𝗜𝗦𝗨𝗙𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗗𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝟭,𝟴𝟮𝟱 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦
* 74 magna, 324 cum laude grads get CSC eligibility
In a historic milestone, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) conferred degrees to 1,825 graduates — including 74 magna cum laude and 324 cum laude honorees–during its university-wide, in-person with a live broadcast commencement exercises held Thursday, June 5, 2025, at the Tamasak Arena, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. For the first time in ISUFST 68-year history, graduates received their actual diplomas on stage during the ceremony.
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy C. Siason Jr. led the conferment of degrees, grounding the moment in both pride and purpose. Reflecting on the occasion, Dr. Siason said, “This isn’t just a graduation—it’s a celebration of grit and growth. Behind every diploma is a story of sacrifice, sleepless nights, and hope. At ISUFST, we don’t just hand out degrees—we help shape lives that will serve, innovate, and make a real difference in our communities.”
While Department of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, the designated commencement speaker, was unable to attend due to official commitments with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his message was delivered by DepEd Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera. Angara reaffirmed his strong ties with ISUFST, recalling his efforts in securing ₱10 million in funding for the College of Education Annex in 2018 and his co-authorship of RA 10604, the law that converted the then Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF) into a state university, ISUFST. He credited his late father, Sen. Edgardo Angara, as co-author of the Senate counterpart bill.
“Today, I want to underscore the importance of synergy between our basic and tertiary education,” Angara emphasized in his written message. “Together, DepEd and ISUFST share the vision of producing globally competitive, locally grounded graduates.”
He also praised ISUFST’s contributions to academic and community development. “ISUFST stands as a shining example of innovation and excellence, especially in marine sciences, community development, and sustainable technology,” Angara wrote. “As you sail forth into deeper waters, carry with you the pride of your roots.”
“Kamo ang buhi nga pamatuod nga wala sing limitasyon ang inobasyon kung ang tuyo amo ang pagpaayo sang kalidad sang edukasyon diri sa aton nga pungsod [You are the living proof that innovation knows no limits when the goal is to improve the quality of education in our country.],” Angara added, emphasizing the importance of innovation in education.
This year’s graduates came from five campuses and diverse academic programs, reflecting the university’s wide-ranging educational portfolio:
• Main Campus–Tiwi Site (295 graduates): 91 BS Fisheries, 16 BS Marine Biology, 27 BPE, 18 BSED English, 21 BSED Filipino, 4 BSED Math, 9 BSED Science, 4 BSED Social Studies, 27 BTLEd, 72 BSTM, 6 BLGA
• Main Campus–Poblacion Site (470): 99 BEED, 40 BSED English, 96 BS Information Technology, 161 BS Hospitality Management, 44 BIT Automotive, 16 BIT Electricity, 14 BIT Electronics
• Dingle Campus (409): 58 BS Agriculture Animal Science, 114 BS Agriculture Crop Science, 20 BEEd, 11 BSED Math, 11 BSED English, 31 BS Filipino, 6 BS Science, 53 BS Information Technology, 105 BS Hospitality Management
• Dumangas Campus (262): 52 BEED, 58 BSED English, 9 BSED Math, 16 BSED Science, 58 BS Hospitality Management, 69 BS Information Technology
• San Enrique Campus (389): 29 BEED, 27 BSED English, 12 BSED Math, 35 BSED Filipino, 50 BS Agriculture Animal Science, 67 BS Agriculture Crop Science, 73 BS Hospitality Management, 36 BS Office Administration, 60 BS Information Technology
Adding to the seven-hour occasion held in a jam-packed stadium, the Civil Service Commission awarded certificates of eligibility to the 398 graduates who earned Latin honors, recognizing their outstanding academic excellence and qualifying them for positions in government service without having to take the Career Service Exam. These honor graduates were also formally inducted into the ISUFST Alumni Association, signifying the beginning of their lifelong connection to the university and its growing network of professionals and changemakers.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga commended the graduates’ academic journey: “These graduates have undergone a well-rounded and outcomes-based education. They are prepared not just for jobs, but for meaningful impact.”
Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Johnny Dolor noted the institution’s preparedness for global workforce trends: “Our investment in infrastructure, from automotive technology upgrades to research hubs, mirrors our commitment to excellence and readiness for global workforce demands.”
The ceremony also recognized the university’s recent institutional achievements, including:
• Outstanding Board Performance Award for an 80% passing rate in the October 2024 Licensure Examination for Fisheries Professionals
• 100% Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) for both undergraduate and graduate programs
• Awards for Excellence in Community Extension, Internationalization Initiatives, Peace Education, Indigenous Peoples Education, and Student Affairs and Services
• Recognition for Support to CHEDRO VI and as Model Implementer of STUFAP/CSP (ISUFST Dingle Campus)
The graduation program concluded a week-long schedule of recognition rites and baccalaureate services conducted from June 2 to June 4 across ISUFST’s campuses in Dingle, Dumangas, San Enrique, and the Main Campus (Tiwi and Poblacion Sites). These ceremonies were inclusive of both Catholic and non-Catholic faiths and were held in churches, function halls, and cultural centers.
Founded in 1957, ISUFST is the country’s first and only fisheries university. It is designated as a Center of Development in Fisheries and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, with consistent accreditation from CHED and AACCUP. Today, ISUFST offers 27 undergraduate and 16 graduate programs, serving over 8,500 students with a faculty composed of over 280 educators, half of whom hold doctorate degrees. (Photos by Ricky Ramos and MIS/Text by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)
