ISUFST faculty to join national AI conference

Twenty-one faculty members from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) will attend the 2025 AI Fest Technical Conference on Aug. 11-13, 2025, at the Iloilo Convention Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The national conference will gather stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and civil society to discuss trends, applications, and challenges in artificial intelligence (AI) with the goal of fostering a shared understanding of responsible and inclusive innovation.

With the theme “Coding a Better Future: Responsible AI for Communities and Cities,” the event aims to humanize AI and promote its responsible development and integration into society.

The AI Fest is organized by the Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) and its partners, with the vision of positioning Western Visayas as a hub for AI development and governance in the Philippines.

ISUFST’s delegation will represent its Poblacion, Tiwi, Dingle, Dumangas, and San Enrique campuses, participating in plenary discussions, research forums, and innovation showcases.

From the Main Campus–Poblacion site, participants include Instr. Efren Lazarte, Instr. Kenth Joshua Espina, Prof. Angie Imarza, Instr. Alex Facelo, Instr. Anthony J. Bejemino, Prof. Noriebelle Balbontin, Prof. Christine Deocampo, and Dr. Joefil Libo-on.

From the Main Campus–Tiwi site, participants are Dr. Ronilo Aponte, Prof. Rico To-ong, and Instr. Sandra Bermudez.

From the Dingle Campus, participants are Instr. Ricky Cyril Perucho, Dr. Noel Caliston, Dr. Glenn Dador, and Dr. Benjamin Cornelio.

From the Dumangas Campus, participant is Instr. John Rey Perez.

From the San Enrique Campus, participants are Dr. Analiza Alingalan, Instr. Dave Allan Tagacay, Dr. Ian P. Sugatan, and Dr. Wenda D. Panes.

Dr. Herman M. Lagon of the Main Campus–Tiwi site is also part of the organizing committee and will serve as rapporteur and documentation lead.

Keynote speakers include DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., UNDP Philippines Country Economist Mohamed Shahudh, private sector executives, and academic leaders.

Plenary sessions will tackle AI and sustainability, human development, education, and innovation in business and industry.

The conference aims to ground AI conversations in real-world needs, including agriculture, fisheries, and education, encouraging ISUFST to continue its model of transformative, community-based engagement.

Parallel events include the AI Research Forum, AI Hackathon, and SineAI, giving students and faculty opportunities to showcase their work, explore partnerships, and reimagine AI’s role in the Philippines.

“We want our faculty to be part of the conversations surrounding ethical AI—not just as spectators, but as contributors to crafting technologies that serve our people,” ISUFST President Dr. Norny Siason Jr. said.

As the first and only fisheries university in the country—with Commission on Higher Education–recognized leadership in community extension, indigenous education, and internationalization—ISUFST remains committed to inclusive and sustainable development while integrating future-ready technologies into education and research. (Herman Lagon / PAMMCO)