The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), formerly the Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF), has successfully renewed its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certification.
This achievement affirms the university’s ongoing commitment to excellence in higher education, research, and community service.
The official certificate, received on November 27, 2024, marks a significant milestone in ISUFST’s journey toward continuous quality improvement across all campuses and sites, including Tiwi, Poblacion, Dumangas, Dingle, and San Enrique.
ISUFST’s ISO certification journey began in 1998 with its maritime programs and gradually expanded to include all programs offered by the university.
The QMS implementation started at the Main Campus in 2015 and extended to external campuses by 2016.
In 2018, ISUFST adopted the ISO 9001:2015 standard, reflecting its commitment to modernizing quality practices to align with international benchmarks.
“Maintaining ISO certification is not just about meeting standards; it represents a commitment to quality, building trust, and fostering continuous improvement to achieve excellence,” said Dr. Christine Diocos, Director of the Quality Assurance Management Center (QAMC).
The renewed certification highlights ISUFST’s integration of a robust QMS into its higher education, research, development, extension services, and resource generation activities.
University President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. emphasized that such achievements reflect the dedication of ISUFST’s faculty, staff, and administration to delivering the highest quality standards.
During faculty and staff meetings, he reiterated that recertification is not just an institutional accomplishment but also a direct benefit to the students and communities ISUFST serves.
Established in 1957, ISUFST is the Philippines’ first and only fisheries university.
The institution offers diverse programs in fisheries, marine biology, education, management, industrial technology, agriculture, information technology, and office administration across five campuses, catering to varied interests and career paths.
Recognized as a Center of Development in Fisheries for eight consecutive years, ISUFST has been accredited by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) since 1998.
It is also distinguished as a High Performing Institution in Fisheries Technologist Board Examinations.
In 2024, ISUFST received the CHED Regional Quality Awards, including recognition for achieving 100% Certificate of Program Compliance in undergraduate programs, excellence in Indigenous Peoples Education, and internationalization initiatives.
The university also earned distinction as a Model Implementer of CHED’s SIKAP program.
ISUFST currently offers 27 undergraduate and 16 graduate programs, serving 8,500 students with the support of 280 faculty members, half of whom hold doctoral degrees in their fields of specialization.
With ISO 9001:2015 recertification, ISUFST continues to prioritize excellence in academics and operations, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable educational practices and quality service in the region. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)
