ISUFST POWER UP project wins Rotary award

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The Rotary Global Grant-funded POWER UP Project of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology received a recognition award during the District Conference 2026 of Rotary International District 3850, held May 6–9, 2026, in Roxas City, Capiz.

The award, given under the Seven Areas of Focus — Community Economic Development category for large clubs, recognized the Rotary Club of Iloilo for the successful implementation of the POWER UP Project, or the Project for Optimized Workforce-Readiness Through Equipment Resource Upgrade for Professional Certification.

Rotary International says global grants support large international activities with sustainable, measurable outcomes in its areas of focus, including community economic development.

The recognition was formally received by Rotary Club of Iloilo President Dr. Lucio Encio during the conference rites.

The POWER UP Project was led by Dr. Herman M. Lagon, Rotary Global Grant project head and ISUFST director, with the strong support of ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr.

Both are active Rotarians who have consistently supported education- and community-centered Rotary initiatives in partnership with local and international stakeholders.

Hosted by Roxas City under the leadership and support of District Gov. Dr. Victor Federico “Pip” Acepcion, DISCON 2026 gathered hundreds of Rotarians from across District 3850 for fellowship, project sharing, leadership discussions, and recognition of impactful Rotary initiatives.

The award-winning POWER UP Project is a Rotary Global Grant initiative implemented through the partnership of the Rotary Club of Iloilo in District 3850, the Rotary Club of Namweon Central in South Korea’s District 3670, and ISUFST.

The project delivered PHP 1.89 million worth of modern electrical and electronics training equipment to ISUFST’s College of Industrial Technology to strengthen workforce readiness and professional certification training for students and community learners.

The upgraded facilities include electrical installation trainers, digital multimeters, soldering stations, solar power training systems, and other industrial-grade tools aligned with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority certification standards.

The initiative is expected to benefit more than 450 students and trainees annually, particularly those from farming, fishing, and low-income communities in northern Iloilo.

According to Lagon, the project demonstrates how global partnerships can empower local communities through education, technical skills development, and workforce preparation.

ISUFST officials also noted that the initiative strengthens the university’s long-term vision of producing industry-ready graduates through upgraded training facilities and international collaboration.

The recognition also highlighted the continuing collaboration between Rotary and ISUFST following the successful implementation of the AIM Iloilo Project in 2025, another PHP 1.89-million Rotary-supported initiative that upgraded the university’s automotive laboratories under the Automotive Industry Modernization in Iloilo program.

The recognition during DISCON 2026 underscored the growing impact of Rotary-supported educational and livelihood initiatives in empowering local communities through skills development, technology access, and workforce readiness.