The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) commenced constructing a new sports complex at the Main Campus-Tiwi Site this Thursday morning, May 2. The groundbreaking ceremony introduced the construction of an Olympic-size swimming pool with a grandstand, a rubberized 10-lane oval with a grandstand, and an outdoor basketball court, aiming to elevate the university’s sports infrastructure to world-class standards.
Initially funded by a P80 million grant from the 2024 General Appropriations Act, courtesy of an initiative by Uswag Iloilo Representative Jojo Ang, the project titled “Construction of a Multipurpose Facility (Sports Complex Facilities)” is anticipated to be a cornerstone for fostering athletic excellence and community engagement at ISUFST. The construction is expected to span two years, with a completion target set for 2026.
Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., President of ISUFST, expressed his anticipation for the project, stating, “We are on the brink of a transformative years for ISUFST. This groundbreaking is more than just the start of a construction project; it is the dawn of enhanced opportunities for our students and the broader community in the nearby towns and districts of Iloilo to engage in sports from the grassroots to the highly competitive level. We are deeply grateful for the support from the government and all stakeholders involved.”
The ceremony, scheduled this early Thursday morning, will be attended by key officials from the university, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Uswag Ilonggo, and other governmental bodies. The event is set to celebrate the start of the new facilities and highlight the collaborative efforts that made this initiative possible.
“The new facilities will not only boost the university’s capability to host national and international sports events but also significantly contribute to the physical and social development of its students,” ISUFST Planning and Development Office (PDO) Director Edmer Bernardo, said, adding, “The inclusion of these facilities underscores ISUFST’s commitment to developing a holistic educational environment that nurtures both academic and athletic prowess.”
It’s important to mention that the swimming pool, while primarily intended for sports activities, will also function as a practical diving laboratory for the university’s fisheries and marine biology students. Similarly, the track oval will support not only athletic competitions but also a variety of physical education and student organization-related activities, enriching the student’s academic and extracurricular experiences.
As the ISUFST community looks forward to the unveiling of these state-of-the-art sports facilities, the excitement is palpable, with expectations set high for the positive impact these facilities will have on the university’s landscape and its contribution to sports in the region.
The groundbreaking ceremony feature Rep.Ferjenel Biron of the 4th District of Iloilo and Uswag Ilonggo Rep. James Ang Jr., key figures in funding and developing this project.
(Text by Herman Lagon; Designs by the PDO/PAMCO)
Photos by: Ricky Ramos
Posted by: Patrick Lance Nacion
