BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo – A milestone in automotive education begins today, March 27, as the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) receives a PHP1.89 million Rotary International Global Grant in a formal turnover ceremony.
The event, set at the ISUFST Main Campus–Poblacion Site Piazza in front of the College of Industrial Technology Laboratory, marks the official handover of training equipment and support that will upgrade the university’s automotive training center.
The new equipment is set to be fully operational by April 2025.
“This grant is not just a donation—it is a declaration of our collective belief in the power of education to transform lives,” said ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., a member of the Rotary Club of Iloilo.
“We’re grateful to our Rotary partners here and in South Korea for investing in our students, our community, and the future of Iloilo’s workforce,” he added.
The turnover ceremony also serves as a reunion of sorts, celebrating months of collaboration, site visits, and vision planning by ISUFST and the Rotary Clubs of Iloilo (District 3850) and Namweon Central (District 3670, South Korea).
From Partnership to Progress
Behind the PHP1.89 million grant is a story of global cooperation and local commitment.
The year-long grant application was spearheaded by RC Iloilo President Atty. Peter John Raymund Pacheco, Past President Engr. Jesus Anayas, Past District Governor John Michael “Kano” Ng, RC Namweon Central President Yunkil Nam, Grant Chair Wanghee Kim, RC Zamboanga North Past President Hongjae Jeong, ISUFST President Dr. Siason, and project lead Dr. Herman Lagon.
The partnership was formalized through a multi-party memorandum of understanding signed on Oct. 3, 2024, following a site inspection and gathering at Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City, attended by more than 50 Rotarians and Rotary Annes from both countries.
“This project is about hope, dignity, and opportunity,” said Pacheco, who also serves on the ISUFST Board of Regents.
“Through this partnership, we are investing in young people who will one day power Iloilo’s economy and lead in their fields,” he said.
Tools That Build Futures
The grant will provide high-grade automotive tools and training machines, including a heavy-duty electric car post-type lifter, light-duty scissor-type lifter, diesel and gasoline engines with computer boxes and harnesses, TIG/MIG and portable welding machines, acetylene welding kits, and a digital oscilloscope.
These tools aim to modernize instruction and equip students with industry-relevant skills.
“This project goes beyond upgrading tools—it’s about empowering students to be ready for real-world challenges,” said Dr. Rodel Dosano, dean of the College of Industrial Technology.
“We’re looking at students who won’t just graduate with diplomas but with the confidence and competence to build careers and businesses,” he added.
Looking Ahead With AIM Iloilo
The grant supports the AIM Iloilo (Automotive Industry Modernization Project), a three-year extension program that targets more than 300 students and community beneficiaries.
The initiative aims to enhance faculty capability, provide affordable automotive services to locals, and embed community-based entrepreneurship into technical training.
“This grant is a game-changer,” said Dr. Lagon.
“It opens doors not only to employment but to enterprise. With proper training, our students can become not just workers but innovators, job creators, and leaders in the automotive sector.”
The ceremonies will conclude with a ribbon-cutting and fellowship dinner between ISUFST officials and visiting Korean Rotarians, celebrating cross-cultural collaboration and shared purpose. (PAMMCO)
