San Enrique, Iloilo–In a milestone moment for both institutions, the CAMELEON Association, Inc., a globally supported nonprofit known for its advocacy in child protection and empowerment, officially entered into a partnership with the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed Friday afternoon, April 11, 2025, at the Faculty Conference Room of the College of Agriculture, ISUFST San Enrique Campus here. This marks the first formal collaboration with a higher education institution in CAMELEON’s 28-year-old history—making the occasion both meaningful and historic.
According to CAMELEON Executive Director Ms. Cornelia Udani, this is the first time in the association’s 28-year advocacy history that it has entered into a formal MOU with a higher education institution in the Philippines. “We wholeheartedly welcome this partnership,” she said. “It gives us hope for more meaningful projects and programs for our scholars and partner communities. We are proud to take this step with ISUFST.”
The signed MOU opens the door to meaningful collaborations in child protection, gender and development, education, health, research, and inclusive community programs. At the heart of it is a shared mission between ISUFST and CAMELEON—to uplift those often left on the margins, especially young girls and survivors of abuse.
Representing ISUFST, University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., shared that the partnership goes beyond paperwork and reflects the university’s deeper calling to live out the values of social justice. “We are a public university not just to teach but to serve—to empower lives, not just minds,” he said. “This partnership ensures that no one, especially those who need the most care, is ever left behind.”
He added, “Social justice must not remain in our mission statements—it must live in our classrooms, our programs, and how we welcome every student with compassion and care.”
Dr. Siason also directed San Enrique Campus Administrator Dr. Rex Diaz to ensure that the 40 enrolled CAMELEON scholars are fully supported in their academic and personal development. “We must make them feel seen, heard, and cared for,” he said. “Let them know they belong—not just as students, but as part of our ISUFST family.”
Key ISUFST officials from the Public Affairs, Marketing, and Media Communications Office (PAMMCO), Office of International Affairs and Linkages (OIAL), Extension Services and Development (ESD), Research and Development (R&D), and Gender and Development (GAD) attended the ceremonial signing, all expressing strong support for the multi-sectoral goals outlined in the agreement.
Program Director Jomer Adolacion, Advocacy Program Associate Antoinette Acupinpin, and Officer Vivian Bravo witnessed the event from the CAMELEON side. They noted that the collaboration marks a significant opportunity to integrate academic support with psychosocial, legal, and livelihood services that CAMELEON provides to its beneficiaries.
The five-year MOU outlines collaborative efforts in research, community extension, capability building, training, and advocacy campaigns—anchored on mutual respect, shared expertise, and the common goal of transformative education. The partnership also strengthens ISUFST’s vision of a globally connected university that champions inclusive, responsive, and meaningful engagement with civil society groups. (Jan Laurence Galon and Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)
