ISUFST Eyes 2026 Launch of Nursing Degree

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The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology has taken its first major step toward launching a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at its Main Campus–Poblacion Site in Barotac Nuevo.

The university held a consultation meeting July 2 with Dr. Rosana Grace Belo-Delariarte, a prominent educator and newly elected national president of the Philippine Nurses Association.

The meeting, led by ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga, and other key officials, discussed the academic, logistical and regulatory requirements for launching the nursing program by the first semester of academic year 2026–2027.

Admission applications are expected to open in late academic year 2025–2026, pending Commission on Higher Education approval.

“This is more than a campaign promise—it is a commitment to community-responsive education,” Siason said, noting that he and Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron previously expressed intent to open a nursing program at ISUFST.

“We are determined to ensure that our future nursing students receive quality, values-driven education grounded in our university’s core mission and aligned with regional health needs,” he said.

The proposed nursing degree will be the first of its kind offered in northern Iloilo outside Iloilo City and is designed to complement the university’s existing academic programs.

ISUFST is also working to open a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation program at its Tiwi campus in Barotac Nuevo by academic year 2026–2027.

Belo-Delariarte, who hails from Barotac Nuevo and serves as PNA Region VI governor in addition to her national role, praised the university’s initiative and provided guidance to align the program with national nursing standards.

“There is a strong need for accessible and community-based nursing education, especially in rural and underserved areas,” she said.

“ISUFST is in a strategic position to fill that gap.”

“It brings me great pride as a Barotacnon to witness this bold move from ISUFST,” she added.

“Nursing is not just a career—it is a commitment to life, and offering it here means empowering our own communities to rise through care and competence.”

In preparation for the program rollout, ISUFST is pursuing partnerships with hospitals for clinical training and related learning experiences.

These include Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center, located near the main campus, as well as Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan, Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital in Dumangas, and Asia Pacific Medical Center–Iloilo.

A larger stakeholder consultation is set for July 15 to help establish the vision, goals, mission and objectives of the nursing program.

Participants will include local officials, barangay representatives, health workers, alumni, student leaders and parents.

“We want this program to be rooted in local realities and designed with long-term sustainability and relevance,” Belga said.

She will lead efforts on benchmarking visits, facility upgrades and faculty recruitment.

“Our preparation includes not just CHED compliance but also ensuring we uphold ISUFST’s trademark of excellence in instruction, extension, research and innovation,” she said.

The university plans to launch the BSN and BSMT programs with one section each to ensure small class sizes and focused instruction.

As required by CHED, the BSN program must meet specific faculty, laboratory and clinical affiliation standards.

Prospective students will undergo rigorous academic screening and physical and mental health evaluations.

CHED program recognition is already being pursued, with ISUFST officials confident that the institution’s ISO 9001:2015 certification and AACCUP accreditations will strengthen its application.

Established in 1957, ISUFST is the country’s first and only state university for fisheries and has since evolved into a comprehensive institution with 27 undergraduate and 16 graduate programs across five campuses.

The university serves 8,500 students and employs 280 faculty members, half of whom hold doctorate degrees.

Adding the nursing and maritime programs marks a major expansion into health and maritime sciences—two sectors critical to national development.

ISUFST has received CHED awards for excellence in Indigenous Peoples education, community extension and internationalization, further reflecting its alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“Our legacy is not only in producing competent professionals but in shaping servant-leaders who will bring health, hope and humanity to the communities they serve,” Siason said.

Updates on admissions, curriculum and program partnerships will be announced through ISUFST’s official channels. (Photos by Herman Lagon and Rholan Mark Basaygan/Text by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)