Medical-Dental Unit/ISCOF

08/10/2025

Design by Patrick Lance Nacion/PAMMCO

08/10/2025

05/10/2025

26/09/2025

𝗜𝗦𝗨𝗙𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧, 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙 𝗪𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧
𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗖 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
An ISUFST undergraduate and a faculty member earned Best Research Presenter honors at the 4th International Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change (IConBaCC 2025) held September 25–26 at Misamis University in a hybrid format, advancing work aligned with the conference theme, “Sustainable Peace with Nature: A Global Commitment towards Net Zero.”

Arlene May A. Linacero (BS Fisheries III) was cited onsite in the Environmental Impacts and Climate Change category for “Pathogenicity of Outbreak-Derived Aeromonas hydrophila on Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through Immersion Challenge,” advised by Prof. Jason O. Albances and accompanied by Dr. John Christian B. Salarza. Her study supports healthier aquaculture systems—vital to food security and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Assistant Professor II Rico Ian D. To-ong, who presented virtually, earned Best Presenter in Political Responses for “Value Chain Analysis of the Invasive Fish Sarotherodon melanotheron in the 4th District of Iloilo, Philippines.” The work offers policy- and market-oriented insights on managing an invasive species, connecting to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 14.

IConBaCC is a biennial platform hosted by Misamis University in collaboration with regional and international partners, bringing together researchers, practitioners, students, and stakeholders to share solutions on biodiversity and climate challenges. Accepted papers may be considered for publication in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (JMDS).

The recognitions reflect its outcomes-focused training and partnerships consistent with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and the university’s commitment to quality education and community impact.

Established in 1957, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology is the country’s first and only fisheries university, with five campuses offering programs in fisheries, marine biology, education, management, industrial technology, agriculture, IT, and office administration. It is ISO 9001:2015–certified, AACCUP-accredited since 1998, a multi-awardee of CHED, and a debut entrant in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, cited across five SDGs. (John Christian Salarza and Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

26/09/2025

𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗞𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗜𝗦𝗨𝗙𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗘𝗧, 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦
𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘-𝗧𝗨𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗚𝗔𝗣𝗦
The House of Representatives approved shortly after midnight the 2026 budget of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and committed to legislate full payment of funding deficiencies under the free higher education law, including ₱35 million due to ISUFST, during plenary deliberations that ended around 1:00 a.m. and were presided over by Deputy Speaker Ferjenel Biron (Iloilo, 4th District) and Rep. Janette Garin (Iloilo, 1st District).

The House Committee on Appropriations, led on the floor by Chair Mikaela Angela Suansing (Nueva Ecija) as sponsor, manifested support to cover an estimated ₱12-billion nationwide shortfall in the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) through the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF) and the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Majority Leader Sandro Marcos and Deputy Majority Leader Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez signified endorsement, while minority Party-List lawmakers Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula from Akbayan and Renee Louise Co of Kabataan expressed support for full payment of the deficits, according to proceedings on the floor.

Biron—principal author of the ISUFST charter—also conferred with ISUFST President Nordy Siason Jr., Planning Director Edmer Bernardo, Budget Officer Melin Puyong, and OIC Board Secretary Reil Jan Patosa to firm up a funding track for the planned Colleges of Nursing and Maritime Studies, estimated at about ₱120 million for facilities and equipment. “We thank the House leadership and our Iloilo representatives for ensuring resources that keep access free and quality high,” Siason said, adding that the 2026 allocation positions ISUFST to open Nursing and Maritime programs by AY 2026–2027, subject to CHED and MARINA approvals and completion of laboratories and buildings.

UAQTEA deficiencies—mismatches between actual costs of free tuition and appropriations—have strained State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), limiting investments in classrooms, laboratories, and teaching resources. Using HEDF (CHED’s development fund for scholarships, research, QA, and priority projects) and additional GAA appropriations would address these gaps while improving delivery, lawmakers noted.

The midnight approval advances ISUFST’s 2026 plan that also covers campus improvements and student services. “This action directly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and strengthens ISUFST’s role in blue-economy training aligned with SDG 14 (Life Below Water),” Dr. Bernardo said in a message after the session.

ISUFST—the country’s first and only fisheries university—operates five campuses and sites with programs in fisheries, marine sciences, education, industrial technology, agriculture, IT, and management. It is ISO 9001:2015-certified, AACCUP-accredited, and a CHED Center of Development in Fisheries, with recent CHED regional and national citations for internationalization, IP education, peace education, extension, student services, and 100% COPC compliance.

The budget measure now moves to the Senate for its own hearings and approval. Differences between House and Senate versions will be reconciled in a Bicameral Conference Committee before submission to the President for enactment into the GAA. (Edmer Bernardo and Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)

24/09/2025

𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗧 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗜𝗪𝗜, 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗘; 𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧
The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) has completed the first day of its ISO 9001:2015 Surveillance Audit late this afternoon, September 24, at the Main Campus–Tiwi Site. Up next is the Di**le Campus, which is set and ready to undergo its turn tomorrow, September 25, before the auditors conclude at the Main Campus–Poblacion Site on Friday, September 26.

ISUFST welcomed GCL International auditors Dr. Novalyn Tolentino and Ms. Ma. Cristina Corral, from the UKAS-accredited body, who led the Tiwi review through observations, interviews, site tours, and feedback sessions. The audit checked not only how the Quality Management System (QMS) has been implemented but also where improvements can make services to students and partners faster, simpler, and more responsive.

Among those audited today were the College of Education (CoEd)’s secondary programs, HR and registrar offices, research processes, and the Graduate School. The College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS), records management, information system, supply office, and library also came under review, started and capped by interviews with the university’s top administrators.

In the weeks leading up to today, campus teams held a Management Review on September 4, revisiting Citizen’s Charter updates, internal audit results, and customer satisfaction reports. Preparations included fine-tuning corrective and preventive actions, aligning service forms and flowcharts across campuses, and setting budget priorities so that smoother enrollment, safer labs, and more efficient frontline transactions are felt by students and guests alike.

The ISO team will continue its work tomorrow at Di**le, where staff have lined up documents, process demonstrations, and service reviews. The goal, as ISUFST emphasizes, is not just to keep its ISO badge but to make quality visible in daily routines—whether in clearer advisement, cleaner handoffs, faster records requests, or more responsive help desks.

The university links these efforts to long-term goals: scheduling work around academic calendars, strengthening coordination with LGUs and partner agencies for field training and fisheries programs, and addressing service gaps from last year’s review.

Still ISO 9001:2015-certified, ISUFST treats compliance as part of its bigger push for global standards and sustainable development. Its quality drive echoes its recognition in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings under SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships).

Findings across the three campuses or sites will be consolidated during the closing meeting on Friday, September 26, after which action points will be assigned with clear timelines. The hope is simple but powerful: fewer hoops for the public, stronger trust in services, and better support for learning and livelihoods across all ISUFST campuses. (Herman Lagon / PAMMCO)

15/09/2025

SEA (Student Entreprenuership Assistance) officially opens at Bagangan Station, showcases student innovation, September 15, 2025, ISUFST Main Campus - Tiwi Site. ( Photos by: Ninz Belga / Edeline Joy Brito/ PAMMCO)

10/09/2025

ISUFST PRESIDENT SIASON INSPIRES 500 ASPIRING
PRINCIPALS AT REGION VI CAPABILITY BUILDING
Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) President Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr. delivered a stirring message before some 500 aspiring school heads during the three-day Capability Building for Aspiring Leaders organized by the National Association of Public Secondary School Heads (NAPSPHIL) Region VI Chapter. The event was just held this morning, September 10, at the CAP Pension Event Center, General Luna Street, Iloilo City.

In his lecture, “Empowered Leadership: Leading with Vision and Purpose,” Dr. Siason described leadership as more than a role—it is a calling that lasts a lifetime. He laid down what he called the “pillars of leadership,” drawing from the Five Domains of the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads. “To lead strategically is to set a clear vision rooted in research, innovation, and foresight,” he explained. “To manage school operations and resources means handling every peso and facility with honesty and care, knowing these belong to the people we serve.”

He went on to emphasize that true leaders keep learners at the center of their work. “To focus on teaching and learning is to nurture excellent teachers and strong instruction,” he said. “To develop self and others is to grow alongside colleagues, raising them up as leaders in their own right.”

Finally, Dr. Siason stressed that leadership goes beyond school walls. “To build connections is to reach out—partnering with LGUs, communities, and even international allies—to open doors of opportunity for our learners,” he noted.

Dr. Siason’s journey from DepEd Schools Division Superintendent to University President showed him that leadership rests on integrity, empathy, and foresight. He told future principals that schools are gardens to be tended, not machines to be run. “Leadership is not about titles,” he said.

He also challenged the future principals to confront the harsh realities of the education system. Issues like corruption, resource mismanagement, and widening learning gaps, he said, demand leaders who are not afraid to innovate and stand firm on moral ground. His words resonated when he declared: “When we steal from the public coffers, we do not just steal money—we steal the very dreams of the Filipino people.”

For Dr. Siason, leadership is both honest and inventive. A principal, he said, must model accountability while embracing creative ways to uplift teachers and learners. The great ones, he added, are those who plan with vision but still pause to honor small, everyday victories.

The three-day training aims to equip principal hopefuls in Western Visayas with the tools, vision, and values to effectively lead schools and advance quality education. For many of the participants, Dr. Siason’s talk was both a challenge and a reassurance that leadership, when anchored in integrity and purpose, can transform not only schools but entire communities. (Edmer Bernardo/Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)