Activities

September 24 2025

CHED Certifies 29 ISUFST Faculty to Region VI Quality Assurance Pool

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VI (CHEDRO VI) has officially recognized 29 professors from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) as members of the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT) after a full day of orientation, NDA, and contract signing on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Iloilo Science and Technology University. The appointments run for three years and, when invited, allow evaluators to assist HEIs outside Western Visayas.

The orientation drew about 150 evaluators from the region—with almost all major universities and colleges represented—and aligned members with CHED policies, clarified roles and ethics, standardized tools, and reinforced reporting and feedback practices. The signed appointment state that RQAT members are “to discharge their function in the evaluation and assessment of higher education institutions (HEIs) applying for Government Authority to operate tertiary education programs, and to recommend appropriate action to the CHED Regional Office in relation to the issuance of Government Permit/Recognition and/or Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC).”

Prospective evaluators, CHEDRO VI explained, were first screened against set academic and technical criteria—advanced degrees, years of teaching and program management, mastery of their specialization, and a track record of research and publications. Only those who met the benchmarks and demonstrated integrity and sound professional judgment were deputized and invited to join the RQAT pool.

RQAT serves as CHED’s expert body for monitoring and evaluating degree programs toward COPC, ensuring parity, equity, and consistency across reviews. “Excellence is never by chance—it is a never-ending process,” said CHEDRO VI Director Raul C. Alvarez Jr., citing Lawrence Miller, an author of best-selling management and leadership books. He urged assessors to be like “noble gases—always on the right side: reliable, balanced, incorruptible, impartial, and noble,” and pressed three reminders: we can’t teach what we don’t have; teaching is leading; learning happens only when we teach. Alvarez challenged teams to sustain 100% COPC compliance, proactive feedback, and graduate employability.

ISUFST President Nordy D. Siason Jr. welcomed the certification, saying the trust comes with clear responsibility. “Being part of CHED’s RQAT is both an honor and a duty. Our faculty will show up with humility and rigor—listening to evidence, upholding fairness, and helping programs strengthen so students in Western Visayas and beyond receive the quality education they deserve,” Siason said.

Policy anchors discussed included CHED Administrative Order (CAO) No. 3, s. 2014 (guidelines for RQAT operations) and CMO No. 15, s. 2019 (requiring graduate research publication), which, according to OIC-Chief Education Program Specialist Dr. Danebeth G. Narzoles, reinforce a culture of quality, research, and continuous improvement.

ISUFST’s 29 RQAT members:

• Agriculture/Fisheries/Forestry/Biology/Chemistry/Natural Sciences: Dr. Noli L. Gerona; Dr. Roy C. Villanueva; Dr. Edgar M. Hortillosa; and Dr. Jescel B. Bito-onon.

• Information Technology/Computer Science: Dr. Wenda D. Panes; Dr. Noel P. Caliston; Dr. Renante A. Diamante; Dr. Mary Sol R. Baldevarona; and Dr. Jennifer C. Mamerto.

• Hospitality and Tourism Management: Dr. Ricardo J. Paborada Jr.; Dr. John Vincent I. Manalo; Dr. Judith B. Cordero; Dr. Michelle B. Pahayculay; and Dr. Pia P. Paz.

• Bindtech/Industrial Technology: Dr. Rodel D. Dosano.

• Teacher Education: Dr.Edmer D. Bernardo; Dr. Stephen Raymund T. Jinon; Dr. Matthew T. Lasap; Dr. Michelle P. Bales; Dr. Rene T. Estomo; Dr. Herman M. Lagon; Dr. Jeena A. Amoto; Dr. Frietzie S. Inayan; Dr. Ronilo V. Aponte; Dr. Joan M. Belga; Dr. Jerlyn D. Pama; Dr. Rizza S. Gumbao; and Dr. Bernie S. Bayogos.

• Humanities, Social Sciences and Communication: Dr. Daniel John Arboleda.

ISUFST, by far, has the most number of certified RQAT members in the region. The inclusion of its faculty in CHED’s pool reflects the university’s longstanding role in academic quality assurance and supports regional efforts to keep programs competitive and outcomes-based. Founded in 1957 as the country’s first and only fisheries university, ISUFST aligns this work with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and, through inter-agency partnerships, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Next steps include deployment to program evaluations across Region VI and, as needed, support to other regions, with CHED reiterating expectations of objectivity, fairness, and integrity throughout the term. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

#isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity #isufst #pammcostoriesthatmatter

September 22 2025

ISUFST Receives BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Advocate Award

ISUFST Admin Activities

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) received the Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) Advocate Award from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) today, September 19, 2025, at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City, in recognition of its commitment to fisheries education and consistent support for BFAR’s scholarship initiatives.

The award, given under the Best State Universities and Colleges Category, highlights ISUFST’s “unwavering support, active collaboration, and remarkable commitment” to the FSP, which aims to nurture competent fisheries professionals across the country. It was presented in time for the 52nd Fish Conservation Week, a national event which ISUFST CFAS primarily celebrates, that underscores the importance of protecting the country’s aquatic resources

The certificate of recognition was signed by BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig, a Master of Fisheries Technology alumnus of ISUFST. Representing ISUFST at the awarding were Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga and College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Dean Rolindo Demo-os, Jr.

Belga said the recognition affirms ISUFST’s mandate as the country’s premier fisheries university. “This award mirrors our shared dedication to producing graduates who are not only skilled but also socially responsible stewards of our marine and aquatic resources,” Belga stated.

Demo-os, for his part, underscored the collaborative efforts of faculty, students, and partner agencies in making ISUFST a consistent ally of BFAR’s scholarship program. “Our success is rooted in the passion of our faculty, the determination of our scholars, and the trust of BFAR in our institution. This recognition inspires us to strengthen our programs even further,” Demo-os remarked.

The award rites formed part of the 52nd Fish Conservation Week, themed Gawad Parangal sa mga Kabalikat ng Pangisdaan at Yamang-Tubig. The program included keynote addresses by Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., who both lauded SUCs for their role in advancing fisheries education and conservation.

ISUFST officials were joined by BFAR Regional Director Remia Aparri and several alumni now serving as division heads at BFAR’s central office. Students and retired faculty of ISUFST also attended the event, underscoring the university’s strong alumni and community ties.

The recognition affirms ISUFST’s alignment with its vision of academic excellence and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Since 1957, ISUFST has been the Philippines’ only fisheries university. Recognized for nine years as a Center of Development in Fisheries and ISO 9001:2015-certified, it now serves 8,500 students in five campuses and continues to train skilled graduates in fisheries, marine sciences, agriculture, management, technology, and education. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

September 18 2025

ISUFST Main Campus CoEd Holds Research Symposium

ISUFST Admin Activities, Research, Research Projects

The College of Education (CoEd) of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) Main Campus launched its first-ever Research Symposium this Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Hasá Hasá Theatre and Library AVR, Main Campus–Tiwi Site, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, gathering 280 senior education students and their professors to strengthen competencies in data gathering and research practices.

The day-long activity featured simultaneous sessions on quantitative and qualitative research led by faculty experts and invited resource speakers. In the quantitative track named after statistician Ronald Fisher, Dr. Ramir Torreces opened with a discussion on preparing valid, reliable, and quality research instruments and materials. He was followed by Dr. Ronilo Aponte, who underscored the importance of conducting ethical and inclusive quantitative studies, and Dr. Jeena Torred, who guided students in choosing appropriate statistical tools to ensure meaningful results. The sessions emphasized rigor in design, ethics, and analysis, equipping participants with practical approaches to improve their thesis work.

Meanwhile, in the qualitative track under Norman Denzin’s banner, Prof. Christine Deocampo and Dr. Rex Paulino shared strategies in pro-actively and efficiently preparing for the conduct of their study, while CoEd Dean Matthew Lasap highlighted effective fieldwork and tips for conducting ethical and inclusive studies in diverse contexts. Prof. Bonifacio Zamora Jr. concluded with insights on collating, organizing, and preparing qualitative data for analysis. Together, the sessions drew attention to the “garbage in, garbage out” principle, stressing that quality input data is essential for producing valuable research outcomes.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan M. Belga graced the program, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to mentoring student researchers. “Research is not just compliance. It is our way of shaping educators who can think critically and respond meaningfully to community needs,” Belga said during her remarks.

Dean Lasap, prime mover of the initiative, said the symposium was born out of a concern that many students were engaging in qualitative studies without sufficient preparation. “We wanted to make sure our students are not only guided by their advisers but also equipped as a college with one mind and one heart toward research,” Lasap said.

Lasap added that the activity also sought to foster a common language among faculty and students in approaching data collection and analysis. He noted that collaboration and shared understanding were vital in enhancing student learning experiences.

Program Highlights

The symposium was divided into two parallel tracks, named after scholars Ronald Fisher and Norman Denzin, covering both quantitative and qualitative research. Sessions tackled instrument validation, ethical considerations, statistical tool selection, and effective fieldwork techniques. Workshop tasks allowed participants to apply principles directly to their ongoing theses.

The symposium was designed as the first part of a two-phase activity, with the second phase on data analysis targeted at the end of the year. For now, students are scheduled to conduct their research from September to October, with final defenses set for the first week of December.

The event also addressed concerns on research formatting and stylistic issues in thesis writing. Dr. Armando Katalbas was tasked to discuss proper template use and clarify stylistic elements to ensure uniformity across submissions.

Belga, who personally visited both session venues, commended the college’s effort to align with ISUFST’s vision of fostering innovation and quality education. “By guiding our students at this stage, we are also advancing the university’s thrusts under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education,” she said.

The symposium forms part of ISUFST’s broader strategy to cultivate a stronger research culture across its five campuses. As the country’s first and only fisheries university, ISUFST has earned recognition for excellence in teaching, extension, and research, including recent awards from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and a debut in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for SDG achievements. (Arniel Clarite, Herman Lagon, Edeline Joy Brito/PAMMCO)

#isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity #isufst #pammcostoriesthatmatter

September 5 2025

From Iloilo’s Shores to Taiwan’s Labs: The PhD Journey of Rhessa Grace Ortizo

ISUFST Admin Activities, Research

At first glance, Rhessa Grace Guanga Ortizo is every inch the scholar—31 years old, armed with fisheries degrees from UP Visayas, and fresh from completing her PhD at the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST). But behind the credentials is someone more personal: a proud daughter of Iloilo, grounded in Dingle, who reads each lab notebook and classroom lecture as part of a story about kinship, community resilience, and building a nation.

“Iloilo is home,” she affirms, steady and sure. Its coastlines shaped her, its seas sustained her people, and its promise made fisheries feel like destiny. It wasn’t a sudden choice but a steady truth: Iloilo lives through its seas, and she wanted her work to help preserve that flow of life.

That truth found a home at ISUFST, the country’s pioneering fisheries university. Her mother, Tessie Ortizo, was a faculty member and former campus administrator in Dingle, gently nudging her daughter to plant her roots at the institution. “She introduced me to Dr. Noel Armada, who at that time was looking for someone with a post-harvest specialization,” Rhessa recalls. “From then on, ISUFST became my anchor—my colleagues at College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS), the students, and my own passion to teach and research kept me here.”

For CFAS Dean Rolindo Demo-os, Ortizo’s work captures the research path the college envisions. “Her studies reflect the kind of scholarship we aspire to—innovative, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the fisheries sector. By turning waste into value and knowledge into action, Dr. Ortizo shows the impact-driven research that strengthens ISUFST’s identity as the country’s pioneering fisheries university. At CFAS, our mantra is ‘We learn, we sustain,’ and her achievement is a living testament to that vision.”

ISUFST Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga echoed this, saying Ortizo’s journey embodies what the university hopes for in its faculty: “She proves that when our scholars go out into the world, they don’t just earn degrees—they return with knowledge, values, and innovations that enrich ISUFST as a research university committed to serving communities.”

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲

The next chapter of her story came through a door that ISUFST had opened years before her: a memorandum of understanding with the then-National Kaohsiung Marine University, now NKUST. From that partnership came a scholarship program that she applied for online, with no assurance except faith and a fierce curiosity. “It was ISCOF [Iloilo State College of Fisheries], now ISUFST [Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology], that informed me of the scholarship. Without that connection, I wouldn’t have found myself in Kaohsiung.”

At NKUST’s College of Hydrosphere Science, Ortizo entered a world that blurred lab coats and global issues. She joined the seafood science research team under professors Dong and Tsai, and found herself handling not just microscopes and centrifuges but questions with global weight: how do we make aquaculture sustainable, waste productive, and food healthier?

Her dissertation might sound like a technical riddle, but its heartbeat is simple: she worked on turning fish visceral waste—yes, the guts often thrown away—into proteins and bioactive peptides that could help manage diabetes. “We used environmentally safe solvents to recover proteins and then convert them into peptides targeting DPP-IV inhibition,” she explains. In layman’s terms: fish guts as medicine.

Why does this matter? Because diabetes is rising globally, especially in the Philippines, where cheap yet safe treatments are desperately needed. While communities fight diabetes, our coastlines battle a different enemy—heaps of discarded fish byproducts that choke ecosystems. Rhessa’s study offers a rare double win, hitting the targets of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) in one stroke. It’s the circular economy at its most elegant: solving a human disease while reducing environmental waste.

Her research days in Kaohsiung were grueling—“coffee was your only fuel because missing one step in an assay could ruin the whole experiment”—but deeply rewarding. She mastered biotechnology tools like Western Blot, ELISA, and DNA sequencing, skills she plans to transfer to ISUFST’s fisheries labs. “The challenge is not just finishing a PhD. The challenge is how to bring home what I’ve learned and make it work in Iloilo,” she reflects.

And she will. Already, she has lined up projects back home: collagen extraction from fish byproducts, improving shrimp drying technologies in Banate Barotac Bay, and reviving her modules on post-harvest fisheries. “I want students to see research not as something abstract but as something they can hold, taste, and use in their communities.”

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. adds a broader perspective: “Dr. Ortizo embodies what the university stands for—grounded in community, but global in vision. Her journey shows that world-class research doesn’t need to begin in big cities—it can start in Iloilo and still reach the world. She proves ISUFST’s mission isn’t just words, but a promise lived out.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲

Living in Taiwan reshaped her perspective. She was struck by how reliant the country was on aquaculture technology rather than wild catch—an echo of what Philippine fisheries might face in the near future. She also discovered how language could be both barrier and bridge. “Most of my labmates didn’t speak English. Instead of them teaching me Mandarin, I taught them English. Now they’re good English speakers,” she laughs.

But even abroad, she was never alone. “The Filipino community was very supportive. ISUFST also never left me behind, constantly encouraging me to finish on time,” she says, adding her gratitude to NKUST’s international student scholarship grant. She realized the PhD was never hers alone. It was a shared victory, lifted by family love, mentor wisdom, funder trust, and colleagues whose support crossed both time zones and borders.

Her balance came from lifting and running—two habits that spoke volumes. Lifting reminded her of the discipline in small, repeated steps; running mirrored the long, uncertain road of research. Both demanded grit, both required trust in the process, and both reminded her that every finish line leads to another race.

She has also presented her work on global stages, like at a conference in Hakodate, Japan, where feedback not only affirmed her research but stoked her fire to keep going. With all parts of her dissertation now published in SCIE and SCOPUS-indexed journals, she joins the growing league of ISUFST faculty whose names resonate beyond Philippine shores.

As she resumes her post at ISUFST, Ortizo is clear-eyed about the tasks ahead: strengthen labs, mentor students, publish more, and most importantly, extend her research to Western Visayas communities. “Technology transfer is the goal,” she insists. Her dream is to see local processors, not just scientists, benefit from innovations in fish waste valorization or shrimp drying. In her words, “Research that stays in papers is incomplete. Research must serve people.”

In the end, her journey is not just about a PhD earned in Taiwan. It is about a daughter of Iloilo carrying knowledge across seas, then planting it back in her community. It is about ISUFST proving, once again, that a university in the Visayas can hold its own in the global knowledge-based society. And it is about reminding every student that the gut of an oyster, or the waste of a tilapia, may hold solutions to humanity’s greatest problems—if only we dare to look closer. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

September 2 2025

ISUFST Profs Publish Study on T-River’s Health in Sustainable Aquatic Research

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension, Research

Flowing quietly between Barotac Nuevo and Anilao, the Tinorian River has become a living laboratory for ISUFST faculty. Their research measures its water and sediment, offering a first baseline of how human activity is shaping the river’s condition.

The recently published work in Sustainable Aquatic Research (Vol. 4, Issue 2), is titled “Sediment and Water Analysis in Tinorian River, Iloilo, Philippines: Basis for Understanding the River’s Health and Quality.” It was written by ISUFST’s Rother M. Gaudiel, Jescel B. Bito-onon, Caryl Jade C. Villanueva, Vensor E. Perrera, Karl A. Solivio, and Keneth S. Belgira.

From 12 river sites and 15 ponds, they gathered samples and measured everything from grain size to dissolved oxygen. Their findings? Sluggish waters tend to trap more organic matter, pointing to sediment buildup likely tied to aquaculture and human use.

Water conditions were mostly basic, with stable temperatures across sites, but turbidity was high. Importantly, several areas registered DO levels below 5 mg/L, a signal that aquatic life could be at risk if conditions persist. Upstream sections were freshwater, while downstream zones showed brackish characteristics.

The study shows the Tinorian River under stress, a waterway that feeds both fisheries and local communities. With baseline data in hand, the authors call for evidence-based strategies to restore and protect its health.

This effort also advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals 6 on clean water and 14 on life below water—affirming ISUFST’s mission as the country’s lone fisheries university committed to sustainable aquatic ecosystems. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

August 29 2025

ISUFST’s Director Biñas Appointed as New RIMC Chair to Lead DSWD VI Monitoring Body

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension

Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) Extension Director Joana Paula B. Biñas has been elected as the new chairperson of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region VI’s Regional Independent Monitoring Committee (RIMC) during its 2nd Quarter Meeting held this week.

Biñas, who now represents the academe and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), succeeds Norma Chan-Pongan of CORE Philippines Inc. in the role. With members from NGOs and the academe, the RIMC provides independent monitoring of programs such as the 4Ps to improve delivery of services across Western Visayas.

Biñas stressed the importance of SUCs in this effort. “I am honored to be elected chairperson. SUCs have the duty to share research, expertise, and engagement to help programs like the 4Ps,” she said.

She noted that collaboration within the group will ensure the program adapts to family needs and lasts for the long term. “By combining the strengths of government agencies, SUCs, and communities, the 4Ps can further contribute to improving education, health, and livelihood, fostering a stronger and more inclusive nation,” Biñas emphasized.

Alongside Biñas, Joy De Pallo of Goducate–APIIS was elected as vice chairperson, while Daisy B. Ibieza of Guimaras State University will serve as secretary.

The committee also discussed the Regional Convergence Plan, updates on projects of Camp Goducate–Asia Pacific Institute of International Studies (APIIS), and preparations for the Regional Convergence Committee and RIMC Field Visit scheduled for October 2025.

ISUFST views Biñas’s election as RIMC chair as an extension of its commitment to community service, social responsibility, and inclusive nation-building. The role echoes the university’s VGMO and its alignment with SDG goals in education, health, and poverty reduction.

Over the next three years, she will lead efforts to make social welfare programs more transparent and effective for families. This recognition underscores ISUFST’s growing impact in both fisheries science and community empowerment. (Photos from DSWD VI/Text by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

August 26 2025

ISUFST Holds Extension Training for Fisherfolk in Banate, Iloilo

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension, Research

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), through its 𝙀𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚, in partnership with the 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞, and 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐂, conducted an extension training titled“𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗮 𝗔𝗸𝗼, 𝗨𝗻𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝗞𝗼” on August 22, 2025, at the Multi-Purpose Building, Poblacion Banate, Iloilo.

The activity aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of fisherfolk in Banate Bay on safe navigation, climate change adaptation, marine protection, and fisheries laws, ensuring both safety at sea and sustainable coastal resource use.

The program was attended by 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐓. 𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬, Mayor of Banate, and 𝐌𝐫. 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐁. 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐳, Municipal Agriculturist. Representing University President 𝐃𝐫. 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐲 𝐃. 𝐒𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐫., 𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐎 𝐕𝐈, was 𝐃𝐫. 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐁. 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫, Vice President for Administration and Finance, who also served as a lecturer. A message of support from the Philippine Coast Guard was likewise delivered on behalf of ENS 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐆. 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚, 𝐏𝐂𝐆, Sub-Station Commander of Banate.

The training proper featured a line-up of experts and young scholars who shared their knowledge on pressing issues affecting fisherfolk communities:

-𝐃𝐫. 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐁. 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫 – 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙 𝙒𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝘼𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝘽𝙖𝙮

-𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐨𝐮 𝐆. 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚 – 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙩𝙨 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙠 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨

-𝐃𝐫. 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐁. 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 – 𝘼𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚: 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨

-𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭. 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐌. 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐡𝐃 – 𝙉𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙨

-𝐌𝐬. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨 – 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙚𝙛 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢

-𝐌𝐬. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐁. 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐠 – 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢

-𝐃𝐫. 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐨 – 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙁𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙙𝙚 (𝙍𝘼 10654)

The training concluded with a post-assessment session and a closing message from 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭. 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐌. 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐡𝐃, Project Leader, underscored ISUFST’s commitment to fisherfolk empowerment and sustainable fisheries development.

This initiative reflects ISUFST’s continuing efforts to support coastal communities, promote safety at sea, and protect marine resources in collaboration with local stakeholders.

August 19 2025

ISUFST’s Gender and Localization-Based Presentations Shines at ISSHCON 2025

ISUFST Admin Activities, Gender and Development, Research

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) made a comprehensive showing at the 2nd International Social Sciences and Humanities Conference (ISSHCON 2025) held on August 13–16 at the Metrocentre Hotel, according to Dr. Francisco Magno, Director of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance (JRIG).

Dr. Magno, who, together with ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., spearheaded the collaborative project on the localization of women’s and children’s policies between DLSU and ISUFST, lauded the university’s strong research presence in the international conference, saying that the breadth of studies reflected both academic rigor and social relevance. The ISUFST presentations were based on co-authored papers with De La Salle University faculty and researchers.

This initiative is directly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, particularly the Times Higher Education SDG 16.3.3 metric on “Participation in government research.” The project has involved policy-focused research in collaboration with government departments, including the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, and the Iloilo Provincial Government. This grounding ensured that the conference presentations were not only academically rigorous but also policy-relevant, bridging scholarship and governance practice.

The ISUFST contingent presented 12 papers under the themes of gender, governance, sustainability, and higher education transformation, drawing positive attention from participants across the Philippines and abroad. This joint academic output demonstrates how universities foster SDG Impact through the SDG 17.2 metric of Times Higher Education on “Relationships to support the goals,” which emphasizes building international data-sharing platforms, promoting best practices, and facilitating cross-sectoral dialogue to advance the SDGs.

Among the featured gender-focused presentations were:

• Mr. Reil Jan Patosa’s research on women’s governance participation;
• Dr. Herman Lagon’s analysis on barangay health workers’ gender and mental wellness;
• Dr. Jescel Bito-onon’s presentation on women in coastal climate governance;
• Dr. Joana Paula Biñas’ findings on fighting violence against women;
• Dr. Jeanette Bayona’s work on women, culture, and sustainable tourism;
• Dr. Lenirose Mondero’s paper on localizing and diffusing national policies on women’s rights;
• Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Johnny Dolor’s study on gender and governance in waste management; and
• Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga’s advocacy on advancing women’s reproductive health.

ISUFST also showcased its institutional journey through Dr. Bito-onon’s paper on university conversion through the extension lens, Dr. Edmer Bernardo’s study on equity for first-generation students, Dr. Bayona’s work on SDG-driven global engagement, and President Nordy Siason Jr.’s presentation on the university’s transition and development agenda.

Aside from presenting their own papers, Dr. Bayona and Dr. Lagon also served as moderators of two separate parallel sessions, further highlighting ISUFST’s active role in scholarly exchange. This aligns with SDG 17’s call for cross-sectoral dialogue by positioning ISUFST not just as a knowledge producer but also as a convener of research-based conversations that transcend institutional and national borders.

President Siason described the event as an opportunity to elevate ISUFST’s research voice in global policy conversations, through the partnership with De La Salle University, while staying rooted in local realities. “Our mission is to turn community-based challenges into research-driven solutions that can influence both national and international frameworks,” he said.

ISUFST’s delegation, composed of 11 faculty researchers in close partnership with DLSU, demonstrated how a growing state university could contribute meaningfully to evidence-based policy advocacy. Their work embodies the dual impact of SDG 16 and SDG 17: strengthening institutions through policy-engaged research collaborations, while also cultivating global academic partnerships that disseminate best practices and foster shared learning.

From gender-responsive governance to higher education equity, the presentations echoed ISUFST’s evolving identity as a research-driven institution. As Dr. Magno emphasized, the performance was not only academically sound but socially vital — a testament to ISUFST’s commitment to shaping sustainable and inclusive futures while advancing the global SDG agenda through strategic partnerships and policy-focused research. (PAMMCO)

August 5 2025

ISUFST Hosts Gender and Anti-Sexual Harassment Awareness Conversations

ISUFST Admin Activities, Gender and Development

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) conducted a gender and anti-sexual harassment awareness seminar this Friday, August 1, 2025, at Grand Xing Imperial Hotel, Iloilo City. The activity aimed to empower faculty and staff with essential knowledge on gender sensitivity and Republic Act 7877, also known as the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995.

Organized by the university’s Gender and Development (GAD) Office, the event—titled “Know Your Rights: Empowering Employees through GAD and Anti-Sexual Harassment Awareness” was part of ISUFST’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusive, respectful, and safe working environments in line with its core values and its commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality.

“We are building a university where dignity, equity, and safety are non-negotiables,” said Dr. Nordy Siason Jr., ISUFST President, said about the systemwide initiative. “Gender and development are not just compliance matters—they are integral to how we form professionals and lead communities.”

The event opened with remarks from Dr. Johnny Dolor, Vice President for Administration and Finance, and a rationale presentation by Dr. Lenirose Mondero, ISUFST GAD Director. Participants were welcomed into a day of critical discourse and reflection on rights, boundaries, and responsibilities within academic and workplace contexts.

The first session focused on gender sensitivity, led by Ms. Alma Ravena, Co-Chair of the Provincial Gender and Development Council and member of the National Gender Resource Pool of the Philippine Commission on Women. Drawing on a decade of grassroots advocacy, Ravena emphasized the power of education in shifting mindsets and breaking gender stereotypes.

“When we understand gender beyond biology, we begin to unlearn bias, challenge inequality, and create safer spaces for everyone,” Ravena shared, adding that policies only matter if people truly believe in the dignity they protect.

In the second session, Atty. Doni June Almio, Managing Partner of Oso Pueblo Hiponia Almio & Associates and law faculty member at the University of San Agustin, gave a detailed lecture on the legal framework of RA 7877 and related jurisprudence. Almio clarified the obligations of institutions to prevent and address sexual harassment and the mechanisms for redress available to victims.

“Sexual harassment thrives in silence and inaction,” Almio warned. “RA 7877 mandates not only punishment for offenders but also accountability for institutions that fail to protect.”

The forum also tackled how sexual harassment is committed in both workplace and educational settings and discussed the responsibilities of employers to establish a Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI). The need for clear internal policies, proper decorum, and awareness of both administrative and legal remedies were also outlined.

Closing the program, Dr. Joan Belga, Vice President for Academic Affairs, reiterated ISUFST’s institutional stance. “We are not just here to comply with mandates. We are here to shape a university culture where no one feels unsafe, unheard, or unseen.”

The activity is part of a series of gender mainstreaming initiatives under ISUFST’s GAD Program, reflecting the university’s broader institutional mission of nurturing competent and values-oriented professionals across its five campuses.

Founded in 1957, ISUFST is the country’s premier fisheries university, offering 27 undergraduate and 16 graduate programs. It has consistently earned accolades, including the 2025 CHED Awards for Excellence in Indigenous Peoples Education, Internationalization Initiatives, Peace Education, and Community Extension and Linkages. The university is also globally recognized through its inclusion in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, particularly in SDG 14: Life Below Water. (Photos by Ricky Ramos and Herman Lagon/Text by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

August 4 2025

Davao del Sur State College Conducts Benchmarking Visit to ISUFST for University Conversion Goals

ISUFST Admin Activities

BAROTAC NUEVO, ILOILO (August 4, 2025)—The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) welcomed nine key officials from Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) for a one-day benchmarking visit at its Main Campus–Tiwi Site, a significant step in DSSC’s preparations for its planned university conversion in 2028.

Spearheading the DSSC delegation was Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Siverlyn Camposano, accompanied by Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Luciano Nasibog, Jr. The team was warmly received by ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga, Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Jonny Dolor, and university officials from various academic and administrative sectors.

The exchange was more than a formal visit—it was a full-circle immersion. After hours in the conference room for the orientation, presentations, and Q&A session, the DSSC delegation visited ISUFST’s key spaces—from offices to labs, classrooms to museum—and had solid sit-downs with unit heads. They exchanged ideas, shared challenges, and dove into topics like governance and documentation, finding the conversation both honest and inspiring.

DSSC VPAA Dr. Camposano shared that learning about ISUFST’s journey and the behind-the-scenes efforts that led to its university conversion gave their team both clarity and inspiration. She noted that they witnessed more than just documents and policies—they saw the people and systems that truly brought the vision to life.

ISUFST’s journey from being Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF) to achieving full university status on January 10, 2023, served as the roadmap DSSC came to learn from. Now with campuses and sites in Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dumangas, and San Enrique, ISUFST stands as the country’s only fisheries university.

VPAA Dr. Belga described the visit as a moment of shared growth. “It’s rare to have a conversation that’s both technical and heartwarming,” she said. “We’re happy to walk with DSSC in this journey—not as experts, but as fellow educators strengthening our institutions together.”

ISUFST President Dr. Siason, Jr., echoed this, saying that meaningful exchanges like these help build a stronger culture of collaboration and nation-building in higher education. He quickly shared that ISUFST’s own transition was the result of years of planning, community engagement, and meeting CHED’s standards. “It wasn’t easy,” he said, “but it was worth it.”

DSSC’s benchmarking activity is rooted in the requirements of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for university conversion. Institutions must show institutional maturity, competent leadership, strong faculty profiles, adequate libraries and infrastructure, research productivity, impact of international linkages, and meaningful community engagement. CHED also requires strict compliance with its orders and a demonstrated commitment to continuous quality improvement.

This visit is part of DSSC’s bigger plan to prepare for university hood. After ISUFST, they are also set to visit West Visayas State University for another round of learning. As both schools shared during the wrap-up, it was more than just a compliance check—it was about culture, leadership, networking, and the everyday work of building futures through education. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)