ISUFST Endorses BSMT Program Revival for AY 2026–2027

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In a move to revive one of its most storied programs, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology has endorsed the reopening of its Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation course.

The Academic and Administrative Councils made the formal and unanimous recommendation during a special academic council meeting at the Dingle campus’ Knowledge Management Hub on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Along with the BSMT, the university also endorsed proposals for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Doctor in Information Technology, all of which are now set for final review by the Board of Regents ahead of academic year 2025–2026.

The BSMT revival reflects ISUFST’s renewed commitment to its maritime roots, backed by strong academic and administrative support.

To align the program with global standards, an ISUFST BSMT program team will conduct a benchmarking visit to the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies in Pasay City on July 10–11, 2025, building on an earlier visit to the University of Antique on June 20, 2025.

“This is more than a revival—it’s a return to one of our foundational strengths as a university deeply rooted in coastal and maritime communities,” said ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr.

“We are not merely offering a course; we are reigniting a legacy that has lifted families and changed lives.”

The BSMT program was once the university’s flagship course under its former identity as the Iloilo State College of Fisheries.

In academic year 2012–2013, the course accounted for 76 percent of campus enrollment and had a strong national board exam performance.

From 2015 to 2017, ISCOF produced two topnotchers and posted passing rates of 91 percent for Master Mariner, 87 percent for Chief Mate and 87 percent for Officer-in-Charge of Navigational Watch.

The revival includes plans to rehabilitate the old library into simulation classrooms, with a new maritime building slated for construction.

Procurement of equipment such as a Full Mission Bridge Simulator is underway.

Maritime-specific library materials are being acquired, and a hiring plan is in motion to onboard qualified, STCW-compliant faculty.

Dr. Christine Diocos, director of the Quality Assurance and Management Center, led the June 2025 benchmarking visit to the University of Antique’s BSMT program.

“Our goal is to ensure that the program will be globally relevant and locally responsive from day one,” Diocos said.

The BSMT team is composed of nine faculty, administrators and staff from ISUFST, most of whom come from the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences.

Geographically, ISUFST’s location along Iloilo’s coastal belt strengthens its case.

The Tiwi site in Barotac Nuevo, where the BSMT program will be based, is home to many seafaring families whose children have pursued maritime careers that improved their economic status.

Success stories from former ISCOF graduates continue to inspire interest in the program, especially among underprivileged but capable youth.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga said bringing back the BSMT program not only meets the maritime workforce demand but also furthers ISUFST’s mission of accessible and inclusive education for coastal communities.

She said the university is working to ensure the program aligns with Joint CHED-MARINA Memorandum Circular No. 2, series of 2023.

The BSMT revival is part of a broader set of academic reforms endorsed during the July 7 academic and administrative council meetings.

These include the BSN and DIT programs, the ISUFST Brand Book and a revised institutional mandate and mission.

All are designed to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and CHED’s call for faculty strengthening, innovation and social impact.

Applications for admission are expected to open in the latter part of academic year 2025–2026, pending CHED approval.

Support from Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron has been instrumental.

A long-time ISUFST supporter, Biron has pledged to help fund the conversion of the Tiwi library into a maritime building and relocate library services to the planned PHP22.5-million University Learning Center, a nearby project he also backs.

“This is the kind of partnership that makes change possible,” said Dr. Siason.

“When institutional vision meets public service, we create something that benefits not just our students but entire communities.”

Pending approval from the Board of Regents and CHED, the BSMT program will open with a single 40-student class in academic year 2026–2027.

Recruitment will be selective, competitive and merit-based to ensure the first cohort meets the demands of maritime education and industry standards.

With a proud legacy in maritime education, ISUFST remains the only state university in Iloilo uniquely positioned to train future Filipino seafarers.

Reviving the BSMT program is a commitment to that legacy and to building a world-class maritime workforce grounded in local strength and global vision. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)