BREAKING WAVES: The inspiring journey of ISUFST’s freshest topnotcher, Ms. Aivie Padohinog

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Tears streamed down Aivie Seterra Padohinog’s face when she received the life-changing news.

She secured 10th place in the 2024 Fisheries Professionals Licensure Examinations—an outstanding accomplishment for an unassuming yet gritty fresh Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) graduate.

It was a moment of victory resulting from years of determination, sacrifice, and steadfast belief.

Aivie’s success was grace-filled. Just days after the announcement, she stood at the ISUFST Cultural Center during the October 21 flag ceremony, where she was awarded a P50,000 cash incentive for her top-notch performance.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), recognizing her as a scholar, will also add another P20,000 to her rewards. True to her generous nature, Aivie plans to give P30,000 to fund her sister’s required college tour in another school.

The rest, she says, will be saved while she contemplates her career path, with one option being to serve ISUFST, the institution that played a crucial role in her journey.

But Aivie was not alone in this achievement. Alongside her, 33 more ISUFST students (27 with Latin honors and 11 with special scholarships) passed the board exam, earning the university the distinction of being ranked among the Top Five nationwide for best performance in the 2024 Fisheries Technologist Licensure Examination. This collective success underscores ISUFST’s commitment to excellence in fisheries education.

From fields and seas: A humble beginning 

Born to a farmer father, Zosimo Jr., and a housewife mother, Victoria, in San Joaquin, 23-year-old Alvie is the second of six children. She learned the hardships of poverty early, often surviving on simple meals of boiled bananas or malunggay soup. But her father’s words became her guiding light: “Study hard because we have no wealth to leave you. Your true inheritance lies in the knowledge you gain in the process.” These words lit a fire within her. Determined to change her family’s circumstances, she vowed to work hard for herself and her entire family.

Aivie’s grandparents Gina Gulmatico and Ernesto Elicanal also played a significant role in her life. She lived with them for ten years, doing house chores in exchange for support for her schooling. This routine of errands, duties, and responsibilities shaped her life, but she never wavered in her academic ambitions. Now, she proudly stands as the first professional in her immediate family, a testament to her resilience and the power of education to break the cycle.

A path unforeseen: Choosing fisheries 

Surprisingly, fisheries weren’t Aivie’s first choice—she had initially wanted to become a values education teacher. However, after graduating from San Joaquin School of Fisheries and serendipitously having had her SHS immersion in ISCOF, her path shifted when she learned about the BFAR scholarship for fisherfolk children. It was her only way to attend college. She applied, was accepted, and embarked on her journey at ISUFST, unaware there was a board exam requirement until her rookie year.

Destiny seemed to have a hand in her decision. In her senior year, she wrote a piece for The Sea Treasure, ISUFST’s publication, featuring four of the department’s most recent topnotchers. Little did she know she would soon join their ranks, standing alongside the people she admired.

Navigating challenges:The highs and lows 

College life at ISUFST, despite its free tuition and fees, took a lot of work. Financial struggles were a constant challenge. “I was thrifty; I wouldn’t buy anything unless I needed it,” Aivie recalls. She managed her allowance carefully and borrowed laptops from friends to complete assignments. The pandemic years of 2020-2022, marked by online classes and limited resources, added to the difficulty, yet she persevered.

Graduating Cum Laude was a proud moment, though Aivie admits she had aimed for Magna Cum Laude. Despite her 2.0 disqualifying her from the higher academic award, she has no regrets. “The school and teachers gave me all I needed,” she reflects, emphasizing that the drive to succeed had to come from within.

The rigorous road to the top

Preparation for the board exam was grueling. Beginning in August 2024, Aivie followed a strict routine, devoting three months to intensive review. “My breaks were only for coffee and breakfast,” she says, though she made sure to get enough sleep to combat anxiety. The free-of-charge comprehensive review program at ISUFST was essential to her success. “The print and digital materials were complete,” she recalls, though even with that, time wasn’t enough to absorb everything. She thought she could have started her review years ago.

Her teachers and classmates played a critical role in her journey. ISUFST’s review center became a second home; her professors provided invaluable input and guidance. For instance, Prof. Rico To-ong, a Top 2 finisher in 2019, offered free evening in-school review sessions, which helped sharpen her focus. Aivie also contacted previous topnotchers, like Jean Margaret Badong (Top 1, 2022) and Van Boglosa (Top 3, 2023), who generously shared insights and encouragement. “They reassured me that my feelings of stress and anxiety were normal,” she reflects, grateful for their unwavering support and encouragement.

Her classmates, too, were a steadfast source of motivation. “They believed in me even when I doubted myself,” Aivie shares. Their encouragement kept her going, even when she scored lower than them in practice exams. This camaraderie and her solid resolve proved to be the backbone of her success.

A village behind her: Family, mentors, and classmates

Aivie’s journey would not have been possible without the support of her family, mentors, and classmates. Her parents, who had always been her inspiration, bolstered her confidence when she needed it most. Before the exam, she confided in them about her fears. Her mother’s words—”You can do it. You’ve already overcome so much”—became her anchor during the most challenging moments. Her siblings were also a significant source of motivation for her.

Her younger sister, Junjoy, who is now following in her footsteps as a BFAR scholar and a second-year fisheries student at ISUFST, and Joy-Ann, currently pursuing Mass Communication at another university, both serve as Alvie’s pillars of strength, joy, and hope.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. spoke highly of Aivie’s achievement, noting, “Aivie and the other passers have demonstrated the core values of ISUFST. This achievement is not just a personal victory but a reflection of our commitment to academic excellence and social justice through education. We continue to strive to empower our students to succeed and contribute to the greater good.”

Dr. Rolindo Demo-os, Dean of the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, also expressed pride in the department’s performance, stating, “This is a testament to the rigorous education we provide at the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS). Aivie’s success, along with the 33 other passers, reinforces our community’s dedication to excellence and our mission to produce competent fisheries professionals. As we uphold our mantra ‘We lead. We sustain,’ we aim to continue this upward trend in the years to come.”

Giving back, looking forward 

Aivie’s future is grounded in gratitude and service. “As a scholar of BFAR and ISUFST, I want to give back to our fisheries sector,” she says. She hopes to uplift marginalized fisherfolk, boost their confidence, and emphasize their essential role in the economy. ISUFST has offered her a position, but she plans to consult her family before making any decisions.

Her advice to students is simple but powerful: “Never hesitate to ask for help. Prepare yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually, and always do your best to avoid regrets. Above all, never forget to pray.”

A tide of inspiration

If Aivie were to describe her academic journey in one word, it would be “Tide.” Like the changing tides, Aivie’s journey was filled with highs and lows, each shaping her into who she is today. She discovered the true power of gratitude, resilience, and unwavering faith along the way.

Her story is a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity. From a young girl unsure of where her next meal would come from to a topnotcher poised to give back to her community, Aivie embodies the guiding principles of ISUFST: Integrity, Social Justice, Discipline, and Academic Excellence.

A legacy in the making 

Aivie has no regrets about her journey. “I never regretted studying at ISUFST. The university taught me that I can be more, that I can still dream big and achieve bigger.” Her humility and resolve remain intact as she stands on the cusp of a promising career. “It’s okay to feel lost sometimes. You don’t need to have everything figured out—just be present in the moment.”

Aivie’s journey shows the power of perseverance, community, and faith. Her determination to give back and her strong spirit will inspire others, proving that with heart and grit, no dream is out of reach. (Photos by Aivie Padohinog, Mia Jane Dumangas, and Herman Lagon/Text by Herman Lagon/ISUFST PAMMCO)