Activities

June 18 2025

ISUFST joins Global SDG Rankings, Shines in 5 Key Areas

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)

May 30 2025

ISUFST Student Regina M. Planto: The 43-Year Old Mom of Seven who tenaciously walked her way to a Degree

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension

Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo — While others count miles by speedometer, Regina Tumolin-Planto measures hers in sacrifices. A 43-year-old mother of seven from Sitio Pabulayan, Brgy. Managupaya, Banate, she walks an hour over landslide-prone terrain just to reach the first tricycle headed toward her dreams. What follows is a 30-minute ride to Banate town proper, then another 38-minute Ceres bus trip to Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST). And yet, when she finally enters the gates of ISUFST Main Campus, she carries herself with quiet grace—like someone who never had to sweat it out, her hair tied back neatly, her smile unwavering, her tote filled not just with notebooks but years of hope finally scribbled into goals.

Regina is part of ISUFST’s 2025 graduating class—an academic milestone she shares with classmates half her age. At first glance, she blends in like any other education student, except she is called “Mommy” or “Manang” by peers. Her grit, however, stands out. Before ISUFST, she started her college journey at Janiuay Polytechnic College, now WVSU-Janiuay. She took up Education with a major in Home Economics but had to drop out because no one could help shoulder her tuition, daily transportation, and other basics in school. Instead, she worked as a house help and later as a daycare teacher before getting married in 2004. Yet, even then, the dream to wear a toga never left.

In the middle of the pandemic, she found herself outside the gate of the Iloilo State College of Fisheries or ISCOF (now ISUFST). She whispered a prayer—“If this is really for me, Lord, make it easy.” It was. Her husband Joevanie, a habal-habal driver and barangay tanod, helped her process the papers. Everything fell into place. She took it as a sign and enrolled in the Bachelor of Elementary Education program. Her first choice was social work, but teaching children, she later realized, was the calling that had been quietly waiting.

Studying at ISUFST did not come without its share of chaos. Regina was not just a student. She was a mother to seven: Jerene, a Dean’s Lister in BEED; Jaztine, a first-year Religious Education student at Doanne Baptist Bible Institute; Joy, a Grade 11 student; and four younger children (Jee Ann, Jero, Jimz, and Jana) enrolled in different levels of basic education. While classmates were catching up on Netflix, she was catching up on family chores, laundry and talipapa runs. She sold dried fish, offered mani-pedi services, did salon work, and tutored kids just to contribute to household expenses and pay for academic requirements. During the pandemic, with online classes in full swing, she climbed uphill and down to relatives’ houses just to get a decent Wi-Fi signal.

There were tough days. Post-pandemic adjustments stirred minor misunderstandings with her other half. “You focus on supporting the kids, I’ll handle my school expenses,” she once said. That line became their household mantra. She would hustle, and hustle hard. Every test paper, every feasibility study, every academic requirement was paved with stories of dried fish sold, nails polished, and rice measured sparingly. But what she lacked in time and resources, she made up for in sheer tenacity and unshakable grace.

Her children are her quiet strength. “We made do with what we had,” she said. Despite the tight finances, her three eldest kids are consistent honor students. They understood. They never questioned why some days had less food or why their mother was too tired to join family binge-watching via cellphone time. They understood that their mother was building something—for them.

At ISUFST, Regina found a second home. She never felt judged for being older. “People are respectful. My age may show, but maybe so does the wisdom,” she quipped. The university’s inclusion of Equity Target Groups (ETG) was not lip service. It was tangible. She experienced first-hand how ISUFST’s mission to “teach minds, touch hearts, and transform lives” was not just framed on a hallway wall but lived out—in gestures of support, in inclusive spaces, and in the grace extended to learners of all walks. Free tuition helped a lot. But what helped deeper was an environment that made room for her reality.

President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. reflects, “Stories like Regina’s remind us why ISUFST exists—not just to produce degrees, but to change lives. It is a university where progress is measured not by prestige alone, but by the people it uplifts.” This aligns with ISUFST’s guiding principles—Integrity, Social Justice, Discipline, and Academic Excellence—which Regina embodies quietly but fiercely.

She was a Dean’s Lister in her second year. “I’m not the best in class,” she admits, “but I try.” Her learning style was not cramming, but commitment. She sits in front row during seminars, listens intently, and asks when confused. “I always believed that learning is not about speed, but about depth.” Her voice does not preach; it reassures.

Regina has no illusions of grandeur. After graduation, she plans to work while preparing for the Licensure Examination for Teachers. A job at a private school or a role under DSWD appeals to her practical sensibilities. As a 4Ps grantee, her heart is with the underserved. She has lived the statistics, and she hopes to change them from within. “My proudest moment will be when I can finally say: I have work. I am helping.”

To mothers who feel behind, Regina says it plainly, “It is not too late. This is not a race.” Her advice is not drawn from books but from experience—seasoned with humility, wrapped in grace. She encourages young ISUFST students not to rush the process. “Savor the learning. The diploma is not just a goal—it is proof that you chose not to give up.”

On Thursday, June 5, as she walks across the stage at Tamasak Arena, Barotac Nuevo, wearing her dress and toga, there will be no orchestras or fireworks. Just a quiet woman from Sitio Pabulayan who walked literal mountains and hills—with grace and grit—to become a teacher. She will be greeted not just by applause, but by seven proud children and a husband who has always been at the finish line, waiting.

And that is more than enough.

(Herman Lagon, Jose Eugene Salazar, and Joana Paula Biñas/PAMMCO)

May 27 2025

Dr. Siason shares ISUFST’s Bold HR Reforms in CSC VI Hosted ‘Conversation with SUCs’

ISUFST Admin Activities

Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., drew strong applause from over 160 delegates during the first-ever “Conversations with State Universities (SUs) and Local Colleges (LCs)” hosted by the Civil Service Commission Regional Office VI (CSC RO VI) on Monday, May 26, at District 21 Hotel in Iloilo City.

Dr. Siason presented ISUFST’s pioneering and data-driven human resource practices under the theme “BEST Practices HR: Bawat Kawani, Lingkod Bayani,” spotlighting the university’s transformative journey since its conversion into a state university just 28 months ago. With a focus on values-based leadership, he outlined strategic interventions across recruitment, development, performance, and recognition that have propelled the university toward becoming a future-ready academic institution.

At the heart of his presentation was ISUFST’s “scrap-and-build” faculty model, which restructured eight high-tier academic posts—including the coveted University Professor position—into 51 new Instructor I items. This aggressive expansion, Dr. Siason noted, enabled the university to hire 114 new faculty members from 2022 to 2024, reinforcing the institution’s thrust toward grassroots capacity building and inclusive talent development.

“We do not just hire for skill; we hire for heart,” Siason said. “It is Talino at Puso—brains and character—that shape our definition of excellence.” He emphasized ISUFST’s bias-aware hiring practices, meritocratic processes, and commitment to diversity, reflecting the university’s guiding values of Integrity, Social Justice, Discipline, and Academic Excellence (ISDA).

Siason also shared the university’s efforts in staff development, highlighting the integration of counseling services, affirmative action programs, and institutional support for creative and research outputs. He noted the creation of the Student and Faculty Support Center and the pioneering of a policy framework for creative work, as part of ISUFST’s holistic support system for academic growth.

On performance management, he cited ISUFST’s strong internal accountability systems, including active participation in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and an agency performance rating of 4.65—classified as “Very Satisfactory.” He likewise introduced the university’s unique Research and Extension Hub, home to the “Hasa-hasa Theater,” which supports interdisciplinary collaboration. This is on top of many other infrastructure projects he also presented that weave the thrust of his administration for quality, conducive, and inclusive higher education.

“The culture we build is one of recognition, not just regulation,” Siason shared, pointing to ISUFST’s milestone and loyalty awards and its heartfelt tributes to educators like the late Dr. Paler, whose dedication to fisheries education helped shape board topnotchers and future experts. Just this month, his legacy was immortalized with the inauguration of Paler Hall—a review center named in his honor, serving as a lasting reminder of his impact on generations of learners.

During his talk, Dr. Siason also previewed ISUFST’s forthcoming recognitions at the CHED Regional Quality Awards on May 28, which include: Outstanding Board Performance in the October 2024 Fisheries Licensure Exam, 100% COPC compliance for all programs, and multiple distinctions for excellence in community extension, internationalization, peace education, and Indigenous Peoples education. The CSC-hosted forum served as a knowledge-sharing platform, bringing together HR leaders and education officials to strengthen civil service excellence within higher education.

CSC Acting Director IV Atty. Erna T. Elizan opened the event by emphasizing collaboration and shared accountability in policy implementation across the SUC and LC network.

Joining Dr. Siason as featured speakers were CSC Office for Legal Affairs Director III Jamahlin Lacandazo-Escalona, Aklan State University Vice President Julie Ann A. Salido, and CSC NCR Director IV Victoria Esber, who provided insights on PRIME-HRM, legal cases, and the role of transformative HR in academe.

Founded in 1957, ISUFST is the country’s only fisheries university, offering 27 undergraduate and 16 graduate programs across five campuses. With a student population of over 8,500 and a faculty base where half hold doctoral degrees, ISUFST continues to align its institutional mission with national and global development goals, driven by innovation, inclusivity, and service. (Photos by Jeanette Bayona and CSC/Text by Herman Lagon and Edmer Bernardo/PAMMCO)

May 13 2025

ISUFST Hosts Meet Supporting Faculty Research in Region VI

ISUFST Admin Activities, Research

Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo (May 9, 2025)—In a collective effort to support faculty research across Western Visayas, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) welcomed colleagues from nearby universities for a crucial gathering at Paler Hall on their Main Campus-Tiwi Site here today. The event brought together specialists, finance officers, and university leaders from ISUFST, Guimaras State University (GSU), and the University of Antique (UA). Their goal was simple but vital: to find better ways to harmonize the workload of teachers so they can also give a premium to research and innovation.

This meeting was a joint effort by ISUFST and the Western Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (WCCIEERD). Both understand how tough it can be for faculty members—sometimes the obstacles can seem overwhelming. Unclear policies about workload, limited budgets, and inconsistent incentives often leave teachers feeling tired, supported, and unsure of how to pursue their research dreams. The gathering aimed to listen, share ideas, and find practical solutions that would make research more accessible and less stressful for those eager to grow in their fields.

One of the main ideas discussed was adopting a unified, regional approach to faculty workload—specifically, an 18-unit workload that many believe could help teachers better balance their teaching duties, community work, and research. The hope is that with clearer policies and more support, teachers will feel motivated and empowered to contribute to regional development through their research efforts.

Several practical strategies were shared to help make this vision a reality. These included maintaining or reducing current overloads for both full-time and part-time teachers, consolidating retiree and resigned faculty positions into one role over the next five years, reviewing organizational structures to lessen administrative burdens, and streamlining academic programs by closing less popular courses or reducing sections. There was even a suggestion to increase funds for overload and part-time teaching starting next year, if resources allow.

During the discussions, Dr. Greta Gabinete from West Visayas State University (WVSU) shared her university’s experience with implementing the 18-unit workload. She explained how this approach allows teachers to better manage their responsibilities and focus more on research and community outreach—activities that truly help regional growth and development.

Meanwhile, WVCIEERD Consortium Director Dr. Carmelo Ambut from Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) shared how their university successfully adopted similar policies on a gradual basis. His stories showed how these changes have helped their faculty become more productive, happier, and more fulfilled in their roles.

For his part, ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., highlighted his full support for the initiative. He stressed that professors and instructors need time and space to teach, research, and help their communities. “When we give our teachers the understanding and support to grow through research and professional development, they can truly make a difference…. Their dedication to innovation and social impact will truly help build stronger, more compassionate communities for all of us,” he said.

In the late morning and afternoon, participants focused on working through their school’s action plans—crafting, presenting, and offering constructive feedback. The day wrapped up with a shared commitment to carry these plans into action once everyone returns to their respective schools and communities. (Photos by Ricky Ramos/Text by Herman Lagon/ PAMMCO/Published by Patrick Lance Nacion/MIS)

April 21 2025

ISUFST and CAMELEION Ink Historic MOU to Foster Child Protection, Community Empowerment

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension

San Enrique, Iloilo–In a milestone moment for both institutions, the CAMELEON Association, Inc., a globally supported nonprofit known for its advocacy in child protection and empowerment, officially entered into a partnership with the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed Friday afternoon, April 11, 2025, at the Faculty Conference Room of the College of Agriculture, ISUFST San Enrique Campus here. This marks the first formal collaboration with a higher education institution in CAMELEON’s 28-year-old history—making the occasion both meaningful and historic.

According to CAMELEON Executive Director Ms. Cornelia Udani, this is the first time in the association’s 28-year advocacy history that it has entered into a formal MOU with a higher education institution in the Philippines. “We wholeheartedly welcome this partnership,” she said. “It gives us hope for more meaningful projects and programs for our scholars and partner communities. We are proud to take this step with ISUFST.”

The signed MOU opens the door to meaningful collaborations in child protection, gender and development, education, health, research, and inclusive community programs. At the heart of it is a shared mission between ISUFST and CAMELEON—to uplift those often left on the margins, especially young girls and survivors of abuse.

Representing ISUFST, University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., shared that the partnership goes beyond paperwork and reflects the university’s deeper calling to live out the values of social justice. “We are a public university not just to teach but to serve—to empower lives, not just minds,” he said. “This partnership ensures that no one, especially those who need the most care, is ever left behind.”

He added, “Social justice must not remain in our mission statements—it must live in our classrooms, our programs, and how we welcome every student with compassion and care.”

Dr. Siason also directed San Enrique Campus Administrator Dr. Rex Diaz to ensure that the 40 enrolled CAMELEON scholars are fully supported in their academic and personal development. “We must make them feel seen, heard, and cared for,” he said. “Let them know they belong—not just as students, but as part of our ISUFST family.”

Key ISUFST officials from the Public Affairs, Marketing, and Media Communications Office (PAMMCO), Office of International Affairs and Linkages (OIAL), Extension Services and Development (ESD), Research and Development (R&D), and Gender and Development (GAD) attended the ceremonial signing, all expressing strong support for the multi-sectoral goals outlined in the agreement.

Program Director Jomer Adolacion, Advocacy Program Associate Antoinette Acupinpin, and Officer Vivian Bravo witnessed the event from the CAMELEON side. They noted that the collaboration marks a significant opportunity to integrate academic support with psychosocial, legal, and livelihood services that CAMELEON provides to its beneficiaries.

The five-year MOU outlines collaborative efforts in research, community extension, capability building, training, and advocacy campaigns—anchored on mutual respect, shared expertise, and the common goal of transformative education. The partnership also strengthens ISUFST’s vision of a globally connected university that champions inclusive, responsive, and meaningful engagement with civil society groups. (Jan Laurence Galon and Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

April 19 2025

ISUFST Automotive Faculty South Korea – Bound for Instructor Training Through Rotary Grant

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension

Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo — Instructor Melchor “Bilog” P. Licera, Jr., a faculty member of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) College of Industrial Technology (CIT) Main Campus–Poblacion Site, will depart for South Korea on April 19, 2025, as part of a three-week international training program under the Rotary International Vocational Training Team (VTT) initiative for automotive instructors.

The program, fully funded by Rotary International, will run until May 11, 2025, and includes technical sessions, collaborative workshops, cultural immersion, and structured outputs to be shared upon return. Licera’s participation comes on the heels of the ₱1.89-million Rotary Global Grant received by ISUFST last March, which aims to modernize its automotive facilities and strengthen technical-vocational education under the AIM (Automotive Industry Modernization) Iloilo Project.

“This opportunity means so much to me—not just as an educator, but as someone committed to lifelong learning,” said Licera. “Life is full of unexpected challenges—adapt, or risk being left behind. That mindset helps me grow both personally and professionally.”

The VTT, organized by Rotary International, brings professionals from different countries together to exchange expertise in fields aligned with Rotary’s six areas of focus, such as supporting education and economic development. The Korea-bound training cohort, composed of ten (10) selected Filipino automotive instructors in the country, aims to gain exposure to cutting-edge automotive technologies and instructional practices currently being used in Korea’s technical education system.

Upon return, Licera is expected to conduct echo-trainings and submit midyear and year-end reports on the application and integration of his learnings into ISUFST’s automotive curriculum and extension services. These efforts align with ISUFST’s mission to advance quality education in science, technology, and industry-based learning, while contributing to the university’s SDG-driven initiatives on workforce readiness and inclusive development.

Licera expressed deep gratitude to those who made his participation possible. “I sincerely thank our University President and Rotarian, Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., for his unwavering support; Dr. Joan B. Belga and Dr. Johnny B. Dolor, our Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Herman Lagon, PAMMCO Director and Rotarian. I am also grateful to Dean Rodel Dosano, Dr. Janet Bayona, and my CIT family, whose support keeps me going. Special thanks to Rotary District 3850 especially PDG John Michael Ng and PP Hongjae Mark Jeong, Rotary Iloilo, and Rotary Namweon Central for making this journey possible.”

Dr. Lagon, who also project led the Rotary-funded AIM Iloilo project at ISUFST, noted that this training marks the next phase of the university’s capacity-building efforts. “This international exposure complements our recent lab upgrade. It reinforces our goal to not just modernize facilities, but also to upgrade the people who teach and lead these programs,” he said.

The VTT experience also includes immersion into Korean work ethics, pedagogy, and innovation models—insights that can be translated into local strategies in instruction and community training. It further cements ISUFST’s growing reputation for internationalization, having previously been recognized by CHED for its outstanding initiatives in global engagement and technical excellence.

As part of Rotary’s commitment to sustainability and long-term impact, Licera and his fellow delegates are expected to serve as multipliers of knowledge, applying their learnings to benefit not only ISUFST students but also local communities through outreach and training.

Licera’s South Korea training is part of ISUFST’s broader effort to elevate the BIT major in Automotive Technology program, ensuring it remains aligned with global standards while responding to the real needs of Filipino learners and industries. (PAMMCO)

April 3 2025

ISUFST Partners with Philippine Legacy Nihongo Center for Japanese Language Information Session

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension

April 2, 2025 – Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISUFST) collaborated with the Philippine Legacy Nihongo Center Corporation to have a special information session on the Japanese Language Course for 3rd and 4th-year BSIT, BSHM, BSTM, and BSIT students.

This initiative aims to provide students with valuable insights into Japanese language training and the pathways to becoming Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) in Japan with the help of Ms. Ma. Theresa B. Ignacio and Sir Adhor I. Piad, Marketing Officers from Philippine Legacy Nihongo Center Corp., who shared their expertise on language training programs and career prospects in Japan.

ISUFST continues its commitment to preparing students for international career opportunities that will eventually open doors for career advancement and international exposure, by fostering partnerships that enhance skills and knowledge beyond the classroom and equipping students with the skills needed for global employment.#ISUFST #JapaneseLanguageTraining #GlobalOpportunities #CareerGrowth #SSWJapan #StudyNihongo #PhilippineLegacyNihongo

#SkillDevelopment #InternationalCareers #FutureReady

(𝑱𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝑬𝒖𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆 𝑬. 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒛𝒂𝒓/𝑷𝑨𝑴𝑴𝑪𝑶)

March 27 2025

Caraga State Univ Benchmarks with ISUFST on IZN Initiatives

ISUFST Admin Activities

A delegation from Caraga State University Cabadbaran Campus visita the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology today, March 27, to explore best practices in international mobility programs. This collaborative effort aims to enhance our initiatives and strengthen ties between our institutions. Together, CSU and ISUFST pave the way for innovative strategies that empower students and faculty alike!

#GlobalEngagement #HigherEducation #Collaboration #BenchmarkingVisit #ISUFST #isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity (PAMMCO)

March 26 2025

ISUFST ties Partnership with Indonesian University through Virtual MoU Signing

ISUFST Admin Activities

In a significant step toward internationalization, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) has solidified its partnership with Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) of Indonesia by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) virtually via Zoom on March 24, 2025.

Facilitated by the Office of International Affairs and Linkages(IAL), the agreement was executed between Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., CESO VI, ISUFST President, and Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.AP, UMSU Rector, represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., Vice Rector III, with other key representatives from both institutions in attendance. The partnership aims to enhance both institutions’ academic and research capabilities.

In his message of commitment, Dr. Siason expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership: “We are excited to collaborate with one of the leading universities in Indonesia to learn and adopt their best practices and believe that combining our expertise and resources will yield remarkable results.”

Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., Vice Rector III of UMSU, emphasized that the collaboration aligns with their goal of becoming a world-class university: “We are very enthusiastic about this partnership. ISUFST has an excellent reputation in fisheries and marine science, and we are confident this cooperation will bring significant benefits to both institutions.”

One of the first activities under this partnership will be a student exchange program under the SEA Teacher Project, set to commence in July 2025. The program aims to equip future educators with innovative teaching strategies, cultural exposure, and global perspectives—strengthening education, science, and culture while promoting sustainable human development in Southeast Asia.

This collaboration is also expected to broaden the perspectives of ISUFST students and faculty, reinforcing the importance of internationalization in higher education.

March 11 2025

ISUFST Fisheries Student Receives Young Farmers Challenge Start-Up Grant

ISUFST Admin Activities

The ISUFST community proudly congratulates 𝗠𝗿. 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄 𝗛. 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗲, a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries IV student from the ISUFST College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, for being one of the grantees of the 𝗙𝗬 2024 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 (𝗬𝗙𝗖) 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁-𝘂𝗽 at the Provincial Level Competition organized by the Department of Agriculture VI – Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

Mr. Subere was accompanied by his faculty mentors, Mr. John Christian Salarza (ISUFST-CFAS) and Ma’am Milyn C. Leghid (UPV-CFOS), during the Awarding and Orientation cum Capability Building Activity held on March 6, 2025, at Park Inn Hotel, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

It is important to note that Mr. Subere emphasized his tag-line “𝘿𝙞𝙧𝙞 𝙣𝙖 𝙠𝙞𝙩𝙖, 𝙨𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙙-𝙖𝙣 𝙣𝙖!” during his business pitching held last February 27, 2025, at MO2 Westown Hotel, Iloilo, that highlighted his credibility as a young entrepreneur on Catfish Breeding and Farming, ultimately contributing to his selection as a grantee of the financial assistance.

As part of this achievement, Mr. Subere will receive a business start-up capital of Php 80,000.00 from the Department that will support his agri-fishery enterprise to promote sustainable aquaculture production in his locality.

On to a thriving business, Matthew! Congratulations!

(JCB Salarza/ PAMMCO)