‘DREAM FOR A DREAM’: Ilonggo lawmaker hails ISUFST’s first anniversary

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“IT WAS not an easy task, but we came out successful.”

These were the words of Iloilo 4th district Rep. Ferjenel Biron as he reflected on the journey of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) which is marking its anniversary this week.

In an inspirational message delivered by ISUFST Trustee Lemuel Fernandez during the opening of the University Week at the San Enrique campus, Rep. Biron also commended the institution for its accomplishments as it turned a year older on January 8, 2024.

Biron reminisced about his time in Congress, where he worked tirelessly to garner support for the House bill that ultimately led to ISUFST’s conversion into a university.

He recalled the challenges faced during this process but emphasized the collective success achieved with the assistance of his fellow representatives in the House and Senate.

Expressing gratitude to the Board of Trustees, particularly Commission on Higher Education Chairman J. Prospero De Vera, Biron lauded their guidance and support in breaking barriers and steering ISUFST towards its objectives.

He highlighted De Vera’s unwavering commitment to upholding principles of transparency, accountability, and excellence within the university.

Biron, who is the Father of ISUFST’s university-hood, also extended special recognition to the university’s administration, faculty, and staff for their invaluable contributions.

He conveyed confidence in University President Dr. Nordy Siason’s leadership, believing that ISUFST will continue to fulfill its mission and vision under his guidance.

Biron attributed the transformation of ISUFST from a modest state college to a significant state university to a higher purpose, expressing gratitude for being a part of this transformative journey.

“The ISUFST is a dream for a dream. I dreamed of establishing a university in the 4th District of Iloilo to enable newer generations to dream. We knew that there were realities we had to accept as we grew up. There were inequalities in our economic stature of how far we could dream. But we also knew that education was our way to defeat these inequalities. I hope and pray that through the portals of ISUFST, we could carve out a better future for ourselves and create paths and opportunities previously unavailable,” he added.

Biron also said, “What if we could give the same opportunity to many others like us? What if we could give them the education that arms them to break their own waves and build their own bridges? Would they make waves? Not just for themselves but for the community as well? They should. ISUFST should stand as a beacon of a better future for all our students and as a shining hope for our people.” (Text by Herman Lagon/Photos by Ricky Ramos)