ISUFST graduate school orientation kicks off AY 2024-2025

BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo—The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) at Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) held its orientation for the academic year 2024-2025 on September 28, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the ISUFST Main Campus-Poblacion Site Social Hall.

The event gathered new students, faculty, and staff in preparation for the upcoming semester.

The program started with the election of class officers, offering students leadership roles within their respective programs.

Following this, the opening program featured remarks from Dr. Stephen Raymund Jinon, Director of the SGS.

In his speech, Dr. Jinon expressed support and encouragement for students beginning their graduate studies journey, underscoring the university’s commitment to academic excellence and compliance with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) standards.

Dr. Joan Belga, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Johnny B. Dolor, Vice President for Administrative Affairs and Finance, also addressed the attendees. University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. highlighted the crucial role of graduate education in shaping future leaders.

The orientation continued with informative sessions on graduate studies policies led by various faculty members. Prof. Grace Bunda, Director of the Office of Student Affairs, discussed student registration, while Engr. Fatimar Parreño provided guidance on retention and curricular guidelines.

Other topics included library services, presented by Ms. Jossa Blancada; medical and dental services by Dr. Kharlle Joehn Hautea; and a talk on HIV awareness.

Dr. Jinon provided updates on SGS policies and guidelines, followed by the introduction of new faculty members. The event concluded with the induction of the newly elected SGS officers, presided over by Dr. Siason.

The elected officers are as follows: President Gilbert Binas, Vice President Joselito Danoso, Secretary Jean Jesena, Assistant Secretary Maria Terle Guanzon, Treasurer Juvy Amable, Assistant Treasurer Marilou Delotina, Auditor Kris Anthony Zuniega, Business Manager Cesar Ditchon III, and Public Information Officer Jahjei Barva. Representatives elected include Elvin John Getulli, Juric Jurnadal, Arjun Espulgar, Leo Paparun, and Cjay Soliven.

An open forum followed, giving students the chance to ask questions and seek clarification about their programs. The event ended with closing remarks from Dr. Matthew T. Lasap, Dean of the College of Education, after which classes resumed.

This semester sees the launch of six new courses under the Master of Arts in Education and Doctor of Philosophy in Education programs, majoring in Mathematics, Science, and English Language Teaching, further aligning with ISUFST’s dedication to meeting CHED standards.

For inquiries about the SGS program, interested parties can contact sgse@isufst.edu.ph or visit the office at the Main Campus-Tiwi Site, Brgy. Tiwi, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)