The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) celebrated the conferment of degrees to 1,016 undergraduate students during its systemwide commencement ceremony on Friday, July 26, at the Tamasak Arena, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. The event was marked by a significant announcement from Commencement Speaker Sen. Francis Tolentino, who pledged a PhP50 million donation to construct a Microbiology Laboratory primarily for experiential learning, research, and innovation.

 

Sen. Tolentino also committed financial assistance to purchase a boat or a training ship, a critical prerequisite for the potential re-application and revival of maritime courses. Highlighting the importance of the donation, he assured that the project would be implemented by next year. He emphasized that both the microbiology laboratory and the maritime vessel are crucial for the university’s mission to produce globally competitive and empowered graduates in fisheries, agriculture, education, and technology.

 

“In the near future, I foresee a leading university not just in fisheries but also in other disciplines, including maritime transportation and microbiology education,” Sen. Tolentino stated. “The world awaits your brilliance. Embrace the moment, value the process of the journey, and maximize the opportunity to serve our country.”

 

“What I see is a group of young graduates dedicated to a bright future, faculty dedicated to impart knowledge, and a vibrant community showing the world that the Filipino is one of the best. So, give your best, ‘bigay todo’ (give it your all), always,” he added.

 

Iloilo 4th District Representative Ferjenel Biron praised ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. for his leadership in transforming Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF) into ISUFST within a short period. “Let education remain the only weapon to change your world,” he advised the graduates, reflecting on his own journey from student to successful doctor, businessman, and statesman. Biron reaffirmed his commitment to supporting ISUFST, recognizing its role in changing the “destiny of our ‘kasimanwas’ (fellow countrymen) by providing access to education at the least possible cost.”

 

In a recorded video message, CHED Chairperson and ISUFST Board of Regents Chairman Dr. J. Prospero E. de Vera III congratulated the graduates and assured continued support through CHED’s projects, scholarship grants, and training programs. “Be thankful to your teachers and parents,” he said, adding, “You are the new faces and hope of the country.”

 

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason confirmed the graduation of the 1,016 students for the Academic Year 2023-2024 with a strong message: “The future is yours to shape and lead! Congratulations!” In the institution’s 67 years of existence, this is the second systemwide ceremony since its establishment as a university, following its conversion from ISCOF to ISUFST.

 

The distribution of the graduates was as follows: 153 from the Tiwi campus, 266 from the Poblacion campus, 224 from the Dingle campus, 163 from the Dumangas campus, and 210 from the San Enrique campus. Among the graduates were five magna cum laudes: Rhea Aguilar (BSOA), Jayra Guilaran (BSIT), Jhea Alyanna Jinon (BSIT), Hannah Pearl Serrano (BSED-English), and Edeth Subong (BSED-Mathematics). Additionally, 230 students graduated cum laude, and 94 received academic distinction.

 

It is worth noting that Rep. Biron, also a member of ISUFST’s Board of Regents, sponsored the legislation leading to the enactment of Republic Act No. 10604 and later RA 11012, laying the foundation for ISUFST’s transformation. He is often called the “father of ISUFST” due to his pivotal role in its development.

 

Meanwhile, the ISUFST School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Regalia Hooding and Graduation Ceremonies were also held last Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Iloilo Convention Center. It minted 154 graduates, covering 17 master’s and 11 doctorate degree programs. The graduates came from the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (26), College of Education (95), College of Management (17), College of Agriculture (7), and College of Information Technology (9).

 

ISUFST is set to introduce six new graduate school programs in the next academic year, pending CHED approval. These programs include the Master of Arts in Education with majors in Mathematics, Science, and English, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education with majors in Mathematics, Science, and English Language Teaching.

 

Nonetheless, the commitments of Sen. Tolentino, Rep. Biron, Dr. de Vera, Dr. Siason, and the ISUFST community reflect a unified effort to elevate ISUFST’s educational standards and infrastructure. This collective vision aims to transform the university into a leading institution not only in fisheries and marine sciences but also in broader academic disciplines.

 

The ceremony concluded with a declaration of optimism for the future of the graduates and the university. The new commitments and developments signal a bright and promising future for ISUFST and its community. (Text by Herman Lagon/Photos by Herman Lagon and The Sea Treasure/PAMMCO)