ISUFST concludes seminar with plans to promote creative works

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The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) recently wrapped up a pivotal two-day seminar titled “panday Kinaadman: Development of University Creative Works Office Operations Manual and Strategic Planning,” held at the Main Campus-Tiwi Site Conference Room in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. The event held May 8-9, 2024, ended with a bang, exceeding expectations by capping with a seminal development plan slated for further refinement in the coming weeks. This plan will serve as a concrete baseline for future initiatives of the University Creative Works Office (UCWO), which hopes to champion the culture of innovative creativity, promoting fresh, original ideas and new methods of expression across various disciplines, encouraging artistic innovation and scholarly ingenuity.

The seminar-workshop was a dynamic gathering of faculty and administrators, all experts in their fields of visual arts, performing arts, and literary and creative writing. Their collective expertise and dedication are instrumental in driving the future of creative works within the university.

Notable speakers at the seminar included Professor Martin Genodepa from the UP Visayas Office of Initiatives for Culture and the Arts, who led a session titled ‘Creative Works: The Scholarly and the Artistic Perspectives,’ bridging scholarly research with artistic creativity. Dr. Randy Madrid also shared his insights, exploring the role of cultural works in community transformation and emphasizing the deep impact that creative endeavors have on societal engagement and heritage preservation.

Additionally, Ms. Marianne Tajanlangit-Bebit from the Intellectual Property Satellite Office-Iloilo provided an overview of copyright procedures and online filing, which is essential for protecting the creative and scholarly outputs of the university community.

Day two featured renowned Palanca Awardee Noel Galon de Leon, who spoke on the nuances of publishing literary works and the importance of local languages in literature. He stressed, “When we publish, we weave our community’s voice into the fabric of national conversation, enriching it with our unique cultural narratives.” His session underscored the transformative power of literature and its capacity to empower community identities.

The presence of ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., on the second day underscored the administration’s support for the initiative. He has conveyed his enthusiasm for the developmental strides being made, emphasizing the alignment with academic goals and the broader impact on cultural enrichment and community engagement.

Professor Michle Celeste, Director of UCWO, led the strategic planning process that outlined the office’s immediate and long-term objectives. The crafted ‘6-Month Initiation Development Plan’ includes steps such as establishing an advisory board, developing a brand identity, and fostering community through various creative engagements. On the other hand, the drafted ‘Five-Year Development Plan’ hopes to solidify UCWO’s foundational structures, enhance resources, and cultivate a culture of innovation and collaboration across disciplines, setting a clear path for the future of creative works at ISUFST.

The seminar laid the groundwork for assessing and integrating creative works at ISUFST and ignited a renewed enthusiasm for academic and creative excellence. With these strategic plans in progress, ISUFST is poised to become a beacon of creative scholarship and innovation, significantly impacting the educational community and beyond. (Herman Lagon/PAMCO)