Iloilo City, October 3, 2024—The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), the Rotary Club of Namweon Central (District 3620) in South Korea, and the Rotary Club of Iloilo (District 3850) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last night for a P2-million Rotary International Global Grant entitled “Automotive Industry Modernization in Iloilo” (AIM Iloilo). This milestone event happened during a regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Iloilo at Diversion 21 KTV Bar Function Room, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

 

The signing ceremony, attended by about 50 Rotarians and Rotary Annes, including former District Governors John Michael “Kano” Ng and Ramon Cua Locsin, marked a new chapter of international cooperation. The event was led by Rotary Club of Iloilo President Peter John Raymund Pacheco, with Past President Engr. Jesus Anayas as the program facilitator. Seven distinguished Korean Rotarians from District 3620 also graced the occasion, among them Mr. Wang Hee Kim, Global Grant Chairperson of Namweon Central, Yunkil Nam, President of the Rotary Club of Namweon Central, Hyungcheol Park (Secretary), Jaehee Seol (Past President), Changhun Lee (President-elect), Mark Hongjae Jeong (Past President of the Rotary Club of Zamboanga North, District 3850), and Helen Inhye Kim of the Rotary Club of Roxas City (District 3850).

 

The MOU was signed by Mr. Wang Hee Kim, Atty. Pacheco, and ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. The grant aims to modernize ISUFST’s College of Industrial Technology (CIT) automotive training facilities, benefiting students, extension beneficiaries, and the larger Iloilo community.

 

Yunkil Nam, President of the Rotary Club of Namweon Central, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, saying, “This MOU is not just a piece of paper; it represents our shared commitment to serve the community and uplift the quality of education. We are grateful for ISUFST’s warm hospitality during our ocular visit, and we look forward to continued partnerships for more meaningful projects in the future.”

Dr. Nordy Siason expressed his deep gratitude for Rotary’s trust and investment in ISUFST, a school that educates marginalized but intellectually capable students. “This grant is a much-needed resource for our institution. It will enhance our capacity to deliver high-quality technical education, empowering our students to compete globally. We remain committed to providing parallel quality services in our faculty portfolio, teaching methods, and institutional processes to make this project successful,” Siason said.

 

On behalf of the Rotary Club of Iloilo, lawyer Pacheco reiterated the club’s dedication to the AIM Iloilo project. “We are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of this project with the help of our Rotarian partners from Korea. Their willingness to share their resources and expertise will enable us to reach those who need our assistance the most here in Iloilo and throughout the country.”

Mr. Wang Hee Kim closed his remarks by encouraging both local and international Rotarians to up their collective efforts. “Let us elevate each other and exemplify ‘Service Above Self’ as we work together to make a lasting impact,” he said.

 

While there were initial language barriers during the signing and discussions, the presence of interpreters (the Capiz-based Korean couple Helen and Mark, who were instrumental in making these linkages with Korean Rotarians possible) ensured a smooth exchange of ideas. This collaboration is seen as not only a technical partnership but also a cultural and humanitarian exchange between the two nations.

The night ended with an animated fellowship that lasted until 10:30 p.m., during which participants from both countries shared stories and strengthened their camaraderie. The meeting began with a dinner at 6:30 p.m.

 

Educator Dr. Herman Lagon heads the AIM Iloilo project and is the Rotary Grant Leader and Primary Contact. Journalist Francis Allan Angelo is the Secondary Contact for the proposed grant, ensuring seamless communication between stakeholders. Meanwhile, Wang Hee Kim and Junkil Nam are the primary and secondary contacts, respectively, for the Rotary Club of Namweon Central.

The project aims to modernize ISUFST’s automotive facilities, providing state-of-the-art equipment for hands-on training that will significantly benefit both instructors and students.

 

Earlier in the day, ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason and Atty. Pacheco, together with their fellow Rotarians, conducted an ocular inspection at ISUFST’s Main Campus-Tiwi Site. This visit aims to pave the way for the full implementation of the AIM Iloilo project. Once completed, the project will modernize the automotive laboratories at the College of Industrial Technology by upgrading tools, equipment, and instructional resources.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to empower students and communities through modernized technical education,” said Dr. Siason. “It represents a vital opportunity for sustainable development and positive change in our region.”

The AIM Iloilo project’s expected outcomes include modernizing training facilities, fostering partnerships for equipment procurement, building capacity, and extending community outreach programs. The Rotarians and ISUFST leadership are optimistic about the project’s long-term benefits for Iloilo and beyond.

The success of AIM Iloilo is seen as a crucial step towards advancing the technical-vocational education landscape in the region, strengthening ISUFST’s role in delivering globally competitive education. (Photos by Ricky Ramos/Text by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO/Published by: Patrick Lance Nacion/MIS-PAMMCO)