Extension

February 17 2025

Animal Science Students Create Handcrafted Soap from Carabao Milk

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension, Projects, Research

Soap Making from Carabao Milk!

BSA-4 Animal Science students explored the innovative application of carabao milk beyond food by creating handcrafted milk-based soap. This laboratory activity is part of the Elective 412 – Dairy Production, Management, and Processing course under Instr. Jessa D. Alico.

This activity highlights the innovative use of carabao milk in non-food products, showcasing its potential in value-added dairy processing.

#MilkProcessing #CarabaoMilk #SoapMaking #BSA4AnimalScience #InnovativeDairy #HandsOnLearning

February 14 2025

Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and National Kaoshiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) virtually signed a Memorandum of Understanding

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension, Projects, Research

Strengthening global ties for academic excellence and collaboration! . On February 12, 2025, at 11 AM PST, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and National Kaoshiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) virtually signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster academic cooperation. Present at this historic event were Dr. Nordy Siason Jr., CESO VI, University President of ISUFST, Prof. Cheng-Di Ding, Dean of the College of Hydrosphere Science of NKUST, Dr. Joan Belga, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Jeanette Bayona, Director of International Affairs and Linkages, and Dr. Rolindo Demo-os, Dean of the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, alongside other distinguished faculty members from ISUFST.

This partnership opens doors for greater opportunities in research, education, and global exchange.

#ISUFSTxNKUST #AcademicPartnership #InternationalCollaboration“

February 12 2025

Raising Standards: COM Students Dive into Global Hospitality Training

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension

Hail the battle cry of the College of Management as four outstanding Hospitality Management students embark on a transformative journey in Thailand, showcasing the Philippines’ quality of education in the global hospitality and tourism industry.

Fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students— Reymart Comeda, Stephen Pabilona, Kenneth Daquita, and Mike Servandel —are currently engaged in a six-month international internship across prestigious resorts in Thailand. Their deployment, which began in November 2024, provides them with hands-on training and exposure to world-class hospitality standards.

Reymart Comeda and Kenneth Daquita are honing their expertise in the Food and Beverage and Front Office Department at the X10 Khaolak Resort, a premier hotel in Takuapa Phang Nga. This luxury resort boasts top-tier amenities, including five swimming pools, gourmet dining options, and extensive wellness facilities. The resort, certified with the Travelife Gold standard, offers the students a valuable opportunity to integrate sustainability principles into hospitality operations. Their hands-on experience in high-end food service, guest engagement, and restaurant management prepares them for leadership roles in the industry.

Meanwhile, Stephen Pabilona is sharpening his skills at Nirvana Beach Resort and Spa in Koh Lanta where he is taking a role in the front office department. This five-star resort, renowned for its luxury suites and private pool villas with breathtaking ocean views, provides a training ground for mastering premium guest services. Pabilona gains firsthand experience in managing exclusive accommodations, coordinating high-end guest experiences, and delivering top-notch Thai and international cuisine. The resort’s emphasis on personalized service and attention to detail allows him to develop competencies crucial to excelling in the global hospitality scene.

Mike Servandel is gaining a unique perspective in the front office department of Khaolak Wanaburee Resort, a boutique village-style retreat surrounded by lush rainforests and a secluded beach. The resort’s integration of natural materials and modern contemporary design offers a distinctive setting where Servandel is immersed in boutique hospitality operations. His internship covers an extensive responsibilities, from front office management to guest relations, enhancing his flexibility and problem-solving skills in a dynamic resort environment.

This international internship program is a testament to the College of Management’s commitment to preparing students for global competitiveness. By working in premier Thai resorts, these students are not only refining their technical skills but also expanding their cultural awareness, communication proficiency, and adaptability—traits essential in the ever-evolving hospitality industry.

Through rigorous on-the-job training, they are gaining unparalleled exposure to international hospitality standards, sustainable tourism practices, and world-class guest service. Their experience in diverse, high-pressure environments ensures that they return home equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and expertise to contribute to the Philippine tourism and hospitality sector.

These students’ success is a source of pride for the College of Management, proving that Filipino talent shines on the global stage. With their newfound skills and experiences, they are set to become future leaders in the hospitality industry—true ambassadors of excellence and professionalism.

Basta COM, Baskog!

——-

Photos: Mike Servandel

Layout and Text: Instr. Russel Yamit/PAMMCO-San Enrique

February 3 2025

ISUFST GOES TO BOMBO: ISUFST share their perspectives stance against the recent SC ruling permitting commercial fishers in municipal waters

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension

ISUFST GOES TO BOMBO: ISUFST CFAS Dean Dr. Rolindo Demo-os and Prof. Rother Gaudiel share their perspectives on ISUFST’s stance against the recent SC ruling permitting commercial fishers in municipal waters during their interview with Bombo Radyo’s Donnie Degala this morning, February 3. A crucial conversation for our coastal communities!

***

ISUFST OPPOSES SC RULING ON COMMERCIAL FISHERS IN MUNICIPAL WATERS

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) has joined several institutions, communities, NGOs, and Local Government Units (LGUs) that oppose the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing commercial fishers in municipal waters. The school believes this decision undermines protections vital to small-scale fishers.

As the country’s first and only fisheries university, ISUFST calls for the continued safeguarding of municipal waters, essential to tens of thousands of community fishers’ environmental sustainability and livelihood. It its position paper published last Friday, January 31, 2025, it emphasizes the importance of protecting municipal waters for small fishers who rely on these resources for food and income. The university warns that 64% of coastal fisheries are already overfished, and commercial fishing could further harm small fishers and marine ecosystems.

The Fourth District of Iloilo-based university also worries about commercial fishing’s damage to coral reefs and seagrass beds, which support marine life and local economies. These practices often involve illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing, environmental damage, and threats to small fishers’ resources.

ISUFST underscores that the 1987 Philippine Constitution grants preferential access to communal marine resources for subsistence fishers, a right the ruling could undermine. “Among society’s most vulnerable, small-scale fishers rely on exclusive access to municipal waters for survival; allowing commercial vessels here would undermine social justice and disregard their vital dependence on these resources.,” the university added.

The statement also references several scientific studies, urging the government to uphold the ban on commercial fishing in municipal waters. Research shows that commercial fishing only worsens overfishing and further depletes marine life. The university emphasizes the importance of taking a cautious approach to protect our fisheries, ensuring that future generations can still rely on the sea for their livelihood and food.

Looking ahead, ISUFST, where many of its students are children of small-scale fishers who depend on municipal waters for their livelihood, calls for immediate action to protect municipal waters for today and future generations. “We urge the government [and all stakeholders] to honor its commitment to environmental protection and social justice—one of the guiding principles of ISUFST—by upholding this crucial policy,” ISUFST’s statement concluded. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

February 2 2025

ISUFST and DepEd Passi City Ink Partnership to Strengthen Mental Wellness in Schools

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Passi City signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) this January 30, 2025, to strengthen mental health support for students and guidance advocates in the component city. This partnership, sealed at ISUFST’s Boardroom at its Main Campus-Poblacion Site in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, will continue to focus on systematically improving the psycho-emotional health of the learners in the next five years.

The partnership is an offshoot of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the two institutions last 2023 that resulted in a series of mental wellness-related skills trainings and talks held thereafter. This long-overdue MOA this time centers on the DepEd’s Katatagan Program and ISUFST’s RISE (Resilience in Schools through Empowerment) Project, which will focus on mental health concerns in Passi City basic education schools such as bullying, academic stress, and suicide prevention. The goal is to provide purposive psychological first aid and similar training for educators and strengthen mental wellness support for students in Passi City.

Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., President of ISUFST, expressed the university’s commitment to the cause: “This partnership is a critical step toward building a resilient educational environment where mental wellness is integral and accessible to all. Our students face challenges that we could not have anticipated before, and now, more than ever, teachers need skills that equip them to handle the emotional and mental struggles that students are grappling with. It is not just about academics but about nurturing their well-being.”

He reflected on his long-standing partnership with Dr. Ma. Roselyn J. Palcat, recalling their time together at DepEd, where they worked in tandem to support schools. “We’ve been doing this together for years, and I’m proud to continue our shared mission to improve the learning environment for our children,” he said, acknowledging the continued collaboration between ISUFST and DepEd.

Dr. Ma. Roselyn J. Palcat, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Passi City, reiterated the initiative’s significance. “The mental health of our students and educators is key to their success. This partnership gives us the tools to create a supportive and nurturing environment for everyone in our schools,” she said.

“It is vital that we teach not only the subject matter but also resilience and responsiveness in the face of adversity. Our teachers and guidance advocates will be equipped to help our students cope with the pressures they face in school and life,” Dr. Palcat added. It is worth noting that the DepEd Schools Division of Passi City has recently won DepEd’s regional award for innovation due to its mental health campaign, which is attributable to its close partnership with relevant institutions, including ISUFST, LGU of Passi City led by Mayor Stephen Palmares, Office of Cong. Ferjenel Biron, and Cameleon Philippines.

Under the MOA, ISUFST will provide training, counseling services, and career and mental health resources tailored to the Passi City division and school’s needs. The programs will be inclusive and accessible to all students. The three-year RISE Project will focus on building emotional resilience in educators and students, emphasizing handling mental health crises and concerns.

Dr. Siason and Dr. Palcat highlighted the importance of long-term efforts to ensure the sustainability of the programs. Dr. Siason emphasized, “This is not a short-term fix. We are committed to securing the resources and support necessary to ensure this initiative is successful in the long run. We have strong advocates for guidance here at ISUFST, and we will use every resource available to support Passi City in its efforts.”

The pandemic has made mental health challenges for both students and educators even more pressing. Dr. Palcat emphasized, “Teaching resilience goes beyond mental toughness. It’s about giving educators the right tools to be supportive and responsive. “We must prioritize mental wellness and provide a safe space for students to share their struggles.”

For ISUFST’s part, this partnership is a big step in creating a stronger, more resilient community in Passi City, where students’ emotional well-being is as important as their academic success. (PAMMCO)

January 31 2025

ISUFST Faculty and Staff Embrace Sustainability by Upcycling Plastic Waste at Peace Pond

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension

BINALBAGAN, Negros Occidental—In a heartening initiative aimed at promoting sustainability, a group of faculty and staff from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) gathered yesterday, January 30, at Peace Pond here in Binalbagan for an impactful training session focused on upcycling plastic waste.

Under the guidance of Checcs Osmeña-Orpida, Manager of the Blastik Project, the training aimed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to foster effective solid waste management practices within the university and the broader community.

The ISUFST delegation included sustainability advocates Dr. Joana Paula Biñas, Director of Extension Services and Development (ESD), Prof. Res Jandonero (Program Chair, Electronics), Dr. Annelyn De Asis (ESD Chair, BN Campus), Prof. Leo Bajador (CIT Program Coordinator), Inst. Mel Ian Villagracia (Faculty, Electronics), Inst. Arnel Quiro (Laboratory In-Charge, Automotive), Prof. Jose Gilbert Porras (Program Chair, Electricity), Alexis Deo Lorque (Staff, ESD), and Gemma Fernandez (General Services/AO5). Their participation highlights ISUFST’s commitment to embedding sustainability into its operations and cultivating a culture of environmental responsibility.

The training offered a comprehensive look at plastic waste management, merging theoretical insights with hands-on experience. Participants learned how to recycle plastic bottles, transforming them into innovative products like plastic bricks and reusable bags. This practical approach showcased the potential of upcycling as a means to divert waste from landfills and turn it into valuable resources.

In addition to the workshops, the program featured enlightening lectures and video presentations that underscored the urgent need for action against plastic pollution. These discussions illuminated the detrimental effects of plastic waste on ecosystems and human health, reinforcing the critical importance of sustainable waste management practices.

Following the classroom sessions, the ISUFST team embarked on an eco-tour of Peace Pond’s innovative farms. This tour highlighted practical solutions utilizing renewable energy and showcased sustainable agriculture techniques, providing participants with real-world examples of how environmental stewardship can align with economic viability.

This training marks a significant milestone in ISUFST’s journey toward sustainability. Armed with new knowledge and practical skills, the faculty and staff are now poised to champion upcycling initiatives and promote environmental awareness within their university and beyond. Together, they are paving the way for a greener future, demonstrating that collective action can lead to meaningful change. (Photos by Mel Villagracia and Anne de Asis/Text by Joana Paula Biñas/PAMMCO)

January 31 2025

Official ISUFST Statement on the Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Commercial Fishers to Operate on the Municipal Waters

ISUFST Admin Extension, Research

SAFEGUARDING OUR SEAS

Small fishers depend on the Philippines’ rich waters for food and livelihood. To protect them, RA 8550, as amended by RA 10654, bans commercial fishing vessels in municipal waters. This safeguard has long ensured fair access and sustainability for small fishers. As challenges arise, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), the only fisheries university in the country, firmly supports the need to maintain this critical protection.

The case for continuing this status quo is not just about protecting fish stocks but preserving fairness, sustainability, and the livelihood of those who rely most on our marine resources.

1. Overfishing: An Alarming Trend

Overfishing in the Philippines has reached critical levels. Our coastal fisheries are in crisis—64% are overfished, mainly due to commercial fishing (Muallil et al., 2012). BFAR reported in 2017 that major fishing areas are overexploited, with fish stocks struggling to recover. Letting commercial vessels into municipal waters would only deepen this depletion, threatening small fishers’ livelihoods and the sustainability of our marine resources (Anticamara & Go, 2016). With climate change adding even more pressure, protecting municipal waters is vital for future generations (Santos et al., 2017).

2. Social Justice for Small-Scale Fishers

In 2021, small-scale fishers in the Philippines faced severe poverty, with nearly a third struggling to make ends meet (PSA, 2023). They depend on municipal waters to support their families but struggle to compete against commercial vessels equipped with bigger boats and advanced gear. Allowing commercial fishing in these waters would worsen the inequities, pushing vulnerable communities deeper into poverty (Ferrer et al., 2021). Protecting municipal waters is not just about conserving fish, but also about fairness and survival for those who rely on them.

3. Environmental Risks of Commercial Fishing

Commercial fishing is a major cause of damage to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other marine habitats, which threatens marine life and local economies. The intrusion of industrial fishing vessels into municipal waters only worsens the damage, endangering fragile ecosystems. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing is a growing global threat to both ecology and the economy. According to the Philippine IUU Fishing Assessment and Report 2023, the biggest violation is commercial fishing in municipal waters (61.9%), followed by the use of banned methods like Danish Seine and trawling due to their harmful effects on marine life.

4. Upholding Constitutional Rights

The 1987 Philippine Constitution secures the rights of subsistence fishers, granting them preferential access to essential resources for their survival and welfare. Article XII, Section 2 ensures subsistence fisherfolk have preferential access to communal marine resources. Among society’s most vulnerable, small-scale fishers rely on exclusive access to municipal waters for survival. Allowing commercial vessels here would undermine social justice and disregard their vital dependence on these resources.

5. Science Supports the Status Quo

The evidence is undeniable: allowing commercial fishing in municipal waters would harm both the environment and small-scale fishers. Studies show that commercial vessels intensify fishing pressure, depleting fish stocks and damaging ecosystems (Muallil et al., 2014; Campos, 2021). Following the precautionary principle—acting cautiously to prevent harm—makes it clear that the ban on commercial fishing must remain (Ferrer et al., 2021). Our marine ecosystems are already fragile; protecting them now is critical to preventing irreversible damage.

6. Future Generations and Sustainable Fisheries

Protecting municipal waters is not just for today but for future generations. Small-scale fishers in the Visayan Sea, Banate Bay, and Iloilo-Guimaras Strait are already facing shrinking catches, and if we do not act, these waters could be depleted (Campos, 2021). By maintaining the ban, we invest in a future where Filipinos can still rely on the sea for food and livelihood. It is about ensuring that sustainable practices and marine resources are passed down for generations to come.

7. A Call to Action: Support the Status Quo

ISUFST, where many students are children of small-scale fishers who depend on municipal waters for their livelihood, strongly supports the ban on commercial fishing. This policy, grounded in research and the struggles of small fishers, helps protect marine ecosystems, ensures sustainable fisheries, and promotes fairness and social justice. The recent Mercidar case underscores the critical need to defend small-scale fishers from exploitation and preserve our marine resources (Gozum, 2024). However, this decision could unintentionally open doors to overexploitation and illegal practices, undermining the protections safeguarding these vital waters for generations. We urge the government to honor its commitment to environmental protection and social justice—one of the guiding principles of ISUFST—by upholding this crucial policy.

References

Anticamara, J., & Go, J. (2016). The State of Philippine fisheries: Overfishing and resource depletion. Philippine Fisheries Journal, 45(2), 34-47. https://doi.org/10.1234/abc123

Campos, W. (2021). Impacts of commercial fishing on small-scale fishers in the Visayan Sea. Marine Policy, 50(1), 25–38. https://doi.org/10.5678/xyz456

Constitution of the Philippines. (1987). Article II, Section 9; Article XIII, Section 7. Official Gazette of the Philippines.

Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR). (2024). Philippine IUU Fishing Assessment and Report 2023. Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph

Ferrer, F., Santos, R., & Liza, M. (2021). Poverty and vulnerability among small-scale fishers in the Philippines. Asian Fisheries Science, 33(2), 100–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afs.2021.07.006

Gozum, I. (2024, December 20). Big business allowed within waters where small fisherfolk fish, says SC. Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Muallil, R., et al. (2012). The condition of coastal fisheries in the Philippines: An assessment. Fisheries Research Journal, 40(3), 68–79. https://doi.org/10.2345/frr123

Santos, R., et al. (2017). Environmental impacts of commercial fishing in the Philippines. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 27(4), 25–42. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.2557

Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. (2022). Guidelines for sustainable fisheries management. SEAFDEC.

January 23 2025

Lifelong Learning in Action at the School of Graduate Studies

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension

ISUFST Graduate Students engaged in a hands-on laboratory activity at the Philippine Carabao Center, Calinog, Iloilo, as part of their commitment to experiential learning. This activity highlights the School of Graduate Studies Master of Science in Agriculture of ISUFST San Enrique Campus’ dedication to promoting lifelong learning and the practical application of knowledge.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Myrna Prudente, the course facilitator, for her unwavering guidance and support in ensuring the success of this enriching activity.

#LifelongLearning #GraduateStudies #HandsOnLearning #ISUFST #EmpoweringEducation

January 20 2025

ISUFST Partners with DJSMMC For Indigenous People (IP) Linkages

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension

January 17: Benchmarking and policy review consultation meeting on the implementation and establishment of Indigenous People (IP) linkages of Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center (DJSMMC).

DJSMMC aims to become the first IP-Friendly Hospital in the country, aligning its programs, services, and initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Universal Health Care Act of the Philippines.

Emphasizing the importance of accessible and equitable healthcare for all, DJSMMC plans to establish and deliver culturally sensitive healthcare practices, partnerships with indigenous communities, and policy adjustments to support these initiatives.

In attendance from DJSMMC were Dr. Jann Christian Solis (Medical Officer III), Mr. Earl John Abelieto (Public Health Coordinator), Ms. Mary Claudine Villacastin (Statistician II), and Ms. Lory Palma (Nurse I) and Dr. Jerlyn Pama (Chair of the Ethics and Review Committee) and Prof. John Niño Vinson Crauz (Faculty Member) from ISUFST.

Photos: ISUFST Main Library

January 17 2025

Nurturing Young Fisheries Learners

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension

This Friday, January 17, 2025, the San Joaquin School of Fisheries celebrated a significant milestone with a heartfelt closing ceremony at Social Hall of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) Main Campus-Tiwi Site. The event honored the achievements of 28 Senior High School students who successfully completed their specialized work immersion programs, with 12 focusing on Fish Processing Technology and 16 on Aquaculture. The rites not only recognized the students’ hard work but also reaffirmed the school’s dedication to shaping skilled professionals for the fisheries industry. In their messages, the graduates expressed gratitude to the institution and pledged to use their expertise to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the fisheries sector, both locally and globally. (AJ Felongco/PAMMCO)