ISUFST crafts ‘Futures Thinking’ research agenda on agri-fisheries

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The third phase of the ISUFT ‘Capacity Building on University Research Futures Thinking and Foresight’ began on Wednesday, February 21, at the Park Inn Hotel in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Running from February 21-23, 2024, the event marks a significant advancement for the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) towards becoming a leader in research and empowerment within Southeast Asia.

Former CHEd commissioner Ruperto Sangalang reminded the 60 researcher-participants that they are not only building capacity but also shaping visionaries at ISUFST. He expressed his enthusiasm for innovative research proposals from the workshop, which are expected to drive ‘radical change’ and secure competitive funding for a sustainable and visionary future in agri-fisheries.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. extended a warm welcome to the participants and experts, reaffirming his full support to enhance the university’s research infrastructure. He emphasized that the ‘Futures Thinking and Foresighting’ initiative is a significant step towards advancing agriculture and fisheries science for sustainable community development and nation-building.

The support of Sen. Pia Cayetano was acknowledged, highlighting her role in enabling the project through funding and her dedication to the development of Futures Thinking knowledge and skills at the university.

The Opening Ceremonies featured a speech by Comm. Sangalang on behalf of the Futures Thinking team and a recap of Phase 2 by University Research Futures Thinking and Foresight Course Director Ma. Christine Reyes. The day’s session focused on the outputs of the research groups from Phase 2.

Director Reyes, in her talk titled “Enhancing the Research Through The Value of SDGs,” stressed the importance of incorporating Sustainable Development Goals into research. As the Founder and Director of ‘Futures Thinking’ resource provider Aptissimi Development Innovations Inc. (ADII), Reyes also led a backcasting workshop to apply future thinking in developing research proposals.

The subsequent days of the event will be dedicated to detailing research proposals and presenting group outputs, culminating in a closing program and an awarding ceremony.

The three-day event features esteemed resource speakers, mentors, and experts such as Mr. Emmanuel R. de Guia, Mr. Joel E. Abelinde, Mr. Godof Villapando, Mr. Sonny Pagador, Ms. Venice Hulleza, and Maria Rovilla Luhan.

Described by the Asian Development Bank as a method for identifying emerging issues and scenarios to formulate a vision of the desired future, ‘Futures Thinking’ has been pivotal for ISUFST in analyzing post-COVID outcomes and planning for a sustainable future in aquaculture and fisheries.

The seminar-workshop delved into the significance of oysters, shrimps, goats, bangus, and resource management, exploring their potential beyond food consumption and challenging participants to consider their role in enhancing long-term community livelihoods sustainably and resiliently.

This phase continues the face-to-face initiative that began in September 2023, which also introduced the “BangKa sa KaBuHi Ta” campaign and the online Phase 2 workshop in November 2023, underscoring ISUFST’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

As the workshop progresses, ISUFST researchers from all five campuses are expected to deepen their engagement in ‘futures thinking and foresighting’ under expert guidance, formulating, defending, and implementing research proposals that align with the university’s strategic priorities.

These roadmap-aligned proposals aim to spark genuine innovations, introduce transformative ideas to the industry ecosystem, and establish ISUFST as a frontrunner in research and education for the agri-fisheries sector.

(Text by Herman Lagon; Photos by Kenneth Belgira)