Activities
ISUFST CHM Shines at COHREP Western Visayas
Fifty Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) II students and two faculty members from the College of Hospitality Management proudly joined the 1,191 participants of the recently concluded 5th COHREP Western Visayas Regional Congress held on March 27, 2026, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel. The event gathered hospitality management students, educators, and industry partners from across the region, creating a dynamic platform for learning, networking, and professional growth. The congress was made even more significant with the presence of distinguished keynote speakers Dr. Raul F. Muyong, CHED Regional Office VI Director, and Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., President of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST).
The BSHM II students were accompanied by Instructors Enrique I. Sariño and Frenie Ann B. Permiso, with Dr. Ricardo J. Paborada Jr. serving as the head of the delegation. Their participation reflected the strong commitment of ISUFST to providing students with meaningful exposure to regional academic and industry engagements. Also present at the event was Instr. Ma. Paula E. Balbona, SIPP/SEAP Coordinator, who took the opportunity to strengthen partnerships with industry stakeholders and explore opportunities that will benefit student internship and professional development programs.
Adding to the significance of the event, members of the Ka-ISDA Vlog covered the congress, capturing highlights and experiences of the participants. The team was guided by their advisers, Instructors Jonard V. Verdeflor and Leo V. Paparon, whose mentorship continues to empower students to document and share the university’s milestones. The participation of ISUFST in this regional congress underscores the institution’s active role in advancing hospitality education, fostering collaboration, and preparing future hospitality professionals for the evolving demands of the industry.
FLAVORS OF EXCELLENCE: CHM Culinary Team Places Fourth in COHREP Iron Chef’s Showdown
The Culinary Team of the College of Hospitality Management (CHM) proudly secured a 4th place finish in the Iron Chefs Category during the recently concluded 5th COHREP Western Visayas Regional Skills Olympics held on March 28, 2026, at the Fountain Area of Robinsons Place, Iloilo. The competition brought together talented student chefs from various institutions across the region, showcasing creativity, technical skills, and the rich culinary heritage of Western Visayas. Representing the campus in this prestigious culinary showdown were three promising student chefs: Denmark J. Quinoveva and Rhozen O. Etino, both BSHM II students, and Christ John M. Arabit, a BSHM I student, who demonstrated remarkable teamwork and innovation in the kitchen.
For the appetizer round, Quinoveva impressed the judges with Umami Rolls, a classic Ilonggo-inspired lumpia crafted from fresh Visayan shrimp blended with pork fat and finely chopped jolly mushrooms. Wrapped in thin rice paper and deep-fried to perfection, the dish featured a crisp exterior and a succulent, flavorful filling, complemented by tangy pickled onions that balanced richness with acidity. Meanwhile, Etino elevated the main course with Darag Royale in Coconut Embrace, a refined dish highlighting premium Darag chicken stuffed with malunggay and native chili leaves. Baked to tenderness and finished with a velvety coconut milk and coconut cream reduction, the dish was served with sautéed green papaya and bell peppers, alongside dehydrated organic black rice that added texture and a subtle nutty finish.
Completing the team’s culinary presentation, Arabit prepared the dessert KBL Hopia de Oro, a modern Filipino creation inspired by the Ilonggo flavors of Kadyos, Baboy, and Langka (KBL). The golden-baked hopia featured a filling of steamed kadyos and caramelized langka, elegantly plated over caramelized batwan and finished with a silky coconut reduction. The team’s achievement highlights the growing excellence of CHM students in culinary innovation, as they skillfully blended heritage ingredients with modern techniques. Their performance not only showcased the university’s commitment to developing future culinary professionals but also celebrated the richness of local flavors on a regional stage.
#sufstisdafirst #isufst_isda_first #isufstcommunity #isufstisdabest #oneisufst #ISUFST_ISDA_BEST #isufstdinglecampus #isufstdingle #pangibabawchm #TatakCHM #TeamBaskog #BreakingBarriers #InspireToAspire
ISUFSTian Gerobe Arce: Small Stature, Big Drive on a Trike
There are stories that arrive quietly, without drumrolls or headlines, and yet linger longer than the loudest victories. Gerobe Arce’s story is one of them. You might first notice him not for the engine he is fixing or the class he is answering in, but for how the world initially sees him—shorter, different. But stay long enough, and what you will remember is not his height. It is his drive. It is the rhythm of a life that refuses to be measured by what is lacking, but instead by what keeps moving forward.
Gerobe, 24, grew up between Tuburan, Pototan and Buyu-an, Tigbauan, in a life he casually calls “normal”—easygoing, carefree, the kind of childhood that did not feel like it needed a narrative. But somewhere in that simplicity was a quiet inheritance: a father who modeled self-love not through speeches but through living, and a family that never treated limitation as identity. “I was born confident,” he says, almost as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.
He knew early on that he was physically different. But in his telling, that difference never stretched beyond the surface. “Physically only,” he says. Everything else—his curiosity, his humor, his will—remained intact. That clarity shaped how he entered school, how he faced stares, and how he refused to let curiosity about him define him. He had already decided: he would define himself.
A LIFE IN MOTION
Long before he entered the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), Gerobe already knew what he wanted. Machines fascinated him. Engines, in particular, spoke a language he wanted to master. “Even before elementary, I knew I wanted automobiles,” he recalls. It was not just about fixing things. It was about understanding how they worked—how parts moved together to create something bigger than themselves.
That same philosophy quietly shaped his own life. Because while most students measure their days in lectures and deadlines, Gerobe measures his in kilometers.
He drives a tricycle.
Not occasionally. Not as a side story. But as part of the everyday rhythm that sustains his education. Born into financial constraints, he watched his father move from one job to another, often behind the wheel. So when his turn came, he did not hesitate. “I think of finishing my studies through my own sweat and blood,” he says, without drama, just truth.
A typical day for him is not something easily romanticized. It is early mornings, long routes, passengers who come and go, then classes, then studying, then sometimes laughter with friends squeezed in between.
And lately, the road has become even more demanding. With fuel prices rising, every trip carries a heavier weight—not just for passengers, but for him as both driver and student. What others experience as inconvenience, he feels as daily calculation. Still, he manages. He times his trips before and after classes, squeezes in study hours between shifts, and learns to stretch both time and earnings. Some days begin before sunrise, with a few early passengers before his first class. On lighter afternoons, he returns to the road, then studies at night—sometimes in between trips, sometimes long after the last passenger has gone home.
It is not perfect. It is not easy. But it works—because it has to.
It is the kind of life that would exhaust many. But Gerobe does not describe it that way. “It’s extraordinarily fun,” he says, smiling through the grind.
There is something disarming about that answer. In a culture that often celebrates struggle only when it looks painful, Gerobe quietly disrupts the script. For him, hardship is not always heavy. Sometimes, it is simply part of the journey—something you carry without complaint because you know where you are headed.
NO ROOM FOR QUITTING
Gerobe does not even pause when asked if he ever thought of quitting. The answer is simple—and striking in its certainty: he never did. Not once. “It was never considered,” he says. No dramatic breakdown, no near exit—just a quiet, stubborn choice to keep going, no matter what.
It is not because life was easy. It is because his mindset was already set. He was, in his own words, “driven.” And that word, repeated across his story, becomes its quiet anchor.
At ISUFST, he found a space that did not reduce him to his differences. There were moments of curiosity, of course—people who stared, people who wondered. But beyond that, he found something more important: normalcy. Belonging. “I just don’t mind,” he says. What stayed with him more were the teachers who encouraged him, classmates who listened, and a community that let him grow without needing to explain himself.
It is the kind of environment the university continues to build under the leadership of ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr.—one that does not merely accommodate differences, but recognizes them as part of a larger vision of inclusive, empowering education. In Gerobe’s case, inclusion is not a policy. It is something lived, quietly, every day.
In fact, one of the moments he cherishes most is simple: speaking in class and being heard. “When I speak and everyone listens,” he shares. In that moment, the labels fall away. He is not the “PWD student.” He is simply a student—with ideas, with a voice, with presence.
That is what inclusive education looks like—not grand statements, but everyday spaces where dignity is ordinary.
THE MEASURE OF A MAN
Gerobe’s academic journey is not just about finishing. It is about finishing well. He wants to graduate with Latin honors—not “para magpasikat,” not for recognition, but for something closer to the heart. For pride. Not just his, but his family’s—the same people who never questioned his potential even when life was not easy.
“My teachers are my motivators,” he says, giving credit without hesitation. At ISUFST, where education is meant to empower, his story becomes a reminder that success is not just about skills—it is about who you become along the way.
The university’s values are not just slogans to him. They show in how he lives. Integrity in earning honestly. Discipline in showing up every day. Social justice in proving that education should be within reach. And excellence—not about being perfect, but about being consistent.
Driving a tricycle taught him things school cannot. “I learned the value of every peso,” he says. Each fare is effort. Each earning is responsibility. Walang sayang.
For now, he is at F&E Automotive Division in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, learning not just how engines work, but how a future begins. It is one step in a journey still taking shape. He hopes to stay on after graduation, but he also trusts the road ahead. One day, he dreams of a talyer he can call his own—built from the same grit that brought him this far. There is also the possibility of working abroad. Nothing is fixed yet. Like the engines he studies, his life is still in motion—still being assembled, still becoming.
So when he talks about his dreams, simple lang. A happy home. A comfortable life. Hindi magarbo, but real.
DRIVEN BEYOND LIMITS
On March 11, 2026, at the ISUFST TechnoHub, Gerobe stood in front of the Filipino and Korean Rotarians and ISUFST officials—not as “the tricycle driver,” not just as “the student,” but as someone representing many. He delivered a testimony during the Global Grant turnover of ₱1.89 million worth of equipment.
“Because of these tools, we are more confident that our practical training will prepare us for real work, business, and professional life,” he said, shifting seamlessly from Hiligaynon to English, and closing with a heartfelt “Kamsahamnida”—a quiet but powerful thank you that carried both gratitude and hope.
That moment was bigger than him. He became the link between those who gave and those who will benefit.
Aligned with SDG 4, 8, and 17, the project supports education and opportunity. But beyond that, it is stories like his that make everything feel real. It is students like Gerobe who give those numbers meaning.
Because what good are tools if there are no hands willing to use them? What good are opportunities if there is no one determined enough to take them?
Gerobe answers those questions not with words, but with a life lived in motion.
There is a tendency to tell stories like his in a certain way—to frame them as extraordinary because of difficulty. But perhaps the more honest way to tell it is this: Gerobe Arce is not inspiring because he is a person of short stature who succeeded. He is inspiring because he refused to see himself as anything less.
His definition of success is simple: perseverance. “If you have a goal, strive hard to reach it,” he says. Ability, strength, success—these, for him, are not separate ideas. They come together, built over time, shaped by effort.
And maybe that is the quiet lesson his story leaves behind. Not all victories are loud. Some are steady. Some are built in early mornings, long rides, and classrooms where a voice finally finds space.
Years from now, when someone tells the story of Gerobe Arce, he hopes to be remembered for his faith and for inspiring others to persevere. But even now, without waiting for that future, his life is already doing exactly that.
Not by asking for attention.
But by moving forward—one determined step, one long ride, one honest day at a time. (Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)
World Day of Social Justice
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)
ISUFST Adopts 4-Day Compressed Workweek
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.
ISUFST Marks 3 Years of Universityhood with Purpose and Panache
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
Search for One (1) Private Sector Representative for the Board of Regents
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.
ISUFST Opens Batch 2 of UEE Applications for AY ‘26–‘27
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)
100 HEI Leaders from 28 Universities Take Oath to Advance Micro-Credentials
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)
