𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐂 𝐍𝐔𝐄𝐕𝐎, 𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐈𝐋𝐎—𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (𝐈𝐒𝐔𝐅𝐒𝐓) 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 ₱𝟏.𝟖𝟗 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬-𝐏𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐚𝐳𝐳𝐚, 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 (𝐂𝐈𝐓) 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.
The event marked the formal handover of equipment and training support under the grant, which aims to modernize ISUFST’s automotive training facilities and strengthen the university’s capacity to deliver industry-relevant education in Western Visayas. The project was made possible through a partnership among ISUFST, the Rotary Club of Iloilo (District 3850), and the Rotary Club of Namweon Central (District 3670, South Korea).
According to ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., the grant represents a major step forward in the university’s technical education agenda. “We thank the Rotary community for supporting our goal of providing students with practical training that aligns with current industry standards,” Siason said.
The grant includes the procurement of modern automotive equipment such as a Heavy-Duty Electric Car Post-Type Lifter, a Light-Duty Scissor-Type Lifter, diesel and gasoline engines with computer boxes and harnesses, welding machines, and a digital oscilloscope. These tools are expected to be fully operational by April 2025.
Dr. Rodel Dosano, Dean of CIT, said the equipment will improve instructional delivery and competency-based learning. “This initiative will significantly enhance our students’ hands-on skills and improve their job readiness after graduation,” Dosano stated.
The project also forms part of AIM Iloilo (Automotive Industry Modernization Project), a three-year extension program that aims to train over 300 students and community members, improve faculty technical skills, and expand local access to automotive services.
Dr. Herman Lagon, ISUFST Director and Primary Rotarian Proponent, highlighted the broader socioeconomic benefits of the project. “This grant addresses both educational gaps and employment needs. It gives our students a clear advantage in starting careers or small-scale enterprises,” Lagon said.
The turnover ceremony gathered representatives from both Philippine and South Korean Rotary Clubs, university administrators, faculty, and students. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and site visit followed the formal handover and deed of donation signing, culminating in a fellowship dinner.
Atty. Peter John Raymund Pacheco, President of the Rotary Club of Iloilo, emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration. “The success of this project shows how partnerships between education and service organizations can create long-term impact,” Pacheco remarked.
Meanwhile, Yunkil Nam, President of the Rotary Club of Namweon Central, reaffirmed his club’s commitment to educational development. “We are pleased to work with ISUFST in advancing vocational training. This project reflects our shared vision of empowering communities through education,” Nam said.
The grant was finalized following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on October 3, 2024, after a site inspection and formal gathering at Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City. The same as then, turning over event was attended by over 30 Rotarians and Rotary Annes from both.
With the equipment now turned over and deployment underway, ISUFST is set to raise the bar in automotive education across the region. (Ricky Ramos, Herman Lagon, and Jose Eugene Salazar/PAMMCO)
