Research
ISUFST Prof. Completes Halal Food Training in Indonesia, Plans Curriculum Integration
ISUFST wraps up 5-day Fisheries Management Modeling Training
The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), through its Office of International Affairs and Linkages (OIAL), successfully hosted a five-day Fisheries Management Modeling Training from November 25 to 29, 2024, at the ISUFST Board Room, Main Campus – Tiwi Site. The training mentored 30 participants, including Fisheries and IT students, to utilize advanced tools like the GAMA platform for fisheries management simulations. This initiative supports SDG 14: Life Below Water and teaches students computer modeling to address environmental issues.
Dr. Bayona, Director of OIAL, said, “This training is not only an opportunity for our students to deepen their technical skills, but also reinforces our commitment to addressing global environmental challenges through innovation and research.”
Sylvain Lamouret, Co-Operation Attaché at the Embassy of France, congratulated the participants online, stating, “I’d like to congratulate the students and student organizations of the State University of Fisheries Science and Technology for completing the Fisheries Management Modeling training of the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement. This training program aims to support civil society and young Filipinos to become advocates for ocean protection. We are delighted to have linked the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement and ISUFST, and we hope it will lead to further collaboration.”
The training supported ISUFST’s mission to become a leading research university in Southeast Asia’s fisheries, agriculture, education, and technology by 2030. The program primarily focused on Agent-Based Modeling (ABM), where students learned how to create bio-economic fisheries models using the GAMA platform. French experts Arnaud Grignard and Tri Nguyen-Huu from the UMMISCO Lab, National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, and Julius Millano Bangate from the French National Geographical Institute led the sessions.
Each training day focused on a specific aspect of fisheries management and modeling. On Day 1, students were introduced to ABM, learning about agent behaviors and essential model development using the GAMA platform. Day 2 covered spatial modeling, GIS, and global fisheries management concepts, including sustainability metrics and policies. Day 3 focused on marine protected areas and fish aggregation devices and began the students’ design of their fisheries models.
In the final two days, participants worked on developing their models, designing simulations, and analyzing different scenarios. On Day 5, students presented their completed models during a culminating activity. Five groups shared their innovative solutions. Four groups from the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences simulated real-world issues such as overfishing and natural disasters using 3D modeling in GAMA. The fifth group, from the College of Information and Communications Technology, created a website to showcase and consolidate the models into a centralized platform.
The students impressed the speakers and organizers with their creativity and technical expertise. Faculty mentors and international trainers praised the participants’ ability to apply complex concepts to real-world problems, demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter.
The Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia supported the training under the Youth and Ocean Funds initiative in collaboration with the National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD). Key ISUFST faculty members, including OIAL Director Dr. Jeanette Bayona, Research and Development Office Director Dr. Jescel Bito-onon, College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Dean Dr. Rolindo Demo-os, and College of Information and Communications Technology Dean Dr. Renante Diamante, delivered the closing remarks.
Participants expressed excitement about applying their new skills to their academic research, especially in their thesis projects. The speakers also expressed interest in hosting similar training sessions further to enhance ISUFST’s efforts in internationalization and innovation.
Speakers and attendees received certificates to conclude the event this Friday, November 29. This ended a transformative learning experience that improved students’ skills and broadened their perspectives on sustainable fisheries management. (Julius Ruger Hermano/OIAL/PAMMCO/Published by: Patrick Lance Nacion/MIS-PAMMCO)
2 ISUFST faculty present studies in International STEM research conference at UP Diliman
Two faculty members from Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) presented their innovative research on November 21–23 at the International Conference on STEM Education (ICSTEM), hosted by the University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP NISMED). “Advancing STEM Education through Emerging Technologies, Innovative Pedagogies, and Responsive Curricula” was the focus of this international conference of researchers and teachers.
Attracting hundreds of participants in person and virtually, the hybrid international conference held in UP Diliman featured concurrent and plenary sessions, including speakers from four continents. From Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the US, and the Philippines, distinguished teachers, researchers, and edtech specialists from each country examined transforming leadership, new technologies, and curriculum changes impacting STEM education.
Presented by ISUFST’s College of Education’s Dr. Herman Lagon was his study entitled, “Integrating ChatGPT in Math Education: A Narrative Inquiry into Mathematical Investigation, Mathematical Modeling, and Mathematical Discovery.” His study examined how ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools might improve student involvement and problem-solving ability. “AI-driven tools offer dynamic and interactive learning experiences, equipping students with critical thinking skills and a strong sense of agency essential for today’s digital world. At the same time, these tools free up teachers to focus on providing personalized and individualized instruction,” Dr. Lagon said, adding, “This chance to speak internationally draws attention to ISUFST’s commitment to innovative education. With this, we truly appreciate the university’s consistent support of faculty research.”
Joining Lagon was Mr. John Mark Burila, a College of Education chemistry teacher who presented his paper “Musichemistry: Effects on Learners’ Motivation, Engagement, and Proficiency in Chemistry.” His study explored how integrating music into chemistry lessons can make complex concepts more relatable and engaging for students, improving their motivation and understanding. “Musichemistry transforms abstract ideas into relatable and enjoyable lessons,” Burila noted. ” As a physical science teacher, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see students become genuinely engaged and motivated, especially when they connect challenging concepts to real-life applications and approach learning with curiosity and enthusiasm.”
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. appreciated the faculty’s achievements, upholding the institution’s vision of becoming “a leading and empowering research university in fisheries, agriculture, education, and technology in Southeast Asia by 2030.” Dr. Siason remarked, “Our faculty’s participation in ICSTEM in UP Diliman exemplifies our dedication to excellence and commitment to contributing to the global conversation on advancing STEM education.”
ICSTEM 2024 celebrated the 60th anniversary of UP NISMED and emphasized collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges in STEM education, from curriculum reform to sustainability. The three-day convention, which included a daylong pre-conference, provided a platform for sharing innovative practices and fostering partnerships among participants worldwide.
Dr. Lagon and Mr. Burila’s participation highlighted ISUFST’s commitment to research and underscored the institution’s role in driving educational innovation. Their work serves as an inspiration for educators striving to create transformative learning experiences for students worldwide. (Arniel Clarite/TST/PAMMCO/Published by: Patrick Lance Nacion/MIS-PAMMCO)
ISUFST Hosts International Fisheries Modeling Training Backed By French Embassy
2 ISUFST Faculty Present Studies in International Stem Research Conference at UP Diliman
ISUFST educators shine at ICTED 2024
Teacher-Researchers from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) showcased their groundbreaking studies at the 11th International Conference on Teacher Education (ICTED), held November 13-15, 2024, at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. Centered on the theme “Preparing Teachers for Education 5.0 Toward Sustainable Futures: Thrusts, Challenges, and Praxis,” the conference highlighted innovative approaches to leveraging technology for sustainable, inclusive learning environments.
ISUFST researchers presented studies that underscored the university’s dedication to advancing educational practices. Dr. Ronilo Aponte, together with advisees Hannah Marie Failanza and Camila De los Reyes, explored how game-based learning enhances students’ understanding of mitosis through their study, “Four Games, One exCELLent Goal: Investigating the Effectiveness of Game-Based Learning on Learners’ Understanding and Experiences in Mitosis.” The research demonstrated the potential of interactive learning in improving educational outcomes.
Dr. Shiela May Labajo’s presentation, “Family Reading Practices and Parents’ Involvement on Learners’ Reading Performance in English,” emphasized the vital role of family reading habits and parental involvement in boosting students’ literacy skills. Meanwhile, Michle Celeste introduced photovoice as a reflective tool in her study, “Lens on the Classroom: Photovoice as a Reflective Tool for Pre-Service Teachers’ Narrative Writing,” showcasing its effectiveness in enabling pre-service teachers to document and reflect on their classroom experiences.
Adding to ISUFST’s presence, John Mark P. Burila, a faculty member from the Main Tiwi Site and a PhD Education student at UP Diliman, served as a facilitator in the Program Committee, working with local organizers from UP Visayas. Burila reflected on the significance of the conference, noting that it underscored the need for educators to integrate technology with purpose, equity, and sustainability, ensuring that learning remains meaningful in an ever-changing world.
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., commended the researchers for their contributions to the conference, emphasizing the university’s commitment to fostering a research-driven academic culture. Dr. Siason highlighted that the achievements of ISUFST’s faculty and researchers reflect the institution’s dedication to realizing its vision of becoming “a leading and empowering research university in fisheries, agriculture, education, and technology in Southeast Asia by 2030.” He noted that participation in international platforms such as ICTED affirms the university’s role in shaping innovative and inclusive education.
The ICTED conference, organized by the University of the Philippines College of Education, brought together educators, policymakers, and researchers to discuss the integration of technology, socio-economic challenges, and cultural diversity in education. This year’s conference explored critical themes such as Artificial Intelligence, STEM, inclusive education, and teacher development, offering actionable insights into preparing educators for Education 5.0.
The participation of ISUFST in ICTED 2024 underscores its commitment to advancing educational research and innovation while promoting its guiding principles of Integrity, Social Justice, Discipline, and Academic Excellence. The event also reaffirmed the shared responsibility of educators to foster sustainable futures through meaningful and inclusive education practices. (Photos by JM Burila/Text by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO/Published by: Patrick Lance Nacion/MIS-PAMMCO)
ISUFST and DLSU ink historic agreement to establish UN SDGs-driven Policy Center
Manila, November 13, 2024–In a landmark event at De La Salle University (DLSU) on Taft Avenue, Manila, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between DLSU and the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), cementing their partnership to strengthen academic collaboration and spearhead a Policy Center dedicated to localizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ceremonial signing, held this Wednesday morning, formalized both the general memorandum of agreement (MOA) and the initiative to create a Policy Center in Iloilo, which will drive research and community engagement focused on sustainable development and fisheries science.
Dr. Robert Roleda, DLSU Provost, and Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., ISUFST President, represented their respective institutions at the signing. Dr. Siason highlighted the collaboration’s transformative potential, noting, “This partnership marks a significant step forward in promoting knowledge-sharing and collaborative research in fisheries, agriculture, management, education, and technology, which will have a long-term impact on both institutions and the communities they serve.” He emphasized that the Policy Center would play a pivotal role in bringing research-driven, sustainable practices to communities outside Metro Manila.
The event was attended by key figures, including ISUFST’s Director of Research and Development, Dr. Jescel Bito-onon; Director of Gender and Development, Dr. Lenirose Mondero; and Legal Counsel, Atty. Joey Mondero, and DLSU’s Dr. Franciso Magno, Dr. Jason Hecita, and Prof. Eddie Nuque, underscoring the broad support for the initiative. Another first for ISUFST, the UN SDG Policy Center, grounded in mutual objectives of academic excellence and research innovation, will not only support SDG-aligned policy but will also facilitate future projects, joint research endeavors, and faculty-student exchanges, reinforcing both universities’ commitment to impactful, community-focused education and development.
By establishing this Policy Center, ISUFST and DLSU seek to localize the UN SDG 17’s principle of “Partnership for the Goals,” creating a model for sustainable and localized SDG initiatives across the country. This collaboration aligns with ISUFST’s vision of extending its academic reach and DLSU’s mission to foster transformative, socially relevant education, paving the way for enhanced contributions to the scientific and educational landscapes nationwide. (Photos by Nordy Siason, Jr. and Jescel Bito-onon/Text by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO/Published by: Patrick Lance Nacion/MIS-PAMMCO)