Research

August 1 2025

Forging Partnerships, Empowering Communities: ISUFST and CPD Region VI Seal MOU

ISUFST Admin Extension, Gender and Development, Projects, Research

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)

#ISUFST #ISUFSTISDAFIRST #ISUFSTCOMMUNITY

July 21 2025

ISUFST Empowers Non-Teaching Staff Through G.R.I.T. for Service Training-Retreat

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension, Gender and Development, Projects, Research

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)

June 25 2025

ISUFST Scientist Advocates for Marine Biodiversity at One Ocean Science Congress in France

ISUFST Admin Activities, Research

In a first on the world stage, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) was featured on the global stage through its faculty researcher, Dr. Mary Mar Noblezada Payne of its College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, during the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) on June 3 to 6, 2025, in Nice, France. As a top-tier scientific forerunner to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the event convened over 2,000 scientists globally to share critical concerns for the world’s oceans and share science-informed responses to the climate and biodiversity crises.

Hosted by France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (IFREMER), the congress was designed to bring political leaders and international stakeholders scientific expertise relevant to policy decision-making in Sustainable Development Goal 14—“Life Below Water.” The OOSC was a designated special event of the UNOC3, which took place from June 9 to 13, also in Nice.

Dr. Payne, a Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) scholar and principal investigator of ISUFST’s DOST-PCAARRD Biodiversity and Molecular Laboratory, presented “Unveiling Marine Biodiversity in the Philippines through DNA Metabarcoding: A Contribution to Global Biodiversity Discovery and Inventory.” Her presentation featured the rich yet threatened marine ecosystems of the Philippines and emphasized the significance of genomic tools for conservation, biodiversity evaluation, and sustainability activities in Southeast Asia.

“This opportunity was more than just a platform to present data,” said Dr. Payne. “It was a chance to show that institutions like ISUFST, though geographically small, are globally significant contributors to ocean science and solutions. Our work feeds into a global effort to understand and protect marine life before it’s too late.”

ISUFST’s participation is unique since it is in line with its mandates being the country’s first and only fisheries university, authorized by CHED and a number of international accrediting bodies for quality fisheries education, community development, and environmental innovations. By virtue of its inclusive graduate and undergraduate programs, ISUFST remains a constructor of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its activities on research, international connections, and community-centered extension work.

Additionally, other Filipino researchers from the UP Marine Science Institute, UP Visayas, Catanduanes State University, and from Oceana Philippines and Sulubaai Environmental Foundation were in attendance during the Congress. Chaperoned by researchers from Norway, the USA, and France, they shared their knowledge, provided case studies, and were involved in more than 30 roundtable discussions and townhalls on climate resilience, marine policy, and science diplomacy.

Hosted at historic venues in Nice including Quai Infernet and Palais des Expositions, the OOSC included over 500 oral presentations and 600 scientific posters. The congress concluded with world-streamed keynote lectures highlighting the necessity of safeguarding marine ecosystems as a common global resource.

Dr. Payne’s participation not only brought with it ISUFST’s growing presence in the international science community but also opened avenues for potential future collaborations in the discovery of biodiversity and genomics. Her participation affirms the university’s vision of becoming not only an institution that succeeds in the country but also takes a leading role in delivering sustainable and science-enriched solutions on the global level. (Herman Lagon/ PAMMCO)

May 13 2025

ISUFST Hosts Meet Supporting Faculty Research in Region VI

ISUFST Admin Activities, Research

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 7 2025

ISUFST Unveils P25M Research and Extension Hub, Paving the Way for a Fisheries Learning Complex

ISUFST Admin Projects, Research

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries and Technology (ISUFST) has officially inaugurated its P25 million Research and Extension Hub, a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to enhance its academic and research facilities. This infrastructure, almost two years in the making, marks the first of its magnitude under the leadership of President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr.

Located at the university’s Main Campus-Tiwi Site in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, the new hub boasts a multipurpose cinema-function hall, dedicated offices for the Research and Extension departments, and innovation spaces. According to Dr. Johnny Dolor, Vice President for Administration and Finance, this project is a testament to the university’s commitment to improving research capabilities and community outreach.

The completion of the Research and Extension Hub represents the beginning of a broader vision articulated by President Siason. “I hope to establish a Fisheries Learning Complex, and this hub will be a significant part of that vision,” Siason said during the turnover rites. The complex will feature the Research and Extension Hub through the ongoing developments and existing facilities that include, among many others, the Paler Hall, a fish processing complex, a 26-hectare fishpond, brackish water areas, and multiple fish processing, training, collaboration, production, and research laboratories.

This ambitious plan also includes constructing an P80-million Olympic-sized swimming pool and sports complex and a P22.5-million state-of-the-art library. Except for the library, which will start this year, these ongoing projects are set to provide a holistic learning environment, ensuring that students gain a well-rounded education and practical experience.

“We are building a university that is not just about academics but also about providing students with the best facilities to help them excel. This research and extension hub, along with our other ongoing infrastructure projects, is an essential part of our dream to make ISUFST a reservoir of research and extension,” Siason added.

Contractor Doroteo Salas of DG Salas Construction Services, for his part, shared that the project was a result of careful planning and collaboration. “It was a challenging but fulfilling project, especially since the university was very particular about quality and the timely completion of the structure.”

Dr. Jescel Bito-onon, ISUFST’s Research Director, emphasized that the new hub will greatly improve the university’s research capabilities. “This facility will allow us to expand our research, host more community-oriented activities, and continue contributing to the development of the fisheries sector in the region,” Bito-onon said.

As ISUFST continues investing in infrastructure and beefing up its faculty portfolio and organizational processes, President Siason reflected on the importance of choosing the right contractor for each learning facility. “Every bidding process is a prayer that we find the right partner for the job. Like the contractor who built this hub, we hope to continue working with the best for all our future projects.

With the Research and Extension Hub now operational, ISUFST, the only fisheries university in the country, takes another step toward becoming one of the leading universities in the region. As how it has poised itself to do in recent years, ISUFST continues to be committed to producing well-equipped professionals ready to lead not just in the fisheries and aquatic sciences fields but also in the areas of education, agriculture, management, industrial and information technology. (Herman Lagon/Sea Treasure/R&D Office/PAMMCO)

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 14 2025

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture through Biological Control!

ISUFST Admin Activities, Research

The Biological Control Laboratory under the College of Agriculture is one of the satellite laboratories of the Regional Crop Protection Center – DA-Regional Field Office VI and proudly stands as the only satellite laboratory housed in a State University and College (SUC). This facility is dedicated to the mass production of earwigs and Trichogramma, vital biological control agents in crop protection.

Under the expertise of Mr. Jodel Lacsao (Admin Assistant I) and the supervision of the Dean, Dr. Myrna P. Prudente, the laboratory ensures a continuous supply of these biocontrol agents—benefiting local farmers in managing pests naturally and serving as a valuable instructional resource for students.

#BiologicalControl #SustainableFarming #IntegratedPestManagement #AgricultureInnovation #CropProtection

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.

December 27 2024

ISUFST and DLSU Explore Inclusive SDG-Based Local Laws on Day 2

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension, Gender and Development, Research

The second day of the training workshop, “Shaping Inclusive Futures: An Action Plan for ISUFST’s SDG Policy Center,” featured compelling discussions and strategic planning for addressing gender equality and child protection policies. Hosted by the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) in collaboration with De La Salle University (DLSU) J. Robredo Institute of Governance (JMRI), the event runs from December 26 to 28 at Damires Hills Tierra Verde Leisure Farm.

The day’s sessions were headlined by Fulbright Visiting Scholar Juliene Porciuncula from North Carolina State University and Dr. Leonora Angeles, Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia. Her talk provided academic insights and practical approaches to crafting research papers for publication that address pressing issues such as teenage pregnancy, violence against women and children (VAWC), disaster risk reduction management (DRRM), and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). She explored data-driven solutions and policy implementation strategies using the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) Framework, the Circular Model of the Research Process, and other similar frameworks.

“We need to understand the intersectionality of these issues,” noted Dr. Angeles, emphasizing the importance of integrating laws like the Safe Spaces Act and DRRM (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management) policies into the context of women’s and children’s safety.

The sessions also included researchers led by Dr. Francisco Magno, Director of the JMRI at DLSU, sharing insights using the IAD model. They focused on translating policy concepts into actionable plans and comprehensive realities on the ground descriptions. Participants engaged in activities to refine strategies for community-based disaster management and sustainable local governance. Prof. Magno emphasized, “Effective policies begin with understanding local contexts, partnering with the stakeholders, and empowering communities.”

“This initiative exemplifies ISUFST’s commitment to bridging the gap between global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the unique realities of our local communities,” said ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. “By addressing pressing issues such as gender equality and child protection through data-driven policies and inclusive strategies, we aim to drive meaningful change for vulnerable sectors. This effort also reinforces ISUFST’s vision of fostering equity and academic excellence through collaboration and innovation.”

The workshop, which culminates tomorrow, December 28, 2024, will finalize action plans for the March 2025 Policy Summit and the plan to install a local Policy Center, solidifying ISUFST’s leadership in inclusive governance and its vision of fostering equity through academic excellence and collaboration. (PAMMCO)