SDG 4
ISUFST CHM Shines at COHREP Western Visayas
Fifty Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) II students and two faculty members from the College of Hospitality Management proudly joined the 1,191 participants of the recently concluded 5th COHREP Western Visayas Regional Congress held on March 27, 2026, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel. The event gathered hospitality management students, educators, and industry partners from across the region, creating a dynamic platform for learning, networking, and professional growth. The congress was made even more significant with the presence of distinguished keynote speakers Dr. Raul F. Muyong, CHED Regional Office VI Director, and Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., President of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST).
The BSHM II students were accompanied by Instructors Enrique I. Sariño and Frenie Ann B. Permiso, with Dr. Ricardo J. Paborada Jr. serving as the head of the delegation. Their participation reflected the strong commitment of ISUFST to providing students with meaningful exposure to regional academic and industry engagements. Also present at the event was Instr. Ma. Paula E. Balbona, SIPP/SEAP Coordinator, who took the opportunity to strengthen partnerships with industry stakeholders and explore opportunities that will benefit student internship and professional development programs.
Adding to the significance of the event, members of the Ka-ISDA Vlog covered the congress, capturing highlights and experiences of the participants. The team was guided by their advisers, Instructors Jonard V. Verdeflor and Leo V. Paparon, whose mentorship continues to empower students to document and share the university’s milestones. The participation of ISUFST in this regional congress underscores the institution’s active role in advancing hospitality education, fostering collaboration, and preparing future hospitality professionals for the evolving demands of the industry.
FLAVORS OF EXCELLENCE: CHM Culinary Team Places Fourth in COHREP Iron Chef’s Showdown
The Culinary Team of the College of Hospitality Management (CHM) proudly secured a 4th place finish in the Iron Chefs Category during the recently concluded 5th COHREP Western Visayas Regional Skills Olympics held on March 28, 2026, at the Fountain Area of Robinsons Place, Iloilo. The competition brought together talented student chefs from various institutions across the region, showcasing creativity, technical skills, and the rich culinary heritage of Western Visayas. Representing the campus in this prestigious culinary showdown were three promising student chefs: Denmark J. Quinoveva and Rhozen O. Etino, both BSHM II students, and Christ John M. Arabit, a BSHM I student, who demonstrated remarkable teamwork and innovation in the kitchen.
For the appetizer round, Quinoveva impressed the judges with Umami Rolls, a classic Ilonggo-inspired lumpia crafted from fresh Visayan shrimp blended with pork fat and finely chopped jolly mushrooms. Wrapped in thin rice paper and deep-fried to perfection, the dish featured a crisp exterior and a succulent, flavorful filling, complemented by tangy pickled onions that balanced richness with acidity. Meanwhile, Etino elevated the main course with Darag Royale in Coconut Embrace, a refined dish highlighting premium Darag chicken stuffed with malunggay and native chili leaves. Baked to tenderness and finished with a velvety coconut milk and coconut cream reduction, the dish was served with sautéed green papaya and bell peppers, alongside dehydrated organic black rice that added texture and a subtle nutty finish.
Completing the team’s culinary presentation, Arabit prepared the dessert KBL Hopia de Oro, a modern Filipino creation inspired by the Ilonggo flavors of Kadyos, Baboy, and Langka (KBL). The golden-baked hopia featured a filling of steamed kadyos and caramelized langka, elegantly plated over caramelized batwan and finished with a silky coconut reduction. The team’s achievement highlights the growing excellence of CHM students in culinary innovation, as they skillfully blended heritage ingredients with modern techniques. Their performance not only showcased the university’s commitment to developing future culinary professionals but also celebrated the richness of local flavors on a regional stage.
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ISUFST-Dumangas Campus shines at the National Edukalidad 2026
Out of 29 participating universities across the country, the campus emerged as 4th Place with a remarkable 13.5 points, showcasing excellence, creativity, and dedication in the field of education held on March 28 at Iloilo Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.
Tiffany Anne J. Sullesta led the victory after claiming the championship title in the Cluster 1 Demonstration Teaching Contest trained by Dr. Roberto Oberio, proving that passion and mastery in teaching truly stand out.
Meanwhile, KC Klynth Montefrio, Wela Janin Dema-ala, and Kieziah Abegail Sison secured 2nd Place in the Instructional Material Making Contest, mentored by Dr. Pearl Kathlene Francisco highlighting innovation and collaboration in crafting impactful learning tools.
Adding to the list of commendable participants, Yurie D. Hablero competed in the Demonstration Teaching – Cluster 2 under the guidance of Coach Dr. Branche A. Sumido. In the Research Presentation – Cluster 1 category, Angelyn G. Edullan, coached by Dr. Maria Dolyn D. Doromal, and Reina Rose Alcantara, mentored by Dr. Randy Anib, also represented the campus with excellence.
Via || Joseph Sasa Photo courtesy of Dr. Pearl Kathlene Francisco & Silak Media Layout by Sir Ernie Pedregosa
Rotary PH–Korea Partnership Delivers ₱1.89M Training Equipment to ISUFST
“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)
San Enrique Educators Take PFA Oath in STEP UP Phase 2 Training
SAN ENRIQUE, ILOILO—Thirty-two guidance designates, teachers, and community wellness advocates of San Enrique capped the two-day STEP UP Phase 2–Module 3: Emotional Support & Psychological First Aid (PFA) seminar-workshop with a collective oath of commitment on February 27 at the Tourism Hall, Poblacion.
“I commit to recognize early signs of emotional distress and crisis in learners responding with calmness, sensitivity, and discernment.” The line, drawn from The STEP UP San Enrique Pledge 2, set the tone for the two-day training that would move participants from awareness to structured action.
The activity, conducted under the ISUFST–WVSU–LGU San Enrique partnership, trained participants to recognize emotional distress and crisis indicators, apply the WHO-aligned Look–Listen–Link model, provide immediate non-clinical support, and strengthen school referral systems, documentation, and confidentiality practices.
The two-year, 6-phase, 9-module STEP UP extension program, led by Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), is made possible through the strong institutional backing of ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr., West Visayas State University (WVSU) President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, and San Enrique Mayor Gian Carlo Niño Fernandez. The initiative is financed by the LGU of San Enrique through a municipal resolution enacted by the Sangguniang Bayan, affirming the town’s long-term investment in learner well-being. On behalf of Mayor Fernandez, the program is closely overseen by Dr. JJ Patubo with the assistance of DepEd wellness advocate Charmagne Paniza, who help ensure that the training translates into sustained school-level action.
Day 1 (Feb. 26) focused on first-response readiness. After an opening prayer and Phase 1 recap led by Mrs. Edeline Joy Acosta, participants began with an interactive “Signals of Stress” energizer facilitated by Dr. Herman Lagon, RGC, the STEP UP Extension Program Leader. The morning then moved to “Understanding Distress and Crisis Indicators,” delivered by Mrs. Junna Mari Pacardo, RGC, with case vignettes, helping participants name red flags and distinguish ordinary stress from warning signs that require immediate support or referral.
Dr. Lagon later delivered the Introduction to Psychological First Aid (Look–Listen–Link) through a guided lecture and demonstration, then led the PFA Skills Lab on “Look and Listen” using role-play scenarios that allowed participants to practice calming presence, active listening, and initial stabilization in school-based situations.
In the afternoon, Mrs. Pacardo facilitated a working-break workshop on Ethical Boundaries and Confidentiality, using case analysis to help guidance advocates clarify scope, privacy, and responsible decision-making. The day ended with a synthesis circle, “What Does Help Look Like?” led by Dr. Lagon, integrating lessons into practical first-response mindsets.
Day 2 (Feb. 27) shifted from skills to systems. Participant volunteers led the day’s prayer and recap, followed by a quick drill energizer, “Look–Listen–Link in Action,” facilitated by Dr. Lagon, to refresh coordination before referral planning.
WVSU speakers facilitated the core mid-morning sessions. Dr. Hilda Montaño, RGC, led the PFA Skills Lab on “Link” (Referral Pathways) through scenario-based group work that guided participants in choosing correct next steps for different levels of risk. Mrs. Gift Tragico, RGC, then handled Safety Planning Basics, walking participants through a template exercise that translated concern into concrete safety steps. Such was discussed further after lunch.
Later in the afternoon, the training then proceeded to Mapping the Local Referral Network, where participants drafted their localized referral directory anchored on existing municipal services and school protocols. Ms. Jennet Pajura, RGC, later led Documentation and Incident Reporting through hands-on form completion, emphasizing proper incident logs and responsible reporting. WVSU’s Prof. Jan Iris Fae Basbas, RGC, also served as one of the facilitators in the process.
All volunteer guidance counselors from ISUFST and WVSU then guided the working-break workshop on School-Based PFA Action Planning, followed by group presentations and peer feedback—ensuring outputs were school-ready, realistic, and aligned with ethics and confidentiality.
The two-day, phase 2, module 3 training concluded with the recitation and signing of “The STEP UP San Enrique Pledge 2,” where participants committed to early recognition of distress, faithful practice of Look–Listen–Link, ethical documentation, proper referral, advocacy for safer guidance spaces, continued learning, and self-care as helpers.
“I pledge to step up with empathy. I pledge to step up with integrity. I pledge to step up with courage and care,” the participants affirmed—marking the transition from training to shared responsibility for learner well-being in San Enrique schools.
With Phase 2 completed, ISUFST’S STEP UP initiative moves forward to Phase 3 on June 25–26, 2026, at the Tourism Hall in San Enrique. The next module will focus on Career Planning and Bullying Prevention—continuing the shared mission of helping learners find direction while protecting their dignity in safer school spaces. (PAMMCO)
ISUFST Faculty and Staff join One Billion Rising Campaign
About fifty faculty and staff of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) joined hundreds of participants at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand on February 13, 2026 for the annual One Billion Rising (OBR) campaign, a global movement calling for an end to violence against women and girls.
Wearing pink shirts, the ISUFST delegation from the different campuses took part in the morning program organized by the Ugsad Regional Gender Resource Network–Western Visayas, which gathered representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, civil society groups, and local communities. (Photos by Mila Bedia, Jennifer Mamerto, and Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)
ISUFST–Ehime University Joint Academic Exchange & Research Symposium
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.
ISUFST holds Welcome Program for SEA-Teacher Batch II Exchange Students
DAY 1 | January 12, 2026
A Global Monday Morning at ISUFST–Dingle Campus
The ISUFST–Dingle Campus started the week with a global spirit as we officially welcomed our SEA-Teacher Project Batch 11 exchange students, Ms. Nur Annisa Putri and Ms. Adinda Sari from Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Indonesia, during the Flag Raising Ceremony.
🌟 Highlights of the Morning:
Faculty-Led Welcome: The ceremony was proudly hosted by the ISUFST Teaching Faculty, reflecting our strong support for international academic exchange.
Unity in Learning: Our Indonesian guests were formally introduced to the campus community, marking the beginning of their journey in teaching assistance, classroom engagement, and cultural immersion.
Global Collaboration: Under the guidance of Dr. Rene T. Estomo, SEA-Teacher Coordinator, and the College of Education, the campus is set for a meaningful month of shared growth and excellence.
DAY 2 | January 13, 2026
Strengthening Cultural Exchange Through Learning and Friendship
The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology–Dingle Campus, through the College of Education, conducted a Welcoming Program for the SEA-Teacher exchange students at the Audio Visual Room – Knowledge Management Hub.
The program officially opened with Dr. Giefred Ian P. Paniza, Dean of the College of Education, who emphasized the importance of learning beyond the classroom and highlighted the value of collaboration, shared experiences, and friendship among educators.
The event continued with the SEA-Teachers’ Talk, led by the ISUFST SEA-Teacher Buddies Rojeal Castro, Kathleen Hope Marte, and Warren Villazana. During the session:
Students shared their impressions of the exchange students.
- Ms. Annisa and Ms. Sari introduced Indonesia, particularly Medan City, describing it as a multicultural place.
- They also shared their experiences in the Philippines, including local food they tried and Hiligaynon words they have learned.
- The exchange students expressed that the program is a valuable opportunity to enhance their teaching skills, classroom management, and cultural understanding.
Dr. Nancy D. Daguro, Coordinator for Cultural Affairs, delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing that the SEA-Teacher Program serves as a bridge that connects future educators and fosters cross-cultural learning.
The program concluded with the closing remarks of Dr. Rene T. Estomo, ISUFST SEA-Teacher Coordinator, expressing appreciation for the collaboration and enthusiasm shown by everyone involved.
Captioned: Ferleen Joy G. Darle
Photos : Mae Joy M. Ladoing
DAY 3 | January 14, 2026
The 11th batch of SEA-Teacher Exchange participants from Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Indonesia, paid a courtesy visit to ISUFST University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., CESO VI.
The delegation was composed of Ms. Nur Annisa Putri and Ms. Adinda Sari, students of the Bachelor of Elementary School Teacher Education program at UMSU.
The visit highlighted the continued strengthening of educational ties between ISUFST and UMSU and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to international collaboration, cultural exchange, and cross-cultural learning opportunities. This meaningful engagement reflects ISUFST’s dedication to developing globally competent future educators.
100 HEI Leaders from 28 Universities Take Oath to Advance Micro-Credentials
Bacolod City—In a landmark moment for Philippine higher education, more than 100 university executives representing 28 higher education institutions (HEIs) across Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region stood together this Saturday, December 13, to take the “Micro-Credentials for the Future” Pledge of Commitment—a united response to CHED’s newly released CMO No. 1, Series of 2025, which formally introduces micro-credentialing as a national higher education strategy.
The oath-taking capped the two-day seminar-workshop on “Micro-Credentials for Academic Advancement: Strengthening Higher Education with a Global Perspective,” jointly organized by CHED Regional Offices VI and XVIII in partnership with the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) as co-organizer.
A Regional Response to a National Directive
With CMO 1 s. 2025 laying out the policy framework for micro-credentials in the Philippines, CHED RO VI and CHED RO XVIII convened the workshop as their first major regional initiative to help HEIs interpret, contextualize, and operationalize the newly mandated system. The activity also became one of the earliest regional embodiments of CHED’s newly launched ACHIEVE Agenda, the Commission’s 7-point higher education transformation roadmap for 2025–2030, which highlights Advanced and Accessible Lifelong Learning, Expanded Internationalization, and stronger, future-ready HEI systems.
The gathered university heads—vice presidents, deans, directors, department and program heads—took the historic pledge as a commitment to transform the national directive into concrete, localized programs for learners in their respective communities.
Before the oath, participants were reminded: “Micro-credentials are not trends or buzzwords. They are our response to the real needs of our communities—reminding us that learning must stay flexible, human, and accessible to those who depend on our institutions.”
With right hands raised, they declared in unison:
“We pledge our unity and commitment to lifelong learning.
We vow to uphold CHED’s vision, to design micro-credentials that empower learners, and to collaborate for excellence and innovation.
Together, we stand as catalysts of change for our students, our regions, and our nation.
We pledge. We commit. We shall fulfill.”
Day 1: Framework, Dialogue, and Design
The two-day workshop opened on December 12 with discussions led by micro-credentials expert Dr. Greg Pawilen, who outlined global models and emerging credentialing trends. ISUFST VPAA Dr. Joan M. Belga also shared “ISUFST’s Journey Toward Building Micro-Credential Ecosystems,” offering practical insights from the university’s early adoption efforts.
ISUFST resource speakers Dr. Stephen Raymund Jinon, Dr. Wenda Panes, and Dr. Herman Lagon capped the day with sessions on policy alignment, technology-driven design, and micro-credentialing for psychological first aid.
The day ended with HEIs drafting their own micro-credential proposals aligned with CMO 1 s. 2025—outputs presented on Day 2 for feedback and refinement.
Dr. Alvarez: “ISUFST is trailblazing”
During the afternoon program, CHED Region XVIII Director and former CHED Region VI Director Dr. Raul Alvarez expressed gratitude for ISUFST’s leadership. “ISUFST is truly trailblazing,” he said.
He also linked the regional workshop to CHED’s new ACHIEVE Agenda, emphasizing the ‘A’—Advanced and Accessible Lifelong Learning. “In our push for micro-credentials,” he said, “we are operationalizing what the ‘A’ in ACHIEVE stands for: advanced and accessible lifelong learning. This is not just a slogan. It is our responsibility. Every Filipino, regardless of age or circumstance, must have pathways to keep learning and improving.”
“We thank ISUFST for openly sharing its journey. When you go home, we hope you bring at least one concrete micro-credential idea that fits your school and community. Micro-credentials are something we have missed for a long time—learners need small, focused tasks that help them return to their fields more efficient and better prepared.”
He concluded: “Our job in higher education is to build competencies. Micro-credentials are one of the tools that will help us do exactly that.”
Day 2: Presentations and a Collective Promise
Day 2 continued with proposal presentations and collaborative critique. Chief Education Program Specialist Danebeth Narzoles of CHED RO VI reinforced another ACHIEVE pillar—the ‘E’ for Expanded and Impact-Driven Internationalization, noting how micro-credentials can help local HEIs enter global learning ecosystems through stackability, mobility, and cross-border recognition. She proudly highlighted that Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region recently ranked as the second runner up nationwide for Best Internationalization Initiative, a recognition she described as “proof that our regions are ready for global engagement.”
The final day centered on proposal sharing, collaborative critique, and validation. Facilitators said the process surfaced strong models and clarified shared challenges, giving schools clearer direction for implementation.
But it was the Pledge of Commitment that marked the workshop’s emotional and symbolic high point—signifying a unified regional movement toward flexible, stackable, skills-based learning aligned with ACHIEVE’s thrusts.
Strengthening CHED–ISUFST Synergy
ISUFST’s delegation—Dr. Belga, Dr. Jinon, Dr. Panes, Dr. Lagon, Dr. Joana Paula Biñas, Mr. Jonard Verdeflor, Dr. Michle Celeste, Dr. Michelle Bales, Mr. Dave Allan Tagacay, and Dr. Benjamin Cornelio Jr.—served as co-facilitators, technical leads, and secretariat support.
Coming shortly after the CHED–ISUFST Creative Works collaboration last October, this workshop signals deepening regional synergy in shaping higher education innovation.
As the two-day event closed, one belief resonated among all 28 universities present: Higher education must evolve with the times—but always remain rooted in the lived realities of the communities it serves.
(Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)
ISUFST clinches its FIRST ICON AWARD
The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) marked a historic moment in its 68-year journey after receiving national distinction at the Commission on Higher Education’s Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards on December 10, 2025, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
CHED holds its annual ICONS Awards to celebrate Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for their crucial role in championing the country’s higher education sector on the international stage. The ICONS Awards 2025 acknowledges Philippine HEIs that are beginning to show up in international ranking tables, celebrating not just the data but the stories behind them—the push for sustainability, the widening of ASEAN awareness, the growing spirit of global engagement. It is also a space where the visionaries and everyday workers behind these strides are honored.
For the first time, ISUFST joins the roster of ICONS awardees—a milestone that reflects the university’s rising presence beyond the shoreline and its growing impact on the country’s higher education landscape.
Representing the university at the ceremony was Dr. Jeanette G. Bayona, Director of the Office of International Affairs and Linkages, who carried the pride of the ISUFST community as she received the award. For her, the recognition felt deeply personal for a university built from the quiet perseverance of coastal communities.
“ISUFST may be a small university by national standards, but our dreams for our students have always been big,” Dr. Bayona said. “This award tells us that our efforts—to connect, to collaborate, and to open global doors for our learners—are finally being seen. It inspires us to do even more.”
This ICONS honor comes at a turning point for ISUFST, which has been quietly building its global connections through collaborations, faculty upskilling, and programs that bring the world closer to its coastal campus. As President Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr., CESO VI noted, the award captures the university’s spirit as much as its achievements.
“This is a milestone shaped by many hands—teachers who give more than what is required, students who dare to dream beyond our shores, and communities who believe in the promise of education,” Dr. Siason said. “For the first time in our history, ISUFST has been recognized on a national stage for internationalization. This is a victory we dedicate to the families and fisherfolk who built this university from the ground up.”
He added that the ICONS recognition strengthens ISUFST’s resolve to keep improving.
“We will continue creating programs and partnerships that honor our roots in fisheries while pushing us toward global relevance,” he said.
ISUFST also marked two more “firsts” this year—its inclusion in the UI GreenMetric and the 2024 THE Impact Rankings, both affirming its identity, especially in Life Below Water. For a university shaped by the sea and the families who depend on it, these recognitions feel like small waves turning into big tides. As ISUFST turns this new page, it carries with it a warm promise of a more connected and sustainable future for the next generation. (Julius Ruger Hermano | Herman Lagon | OIAL | PAMMCO)
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