BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo – The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) held a turnover ceremony on March 27, 2025, to formally receive a PHP1.89 million Rotary International Global Grant for upgrading its automotive laboratory.
The event took place at the university’s Main Campus-Poblacion Site Piazza, in front of the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) Laboratory.
The grant supports the modernization of ISUFST’s automotive training facilities to enhance its capacity to deliver industry-aligned education in Western Visayas.
The initiative is a partnership among ISUFST, the Rotary Club of Iloilo (District 3850), and the Rotary Club of Namweon Central (District 3670, South Korea).
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. said the grant is a major step forward in the university’s technical education efforts.
“We thank the Rotary community for supporting our goal of providing students with practical training that aligns with current industry standards,” Siason said.
The grant includes new automotive equipment, such as a heavy-duty electric car post-type lifter, a light-duty scissor-type lifter, diesel and gasoline engines with computer boxes and harnesses, welding machines and a digital oscilloscope.
All equipment is expected to be fully operational by April 2025.
Dr. Rodel Dosano, CIT dean, said the equipment will enhance instructional delivery and hands-on learning.
“This initiative will significantly enhance our students’ hands-on skills and improve their job readiness after graduation,” Dosano said.
The project is also part of AIM Iloilo, or the Automotive Industry Modernization Project, a three-year extension program designed to train over 300 students and community members.
It also aims to improve faculty technical skills and expand access to automotive services.
Dr. Herman Lagon, ISUFST director and primary Rotarian proponent, said the project has broader socioeconomic impacts.
“This grant addresses both educational gaps and employment needs,” Lagon said.
“It gives our students a clear advantage in starting careers or small-scale enterprises.”
The ceremony was attended by university officials, students and representatives from both Rotary Clubs in the Philippines and South Korea.
The program included a deed of donation signing, ribbon-cutting, facility tour and fellowship dinner.
Rotary Club of Iloilo President Atty. Peter John Raymund Pacheco underscored the value of inter-institutional partnerships.
“The success of this project shows how partnerships between education and service organizations can create long-term impact,” Pacheco said.
Rotary Club of Namweon Central President Yunkil Nam reaffirmed their support for vocational education.
“We are pleased to work with ISUFST in advancing vocational training,” Nam said.
“This project reflects our shared vision of empowering communities through education.”
The grant was finalized following a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Oct. 3, 2024, after a joint site inspection and meeting at Diversion 21 Hotel in Iloilo City.
More than 30 Rotarians and Rotary Annes from both clubs attended the agreement signing and the recent turnover event.
With the equipment now delivered and deployment underway, ISUFST is poised to elevate automotive education in the region. (Contributors: Ricky Ramos, Herman Lagon, Glysa Marie Regidor, and Jose Eugene Salazar / PAMMCO)