SDG 2

February 12 2026

ISUFST–Ehime University Joint Academic Exchange & Research Symposium

ISUFST Admin Research SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 17, SDG 2, SDG 4

The ISUFST–Ehime University Joint Academic Exchange & Research Symposium was successfully held on 11 February 2026 at the Hasa-Hasa Theater, gathering faculty members, researchers, and students for a meaningful exchange on Aquatic Science, Evolution, and Biodiversity.

The symposium was graced by institutional preliminaries and welcome remarks from Dr. Quin Y. Clarito, Program Chairman, BS Fisheries, and was further enriched by the presence and messages of university officials led by Dr. Stephen Raymund T. Jinon, Vice President for Academic Affairs,, and Dr. Nordy D. Siasón, Jr., University President, emphasizing the University’s strong support for international academic exchange and research collaboration.

The presentation proper highlighted ISUFST research outputs presented by Ms. Charm O. Nochete, Science Research Specialist; an institutional overview of CFAS by Dr. Rolindo B. Demo-os, Jr., Dean of CFAS; and a CFAS student research presentation by Ms. Arlene May Linacero. Faculty research was further showcased through Dr. Mary Mar N. Payne, Project Leader of the DOST–PCAARRD Pearl Genes Project.

The academic exchange was enriched by the Ehime University Research Presentation delivered by Dr. Kozo Watanabe, Professor at the Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), and Jomel S. Limbago, DSc Candidate and alumnus, culminating in an open forum that fostered collaborative discussions and future research linkages.

This joint symposium reaffirmed the strong partnership between Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology and Ehime University—advancing international collaboration, research excellence, and shared commitment to sustainable aquatic and biodiversity sciences.

October 24 2025

ISUFST Showcases 16 Scientific and Creative Works on Small-Scale Fisheries at National Symposium in Marawi

ISUFST Admin Activities, Extension, Gender and Development, International Affairs SDG 1, SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 17, SDG 2, SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 8

MARAWI CITY — As the Philippines pushes for stronger protection of its small-scale fishers through the “Atin ang Kinse Kilometro” bill, faculty and students from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) joined hundreds of advocates in Mindanao to turn research into resolve.

Eight ISUFST delegates—seven faculty members and one fisheries student—presented 16 research and creative works at the Second Philippine Small-Scale Fisheries National Symposium (PSSFNS2) held on October 21–23, 2025, at the Mindanao State University (MSU)–Main Campus in Marawi City. The works, blending science, storytelling, and song, championed sustainability and inclusivity in the country’s small-scale fisheries (SSF) sector.

“Too Big To Ignore”

Gathering over 300 scientists, educators, artists, fishers, students, and policymakers, the three-day symposium carried the theme “From Recognition to Action.” Organized by MSU and Too Big To Ignore (TBTI) Philippines, it called for stronger and fairer policies to protect the country’s 15-kilometer municipal waters—the very heart of the “Atin ang Kinse” campaign, which fights for the rightful space of small fishers in their own seas.

“This consortium of universities, agencies, and communities aims to make small-scale fisheries visible, viable, and sustainable,” said Dr. Glen Lorenzo, MSU Vice President for Research and Extension. The gathering also tackled pressing issues such as climate change, overfishing, and illegal encroachment by commercial vessels—threats that the pending “Atin ang Kinse Kilometro Bill” (HB 5606) seeks to address.

ISUFST’s Contributions: Science, Art, and Advocacy

Representing ISUFST were Dr. Rolindo B. Demo-os Jr., Dr. Jescel B. Bito-onon, Prof. Rother M. Gaudiel, Dr. Quin Y. Clarito, Dr. Michael B. Dizon, Instructor Jezreel C. Donguila, Dr. Herman M. Lagon, and BS Fisheries student Melody Vaughn Ferrer.

Their diverse outputs—from fisheries research and photo essays to poetry and original songs—embodied ISUFST’s belief that science and culture can work together to heal and protect the seas.

Among the technical studies were “Catch Rates and Fishery Characterization of Filter Nets in Tinori-an River, Iloilo” by Bito-onon and Gaudiel, and “Fishing Smarter: Comparative Analysis of Fish Pot Designs Used by Small-Scale Fishers in Banate Bay” by Clarito.

Ferrer’s team, composed of CFAS students and faculty, presented “Pearl and Other Economically Valuable Oysters of Northern Iloilo: Morphometric Insights for Conservation and Fisheries.” The study highlighted the balance between livelihood and conservation—and won second place in the oral presentation category, besting entries from universities nationwide.

“These projects show how local innovation builds resilience in small-scale fisheries,” said Dr. Bito-onon, ISUFST Director for Research and Development. “It’s not just about data; it’s about empowering the communities that depend on our waters.”

Art Meets Advocacy

The symposium also celebrated creative works that bridged science and human experience. Dr. Herman M. Lagon’s poetry, short stories, and photography collections—“Between Net and Node,” “The Net That Holds,” “Where the Line Holds,” “Of Change,” “Lines of Salt and Hope,” “When Only the Bangkas Rest,” and “When Currents Meet the Roots”—captured the soul of coastal life: its struggles, rhythm, and hope.

Lagon, together with Instr. Jezreel C. Donguila, also presented two original advocacy songs, “Let the Line Hold” and “The Lines We Cast,” inspired by the Atin ang Kinse campaign. The songs, arranged with karaoke-style visuals and live footage edited by Patrick Lance Nacion using images from Dean Demo-os and Dr. Lagon, were performed by Donguila during the closing plenary and MOA signing ceremony—drawing resounding applause from the audience.

Beyond the symposium halls, the ISUFST delegation experienced Maranao hospitality. On the first night, delegates were treated to a Pagana Meranao dinner—an elaborate ceremonial feast where guests “eat like royalty.” Seated around a grand tabak (ornate tray), they shared flavorful dishes with their hands in true Maranao fashion.

The Marawi Manifesto and a Promise for the Future

The symposium concluded with the signing of the Marawi Manifesto, a collective pledge of support for the Atin ang Kinse movement and the Too Big To Ignore (TBTI) advocacy for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient fisheries. During the signing, Donguila’s live rendition of “Let the Line Hold” and “The Lines We Cast” filled the MSU gymnasium as photos of fisherfolk and coastal communities played onscreen—a moment described by many as “a hymn for the sea and the people who live by it.”

Participants also celebrated the acceptance of Batangas State University (BSU) as the next host of PSSFNS3 in 2026, marking the continued expansion of the TBTI network across the archipelago.

They capped the symposium with a visit to Marawi’s Ground Zero, where the scars of war stood as a solemn reminder that battles for survival come in many forms. Just as Marawi once fought for the right to life and peace, today’s Atin ang Kinse movement fights for the right of small fishers—and the seas they depend on—to live and thrive.

A Shared Mission

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. commended the delegation for embodying the university’s vision of blending “science, culture, arts, and compassion in service of people and planet.” He emphasized that ISUFST’s efforts directly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

For ISUFST, the symposium was more than an academic event—it was a reminder of purpose. “When we tell the stories of small fishers, artistically and scientifically,” said Lagon, “we’re also telling the story of our shared future.”

The PSSFNS2 came at a crucial time, as fisherfolk groups renewed calls for the passage of the “Atin ang Kinse Kilometro Bill” (HB 5606). The measure seeks to restore small fishers’ exclusive rights to municipal waters—rights recently challenged by a court ruling favoring commercial vessels.

From the shores of Banate to the lakes of Lanao, the message of PSSFNS2 was clear: small-scale fishers are too big to ignore. (PAMMCO)

#ISUFSTisdaFirst #ISUFSTCommunity #PAMMCOStoriesThatMatter #AtinAngKinse #PSSFNS2 #LifeBelowWater

October 16 2025

ISUFST and San Enrique Launch Three Quail Production, Vermicomposting, and Psychological First Aid Projects

ISUFST Admin Extension SDG 12, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 8

SAN ENRIQUE, ILOILO — A partnership between the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and the Municipal Government of San Enrique officially launched three major initiatives—the Vermipower Project, Chick to Egg Project, and STEP UP Project—on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Tourism Conference Hall in San Enrique, Iloilo. The collaboration, led by ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. and Mayor Gian Carlo Niño P. Fernandez, aims to strengthen local livelihoods, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance psychological wellness across the municipality.

The three projects—rooted in education, sustainability, and social responsibility—represent ISUFST’s mission to bring research-based solutions to communities in line with its guiding principles of integrity, social justice, discipline, and academic excellence.

The Vermipower Project, headed by Dr. Myrna P. Prudente, promotes organic waste management through vermicomposting education and technical support. It seeks to empower backyard and community gardeners by teaching sustainable composting practices that enrich soil and reduce household waste, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Meanwhile, the Chick to Egg Project, led by Instructor Rezeld P. Alarva, provides quail production training for farmers in San Enrique. The initiative aims to expand income-generating opportunities in the agricultural sector by integrating science-based methods in small-scale poultry production. It also contributes to SDG 2: Zero Hunger by supporting local food security and livelihood diversification. The third initiative, the STEP UP Project (San Enrique Training for Educators and Professionals in Uplifting Psychological Support), led by Dr. Herman M. Lagon, focuses on strengthening the mental health and psychosocial support capacities of teachers, guidance advocates, and community leaders. The two-year program provides training in counseling, stress management, and psychological first aid to enhance well-being in schools and communities, directly supporting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 4: Quality Education. ISUFST President Dr. Siason emphasized that the partnership reflects the university’s continuing commitment to community development and local empowerment, expressing hope that the projects would later expand to other municipalities. Mayor Fernandez, for his part, underscored the importance of applying scientific approaches to farming and livelihood programs. He also noted that mental health advocacy is close to his heart, acknowledging that “everyone faces quiet battles,” and that having someone who listens “can make a big difference.”

Dr. Jose Patubo, San Enrique’s counterpart for the STEP UP Project, noted that the initiative will benefit all 21 elementary schools, one private school, and four national high schools in the municipality. He said the program, that also partners with DepEd and a team of mental health experts and advocates of WVSU College of Education, would concretely assist guidance designates, teachers, local health workers, and parents in supporting students’ mental and emotional well-being. The three projects signify ISUFST’s continuous mission to empower communities through education, innovation, and compassion—core values aligned with its vision to be a leading research university in fisheries, agriculture, education, and technology in Southeast Asia by 2030. (San Enrique Iloilo Tourism | Russel Yamit | PAMMCO) – collect sdgs

September 11 2025

ISUFST Researcher Bags 2nd Place in RSTW 2025 Pitching Event

ISUFST Admin Recognitions, Research SDG 12, SDG 17, SDG 2, SDG 8, SDG 9

Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) researcher Instructor Jessa Alico and her team secured Second Place in the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) Pitching Session 2025 held yesterday, September 10, at Robinsons Roxas, Capiz, with their innovation Auto-OMP (Automated Oyster Mushroom Production).

The award-winning research, developed by ISUFST’s College of Agriculture in partnership with the College of Computer Studies, was led and presented by Instr. Alico with co-researchers Instr. Rezeld Alarva, Instr. Dave Allan Tagacay, and Engr. Katherine Padilla. The team is developing an automated system that takes the fuss out of mushroom farming so communities and agri firms can raise yields, reduce losses, and grow income in a sustainable way. It hopes to respond to what farmers face on the ground and to the push for resilient, inclusive, sustainable practices.

“Our technology was inspired by a reverse pitching event where I realized automation could help solve major challenges in mushroom production,” Alico said, adding, “After the event, I collaborated with IT colleagues to bring the idea to life. It wasn’t easy, but we pushed through because we believe this tech can greatly benefit both the community and education.” Armed with the hope to serve not just agricultural students but also the wider community, she intimated that the team’s next steps are “to protect the technology and conduct thorough testing, with the hope that by 2029, farmers can already begin using it.”

Organized through RAISE Tech Ventures 2025, the pitching event gathered 14 universities alongside government agencies across Region VI. It culminated in the presentation of research innovations after a series of capacity-building sessions hosted at the University of the Philippines Visayas–Miagao, University of Antique, Iloilo Science and Technology University, and Capiz State University.

Central Philippine University (CPU) placed first, while Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) placed third. Certificates and cash prizes celebrated their research-powered solutions and the teams behind them.

As DOST Region VI puts it, RSTW 2025’s theme—“Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan”—shows how science can lift neighborhoods now and make them more resilient for the future. “Events like this connect innovation to adoption, and adoption to economic growth,” said DOST-VI Regional Director and member of the Board of Regents of ISUFST, Engr. Rowen Gelonga.

Auto-OMP advances UN goals where it counts: food security under SDG 2, agripreneurship and jobs under SDG 8, and sustainable production under SDG 12. ISUFST, the country’s only state fisheries university, is steadily building SDG-aligned work into classes, labs, and outreach—part of its roadmap to be a top Southeast Asian research university by 2030.

The achievement of Alico and her team join a string of ISUFST honors in research, global linkages, and community programs, strengthening its promise to deliver solutions that help small businesses and barangays thrive. (Photo credit is given to COAG ISUFST San Enrique/Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

#isufstisdafirst #isufstcommunity #isufst #pammcostoriesthatmatter

September 8 2025

Four Students, One Mentor, and the Oyster’s Secret

ISUFST Admin Recognitions, Research SDG 14, SDG 2, SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 8

On stormy days in Iloilo, when the sea looks restless and the shoreline brims with stories, four ISUFST students chose to chase answers hidden in the smallest of places—inside the gut of an oyster. For 20-year-olds Melody Vaughn Ferrer, Johnas Arellado, Romeo Theodore Golez, and Arlene May Linacero, what began as curiosity soon grew into the kind of work that could change lives, especially for the fisherfolk who depend on tilapia farming for survival. Together, with the quiet but steady mentorship of Prof. Jason Albances, they became a research team unlike any other.

Just days ago, they made history. Named Top 10 National Finalists in the BPI-DOST Innovation Awards, the young researchers secured ₱60,000 with the chance to turn it into ₱150,000 if they rise into the Top 3. For ISUFST, it is the first taste of national acclaim at this level and nature. For the students, it is fuel and validation rolled into one—evidence that an oyster-born idea from Iloilo can swim, and thrive, in national waters.

The Team Behind the Breakthrough

Their story is a grounded picture of ISDA in motion—research done with integrity, for social justice, through disciplined work, toward academic excellence.

Melody, a BFAR scholar from Guimaras, traced her passion to growing up close to the sea. “At first, I just wanted to help in research,” she said. “But along the way, I realized how much it fueled my drive to persevere and deepen my passion for discovery.” Her journey from high school science fairs to oyster-based probiotics reveals not just persistence but a love for science that mirrors the mission of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), the only fisheries university in the country, to raise globally competitive graduates who lead with responsibility.

Johnas, a third-year student from Anilao, Iloilo, admitted he wasn’t ready for research at first. But when he learned microbes from oysters might help fight fish disease, he was hooked. “The idea that something small could save you from creating this large change also delighted me,” he recalled with a soft smile. Outside the lab, he unwinds with music and his food and consumptive fish—proof his curiosity swims past textbooks into daily life.

For Romeo, the project was almost a calling. “The chance to study probiotics from oysters was something I never thought possible,” he said. Manga and anime may give him comfort after long days, but in the lab he became one of the group’s anchors. He repeated technical procedures tirelessly until they worked, his honesty about failures matched by his joy in every small success. That mix of grit and humility made him both steady worker and natural communicator—traits that soon earned him the role of the team’s buyer, marketer, and outside link.

Arlene, a BFAR and LGU coop scholar from Cabatuan, Iloilo, was drawn in by her love for freediving and swimming. “Being underwater connects me to the world we study,” she reflected. As the team’s organizer, she kept those late nights from going off the rails. “What I love is our balance—if one of us misses something, someone else calls it out.” It was she who first proposed probiotics as their research direction, setting the course for everything that followed.

What set this group apart was how their roles naturally complemented each other. Melody took on the less glamorous tasks—documentation, filing letters, cleaning up after experiments. “It’s the dirty work that keeps everything moving,” she joked. Johnas, the problem-solver, handled daily water changes and jury-rigged solutions when lab resources ran low. Romeo became the communicator, doing market surveys and purchases while still grinding through lab work. Arlene managed the group’s schedules and communication, never letting momentum stall. Each role was different, but together they made the research possible.

Setbacks, Support, and Small Wins

The sacrifices they poured into the study weren’t just late nights—they were entire seasons of their young lives. Melody remembers entering the lab at five in the morning and leaving near midnight, sometimes skipping meals just to record tilapia behavior. Johnas recalled the never-ending challenge of securing clean water, especially during weekends or holidays when supply was unreliable. Romeo spoke of equipment that wasn’t fit for their needs, forcing them to adapt. Arlene admitted she often pushed for extra experiments even when energy was low.

Their adviser, Prof. Albances, put it plainly: “I watched them trade sleep, meals, and weekends for this work. We lost three runs to contamination, ran out of clean water, made do with tools that weren’t built for us. Each time, they didn’t sulk—they changed the method and came back. That’s science: care and perseverance for a higher cause.”

For them, science wasn’t neat—it was chaotic, sleepless, and stubborn. “The worst part? Those marathon lab days—no lunch, no breaks,” Melody shared. “The best? That moment the data finally clicked and every hour felt worth it.” Romeo added, recalling when the oyster probiotics first checked the pathogen: “That tiny win kept us going.”

Even steady Arlene confessed to jitters. “I’m kinda confident, just trying not to jinx it.” She carried on, letting the results speak for themselves “The whole process really matters—it proves ISUFST can hold its own in fisheries research.”

Their adviser watched the grind and the glow-ups. “Seeing them after a failed experiment was the hardest,” Albances admitted. He’d ease the room with snacks some days, push harder on others—“kung gis-a, ga latigo ‘ko sa ila (sometimes, I have to ‘crack the whip,’)” he joked. No spoon-feeding, just guided grit. “Their edge is resilience. They kept finding ways to improve.”

It helped that ISUFST itself stood behind them. With the school’s biolab facilities, the students learned to maximize every resource, embodying the university’s guiding principle of empowerment. “Even if the facilities aren’t always perfect, the environment pushes us to innovate,” Arlene said. For Johnas, the experience confirmed his foundation: “ISUFST gave me not just aquaculture knowledge but the chance to do real research early.”

What made their achievement even sweeter was its history. For the first time ever, a group of ISUFST students broke into the top 10 of this national innovation competition. “They are making history for the college,” Albances proudly said. For him, their recognition proved that even as third years—who began this project as sophomores—they could stand shoulder to shoulder with students from more resource-rich universities.

Behind every trial was also a circle of support. Melody, a first-generation student, said her family’s faith gave her courage. Johnas admitted his strict but supportive parents, and especially his sister, pushed him to persevere. Romeo, coming from a family of teachers and seafarers, was grateful for a household that valued discipline and service. Arlene said simply, “My parents supported me all the way.” Beyond families, the school provided labs, vehicles, and even small comforts when needed. “All we asked for, the school supported,” Albances stressed.

Oyster Probiotics for Tilapia: Impact on Fisherfolk

The team’s study, anchored on samples from Brgy. Palaciawan in Barotac Nuevo, directly answered farmers’ questions: “How do we stop the disease?” Aeromonas shrugs off antibiotics, putting small tilapia farmers at risk. By using bay-ad (oysters) as a low-cost probiotic, the students proved science can come from local waters—not pricey imports. If scaled up, this could lower costs, protect fish stocks, and give stability to families whose survival hinges on aquaculture.

Their project drew funding from DOST–PCAARRD with Dr. Mary May Payne as special project head—and from ISUFST. They finished the study with a cost kept relatively manageable, thanks to school equipment and shared resources. The research, part of their undergraduate thesis, has already set the stage for further work. In December 2025, ISUFST professor Dr. Payne will accompany the team to present their full paper internationally, by which time Albances will already be in Japan at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology for his PhD studies. “The results are in place for presentation,” he confirmed, hinting at an even bigger stage ahead.

NFRDI and PCAARRD stand for National Fisheries Research and Development Institute and Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, respectively. While BPI, BFAR, and DOST mean Bank of the Philippine Islands, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Department of Science and Technology.

Why This Matters to Families

What makes their work remarkable is how it stretches beyond the lab. “It’s not just about fish,” Melody said. “It’s about the people who depend on them.” By finding a natural, oyster-based alternative to antibiotics, the team points to safer tilapia on the table, steadier incomes for fisherfolk, and healthier seas—right in step with SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), and 14 (Life Below Water).

Romeo put it more plainly: “Our project can help a lot of small fish farmers by producing a natural way to reduce disease and boost fish health.” Johnas added, “This doesn’t just help aquaculture—it helps fisherfolk families whose livelihoods depend on it.” Arlene saw it as both livelihood and environmental protection: “It’s about supporting local communities through science.”

Looking ahead, each student carries not just dreams but lessons etched by the journey. Melody, an athlete before she was a researcher, learned that sacrifice is the price of discovery. Johnas discovered that asking for help is not weakness but strength. Romeo reflected that diligence and balance are vital: “Ask questions. The world promises more if you’re just keen to look for answers that solve problems for the marginalized.” Arlene distilled it into discipline: “Always manage your time, list the work, distribute it well—but never forget to rest.”

For Prof. Albances, the lesson was simple but profound: interest and grit can push students far beyond the curriculum. “They are only fresh third-years now, but they’ve learned so much more than what’s inside the classroom,” he said. He continues to give free Friday lectures to second-years, inviting them into the same journey. What began as a deal to help senior students in the lab grew into a culture of curiosity that, in his words, “can change futures.”

At its heart, this story is more than science—it’s possibility realized. When curiosity is tended, when resilience finds its moment, and when young scientists are trusted, change begins. The future of discovery lives not just in experiments but in the hands of dreamers, the tables of fisherfolk, and the steady guidance of teachers who let them soar.

“As a university, this directly advances the SDGs and affirms ISUFST’s leadership in marine science,” said Dr. Nordy Siason. “Four students and a mentor are walking away with more than data—they carry grit, service, and hope.”

He put it with a fisher’s plain wisdom and an ISUFST nod: “ISDA isn’t just fish—it’s our promise of shared progress. Care for the fish, feed families, strengthen communities. From an oyster’s gut to the nation’s tables—that’s how science should feed the future.” (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

September 1 2025

ISUFST Prof Presents Study on Barnea Dilatata Fisheries at DOST-PCAARRD National Training

ISUFST Admin Recognitions, Research SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 17, SDG 2

In Iloilo’s fishing town of Ajuy, Barnea dilatata—a lesser-known shellfish—now holds promise for livelihoods and conservation. Faculty researcher Prof. Cjay B. Soliven of ISUFST presented his study on sustaining this species through an ecosystem approach during the DOST-PCAARRD Training on Essential Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) and Training of Trainers (TOT) last Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Park inn by Radisson, Iloilo City.

The training, which runs from August 25 to September 5 in Iloilo City, gathered fisheries professionals nationwide. Its goal: to equip them with tools to apply EAFM as a framework that keeps the seas healthy while ensuring that coastal communities continue to thrive. It also sought to build a pool of trainers who can cascade EAFM practices to coastal communities and fisheries stakeholders nationwide.

Dr. Soliven, who teaches at ISUFST’s College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS), shared his research titled “The Path Forward: Establishing an Ecosystem Approach for Sustainable Barnea dilatata Fisheries in Ajuy, Iloilo, Philippines.” The presentation builds on an earlier study, “Unveiling a New ‘Diwal’ Resource: Exploring the Fishery Potential of Barnea dilatata (Souleyet, 1843) in Iloilo, Philippines,” led by Mary Mar N. Payne with fellow researchers Jescel B. Bito-onon, Edgar M. Hortillosa, Jason O. Albances, Soliven himself, Rico Ian D. To-ong, Grieco C. Gutierrez, and Vanica P. Boglosa. Together, the ISUFST team continues to pursue initiatives that highlight the species’ ecological role and economic potential, while promoting sustainable management and conservation.

“Our research aims to provide a starting point: knowing how Barnea dilatata lives, how it supports the ecosystem, and what it can mean for local economies, so we can recommend responsible fishing and management,” Soliven explained. He noted that their work documented the species’ distribution, harvesting practices, and marketing channels in northern Iloilo, providing critical insights for policymakers and local fishers.

During his lecture, resource person Dr. Soliven underscored the urgency of the situation. “Yes, the challenges are big, but so is our capacity to act. The decline of our seas is not a problem for the future—it is our present reality.” The establishment of an Ecosystem Approach for Fisheries Management is the single most important step we can take to ensure the survival and prosperity of the Barnea dilatata fishery and the vibrant coastal community of Ajuy, Iloilo. We cannot afford to wait. The time for action is now.”

At its core, EAFM, promoted by DOST-PCAARRD, asks one question: how can we care for the seas without forgetting the people who depend on them? EAFM links research with real action by bringing science, governance, and community together. At Park Inn, participants already spent a week, and still to have a week more, tackling fisheries threats, compliance issues, blue economy strategies, and action planning that tied in with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Resource persons included experts from top institutions at home and abroad.

Through its participation, ISUFST indicated its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 14: Life Below Water. With its mission of taking science to action, the university continues to find ways to actively support fisherfolk and their families who rely on the sea.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., for his part, expressed pride in Prof Soliven’s role, stressing how it reflects university’s engagement in both national and international arenas. “Our faculty’s involvement in programs like this affirms ISUFST’s vision to lead in fisheries science and technology, and also contribute solutions that balance ecological integrity and people’s livelihoods,” he said.

This matched the crux of the training: the future of fisheries is a collective endeavor. Academe, government, and fishing communities must work together if Philippine seas are to remain a lifeline for millions. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

August 26 2025

ISUFST Holds Extension Training for Fisherfolk in Banate, Iloilo

ISUFST Admin Extension, Research SDG 1, SDG 13, SDG 14, SDG 17, SDG 2, SDG 5

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), through its 𝙀𝙭𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚, in partnership with the 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞, and 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐂, conducted an extension training titled“𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗱𝗮 𝗔𝗸𝗼, 𝗨𝗻𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗱 𝗞𝗼” on August 22, 2025, at the Multi-Purpose Building, Poblacion Banate, Iloilo.

The activity aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of fisherfolk in Banate Bay on safe navigation, climate change adaptation, marine protection, and fisheries laws, ensuring both safety at sea and sustainable coastal resource use.

The program was attended by 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐓. 𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬, Mayor of Banate, and 𝐌𝐫. 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐁. 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐳, Municipal Agriculturist. Representing University President 𝐃𝐫. 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐲 𝐃. 𝐒𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐫., 𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐎 𝐕𝐈, was 𝐃𝐫. 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐁. 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫, Vice President for Administration and Finance, who also served as a lecturer. A message of support from the Philippine Coast Guard was likewise delivered on behalf of ENS 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐆. 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚, 𝐏𝐂𝐆, Sub-Station Commander of Banate.

The training proper featured a line-up of experts and young scholars who shared their knowledge on pressing issues affecting fisherfolk communities:

-𝐃𝐫. 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐁. 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫 – 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙 𝙒𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝘼𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝘽𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝘽𝙖𝙮

-𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐨𝐮 𝐆. 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚 – 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄𝙩𝙨 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙡 𝙁𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙠 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨

-𝐃𝐫. 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐁. 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 – 𝘼𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚: 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨

-𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭. 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐌. 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐡𝐃 – 𝙉𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣, 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙨

-𝐌𝐬. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐨 – 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙚𝙛 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢

-𝐌𝐬. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐲 𝐁. 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐠 – 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙀𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢

-𝐃𝐫. 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐨 – 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙁𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙙𝙚 (𝙍𝘼 10654)

The training concluded with a post-assessment session and a closing message from 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭. 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐚 𝐌. 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐡𝐃, Project Leader, underscored ISUFST’s commitment to fisherfolk empowerment and sustainable fisheries development.

This initiative reflects ISUFST’s continuing efforts to support coastal communities, promote safety at sea, and protect marine resources in collaboration with local stakeholders.