Iloilo, ISUFST plan PHP 10 million youth learning hub

By Herman Lagon, PAMMCO

BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo — The office of Iloilo Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann “Lee Ann” Debuque and the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology advanced a proposed partnership to establish a community learning hub during a meeting and site inspection Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.

The meeting was held at ISUFST’s Main Campus-Poblacion Site in Barotac Nuevo.

The proposed hub would provide students and other young people with a safe, accessible space for studying, research, online learning, collaboration and other productive activities outside regular school hours.

The project proposal identifies the Iloilo provincial government and ISUFST as partners in the initiative.

The project seeks to address barriers affecting learners, particularly those from low-income households.

Unstable internet connections, limited access to electricity and a lack of suitable study spaces can make learning difficult after students leave school.

The proposed hub would offer high-speed internet, computer terminals, printing facilities, quiet study areas and collaborative rooms.

Monday’s meeting allowed representatives of Debuque’s office and ISUFST to discuss the concept and inspect the proposed location.

The site is near the exit gate of the Main Campus-Poblacion Site along the National Highway.

The proposal was referred to ISUFST through Debuque’s office, which is facilitating discussions with the university.

Under the proposed arrangement, the Department of Public Works and Highways would prepare the infrastructure’s technical design.

ISUFST would provide the site and participate in planning the facility’s operations and intended uses.

The proposed location along the campus perimeter is intended to make the hub accessible to students from nearby schools and communities without requiring them to enter the university’s internal academic areas.

Its proximity to the National Highway would also make the facility easier to reach by public transportation.

The hub would serve ISUFST students and learners from Barotac Nuevo National Comprehensive High School and ISAT-U Barotac Nuevo Campus.

Out-of-school youth, lifelong learners and other residents of Barotac Nuevo and Iloilo’s 4th District would also be welcome.

The proposed operating hours are 8 a.m.-10 p.m., seven days a week.

The facility would include quiet areas, collaborative rooms, computers, free Wi-Fi, and printing and scanning services.

The proposal calls for the Iloilo provincial government to provide PHP 10 million in capital spending for construction and equipment.

The provincial government would also provide a PHP 100,000 annual operating subsidy.

ISUFST would manage the facility’s daily operations, security, cleaning, internet service and information technology maintenance.

The university would also conduct lifelong learning programs and workshops.

ISUFST would cover operating costs beyond the proposed provincial subsidy, including utilities, maintenance and supplies.

Edmer D. Bernardo, ISUFST director for planning, development and auxiliary services, leads the university’s project team.

ISUFST President Nordy D. Siason Jr. serves as co-proponent and executive sponsor.

The other co-proponents are John Rey Alipe for information technology and infrastructure; Ian John Galupar, director for lifelong learning, for community engagement; Campus Administrator Johnny Dolor; and legal counsel Joey Mondero.

Founded in 1957, ISUFST is the country’s first and only fisheries university and operates five campuses.

The university’s charter directs it to conduct research, extension and production activities supporting Iloilo’s development.

ISUFST said the proposed partnership supports its commitment to social justice by widening access to technology and learning infrastructure.

The project also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals on quality education, reduced inequality, innovation and partnerships.

The proposal complements the Iloilo provincial government’s youth and human-capital development initiatives by expanding access to technology and learning resources regardless of economic circumstances.

The hub is envisioned as a shared space where high school and university students could complete assignments and research.

It would also give out-of-school youth opportunities to develop digital skills and provide reliable internet access to residents who lack it at home.

The next steps include further coordination among the partner offices and agencies.

DPWH would also proceed with the technical planning and design if the proposal moves toward implementation.

The proposal envisions a university-based hub serving the wider community, guided by the principle that where young people study should not limit how far they can learn.