By Ramir C. Torreces
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman J. Prospero “Popoy” E. De Vera III led the installation of Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., CESO VI as the first University President of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), formerly Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF), on Friday, March 31, 2023.
The installation was made possible after CHED finally confirmed the conversion of the institution to a university on January 10, 2023.
De Vera emphasized that CHED always supports the programs and projects of SUCs, especially those in the provinces.
“We always put in the priority list the professional development of our faculty and (staff) because they are considered as the backbone of the university,” underscored De Vera.
The conversion, which took the institution almost 10 years to achieve, is a manifestation of the commitment of Siason to bring quality tertiary education to the fourth district of Iloilo.
“I want to make sure that what we offer here are relevant to the needs of the community. We want immediate jobs for our graduates, which will eventually eliminate poverty in the community,” assured Siason in his investiture speech.
Siason only asked for the continued support and prayer from his family and stakeholders so that he can deliver his promises.
“I can imagine my life as a caretaker of this institution, but without your care, I can only take this institution in my imagination,” concluded Siason.
The investiture of Siason was attended by his family and relatives, members of the Board of Regents (BOR), SUC Presidents in Region VI, key officials from the four campuses of ISUFST, his friends from DepEd, where he served for more than 15 years, and local government unit officials in the fourth district headed by Iloilo 4th district Rep. Ferjenel G. Biron.
