ISUFST Bags Nine CHED Regional Awards for Excellence

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) is set to receive nine major honors at the 4th CHED Regional Quality Awards, marking a new milestone in its evolution as a premier academic institution in Western Visayas.

The recognition will be held on May 29, 2025, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium in Iloilo City as part of the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) 31st anniversary and the 5th Higher Education Day celebration.

“These recognitions are more than awards; they are affirmations of the culture of excellence, compassion, and commitment that we at ISUFST strive to uphold every day,” said ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr.

ISUFST will be honored for achievements in academic performance, community engagement, internationalization, and inclusive education, according to CHED Regional Office VI.

Among the highest distinctions is the Outstanding Board Performance Award in Category #5, earned through an 80% passing rate in the October 2024 Licensure Examination for Fisheries Professionals.

The university also received full Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) for all undergraduate and graduate programs, confirming its adherence to national academic standards.

Other accolades include Awards for Excellence in Community Extension and Linkages, Internationalization Initiatives, Peace Education, Indigenous Peoples Education, and Students’ Affairs and Services.

ISUFST will also be cited for its support to CHEDRO VI endeavors and as Model Implementer of STUFAP/CSP at its Dingle Campus.

“From the classroom to the coastline, from policy to practice, this is the result of every faculty member who went beyond the call of duty, every staff who kept the system running, every student who dared to dream big,” Dr. Siason added.

The awards build on ISUFST’s strong performance in 2024, when it received five distinctions at the 3rd CHED Regional Quality Awards, including 100% COPC for undergraduate programs and honors in Indigenous Peoples Education and Internationalization.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga emphasized the emotional depth behind the honors: “These recognitions don’t just showcase what we’ve accomplished; they mirror who we are as a university family.”

“We live by values that go beyond metrics—quality that uplifts, inclusivity that embraces, and impact that transforms,” she added.

Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Johnny B. Dolor echoed the same grounded message: “Behind these honors are real people doing honest work every day… every task, no matter how small, contributes to something bigger.”

Founded in 1957, ISUFST spans five campuses and remains the country’s first and only state university focused on fisheries science and technology.

It has been a designated Center of Development in Fisheries for eight straight years, is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and holds AACCUP accreditation.

With 8,500 students and 280 faculty members—half of whom hold doctorate degrees—ISUFST continues to play a critical role in promoting science-based education and community-driven innovation. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)