Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo — Instructor Melchor “Bilog” P. Licera, Jr., a faculty member of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) College of Industrial Technology (CIT) Main Campus–Poblacion Site, will depart for South Korea on April 19, 2025, as part of a three-week international training program under the Rotary International Vocational Training Team (VTT) initiative for automotive instructors.
The program, fully funded by Rotary International, will run until May 11, 2025, and includes technical sessions, collaborative workshops, cultural immersion, and structured outputs to be shared upon return. Licera’s participation comes on the heels of the ₱1.89-million Rotary Global Grant received by ISUFST last March, which aims to modernize its automotive facilities and strengthen technical-vocational education under the AIM (Automotive Industry Modernization) Iloilo Project.
“This opportunity means so much to me—not just as an educator, but as someone committed to lifelong learning,” said Licera. “Life is full of unexpected challenges—adapt, or risk being left behind. That mindset helps me grow both personally and professionally.”
The VTT, organized by Rotary International, brings professionals from different countries together to exchange expertise in fields aligned with Rotary’s six areas of focus, such as supporting education and economic development. The Korea-bound training cohort, composed of ten (10) selected Filipino automotive instructors in the country, aims to gain exposure to cutting-edge automotive technologies and instructional practices currently being used in Korea’s technical education system.
Upon return, Licera is expected to conduct echo-trainings and submit midyear and year-end reports on the application and integration of his learnings into ISUFST’s automotive curriculum and extension services. These efforts align with ISUFST’s mission to advance quality education in science, technology, and industry-based learning, while contributing to the university’s SDG-driven initiatives on workforce readiness and inclusive development.
Licera expressed deep gratitude to those who made his participation possible. “I sincerely thank our University President and Rotarian, Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., for his unwavering support; Dr. Joan B. Belga and Dr. Johnny B. Dolor, our Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Herman Lagon, PAMMCO Director and Rotarian. I am also grateful to Dean Rodel Dosano, Dr. Janet Bayona, and my CIT family, whose support keeps me going. Special thanks to Rotary District 3850 especially PDG John Michael Ng and PP Hongjae Mark Jeong, Rotary Iloilo, and Rotary Namweon Central for making this journey possible.”
Dr. Lagon, who also project led the Rotary-funded AIM Iloilo project at ISUFST, noted that this training marks the next phase of the university’s capacity-building efforts. “This international exposure complements our recent lab upgrade. It reinforces our goal to not just modernize facilities, but also to upgrade the people who teach and lead these programs,” he said.
The VTT experience also includes immersion into Korean work ethics, pedagogy, and innovation models—insights that can be translated into local strategies in instruction and community training. It further cements ISUFST’s growing reputation for internationalization, having previously been recognized by CHED for its outstanding initiatives in global engagement and technical excellence.
As part of Rotary’s commitment to sustainability and long-term impact, Licera and his fellow delegates are expected to serve as multipliers of knowledge, applying their learnings to benefit not only ISUFST students but also local communities through outreach and training.
Licera’s South Korea training is part of ISUFST’s broader effort to elevate the BIT major in Automotive Technology program, ensuring it remains aligned with global standards while responding to the real needs of Filipino learners and industries. (PAMMCO)
