International Affairs
ISUFST Showcases 16 Scientific and Creative Works on Small-Scale Fisheries at National Symposium in Marawi
MARAWI CITY — As the Philippines pushes for stronger protection of its small-scale fishers through the “Atin ang Kinse Kilometro” bill, faculty and students from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) joined hundreds of advocates in Mindanao to turn research into resolve.
Eight ISUFST delegates—seven faculty members and one fisheries student—presented 16 research and creative works at the Second Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS2) held on October 21–23, 2025, at the Mindanao State University (MSU)–Main Campus in Marawi City. The works, blending science, storytelling, and song, championed sustainability and inclusivity in the country’s small-scale fisheries (SSF) sector.
“Too Big To Ignore”
Gathering over 300 scientists, educators, artists, fishers, students, and policymakers, the three-day symposium carried the theme “From Recognition to Action.” Organized by MSU and Too Big To Ignore (TBTI) Philippines, it called for stronger and fairer policies to protect the country’s 15-kilometer municipal waters—the very heart of the “Atin ang Kinse” campaign, which fights for the rightful space of small fishers in their own seas.
“This consortium of universities, agencies, and communities aims to make small-scale fisheries visible, viable, and sustainable,” said Dr. Glen Lorenzo, MSU Vice President for Research and Extension. The gathering also tackled pressing issues such as climate change, overfishing, and illegal encroachment by commercial vessels—threats that the pending “Atin ang Kinse Kilometro Bill” (HB 5606) seeks to address.
ISUFST’s Contributions: Science, Art, and Advocacy
Representing ISUFST were Dr. Rolindo B. Demo-os Jr., Dr. Jescel B. Bito-onon, Prof. Rother M. Gaudiel, Dr. Quin Y. Clarito, Dr. Michael B. Dizon, Instructor Jezreel C. Donguila, Dr. Herman M. Lagon, and BS Fisheries student Melody Vaughn Ferrer.
Their diverse outputs—from fisheries research and photo essays to poetry and original songs—embodied ISUFST’s belief that science and culture can work together to heal and protect the seas.
Among the technical studies were “Catch Rates and Fishery Characterization of Filter Nets in Tinori-an River, Iloilo” by Bito-onon and Gaudiel, and “Fishing Smarter: Comparative Analysis of Fish Pot Designs Used by Small-Scale Fishers in Banate Bay” by Clarito.
Ferrer’s team, composed of CFAS students and faculty, presented “Pearl and Other Economically Valuable Oysters of Northern Iloilo: Morphometric Insights for Conservation and Fisheries.” The study highlighted the balance between livelihood and conservation—and won second place in the oral presentation category, besting entries from universities nationwide.
“These projects show how local innovation builds resilience in small-scale fisheries,” said Dr. Bito-onon, ISUFST Director for Research and Development. “It’s not just about data; it’s about empowering the communities that depend on our waters.”
Art Meets Advocacy
The symposium also celebrated creative works that bridged science and human experience. Dr. Herman M. Lagon’s poetry, short stories, and photography collections—“Between Net and Node,” “The Net That Holds,” “Where the Line Holds,” “Of Change,” “Lines of Salt and Hope,” “When Only the Bangkas Rest,” and “When Currents Meet the Roots”—captured the soul of coastal life: its struggles, rhythm, and hope.
Lagon, together with Instr. Jezreel C. Donguila, also presented two original advocacy songs, “Let the Line Hold” and “The Lines We Cast,” inspired by the Atin ang Kinse campaign. The songs, arranged with karaoke-style visuals and live footage edited by Patrick Lance Nacion using images from Dean Demo-os and Dr. Lagon, were performed by Donguila during the closing plenary and MOA signing ceremony—drawing resounding applause from the audience.
Beyond the symposium halls, the ISUFST delegation experienced Maranao hospitality. On the first night, delegates were treated to a Pagana Meranao dinner—an elaborate ceremonial feast where guests “eat like royalty.” Seated around a grand tabak (ornate tray), they shared flavorful dishes with their hands in true Maranao fashion.
The Marawi Manifesto and a Promise for the Future
The symposium concluded with the signing of the Marawi Manifesto, a collective pledge of support for the Atin ang Kinse movement and the Too Big To Ignore (TBTI) advocacy for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient fisheries. During the signing, Donguila’s live rendition of “Let the Line Hold” and “The Lines We Cast” filled the MSU gymnasium as photos of fisherfolk and coastal communities played onscreen—a moment described by many as “a hymn for the sea and the people who live by it.”
Participants also celebrated the acceptance of Batangas State University (BSU) as the next host of PSSFNS3 in 2026, marking the continued expansion of the TBTI network across the archipelago.
They capped the symposium with a visit to Marawi’s Ground Zero, where the scars of war stood as a solemn reminder that battles for survival come in many forms. Just as Marawi once fought for the right to life and peace, today’s Atin ang Kinse movement fights for the right of small fishers—and the seas they depend on—to live and thrive.
A Shared Mission
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. commended the delegation for embodying the university’s vision of blending “science, culture, arts, and compassion in service of people and planet.” He emphasized that ISUFST’s efforts directly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
For ISUFST, the symposium was more than an academic event—it was a reminder of purpose. “When we tell the stories of small fishers, artistically and scientifically,” said Lagon, “we’re also telling the story of our shared future.”
The PSSFNS2 came at a crucial time, as fisherfolk groups renewed calls for the passage of the “Atin ang Kinse Kilometro Bill” (HB 5606). The measure seeks to restore small fishers’ exclusive rights to municipal waters—rights recently challenged by a court ruling favoring commercial vessels.
From the shores of Banate to the lakes of Lanao, the message of PSSFNS2 was clear: small-scale fishers are too big to ignore. (PAMMCO)
#ISUFSTisdaFirst #ISUFSTCommunity #PAMMCOStoriesThatMatter #AtinAngKinse #PSSFNS2 #LifeBelowWater
From Iloilo’s Shores to Taiwan’s Labs: The PhD Journey of Rhessa Grace Ortizo
At first glance, Rhessa Grace Guanga Ortizo is every inch the scholar—31 years old, armed with fisheries degrees from UP Visayas, and fresh from completing her PhD at the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST). But behind the credentials is someone more personal: a proud daughter of Iloilo, grounded in Dingle, who reads each lab notebook and classroom lecture as part of a story about kinship, community resilience, and building a nation.
“Iloilo is home,” she affirms, steady and sure. Its coastlines shaped her, its seas sustained her people, and its promise made fisheries feel like destiny. It wasn’t a sudden choice but a steady truth: Iloilo lives through its seas, and she wanted her work to help preserve that flow of life.
That truth found a home at ISUFST, the country’s pioneering fisheries university. Her mother, Tessie Ortizo, was a faculty member and former campus administrator in Dingle, gently nudging her daughter to plant her roots at the institution. “She introduced me to Dr. Noel Armada, who at that time was looking for someone with a post-harvest specialization,” Rhessa recalls. “From then on, ISUFST became my anchor—my colleagues at College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS), the students, and my own passion to teach and research kept me here.”
For CFAS Dean Rolindo Demo-os, Ortizo’s work captures the research path the college envisions. “Her studies reflect the kind of scholarship we aspire to—innovative, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the fisheries sector. By turning waste into value and knowledge into action, Dr. Ortizo shows the impact-driven research that strengthens ISUFST’s identity as the country’s pioneering fisheries university. At CFAS, our mantra is ‘We learn, we sustain,’ and her achievement is a living testament to that vision.”
ISUFST Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga echoed this, saying Ortizo’s journey embodies what the university hopes for in its faculty: “She proves that when our scholars go out into the world, they don’t just earn degrees—they return with knowledge, values, and innovations that enrich ISUFST as a research university committed to serving communities.”
𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲
The next chapter of her story came through a door that ISUFST had opened years before her: a memorandum of understanding with the then-National Kaohsiung Marine University, now NKUST. From that partnership came a scholarship program that she applied for online, with no assurance except faith and a fierce curiosity. “It was ISCOF [Iloilo State College of Fisheries], now ISUFST [Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology], that informed me of the scholarship. Without that connection, I wouldn’t have found myself in Kaohsiung.”
At NKUST’s College of Hydrosphere Science, Ortizo entered a world that blurred lab coats and global issues. She joined the seafood science research team under professors Dong and Tsai, and found herself handling not just microscopes and centrifuges but questions with global weight: how do we make aquaculture sustainable, waste productive, and food healthier?
Her dissertation might sound like a technical riddle, but its heartbeat is simple: she worked on turning fish visceral waste—yes, the guts often thrown away—into proteins and bioactive peptides that could help manage diabetes. “We used environmentally safe solvents to recover proteins and then convert them into peptides targeting DPP-IV inhibition,” she explains. In layman’s terms: fish guts as medicine.
Why does this matter? Because diabetes is rising globally, especially in the Philippines, where cheap yet safe treatments are desperately needed. While communities fight diabetes, our coastlines battle a different enemy—heaps of discarded fish byproducts that choke ecosystems. Rhessa’s study offers a rare double win, hitting the targets of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) in one stroke. It’s the circular economy at its most elegant: solving a human disease while reducing environmental waste.
Her research days in Kaohsiung were grueling—“coffee was your only fuel because missing one step in an assay could ruin the whole experiment”—but deeply rewarding. She mastered biotechnology tools like Western Blot, ELISA, and DNA sequencing, skills she plans to transfer to ISUFST’s fisheries labs. “The challenge is not just finishing a PhD. The challenge is how to bring home what I’ve learned and make it work in Iloilo,” she reflects.
And she will. Already, she has lined up projects back home: collagen extraction from fish byproducts, improving shrimp drying technologies in Banate Barotac Bay, and reviving her modules on post-harvest fisheries. “I want students to see research not as something abstract but as something they can hold, taste, and use in their communities.”
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. adds a broader perspective: “Dr. Ortizo embodies what the university stands for—grounded in community, but global in vision. Her journey shows that world-class research doesn’t need to begin in big cities—it can start in Iloilo and still reach the world. She proves ISUFST’s mission isn’t just words, but a promise lived out.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲
Living in Taiwan reshaped her perspective. She was struck by how reliant the country was on aquaculture technology rather than wild catch—an echo of what Philippine fisheries might face in the near future. She also discovered how language could be both barrier and bridge. “Most of my labmates didn’t speak English. Instead of them teaching me Mandarin, I taught them English. Now they’re good English speakers,” she laughs.
But even abroad, she was never alone. “The Filipino community was very supportive. ISUFST also never left me behind, constantly encouraging me to finish on time,” she says, adding her gratitude to NKUST’s international student scholarship grant. She realized the PhD was never hers alone. It was a shared victory, lifted by family love, mentor wisdom, funder trust, and colleagues whose support crossed both time zones and borders.
Her balance came from lifting and running—two habits that spoke volumes. Lifting reminded her of the discipline in small, repeated steps; running mirrored the long, uncertain road of research. Both demanded grit, both required trust in the process, and both reminded her that every finish line leads to another race.
She has also presented her work on global stages, like at a conference in Hakodate, Japan, where feedback not only affirmed her research but stoked her fire to keep going. With all parts of her dissertation now published in SCIE and SCOPUS-indexed journals, she joins the growing league of ISUFST faculty whose names resonate beyond Philippine shores.
As she resumes her post at ISUFST, Ortizo is clear-eyed about the tasks ahead: strengthen labs, mentor students, publish more, and most importantly, extend her research to Western Visayas communities. “Technology transfer is the goal,” she insists. Her dream is to see local processors, not just scientists, benefit from innovations in fish waste valorization or shrimp drying. In her words, “Research that stays in papers is incomplete. Research must serve people.”
In the end, her journey is not just about a PhD earned in Taiwan. It is about a daughter of Iloilo carrying knowledge across seas, then planting it back in her community. It is about ISUFST proving, once again, that a university in the Visayas can hold its own in the global knowledge-based society. And it is about reminding every student that the gut of an oyster, or the waste of a tilapia, may hold solutions to humanity’s greatest problems—if only we dare to look closer. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)
Davao del Sur State College Conducts Benchmarking Visit to ISUFST for University Conversion Goals
BAROTAC NUEVO, ILOILO (August 4, 2025)—The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) welcomed nine key officials from Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) for a one-day benchmarking visit at its Main Campus–Tiwi Site, a significant step in DSSC’s preparations for its planned university conversion in 2028.
Spearheading the DSSC delegation was Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Siverlyn Camposano, accompanied by Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Luciano Nasibog, Jr. The team was warmly received by ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga, Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Jonny Dolor, and university officials from various academic and administrative sectors.
The exchange was more than a formal visit—it was a full-circle immersion. After hours in the conference room for the orientation, presentations, and Q&A session, the DSSC delegation visited ISUFST’s key spaces—from offices to labs, classrooms to museum—and had solid sit-downs with unit heads. They exchanged ideas, shared challenges, and dove into topics like governance and documentation, finding the conversation both honest and inspiring.
DSSC VPAA Dr. Camposano shared that learning about ISUFST’s journey and the behind-the-scenes efforts that led to its university conversion gave their team both clarity and inspiration. She noted that they witnessed more than just documents and policies—they saw the people and systems that truly brought the vision to life.
ISUFST’s journey from being Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF) to achieving full university status on January 10, 2023, served as the roadmap DSSC came to learn from. Now with campuses and sites in Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dumangas, and San Enrique, ISUFST stands as the country’s only fisheries university.
VPAA Dr. Belga described the visit as a moment of shared growth. “It’s rare to have a conversation that’s both technical and heartwarming,” she said. “We’re happy to walk with DSSC in this journey—not as experts, but as fellow educators strengthening our institutions together.”
ISUFST President Dr. Siason, Jr., echoed this, saying that meaningful exchanges like these help build a stronger culture of collaboration and nation-building in higher education. He quickly shared that ISUFST’s own transition was the result of years of planning, community engagement, and meeting CHED’s standards. “It wasn’t easy,” he said, “but it was worth it.”
DSSC’s benchmarking activity is rooted in the requirements of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for university conversion. Institutions must show institutional maturity, competent leadership, strong faculty profiles, adequate libraries and infrastructure, research productivity, impact of international linkages, and meaningful community engagement. CHED also requires strict compliance with its orders and a demonstrated commitment to continuous quality improvement.
This visit is part of DSSC’s bigger plan to prepare for university hood. After ISUFST, they are also set to visit West Visayas State University for another round of learning. As both schools shared during the wrap-up, it was more than just a compliance check—it was about culture, leadership, networking, and the everyday work of building futures through education. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)
Forging Partnerships, Empowering Communities: ISUFST and CPD Region VI Seal MOU
In a sincere effort to create stronger and more inclusive communities, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) has formally partnered with the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region VI via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on July 31, 2025, at the ISUFST Board Room, Main Campus – Poblacion Site.
But this partnership goes beyond paperwork. It’s a shared commitment—a genuine pledge to work together in promoting population and development programs that uplift lives and create meaningful change across Western Visayas.
Mr. Julius Rugger Hermano from the International Affairs and Linkages Office graciously greeted everyone, setting the day’s tone. He genuinely and proudly recognized the presence of the attendees and participants, showing the university’s enthusiasm for this new phase of partnership and community influence.
Mr. Roilo Vincent G. Laguna, Population Program Officer III/OIC PPO IV of CPD Region VI, established the focus by outlining the partnership’s objectives, highlighting the significance of community-oriented strategies in addressing population challenges and fostering inclusive development.
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., in his message of support, emphasized how collaborations like this help turn academic institutions into active players in nation-building.
CPD Region VI Regional Director Harold Alfred P. Marshall echoed this sentiment, highlighting the value of strategic partnerships in bringing about real change on the ground.
The CPD Region VI team was also represented by Mr. Jarryd Roy Diotay, Community Development Facilitator Officer, and Ms. Rachelle E. Labordo, Admin Officer V—both expressing their optimism for the initiatives that lie ahead.
Also present during the event were ISUFST’s key officials:
Dr. Lenirose B. Mondero – Director, Gender and Development (GAD) Office
Dr. Jeanette G. Bayona – Director, International Affairs and Linkages Office
Dr. Kharlle John Huatea – University Physician
Ms. Edeline Joy A. Brito – Information Officer 1 on behalf of Dr. Herman M. Lagon – Director, Public Affairs, Marketing, and Media Communications Office (PAMMCO).
The ceremony concluded on an emotional note with the signing of the MOU—marked by handshakes, exchanged smiles, and a group photograph that reflected not just external expressions but also a feeling of hope and common purpose. It was more than a ceremony; it symbolized the start of something significant for the people and communities this collaboration aims to assist.
With this partnership, ISUFST and CPD Region VI are opting to advance collectively—not only in documentation but also through tangible actions. Their common goal: to initiate actions that extend past mere awareness and promote genuine, enduring change. It seeks to cultivate communities that are not only knowledgeable but also resilient, healthier, and capable of directing their own destinies.
At its essence, this collaboration highlights the strength of connection—showcasing the results when organizations go beyond their limits and engage with communities in their own environments. True growth occurs not alone, but alongside the individuals we support.(𝙀𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙅𝙤𝙮 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙤/𝙋𝘼𝙈𝙈𝘾𝙊)
Three Organizations, One Goal: ISUFST, SAO Philippines, and Rivers Global Unite to Protect Banate Bay
Banate, Iloilo – July 25, 2025 — In a powerful display of collaboration, three mission-driven organizations—Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), Share An Opportunity (SAO) Philippines, Inc., and Rivers.Global—joined forces to implement a crucial tranche of their shared environmental advocacy through the Saving Banate Bay Project and ROAR (Raising Ownership, Awareness and Responsibility).
Held at Barangay Alacaygan, Banate, Iloilo, the event brought together key leaders and community members in a unified effort to promote environmental stewardship, develop value-based leadership, and tackle the pressing issue of plastic pollution in marine ecosystems.
Representing ISUFST were Dr. Johnny B. Dolor, Project Leader of Saving Banate Bay, and Dr. Joana Paula B. Biñas, Director of Extension Services and Development. Their leadership emphasized the role of academic institutions in science-based community action and education.
Pastor Gaudencio Boko Jr., Team Leader of SAO Philippines and Project CHAMPS, brought faith-based insights into the program, guiding participants in developing environmental indicators grounded in stewardship, accountability, and shared responsibility.
The program was actively participated in by members of the local children and youth organizations, barangay officials, and fisherfolks, who all shared the common concern for the health of their coastal environment.
This collaborative initiative showcased how inter-organizational synergy—rooted in education, values, and community participation—can pave the way for sustainable, inclusive, and impactful environmental action. The July 25 activity served as a milestone toward their shared vision: a resilient Banate Bay for generations to come.
CHED Official Sees Strong Potential in ISUFST’s Proposed BS Nursing Program
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) visited the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) on Monday, July 28, 2025, to conduct a preliminary evaluation for the proposed Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, targeted to launch in the first semester of Academic Year 2026–2027 at the ISUFST Main Campus–Poblacion Site, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.
Dr. Arnold John Anceno, Education Supervisor II of CHED Regional Office VI, did the technical assistance visit held at the CICT Conference Room. The assessment reviewed ISUFST’s program proposal and initial compliance with CHED’s Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) requirements.
With strong planning and clear alignment with CHED’s guidelines, ISUFST is in a promising spot, Dr. Anceno, a medical doctor himself, shared. He is hopeful the BS Nursing program will gain approval by next year.
During the visit, Dr. Anceno examined key documents and toured proposed facilities like amphitheaters and mock hospitals, essential for future nurses’ training. To make this possible, ISUFST intends to retrofit its College of Education (CoEd) and College of Industrial Technology (CIT) buildings at the Poblacion site to serve as the future home of the College of Nursing. Meanwhile, current CoEd and CIT students will be relocated to the Tiwi Site of the Main Campus in AY 2026-2027 to accommodate the transition.
The visit was in response to a formal request made by ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., following a previously postponed schedule due to work suspension caused by bad weather conditions. In the request, Dr. Siason emphasized the importance of CHED’s guidance during the university’s preliminary evaluation for COPC application.
“This is more than an institutional expansion—it’s a mission to provide community-responsive, accessible nursing education in northern Iloilo,” Dr. Siason said during the consultation. “We want to produce future nurses who are deeply grounded in service and competence.”
The proposed BSN program is the first of its kind to be offered outside Iloilo City in the northern part of the province. ISUFST had earlier conducted a consultation with Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) National President Dr. Rosana Grace Belo-Delariarte, who expressed strong support for the initiative, noting the urgent need for localized nursing education in underserved areas.
To ensure program quality, ISUFST is pursuing partnerships with several hospitals in the region, including the Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center, Iloilo Provincial Hospital, Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital, and Asia Pacific Medical Center–Iloilo, for clinical training and Related Learning Experiences (RLE).
The university also held a stakeholder consultation on July 15 to define the BSN program’s Vision, Goals, Mission, and Objectives (VGMO), engaging local government units, barangay health workers, alumni, students, and parents. According to ISUFST Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga, the university is now coordinating benchmarking visits and faculty recruitment to meet program and compliance requirements.
“We are aligning every step with CHED standards, but we are also staying true to ISUFST’s brand of quality education—rooted in local context and driven by global relevance,” Dr. Belga noted.
With the COPC application process underway, ISUFST is optimistic about its chances, bolstered by its ISO 9001:2015 certification, AACCUP accreditations, and recent CHED awards for excellence in community extension, internationalization, and Indigenous Peoples education.
Founded in 1957, ISUFST is the country’s first and only state university for fisheries. It now offers 27 undergraduate and 16 graduate programs across five campuses, serving over 8,500 students. The planned BSN is part of the university’s expansion into high-demand sectors identified in the Philippine Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Admission to the BSN program is expected to open by the latter part of AY 2025–2026, pending CHED approval. Updates will be released through ISUFST’s official platforms. (Photos by Ricky Ramos/Text by Herman Lagon/ PAMMCO)
One Legacy, One Home: The 2025 Grand Alumni Homecoming
From DHS, DAIS, DATEC, ISCOF to ISUFST — generations of proud alumni gathered on July 26, 2025, to celebrate a legacy built through time. The event was graced by University President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr., with an inspiring keynote message from Mr. Wilson Batislaon.
The day began with a colorful parade of batches, each joyfully led by their muses and escorts — a wonderful display of the unity and pride shared by all who have been part of these halls.
More than just a reunion, the Grand Alumni Homecoming was a heartfelt reminder that no matter where life leads us, this will always be one legacy, one home.
– Edeline Joy Brito / PAMMCO
📸 Sir Ricky Ramos
#ISUFST #ISUFSTisDaFirst #ISUFSTCommunity
Celebrating 78 Years of Excellence, Service, and Transformative Education
The 78th Founding Anniversary of ISUFST Dingle Campus, held on July 25, 2025, was a joyful tribute to its rich history and lasting legacy. We were honored to have Dr. Reginal Clavel as our inspirational speaker, whose words stirred pride and purpose in the ISUFST community.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan M. Belga also graced the event, joining in the recognition of our loyal faculty and staff through the Service Awards, as well as our Outstanding Alumni who continue to shine in their respective fields.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dingras Balbona, OIC Campus Administrator, for the warm welcome extended to our guests and alumni.
Here’s to more years of commitment, growth, and impact.
– Edeline Joy Brito / PAMMCO
📸 Sir Ricky Ramos
📸 ISUFST Dingle Campus FB Page
#ISUFST #ISUFSTisDaFirst #ISUFSTCommunity
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ISUFST Empowers Non-Teaching Staff Through G.R.I.T. for Service Training-Retreat
The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) successfully concluded its three-day training and reorientation program titled “GRIT for Service 2025: A Training-Retreat Toward an Ethical, Resilient, and People-Centered Work Culture” held July 16-18, 2025. at Almadria Highland Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. The retreat gathered 237 non-teaching staff, directors, faculty with administrative functions, and top administrators from ISUFST’s five campuses for a shared moment of pause—to reflect, realign, and renew their commitment to public service.
Organized by the Human Resource Management Office with the GAD Office, the training-retreat became more than just a professional reset. At the values-laden integration workshop, ISUFST faculty and staff explored how the university’s vision, mission, mandate, and guiding principles could be lived out through daily care and service. The sessions were framed around SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 16 (Strong Institutions), helping participants anchor their actions in the GRIT values—Growth, Resilience, Integrity, and Teamwork—that define the university.
“This retreat reflects what ISUFST truly stands for,” said University President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. “We don’t just aim to deliver quality service—we build a community that serves with humility, passion, integrity, and purpose. And our non-teaching staff are at the heart of that mission.”
Day 1 began with an inspiring talk from Fr. Joel Rojo-Eslabra, chaplain of WVSU Medical Center, who invited participants to reconnect with their “why” through ikigai, the Japanese concept of purpose. “Service begins when we rediscover our reason for showing up each day,” he said. His talk continued after lunch, blending stories, clips, and quiet moments that invited participants to look inward. Fr. Eslabra reminded everyone that true service begins not with titles, but with the simple decision to care, to listen, and to lead with heart.
By mid-afternoon, energy and laughter filled the room as Mr. Al Ian Barcelona, CEO-President of AIB Training and Consultancy Corporation, challenged the group to reframe their roles with joy and passion during his WAVE session: Works Acceleration and Value Empowerment. Later that evening, new staff members introduced themselves to the wider community through lively talent presentations—an icebreaker that quickly turned into a celebration of shared joy, creativity, and campus pride.
Mr. Barcelona continued his session in Day 2, weaving in themes of personal passion, institutional alignment, and values-driven performance.
Also on that same day, July 17, Dr. Kharlie Joehn Hautea, the university physician, emphasized the importance of health, wellness, and safety in the workplace, reminding staff that good service begins with well-being.
Later in the day, ISUFST Legal Officer Atty. Joey Mondero revisited Republic Act No. 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. His session, and the engaging Q&A thereafter, reinforced that integrity, transparency, and accountability are not just legal mandates—they are daily practices that sustain public trust.
The second night brought moments of joy and unity during the Search for Mr. and Miss Non-Teaching Staff 2025. Mary Floren Arguez and Eli Gene Tisuela, both from the Tiwi Campus, were crowned titleholders. The event, though lighthearted, echoed the retreat’s spirit of confidence, inclusivity, and campus pride. Participants described it as “a celebration of the quiet strength behind every desk and department.”
The final day, July 18, featured CHMSU’s Director of Student Affairs and Services, Dr. Ma. Victoria Violanda, who ended the training retreat on a powerful note about working with purpose. She talked about the courage it takes to stay committed, the strength in collaboration, and the wisdom in being a lifelong learner.
Meanwhile, program lead Supervising Administrative Officer (SAO) Alma P. Betito also noted that: “For us, this retreat is a heart-check, it is a reminder of why we do what we do.” She added: “Our non-teaching staff are vital to the university’s heartbeat. Empowering them means enriching our entire system of service.”
Dr. Lenirose Mondero, GAD Director, affirmed the deeper purpose behind the activity: “When we build an inclusive, reflective workplace, we don’t just boost morale—we strengthen the very foundation of the service we give to students and communities. It’s about making each person feel seen, valued, and driven by purpose.”
With its blend of knowledge sessions, honest reflections, and shared celebrations, GRIT for Service 2025 reaffirms ISUFST’s mission to nurture kind, ethical, and resilient public servants. It also supports the university’s goal to align human resource development with institutional performance and to recognize excellence through the PRAISE incentive system.
As the country’s first and only state university dedicated to fisheries science and technology, ISUFST continues to lead with heart—cultivating a workplace where compassion, purpose, and public service grow hand in hand. (Herman Lagon / Ricky Ramos / Edeline Joy Brito / PAMMCO)
