“Because of these tools, we are more confident that our practical training will prepare us for real work, business, and professional life.” With those words of gratitude, Jerobe Arce, a fourth-year PWD automotive student of the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) at the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), capped the successful turnover ceremony of electrical and electronics equipment worth ₱1.89 million donated through a Rotary Global Grant this Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the ISUFST TechnoHub, Main Campus–Poblacion Site in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.
Arce, who is currently completing his internship at F&E Enterprises in Iloilo City, thanked the Rotary Club of Namweon Central in South Korea (District 3670) and the Rotary Club of Iloilo (District 3850) for continuing to invest in the skills development of ISUFST students. “These equipment, machinery, and tools will ensure that our training becomes more complete and more relevant to the industries we hope to serve,” Arce said in a mix of Hiligaynon, English, and Korean, ending his testimony with a heartfelt “Kamsahamnida” to the visiting Korean Rotarians.
The ceremony marked the formal turnover of equipment under the Rotary Global Grant GG2682848 for the project POWER UP: Project for Optimized Workforce-Readiness Through Equipment and Resource Upgrade for Professional Certification.
Strengthening workforce readiness.
The grant will support the university’s Bachelor of Industrial Technology (BIT/BIndTech) program by upgrading laboratories used for Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) and Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing (EPAS) training. The new equipment includes electrical installation trainers, digital multimeters, soldering stations, function generators, solar power training systems, electronic servicing tools, electronic appliances, and industrial control components aligned with TESDA certification standards.
The upgrades are expected to benefit more than 450 students and community learners each year, many of whom come from farming, fishing, and other low-income households in nearby municipalities. ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. said the project strengthens the university’s mission to produce graduates ready for real-world work environments.
“Projects like POWER UP ensure that our students train with tools that mirror actual industry standards. This is not only about equipment—it is about building confidence and competence among our learners,” Siason said.
International partnership for education
The project highlights the growing collaboration between ISUFST and Rotary partners in the Philippines and South Korea. RC Namweon Central President Changhun Lee thanked the university and its Rotary partners for the warm reception. After the ceremony, the Rotarians toured the CIT laboratories to see the new facilities. For Rotary Club of Iloilo President Dr. Lucio Encio, the project shows the power of partnerships. “Supporting education and skills training helps communities grow and gives young people real opportunities,” he said.
A growing partnership
According to Dr. Herman Lagon, Rotary Global Grant project head and ISUFST director, the initiative builds on the growing collaboration between the university and Rotary partners. “This project shows how global partnerships can empower local communities through education and skills development. With modern training facilities, our students will have stronger pathways to employment and entrepreneurship,” Lagon said.
Strengthening CIT training capacity
For the College of Industrial Technology, the equipment significantly enhances the university’s capacity to deliver industry-relevant technical education.
CIT Dean Dr. Rodel Dosano noted that the upgraded laboratories will help ensure that students receive training aligned with current technological standards.
“These facilities allow us to provide deeper hands-on learning. Our students will now train using tools and systems that reflect the realities of modern electrical and electronics industries,” Dosano said.
Ceremony highlights.
The program began with the welcoming of guests—upon arrival by the CIT and College of Management students and in the function hall by the ISUFST KI-AY Dance Group and faculty singers. This was followed by the opening ceremony which singing of the Korean National Anthem, Philippine National Anthem, ISUFST Hymn, and Rotary Hymn, as well as the Recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test. Dr. Siason delivered the welcome remarks, while Dr. Lagon presented the significance of the partnership and turnover.
The ceremony proceeded with the signing of the Deed of Donation by representatives of ISUFST, the Rotary Club of Iloilo, and the Rotary Club of Namweon Central, followed by the marker unveiling and ribbon-cutting rites at the new CIT building, the giving of plaques and tokens, and the student testimony by Arce.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Dosano and a fellowship gathering and thanksgiving lunch at the TechnoHub, featuring a cultural presentation by ISUFST performers.
Continuing collaboration
The POWER UP project follows the successful implementation of a ₱1.89-million Rotary grant in 2025 that upgraded the university’s automotive laboratory under the Automotive Industry Modernization in Iloilo (AIM Iloilo) initiative.
With the addition of the new grant, ISUFST aims to further strengthen its role as a regional hub for technical-vocational education and workforce development in northern Iloilo, supporting both student training and community-based skills development. (Main photos by Ricky Ramos | Auxiliary photos by Razel Ann Balajadia | Text by Herman Lagon and Angelica Torreverde | PAMMCO)
