ISUFST launches global plan with local heart

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With bold aspirations and grounded purpose, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology opened a two-day Strategic Planning Workshop on Internationalization on July 21, 2025, at the ICT TechnoHub on the ISUFST Main Campus-Poblacion Site in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

The initiative aims to craft a five-year roadmap to guide the university’s global engagements while remaining rooted in its mission to serve the people of Iloilo, especially marginalized communities.

The workshop gathered deans, program heads, faculty, internationalization staff, directors, and university administrators.

It is led by Dr. Gaudencio C. Petalcorin Jr., professor VI and global reputation focal person of Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology.

A seasoned academic leader and member of the Commission on Higher Education’s Internationalization Committee, Petalcorin brings years of experience in aligning local institutions with global standards.

“We already have what it takes to go global,” Petalcorin said.

“But for the plan to work—not just on paper but in people’s lives—our hearts must be in it.”

“Good ideas need effective packaging to make an impact.”

The first day featured aspiration-setting and hands-on workshops for each academic program.

Teams identified strategic goals, action points, and success indicators for the next five years.

On the second day, Petalcorin and guest speaker Prof. Eddie Nuque of De La Salle University presented the workshop outputs.

Nuque stressed the importance of remaining mission-focused amid the university’s expanding global reach.

“Yes, we must engage the world,” he said.

“But we should never forget that our core mission is to serve the people of Iloilo—especially the marginalized communities who rely on education for opportunity.”

“Internationalization should be a tool to deepen—not distract from—our local impact.”

Dr. Jeanette Bayona, director of international affairs and linkages, thanked participants for their collaboration.

“We will integrate all your outputs and present them for feedback,” she said.

“Looking forward to an impactful Strategic Internationalization Plan.”

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. welcomed the dialogue with optimism.

“We are honored by Dr. Petalcorin’s presence and insights,” he said.

“We hope that the outputs of this planning session will truly reflect our commitment to the VMG and help us chart a direction anchored in both global quality and local relevance.”

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga echoed this call and urged participants to treat the session as more than a compliance exercise.

“Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to dream beyond boundaries but serve within our means,” she said.

Reflecting on the exchange of ideas, Petalcorin shared his appreciation.

“What I saw here wasn’t just planning—it was listening,” he said.

“I appreciate the presence, the questions, the openness.”

“This isn’t about creating a document to please others; it’s about shaping a story that makes sense to you and the people you serve.”

Among the strategic directions discussed were offering global language courses with embedded cultural learning and building partnerships for virtual classes, collaborative research and social involvement, student internships, and international faculty-student exchanges.

Once finalized, the internationalization roadmap will be presented to the Academic and Administrative Councils and endorsed to the Board of Regents for approval in the third quarter of the academic year.

As the country’s only state university dedicated to fisheries science and technology, ISUFST continues to rise as a purpose-driven institution.

Recent recognitions—including CHED’s Outstanding Board Performance Award and honors in internationalization and Indigenous Peoples Education—underscore the university’s unique blend of tradition and transformation.

“This is not just about global visibility,” Petalcorin reminded the audience.

“It’s about visibility with purpose—being seen because we’re doing something that matters.”
(Ricky Ramos / Herman Lagon / PAMMCO)