The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) conducted a Capacity Building seminar-workshop on University Research Futures Thinking and Foresight at its Main Campus-Tiwi Site in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The event aimed to integrate futures thinking into the university’s research and development strategies, emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and innovations.

 

Led by distinguished speakers Mr. Emmanuel De Guia, Prof. Jalaine Joyce Malabanan, and Prof. Michville Rivera, the seminar hosted select researcher-participants, including educators, administrators, who were welcomed by ISUFST President, Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr.

 

Dr. Siason expressed the significance of the seminar in his opening remarks: “This training is a crucial step towards embedding a forward-looking mindset within our institution. It further equips our community with the necessary skills to foresee and navigate the dynamic challenges and opportunities in fisheries science and technology.”

 

The session, held at the ISUFST Conference Hall, focused on applying futures thinking principles to enhance research agendas directly linked to real-world applications and future industry needs. The discussions ranged from theoretical frameworks to practical implementation strategies aimed at fostering a culture of innovation within the university’s research community.

 

The seminar, which reiterates ISUFST’s “Bangka sang Kabuhi Ta program, concluded with a closing message from Research and Development (R&D) Office Dr. Jescel B. Bito-Onon, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement with the tools and methods discussed. Attendees were encouraged to incorporate these approaches into their ongoing and future projects to drive meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

 

It is worth noting that the impact of futures thinking at ISUFST extends beyond the workshop. It is part of a broader strategic initiative to incorporate this foresight into everyday academic and operational activities, ensuring that the university not only adapts to but also shapes future trends in fisheries and aquaculture. This ongoing commitment to “Futures Thinking” and “breakthrough mindset for SDG and innovations,” which started last year, is evident in the university’s research agenda, which continues to evolve to meet the future needs of the community and the industry.

 

By fostering an anticipatory culture and embracing futures thinking, ISUFST is setting a benchmark for academic institutions, particularly in the agri-fisheries sector. The university is not just reacting to changes but is actively participating in creating a sustainable future for the fisheries industry, thereby contributing significantly to national and global food security and sustainability efforts. This proactive approach in education and research exemplifies how futures thinking can serve as a critical tool in developing resilience and innovation in response to the complexities of the modern world.