DUEÑAS, Iloilo – The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) brought its ICARE (ISUFST Career Adventure Expo) to Dueñas General Comprehensive High School (DGCHS) on Feb. 19, 2025, equipping senior high school students with essential career insights and guidance for college and beyond.
A flagship initiative of the Public Affairs, Marketing, and Media Communications Office (PAMMCO), ICARE is supported by ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr., a former Department of Education (DepEd) executive. More than just promoting ISUFST as an academic choice, the program aims to help students strategically plan their career paths and missions as productive citizens.
In his talk, Dr. Herman M. Lagon, PAMMCO director, urged students to choose courses aligned with their strengths and aspirations. He introduced the concept of ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that fosters a sense of purpose and fulfillment. While encouraging students to explore multiple career options, he also presented ISUFST’s diverse academic programs, emphasizing the university’s commitment to excellence and holistic development.
Meanwhile, Guidance Counselor Keziah Lagarto and Psychometrician Dwight Deslate facilitated a personality and career-interest assessment to help students gain deeper insights into their future career paths.
Adding to the discussion, San Enrique Campus Agriculture Instructor Rezeld Alarva and Education Instructor Russet Yamit (PAMMCO Chair) shared their own career narratives while highlighting higher education options and the value of committing to one’s career plan. The session also featured testimonials from ISUFST alumni: Peter Defacto (a Fisheries student and DGCHS graduate), Jose Eugene Salazar (Hospitality Management), and Aivie Padohinog (Fisheries Board Topnotcher), who shared their career journeys and success tips.
Hundreds of SHS students and faculty members attended the event, including Guidance Counselor Natividad delos Santos and Mr. Jerry Jizon.
The ICARE program provides young learners practical career knowledge and meaningful mentorship, connecting university career advocates, ambassadors, and volunteers with high school students. The program has, so far, visited 16 schools across Barotac Nuevo, Pototan, Dumangas, Dingle, Anilao, New Lucena, Dueñas, and Zarraga. It is set to expand its reach to Banate, San Rafael, San Joaquin, and four senior high schools in Passi City before the end of the month, with more visits in other towns scheduled in March. The school also accepts formal invitations via the Office of the ISUFST President from interested private or public senior high schools in Iloilo for the same service and purpose.
Prospective students are reminded that ISUFST’s admission application deadline is March 28, while the University Entrance Examination is set for April 12. The university will admit only 1,200 qualified Academic Year 2025-2026 applicants across its five campuses and sites. With over 4,000 applications already received and numbers expected to exceed 8,000 by the deadline, competition for admission remains strong. (Dwight Deslate, Shinya Templo, and Herman Lagon / PAMMCO)
