official social media pages for announcements.

With Batch 2 now open, ISUFST reminds aspiring students: the door is still open—and your future can still begin here.

(Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)

#isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity #isufst #pammcostoriesthatmatter

December 16 2025

100 HEI Leaders from 28 Universities Take Oath to Advance Micro-Credentials

ISUFST Admin Activities SDG 10, SDG 17, SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 9

Bacolod City—In a landmark moment for Philippine higher education, more than 100 university executives representing 28 higher education institutions (HEIs) across Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region stood together this Saturday, December 13, to take the “Micro-Credentials for the Future” Pledge of Commitment—a united response to CHED’s newly released CMO No. 1, Series of 2025, which formally introduces micro-credentialing as a national higher education strategy.

The oath-taking capped the two-day seminar-workshop on “Micro-Credentials for Academic Advancement: Strengthening Higher Education with a Global Perspective,” jointly organized by CHED Regional Offices VI and XVIII in partnership with the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) as co-organizer.

A Regional Response to a National Directive

With CMO 1 s. 2025 laying out the policy framework for micro-credentials in the Philippines, CHED RO VI and CHED RO XVIII convened the workshop as their first major regional initiative to help HEIs interpret, contextualize, and operationalize the newly mandated system. The activity also became one of the earliest regional embodiments of CHED’s newly launched ACHIEVE Agenda, the Commission’s 7-point higher education transformation roadmap for 2025–2030, which highlights Advanced and Accessible Lifelong Learning, Expanded Internationalization, and stronger, future-ready HEI systems.

The gathered university heads—vice presidents, deans, directors, department and program heads—took the historic pledge as a commitment to transform the national directive into concrete, localized programs for learners in their respective communities.

Before the oath, participants were reminded: “Micro-credentials are not trends or buzzwords. They are our response to the real needs of our communities—reminding us that learning must stay flexible, human, and accessible to those who depend on our institutions.”

With right hands raised, they declared in unison:

“We pledge our unity and commitment to lifelong learning.

We vow to uphold CHED’s vision, to design micro-credentials that empower learners, and to collaborate for excellence and innovation.

Together, we stand as catalysts of change for our students, our regions, and our nation.

We pledge. We commit. We shall fulfill.”

Day 1: Framework, Dialogue, and Design

The two-day workshop opened on December 12 with discussions led by micro-credentials expert Dr. Greg Pawilen, who outlined global models and emerging credentialing trends. ISUFST VPAA Dr. Joan M. Belga also shared “ISUFST’s Journey Toward Building Micro-Credential Ecosystems,” offering practical insights from the university’s early adoption efforts.

ISUFST resource speakers Dr. Stephen Raymund Jinon, Dr. Wenda Panes, and Dr. Herman Lagon capped the day with sessions on policy alignment, technology-driven design, and micro-credentialing for psychological first aid.

The day ended with HEIs drafting their own micro-credential proposals aligned with CMO 1 s. 2025—outputs presented on Day 2 for feedback and refinement.

Dr. Alvarez: “ISUFST is trailblazing”

During the afternoon program, CHED Region XVIII Director and former CHED Region VI Director Dr. Raul Alvarez expressed gratitude for ISUFST’s leadership. “ISUFST is truly trailblazing,” he said.

He also linked the regional workshop to CHED’s new ACHIEVE Agenda, emphasizing the ‘A’—Advanced and Accessible Lifelong Learning. “In our push for micro-credentials,” he said, “we are operationalizing what the ‘A’ in ACHIEVE stands for: advanced and accessible lifelong learning. This is not just a slogan. It is our responsibility. Every Filipino, regardless of age or circumstance, must have pathways to keep learning and improving.”

“We thank ISUFST for openly sharing its journey. When you go home, we hope you bring at least one concrete micro-credential idea that fits your school and community. Micro-credentials are something we have missed for a long time—learners need small, focused tasks that help them return to their fields more efficient and better prepared.”

He concluded: “Our job in higher education is to build competencies. Micro-credentials are one of the tools that will help us do exactly that.”

Day 2: Presentations and a Collective Promise

Day 2 continued with proposal presentations and collaborative critique. Chief Education Program Specialist Danebeth Narzoles of CHED RO VI reinforced another ACHIEVE pillar—the ‘E’ for Expanded and Impact-Driven Internationalization, noting how micro-credentials can help local HEIs enter global learning ecosystems through stackability, mobility, and cross-border recognition. She proudly highlighted that Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region recently ranked as the second runner up nationwide for Best Internationalization Initiative, a recognition she described as “proof that our regions are ready for global engagement.”

The final day centered on proposal sharing, collaborative critique, and validation. Facilitators said the process surfaced strong models and clarified shared challenges, giving schools clearer direction for implementation.

But it was the Pledge of Commitment that marked the workshop’s emotional and symbolic high point—signifying a unified regional movement toward flexible, stackable, skills-based learning aligned with ACHIEVE’s thrusts.

Strengthening CHED–ISUFST Synergy

ISUFST’s delegation—Dr. Belga, Dr. Jinon, Dr. Panes, Dr. Lagon, Dr. Joana Paula Biñas, Mr. Jonard Verdeflor, Dr. Michle Celeste, Dr. Michelle Bales, Mr. Dave Allan Tagacay, and Dr. Benjamin Cornelio Jr.—served as co-facilitators, technical leads, and secretariat support.

Coming shortly after the CHED–ISUFST Creative Works collaboration last October, this workshop signals deepening regional synergy in shaping higher education innovation.

As the two-day event closed, one belief resonated among all 28 universities present: Higher education must evolve with the times—but always remain rooted in the lived realities of the communities it serves.

(Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)

#isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity #isufst #pammcostoriesthatmatter

December 1 2025

ISUFST PAMMCO Ambassadors Shine in the 16th Gusting Awards

ISUFST Admin Activities, Recognitions SDG 16, SDG 17, SDG 4

Five young ambassadors of the loilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) Public Affairs, Marketing, and Media Communications Office (PAMMCO) have ignited the stage as they joined the 16th Gusting journalism training and workshop held at University of San Agustin Auditorium, November 29-30, 2025.

Themed “Beyond the Byline: Journalism as a Watchdog against Disinformation for Campus and Beyond,” the event was participated in by 750 students from 51 schools in Panay, Negros and Cebu.

Among the winning ISUFSTian PAMMCO Ambassadors are:

– Lagradante, Crystel – 1st Place, News Writing (Filipino)

– Adonis Pango – 2nd Place Short Reels

– Jovie Kate Lorca – 3rd Place Feature Writing (English)

Alongsde them were ambassadors Tiffany Anne Sullesa, and Dein Andrey Daguro, representing Tiwi, Dingle, and Dumangas campuses.

The five are part of a group of studentscalled PAMMCO ambassadors, who applied and committed to assist ISUFST in its effort to “show and tell (ISUFST) stories that matter” to the community through the different mediums of communication and public affairs initiatives.

It is worth noting that the two-day affair covered traditional and contemporary journalistic platforms, including news, feature, editorial, column, and sports writing, copyreading and headlining, video editing, broadcasting, vlogging, editorial cartooning, page layouting and design, social media content creation, reels editing, and media and digital ethics, among others.

To elevate the level of training, it had national media experts and practitioners from Rappler; ABS-CBN, SunStar,, and the academe as its resource speakers, facilitators, judges, and discussants. This included ISUFST’s PAMMCO Director Herman Lagon, a regular columnist of 15 newspapers nationwide, who covered feature, editorial, and column writing. (

Crystel P. Lagradante |

Adonis Pango | PAMMCO)

November 20 2025

Localization of Women’s and Children’s Policies (LWCP) Project Policy Forum

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension, Gender and Development, International Affairs, Research

October 24 2025

ISUFST Showcases 16 Scientific and Creative Works on Small-Scale Fisheries at National Symposium in Marawi

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension, Gender and Development, International Affairs SDG 1, SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 17, SDG 2, SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 8

MARAWI CITY — As the Philippines pushes for stronger protection of its small-scale fishers through the “Atin ang Kinse Kilometro” bill, faculty and students from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) joined hundreds of advocates in Mindanao to turn research into resolve.

Eight ISUFST delegates—seven faculty members and one fisheries student—presented 16 research and creative works at the Second Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS2) held on October 21–23, 2025, at the Mindanao State University (MSU)–Main Campus in Marawi City. The works, blending science, storytelling, and song, championed sustainability and inclusivity in the country’s small-scale fisheries (SSF) sector.

“Too Big To Ignore”

Gathering over 300 scientists, educators, artists, fishers, students, and policymakers, the three-day symposium carried the theme “From Recognition to Action.” Organized by MSU and Too Big To Ignore (TBTI) Philippines, it called for stronger and fairer policies to protect the country’s 15-kilometer municipal waters—the very heart of the “Atin ang Kinse” campaign, which fights for the rightful space of small fishers in their own seas.

“This consortium of universities, agencies, and communities aims to make small-scale fisheries visible, viable, and sustainable,” said Dr. Glen Lorenzo, MSU Vice President for Research and Extension. The gathering also tackled pressing issues such as climate change, overfishing, and illegal encroachment by commercial vessels—threats that the pending “Atin ang Kinse Kilometro Bill” (HB 5606) seeks to address.

ISUFST’s Contributions: Science, Art, and Advocacy

Representing ISUFST were Dr. Rolindo B. Demo-os Jr., Dr. Jescel B. Bito-onon, Prof. Rother M. Gaudiel, Dr. Quin Y. Clarito, Dr. Michael B. Dizon, Instructor Jezreel C. Donguila, Dr. Herman M. Lagon, and BS Fisheries student Melody Vaughn Ferrer.

Their diverse outputs—from fisheries research and photo essays to poetry and original songs—embodied ISUFST’s belief that science and culture can work together to heal and protect the seas.

Among the technical studies were “Catch Rates and Fishery Characterization of Filter Nets in Tinori-an River, Iloilo” by Bito-onon and Gaudiel, and “Fishing Smarter: Comparative Analysis of Fish Pot Designs Used by Small-Scale Fishers in Banate Bay” by Clarito.

Ferrer’s team, composed of CFAS students and faculty, presented “Pearl and Other Economically Valuable Oysters of Northern Iloilo: Morphometric Insights for Conservation and Fisheries.” The study highlighted the balance between livelihood and conservation—and won second place in the oral presentation category, besting entries from universities nationwide.

“These projects show how local innovation builds resilience in small-scale fisheries,” said Dr. Bito-onon, ISUFST Director for Research and Development. “It’s not just about data; it’s about empowering the communities that depend on our waters.”

Art Meets Advocacy

The symposium also celebrated creative works that bridged science and human experience. Dr. Herman M. Lagon’s poetry, short stories, and photography collections—“Between Net and Node,” “The Net That Holds,” “Where the Line Holds,” “Of Change,” “Lines of Salt and Hope,” “When Only the Bangkas Rest,” and “When Currents Meet the Roots”—captured the soul of coastal life: its struggles, rhythm, and hope.

Lagon, together with Instr. Jezreel C. Donguila, also presented two original advocacy songs, “Let the Line Hold” and “The Lines We Cast,” inspired by the Atin ang Kinse campaign. The songs, arranged with karaoke-style visuals and live footage edited by Patrick Lance Nacion using images from Dean Demo-os and Dr. Lagon, were performed by Donguila during the closing plenary and MOA signing ceremony—drawing resounding applause from the audience.

Beyond the symposium halls, the ISUFST delegation experienced Maranao hospitality. On the first night, delegates were treated to a Pagana Meranao dinner—an elaborate ceremonial feast where guests “eat like royalty.” Seated around a grand tabak (ornate tray), they shared flavorful dishes with their hands in true Maranao fashion.

The Marawi Manifesto and a Promise for the Future

The symposium concluded with the signing of the Marawi Manifesto, a collective pledge of support for the Atin ang Kinse movement and the Too Big To Ignore (TBTI) advocacy for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient fisheries. During the signing, Donguila’s live rendition of “Let the Line Hold” and “The Lines We Cast” filled the MSU gymnasium as photos of fisherfolk and coastal communities played onscreen—a moment described by many as “a hymn for the sea and the people who live by it.”

Participants also celebrated the acceptance of Batangas State University (BSU) as the next host of PSSFNS3 in 2026, marking the continued expansion of the TBTI network across the archipelago.

They capped the symposium with a visit to Marawi’s Ground Zero, where the scars of war stood as a solemn reminder that battles for survival come in many forms. Just as Marawi once fought for the right to life and peace, today’s Atin ang Kinse movement fights for the right of small fishers—and the seas they depend on—to live and thrive.

A Shared Mission

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. commended the delegation for embodying the university’s vision of blending “science, culture, arts, and compassion in service of people and planet.” He emphasized that ISUFST’s efforts directly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

For ISUFST, the symposium was more than an academic event—it was a reminder of purpose. “When we tell the stories of small fishers, artistically and scientifically,” said Lagon, “we’re also telling the story of our shared future.”

The PSSFNS2 came at a crucial time, as fisherfolk groups renewed calls for the passage of the “Atin ang Kinse Kilometro Bill” (HB 5606). The measure seeks to restore small fishers’ exclusive rights to municipal waters—rights recently challenged by a court ruling favoring commercial vessels.

From the shores of Banate to the lakes of Lanao, the message of PSSFNS2 was clear: small-scale fishers are too big to ignore. (PAMMCO)

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