ISUFST boosts standards with systemwide faculty training

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Returning from a 78-day academic break, faculty members of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology began the new school year with a two-day, university-wide capacity-building program across its five campuses.

The training focused on enhancing assessment practices, teaching strategies, performance evaluation, and understanding policies on honors, retention, research, intellectual property, extension, and production.

Held from July 28 to 29, 2025, the sessions grouped faculty into clusters—Education at the TechnoHub (Poblacion), InfoTech-Hospitality-Industrial Technology at the Audiovisual Room (Poblacion), and Agriculture-Fisheries at the Hasa Hasa Theater (Tiwi)—for carousel-style sessions themed “Beyond the Test: Reimagining Assessment in the Classroom.”

The activity reflects ISUFST’s commitment to inclusive, relevant education rooted in its Vision, Goals, Mission, and Objectives, while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. opened the program with a reminder of shared accountability.

“We have the name to protect and the prestige to uphold,” he said.

“This training is part of our mission to elevate academic excellence and institutional integrity.”

The workshop aimed to strengthen lesson planning, student assessment, and performance-based, fair evaluation across disciplines.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga said the training also addressed key updates on institutional policies and academic programs.

“We expect meaningful changes in teacher education and academic practice,” Belga said.

“Let this orientation, training, and professional conversation make us living testaments to the evolving landscape of education.”

Sessions were facilitated by university deans and directors from key academic offices.

Among them were Dr. Rene Estomo, dean of the ISUFST-Dingle Campus College of Education; Dr. Matthew Lasap, dean of the Main Campus College of Education; and Dr. Stephen Raymund Jinon, director of the School of Graduate Studies.

They led discussions on formative, summative, and authentic assessments.

Dr. Michelle Bales, director of instruction, and Dr. Belga also guided faculty through updated processes on instructional materials, a revised faculty evaluation tool, and updated student policies on honors, retention, and faculty de-loading.

The program also covered institutional systems beyond instruction.

Dr. Jescel Bito-onon, director of research and development; Dr. Jade Marie Dimzon, director of intellectual property management; Dr. Joana Paula Binas, director of extension services; and Reil Jan Patosa, head of resource generation, presented updates on manuals, protocols, and outputs from their respective units.

Legal Officer IV Atty. Joey Mondero gave a talk on the Code of Conduct for Public Officials and Employees to reinforce ethical leadership.

Vice President for Administration and Finance Johnny Dolor encouraged collaboration between new and seasoned faculty.

“The future of basic education depends on how we grow and work together as one learning community,” Dolor said.

As ISUFST expands its academic offerings, the in-service training reaffirms its commitment to refining instruction and institutional systems in a dynamic, inclusive, and globally responsive manner. (Herman Lagon/Ricky Ramos/PAMMCO)