THE FIRST and only fisheries university in the country—the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST)—is set to celebrate its inaugural University Week this January 8-12, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history at the onset of the new year.
With the theme “ISUFST @ ONE: Building Bridges, Breaking Waves; Signifying the university’s role in bridging academic excellence with the dynamic challenges and opportunities of the Blue Economy,” the event promises to be a vibrant and enlightening experience for students, faculty, and the community.
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration. “As we usher in this new era, we are not just celebrating our achievements but embracing the boundless possibilities of the Blue Economy,” he said. “This week symbolizes our commitment to bridging academic rigor with practical applications, empowering us to forge new paths towards sustainable ocean development.”
The university, with its rich historical background dating back to its establishment as Central Iloilo National School of Fisheries in 1957, has evolved significantly over the years. The recent transformation into ISUFST under Dr. Siason’s leadership marks a new chapter in the university’s pursuit of excellence in its flagship fisheries and marine sciences programs and its agriculture, education, management, and technology offerings.
The week-long event will feature a variety of activities, including workshops, forums, and cultural events, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the Blue Economy and its potential. “We aim to engage in insightful discussions and chart new course directions that will not only enrich minds but also build bridges across disciplines,” added Dr. Siason.
ISUFST’s journey from a high school to a state college and now a university highlights its evolving role in education and research in the fisheries and marine sector. As the university steps into this week of celebration, it reaffirms its dedication to building resilient coastal communities, developing sustainable ocean industries, and safeguarding the marine environment.
The University Week reflects ISUFST’s ongoing efforts to comply with, sustain for, and perform beyond CHED requirements for full university status, standards, and significance, a goal steadily approached under Dr. Siason’s transformative guidance. With 100% of its undergraduate and graduate programs awarded a Certificate of Program Compliance by the Commission, ISUFST stands as a beacon of educational excellence and innovation in the region.
As ISUFST celebrates its inaugural University Week, it does so with a vision of unity and purpose, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the dynamic world of the Blue Economy with its guiding principles of Integrity, Social Justice, Discipline, and Academic Excellence (ISDA). (Herman Lagon)
