ISCOF finally becomes a university

By Ramir C. Torreces

Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF) was finally conferred a university status on January 10, 2023 through the confirmation by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in an En Banc meeting chaired by Chairman J Prospero E. De Vera III.

The confirmation of ISCOF to Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) was done after the University had complied all the requirements set by CHED through RA 10604 as amended by RA 11012, after about a decade of its quest that began in June 2013.  The conversion mandates Barotac Nuevo as the main campus, which fuses Tiwi and Poblacion campuses, with external campuses in Dingle, Dumangas, and San Enrique.

ISUFST takes pride with its 100% Certificate of Program Compliance awarded by CHED. About 50% of its faculty have doctoral degrees, and 100% have master’s degrees. The Quality Management System of ISUFST for Administration and Higher Education of all campuses has been assessed and registered against the provisions of ISO 9001:2015. Of the 37 programs of ISUFST, 10 (27%) are accredited Level III, 19 (51%) are level II, and 2 (5%) are Level I accredited. ISCOF’s flagship program, BS in Fisheries has maintained its Center of Development status, and has consistently produced Board Topnotchers since 2007, the most recent being the Top 1 in the October 2022 PRC Licensure Examination for Fisheries Professionals.

The changes in administration and the pandemic had frozen the institution’s quest for university conversion but the appointment of Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. as the SUC President a year ago fueled a concerted effort to its realization.

Becoming a university is just a step closer to the actualization of Siason’s vision for ISUFST—to become a leading and empowering research university in fisheries, agriculture, education, and technology in Southeast Asia by 2030.

“The journey is far from over. This is just the beginning. Expect a bumpier road ahead but our commitment and faith will fuel us to clear the road,” assured Siason in one of his speeches.

“This is not my journey alone; this is our journey. Together, we conquer and win battles,” he concluded.

Siason will be installed as the first University President of ISUFST on Friday, March 31, 2023. The inauguration of the University and the unveiling of its marker will also happen on that day.