ISUFST faculty embark on historic Thailand visit

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Faculty and administrators from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS) embarked on the university’s first-ever international cross visit from June 1-8.

The visit aims to elevate ISUFST’s status as a Center of Excellence in Fisheries and achieve higher educational standards.

The delegation will engage with prominent institutions in fisheries education and technology, including Kasetsart University (KU), the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT), and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC).

The initiative is part of ISUFST’s Faculty Development Plan, designed to immerse faculty in environments showcasing cutting-edge research, sustainable collaboration, and robust quality assurance systems.

Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., ISUFST President, emphasized the visit’s importance.

“Change has come to our school. This international cross visit is a testament to our commitment to providing world-class education to our students,” Dr. Siason said.

“We are determined to put ISUFST fisheries on the global map and demonstrate why we are the first and only fisheries university in the country.”

Dr. Dennis Gomez, Team Leader of the cross visit, highlighted the meticulous planning behind the initiative.

“We designed this cross visit to address all the competencies and deliverables raised by Dr. Siason. This strategic engagement is crucial for our goal to achieve higher accreditation levels and enhance our institutional capacity,” Dr. Gomez noted.

He also extended gratitude to the Board of Regents for their unwavering support.

The delegation comprises a diverse group of experts, each with specific roles and specializations aimed at maximizing the benefits of the visit.

Notable members include Dr. Rolindo B. Demo-os, Jr., Dean of CFAS; Dr. Roy C. Villanueva, Director of the Resource Generation Office; Dr. Quin Y. Clarito, Chairperson of the BS in Fisheries Program; Dr. Lou G. Magbanua, a social science expert; Prof. Cjay B. Soliven, a post-harvest and fish processing specialist; Prof. Ma. Roelle D. Silva, a fish biochemistry and microbiology expert; Dr. Edgar M. Hortillosa, Chairperson of the BS in Marine Biology; Dr. Jescel B. Bito-onon, Director of the Research and Development Office; Prof. Jerry B. Bedonia, a marine biology expert; Engr. Ermie V. Bedia, specializing in marine and mechanical engineering; and Dr. Herman M. Lagon, Director of Public Affairs, Marketing, and Communication.

Although Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga, a member of the Board of Regents and Director of DOST Region VI, could not join due to health reasons, DOST’s Chief Science Research Specialist, Ms. Juafe N. Abareles, and Senior Science Research Specialist, Ms. Desiree Faith N. Sy, will participate on his behalf.

The visit is expected to yield significant outcomes, including documented key programs, curricula, and initiatives from each visited campus, assessments of research agendas and innovation policies, and identified actionable practices for potential adaptation at ISUFST. The initiative will serve as a standard assessment tool, allowing ISUFST to measure its educational and research practices against those of leading ASEAN institutions.

“By engaging with Thailand’s premier institutions, we are not just aiming for accreditation; we are striving for excellence that resonates on a global scale,” Dr. Siason concluded. “This visit is a milestone in our journey towards becoming a world-class institution in fisheries and marine sciences.” (Herman Lagon/PAMCO)