Recognitions

December 12 2025

ISUFST clinches its FIRST ICON AWARD

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) marked a historic moment in its 68-year journey after receiving national distinction at the Commission on Higher Education’s Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards on December 10, 2025, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

CHED holds its annual ICONS Awards to celebrate Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for their crucial role in championing the country’s higher education sector on the international stage. The ICONS Awards 2025 acknowledges Philippine HEIs that are beginning to show up in international ranking tables, celebrating not just the data but the stories behind them—the push for sustainability, the widening of ASEAN awareness, the growing spirit of global engagement. It is also a space where the visionaries and everyday workers behind these strides are honored.

For the first time, ISUFST joins the roster of ICONS awardees—a milestone that reflects the university’s rising presence beyond the shoreline and its growing impact on the country’s higher education landscape.

Representing the university at the ceremony was Dr. Jeanette G. Bayona, Director of the Office of International Affairs and Linkages, who carried the pride of the ISUFST community as she received the award. For her, the recognition felt deeply personal for a university built from the quiet perseverance of coastal communities.

“ISUFST may be a small university by national standards, but our dreams for our students have always been big,” Dr. Bayona said. “This award tells us that our efforts—to connect, to collaborate, and to open global doors for our learners—are finally being seen. It inspires us to do even more.”

This ICONS honor comes at a turning point for ISUFST, which has been quietly building its global connections through collaborations, faculty upskilling, and programs that bring the world closer to its coastal campus. As President Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., CESO VI noted, the award captures the university’s spirit as much as its achievements.

“This is a milestone shaped by many hands—teachers who give more than what is required, students who dare to dream beyond our shores, and communities who believe in the promise of education,” Dr. Siason said. “For the first time in our history, ISUFST has been recognized on a national stage for internationalization. This is a victory we dedicate to the families and fisherfolk who built this university from the ground up.”

He added that the ICONS recognition strengthens ISUFST’s resolve to keep improving.

“We will continue creating programs and partnerships that honor our roots in fisheries while pushing us toward global relevance,” he said.

ISUFST also marked two more “firsts” this year—its inclusion in the UI GreenMetric and the 2024 THE Impact Rankings, both affirming its identity, especially in Life Below Water. For a university shaped by the sea and the families who depend on it, these recognitions feel like small waves turning into big tides. As ISUFST turns this new page, it carries with it a warm promise of a more connected and sustainable future for the next generation. (Julius Ruger Hermano | Herman Lagon | OIAL | PAMMCO)

#isufstisdafirst #isufst #isufstcommunity #pammcostoriesthatmatter

December 8 2025

ISUFST Secures First-Ever Spot in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings

ISUFST Admin Recognitions

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) has taken a meaningful step onto the global sustainability stage, earning its first-ever placement in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2025, securing 1102nd out of 1,745 universities worldwide. It is also third overall in Western Visayas, next to WVSU and ISATU. For many ISUFSTians, this recognition is a simple but meaningful affirmation and concrete transformation: their everyday efforts are truly making an impact.

The 15th UI GreenMetric Ranking measures how these universities worldwide commit to climate responsibility—from clean energy to waste, water, transport, and sustainability education. This year’s theme highlights how campuses must make sustainability part of their story, not just their projects.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., CESO VI, shared, “This milestone is more than a ranking—it’s a reminder that change starts with simple choices done consistently.” “We thank the dedicated ISUFST team who worked tirelessly on the GreenMetric documentation and our faculty, staff, students, and partner communities who prove every day that protecting our environment is shared work.”

ISUFST’s sustainability footprint is composed of lived stories—student-led mangrove plantings, community-managed marine sites, climate lessons rooted in experience, and campus-wide efforts to reduce waste and conserve energy. The Agri-Ecotourism Farm in Bongloy, ISUFST Dingle Campus, embodies this work by merging environmental learning with livelihood opportunities. These efforts show that sustainability here is not just compliance—it is culture.

As the nation’s sole fisheries university, ISUFST’s GreenMetric ranking affirms its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that shape the future of the agri-fisheries sector and the communities it uplifts. It is worth noting that it also secures the 57th spot among 89 participating institutions in the Philippines.

The recognition also supports ISUFST’s vision to become a purpose-driven and globally engaged institution. The milestone follows ISUFST’s recent CHED recognitions and its entry into the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

“Sustainability outlives us,” said Dr. Siason. “We do this for our students today and the communities they will someday lead.”

ISUFST moves forward steadily—working with partners, learning from its communities, and choosing greener paths, one step at a time. (Rex Paulino | Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)

#isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity #isufst #pammcostoriesthatmatter

December 1 2025

ISUFST PAMMCO Ambassadors Shine in the 16th Gusting Awards

ISUFST Admin Activities, Recognitions

Five young ambassadors of the loilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) Public Affairs, Marketing, and Media Communications Office (PAMMCO) have ignited the stage as they joined the 16th Gusting journalism training and workshop held at University of San Agustin Auditorium, November 29-30, 2025.

Themed “Beyond the Byline: Journalism as a Watchdog against Disinformation for Campus and Beyond,” the event was participated in by 750 students from 51 schools in Panay, Negros and Cebu.

Among the winning ISUFSTian PAMMCO Ambassadors are:

– Lagradante, Crystel – 1st Place, News Writing (Filipino)

– Adonis Pango – 2nd Place Short Reels

– Jovie Kate Lorca – 3rd Place Feature Writing (English)

Alongsde them were ambassadors Tiffany Anne Sullesa, and Dein Andrey Daguro, representing Tiwi, Dingle, and Dumangas campuses.

The five are part of a group of studentscalled PAMMCO ambassadors, who applied and committed to assist ISUFST in its effort to “show and tell (ISUFST) stories that matter” to the community through the different mediums of communication and public affairs initiatives.

It is worth noting that the two-day affair covered traditional and contemporary journalistic platforms, including news, feature, editorial, column, and sports writing, copyreading and headlining, video editing, broadcasting, vlogging, editorial cartooning, page layouting and design, social media content creation, reels editing, and media and digital ethics, among others.

To elevate the level of training, it had national media experts and practitioners from Rappler; ABS-CBN, SunStar,, and the academe as its resource speakers, facilitators, judges, and discussants. This included ISUFST’s PAMMCO Director Herman Lagon, a regular columnist of 15 newspapers nationwide, who covered feature, editorial, and column writing. (

Crystel P. Lagradante |

Adonis Pango | PAMMCO)

October 20 2025

ISUFST Honors Two Topnotchers in 2025 Fisheries Board Exam, Awards ₱50,000 Incentive

ISUFST Admin Recognitions

Joy and pride filled the Main Tiwi Campus of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) this morning, October 20, 2025 during the flag raising ceremony as the university honored its newest Fisheries Board Exam topnotchers — Leslie Kate T. Macaling and Andrei Von T. Villarin — both graduates of BS Fisheries Batch 2025 who placed 8th nationwide, with a rating of 89.00%, earning distinction among the country’s best. Each received ₱50,000 in cash incentives from the university in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. personally led the awarding, commending the two for bringing pride and honor to ISUFST. In his message, Dr. Siason praised their discipline and grit, calling them symbols of what ISUFST stands for — education that empowers and success that inspires. “Their success reflects the dedication, discipline, and vision that define our students and mentors. These achievements are the fruits of our shared pursuit of excellence,” he said.

Also, other Fisheries Board Exam passers were recognized by being awarded with certificates of recognition for their accomplishment and perseverance.

The College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS), the premier program of the university, also marked a robust overall performance with a passing rate of 77.14%, exceeding the national average of 69.61%.

The recognition emphasized not only scholarly achievement but also the university’s strong dedication to shaping skilled professionals who operate with integrity and intent—aligned with ISUFST’s mission to support both communities and coastlines. (𝘌𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘑𝘰𝘺 𝘈. 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘰/𝘗𝘈𝘔𝘔𝘊𝘖)

#ISUFST #ISUFSTISDAFIRST #ISUFSTCOMMUNITY #PAMMCOSTORIESTHATMATTERS

October 7 2025

BS Fisheries Program Achieves AACCUP Level IV Re-Accreditation

ISUFST Admin Activities, Recognitions

The Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSF) Program of the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS) has successfully earned 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗜𝗩 𝗥𝗲-𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 (𝗔𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗨𝗣), 𝗜𝗻𝗰., with an outstanding overall rating of 4.7 out of 5.0.

This achievement reflects the program’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement, the hallmarks of a globally competitive fisheries institution. It also highlights the dedication of CFAS faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders in advancing quality education and sustainable practices in the field.

As CFAS continues its journey toward becoming a Center of Excellence in Fisheries, this milestone reinforces our collective commitment to quality assurance, innovation, and sustainability in fisheries and aquatic sciences.

Proudly, we uphold our mantra—
We Learn. We Sustain.

To more and beyond, CFAS!

(by JCB Salarza and CJC Villanueva

September 24 2025

CHED Certifies 29 ISUFST Faculty to Region VI Quality Assurance Pool

ISUFST Admin Recognitions

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

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

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

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

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

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

ISUFST’s 29 RQAT members:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity #isufst #pammcostoriesthatmatter

September 22 2025

ISUFST Receives BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Advocate Award

ISUFST Admin Extension, Recognitions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 11 2025

ISUFST Researcher Bags 2nd Place in RSTW 2025 Pitching Event

ISUFST Admin Recognitions, Research

Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) researcher Instructor Jessa Alico and her team secured Second Place in the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) Pitching Session 2025 held yesterday, September 10, at Robinsons Roxas, Capiz, with their innovation Auto-OMP (Automated Oyster Mushroom Production).

The award-winning research, developed by ISUFST’s College of Agriculture in partnership with the College of Computer Studies, was led and presented by Instr. Alico with co-researchers Instr. Rezeld Alarva, Instr. Dave Allan Tagacay, and Engr. Katherine Padilla. The team is developing an automated system that takes the fuss out of mushroom farming so communities and agri firms can raise yields, reduce losses, and grow income in a sustainable way. It hopes to respond to what farmers face on the ground and to the push for resilient, inclusive, sustainable practices.

“Our technology was inspired by a reverse pitching event where I realized automation could help solve major challenges in mushroom production,” Alico said, adding, “After the event, I collaborated with IT colleagues to bring the idea to life. It wasn’t easy, but we pushed through because we believe this tech can greatly benefit both the community and education.” Armed with the hope to serve not just agricultural students but also the wider community, she intimated that the team’s next steps are “to protect the technology and conduct thorough testing, with the hope that by 2029, farmers can already begin using it.”

Organized through RAISE Tech Ventures 2025, the pitching event gathered 14 universities alongside government agencies across Region VI. It culminated in the presentation of research innovations after a series of capacity-building sessions hosted at the University of the Philippines Visayas–Miagao, University of Antique, Iloilo Science and Technology University, and Capiz State University.

Central Philippine University (CPU) placed first, while Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) placed third. Certificates and cash prizes celebrated their research-powered solutions and the teams behind them.

As DOST Region VI puts it, RSTW 2025’s theme—“Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan”—shows how science can lift neighborhoods now and make them more resilient for the future. “Events like this connect innovation to adoption, and adoption to economic growth,” said DOST-VI Regional Director and member of the Board of Regents of ISUFST, Engr. Rowen Gelonga.

Auto-OMP advances UN goals where it counts: food security under SDG 2, agripreneurship and jobs under SDG 8, and sustainable production under SDG 12. ISUFST, the country’s only state fisheries university, is steadily building SDG-aligned work into classes, labs, and outreach—part of its roadmap to be a top Southeast Asian research university by 2030.

The achievement of Alico and her team join a string of ISUFST honors in research, global linkages, and community programs, strengthening its promise to deliver solutions that help small businesses and barangays thrive. (Photo credit is given to COAG ISUFST San Enrique/Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

#isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity #isufst #pammcostoriesthatmatter

September 8 2025

Four Students, One Mentor, and the Oyster’s Secret

ISUFST Admin Recognitions, Research

On stormy days in Iloilo, when the sea looks restless and the shoreline brims with stories, four ISUFST students chose to chase answers hidden in the smallest of places—inside the gut of an oyster. For 20-year-olds Melody Vaughn Ferrer, Johnas Arellado, Romeo Theodore Golez, and Arlene May Linacero, what began as curiosity soon grew into the kind of work that could change lives, especially for the fisherfolk who depend on tilapia farming for survival. Together, with the quiet but steady mentorship of Prof. Jason Albances, they became a research team unlike any other.

Just days ago, they made history. Named Top 10 National Finalists in the BPI-DOST Innovation Awards, the young researchers secured ₱60,000 with the chance to turn it into ₱150,000 if they rise into the Top 3. For ISUFST, it is the first taste of national acclaim at this level and nature. For the students, it is fuel and validation rolled into one—evidence that an oyster-born idea from Iloilo can swim, and thrive, in national waters.

The Team Behind the Breakthrough

Their story is a grounded picture of ISDA in motion—research done with integrity, for social justice, through disciplined work, toward academic excellence.

Melody, a BFAR scholar from Guimaras, traced her passion to growing up close to the sea. “At first, I just wanted to help in research,” she said. “But along the way, I realized how much it fueled my drive to persevere and deepen my passion for discovery.” Her journey from high school science fairs to oyster-based probiotics reveals not just persistence but a love for science that mirrors the mission of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), the only fisheries university in the country, to raise globally competitive graduates who lead with responsibility.

Johnas, a third-year student from Anilao, Iloilo, admitted he wasn’t ready for research at first. But when he learned microbes from oysters might help fight fish disease, he was hooked. “The idea that something small could save you from creating this large change also delighted me,” he recalled with a soft smile. Outside the lab, he unwinds with music and his food and consumptive fish—proof his curiosity swims past textbooks into daily life.

For Romeo, the project was almost a calling. “The chance to study probiotics from oysters was something I never thought possible,” he said. Manga and anime may give him comfort after long days, but in the lab he became one of the group’s anchors. He repeated technical procedures tirelessly until they worked, his honesty about failures matched by his joy in every small success. That mix of grit and humility made him both steady worker and natural communicator—traits that soon earned him the role of the team’s buyer, marketer, and outside link.

Arlene, a BFAR and LGU coop scholar from Cabatuan, Iloilo, was drawn in by her love for freediving and swimming. “Being underwater connects me to the world we study,” she reflected. As the team’s organizer, she kept those late nights from going off the rails. “What I love is our balance—if one of us misses something, someone else calls it out.” It was she who first proposed probiotics as their research direction, setting the course for everything that followed.

What set this group apart was how their roles naturally complemented each other. Melody took on the less glamorous tasks—documentation, filing letters, cleaning up after experiments. “It’s the dirty work that keeps everything moving,” she joked. Johnas, the problem-solver, handled daily water changes and jury-rigged solutions when lab resources ran low. Romeo became the communicator, doing market surveys and purchases while still grinding through lab work. Arlene managed the group’s schedules and communication, never letting momentum stall. Each role was different, but together they made the research possible.

Setbacks, Support, and Small Wins

The sacrifices they poured into the study weren’t just late nights—they were entire seasons of their young lives. Melody remembers entering the lab at five in the morning and leaving near midnight, sometimes skipping meals just to record tilapia behavior. Johnas recalled the never-ending challenge of securing clean water, especially during weekends or holidays when supply was unreliable. Romeo spoke of equipment that wasn’t fit for their needs, forcing them to adapt. Arlene admitted she often pushed for extra experiments even when energy was low.

Their adviser, Prof. Albances, put it plainly: “I watched them trade sleep, meals, and weekends for this work. We lost three runs to contamination, ran out of clean water, made do with tools that weren’t built for us. Each time, they didn’t sulk—they changed the method and came back. That’s science: care and perseverance for a higher cause.”

For them, science wasn’t neat—it was chaotic, sleepless, and stubborn. “The worst part? Those marathon lab days—no lunch, no breaks,” Melody shared. “The best? That moment the data finally clicked and every hour felt worth it.” Romeo added, recalling when the oyster probiotics first checked the pathogen: “That tiny win kept us going.”

Even steady Arlene confessed to jitters. “I’m kinda confident, just trying not to jinx it.” She carried on, letting the results speak for themselves “The whole process really matters—it proves ISUFST can hold its own in fisheries research.”

Their adviser watched the grind and the glow-ups. “Seeing them after a failed experiment was the hardest,” Albances admitted. He’d ease the room with snacks some days, push harder on others—“kung gis-a, ga latigo ‘ko sa ila (sometimes, I have to ‘crack the whip,’)” he joked. No spoon-feeding, just guided grit. “Their edge is resilience. They kept finding ways to improve.”

It helped that ISUFST itself stood behind them. With the school’s biolab facilities, the students learned to maximize every resource, embodying the university’s guiding principle of empowerment. “Even if the facilities aren’t always perfect, the environment pushes us to innovate,” Arlene said. For Johnas, the experience confirmed his foundation: “ISUFST gave me not just aquaculture knowledge but the chance to do real research early.”

What made their achievement even sweeter was its history. For the first time ever, a group of ISUFST students broke into the top 10 of this national innovation competition. “They are making history for the college,” Albances proudly said. For him, their recognition proved that even as third years—who began this project as sophomores—they could stand shoulder to shoulder with students from more resource-rich universities.

Behind every trial was also a circle of support. Melody, a first-generation student, said her family’s faith gave her courage. Johnas admitted his strict but supportive parents, and especially his sister, pushed him to persevere. Romeo, coming from a family of teachers and seafarers, was grateful for a household that valued discipline and service. Arlene said simply, “My parents supported me all the way.” Beyond families, the school provided labs, vehicles, and even small comforts when needed. “All we asked for, the school supported,” Albances stressed.

Oyster Probiotics for Tilapia: Impact on Fisherfolk

The team’s study, anchored on samples from Brgy. Palaciawan in Barotac Nuevo, directly answered farmers’ questions: “How do we stop the disease?” Aeromonas shrugs off antibiotics, putting small tilapia farmers at risk. By using bay-ad (oysters) as a low-cost probiotic, the students proved science can come from local waters—not pricey imports. If scaled up, this could lower costs, protect fish stocks, and give stability to families whose survival hinges on aquaculture.

Their project drew funding from DOST–PCAARRD with Dr. Mary May Payne as special project head—and from ISUFST. They finished the study with a cost kept relatively manageable, thanks to school equipment and shared resources. The research, part of their undergraduate thesis, has already set the stage for further work. In December 2025, ISUFST professor Dr. Payne will accompany the team to present their full paper internationally, by which time Albances will already be in Japan at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology for his PhD studies. “The results are in place for presentation,” he confirmed, hinting at an even bigger stage ahead.

NFRDI and PCAARRD stand for National Fisheries Research and Development Institute and Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, respectively. While BPI, BFAR, and DOST mean Bank of the Philippine Islands, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Department of Science and Technology.

Why This Matters to Families

What makes their work remarkable is how it stretches beyond the lab. “It’s not just about fish,” Melody said. “It’s about the people who depend on them.” By finding a natural, oyster-based alternative to antibiotics, the team points to safer tilapia on the table, steadier incomes for fisherfolk, and healthier seas—right in step with SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and 14 (Life Below Water).

Romeo put it more plainly: “Our project can help a lot of small fish farmers by producing a natural way to reduce disease and boost fish health.” Johnas added, “This doesn’t just help aquaculture—it helps fisherfolk families whose livelihoods depend on it.” Arlene saw it as both livelihood and environmental protection: “It’s about supporting local communities through science.”

Looking ahead, each student carries not just dreams but lessons etched by the journey. Melody, an athlete before she was a researcher, learned that sacrifice is the price of discovery. Johnas discovered that asking for help is not weakness but strength. Romeo reflected that diligence and balance are vital: “Ask questions. The world promises more if you’re just keen to look for answers that solve problems for the marginalized.” Arlene distilled it into discipline: “Always manage your time, list the work, distribute it well—but never forget to rest.”

For Prof. Albances, the lesson was simple but profound: interest and grit can push students far beyond the curriculum. “They are only fresh third-years now, but they’ve learned so much more than what’s inside the classroom,” he said. He continues to give free Friday lectures to second-years, inviting them into the same journey. What began as a deal to help senior students in the lab grew into a culture of curiosity that, in his words, “can change futures.”

At its heart, this story is more than science—it’s possibility realized. When curiosity is tended, when resilience finds its moment, and when young scientists are trusted, change begins. The future of discovery lives not just in experiments but in the hands of dreamers, the tables of fisherfolk, and the steady guidance of teachers who let them soar.

“As a university, this directly advances the SDGs and affirms ISUFST’s leadership in marine science,” said Dr. Nordy Siason. “Four students and a mentor are walking away with more than data—they carry grit, service, and hope.”

He put it with a fisher’s plain wisdom and an ISUFST nod: “ISDA isn’t just fish—it’s our promise of shared progress. Care for the fish, feed families, strengthen communities. From an oyster’s gut to the nation’s tables—that’s how science should feed the future.” (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

September 1 2025

ISUFST Prof Presents Study on Barnea Dilatata Fisheries at DOST-PCAARRD National Training

ISUFST Admin Recognitions, Research

In Iloilo’s fishing town of Ajuy, Barnea dilatata—a lesser-known shellfish—now holds promise for livelihoods and conservation. Faculty researcher Prof. Cjay B. Soliven of ISUFST presented his study on sustaining this species through an ecosystem approach during the DOST-PCAARRD Training on Essential Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) and Training of Trainers (TOT) last Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Park inn by Radisson, Iloilo City.

The training, which runs from August 25 to September 5 in Iloilo City, gathered fisheries professionals nationwide. Its goal: to equip them with tools to apply EAFM as a framework that keeps the seas healthy while ensuring that coastal communities continue to thrive. It also sought to build a pool of trainers who can cascade EAFM practices to coastal communities and fisheries stakeholders nationwide.

Dr. Soliven, who teaches at ISUFST’s College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS), shared his research titled “The Path Forward: Establishing an Ecosystem Approach for Sustainable Barnea dilatata Fisheries in Ajuy, Iloilo, Philippines.” The presentation builds on an earlier study, “Unveiling a New ‘Diwal’ Resource: Exploring the Fishery Potential of Barnea dilatata (Souleyet, 1843) in Iloilo, Philippines,” led by Mary Mar N. Payne with fellow researchers Jescel B. Bito-onon, Edgar M. Hortillosa, Jason O. Albances, Soliven himself, Rico Ian D. To-ong, Grieco C. Gutierrez, and Vanica P. Boglosa. Together, the ISUFST team continues to pursue initiatives that highlight the species’ ecological role and economic potential, while promoting sustainable management and conservation.

“Our research aims to provide a starting point: knowing how Barnea dilatata lives, how it supports the ecosystem, and what it can mean for local economies, so we can recommend responsible fishing and management,” Soliven explained. He noted that their work documented the species’ distribution, harvesting practices, and marketing channels in northern Iloilo, providing critical insights for policymakers and local fishers.

During his lecture, resource person Dr. Soliven underscored the urgency of the situation. “Yes, the challenges are big, but so is our capacity to act. The decline of our seas is not a problem for the future—it is our present reality.” The establishment of an Ecosystem Approach for Fisheries Management is the single most important step we can take to ensure the survival and prosperity of the Barnea dilatata fishery and the vibrant coastal community of Ajuy, Iloilo. We cannot afford to wait. The time for action is now.”

At its core, EAFM, promoted by DOST-PCAARRD, asks one question: how can we care for the seas without forgetting the people who depend on them? EAFM links research with real action by bringing science, governance, and community together. At Park Inn, participants already spent a week, and still to have a week more, tackling fisheries threats, compliance issues, blue economy strategies, and action planning that tied in with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Resource persons included experts from top institutions at home and abroad.

Through its participation, ISUFST indicated its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 14: Life Below Water. With its mission of taking science to action, the university continues to find ways to actively support fisherfolk and their families who rely on the sea.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., for his part, expressed pride in Prof Soliven’s role, stressing how it reflects university’s engagement in both national and international arenas. “Our faculty’s involvement in programs like this affirms ISUFST’s vision to lead in fisheries science and technology, and also contribute solutions that balance ecological integrity and people’s livelihoods,” he said.

This matched the crux of the training: the future of fisheries is a collective endeavor. Academe, government, and fishing communities must work together if Philippine seas are to remain a lifeline for millions. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)