ISUFST, Rex Education Train Faculty in Publishing Workshop

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BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo – The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, in partnership with Rex Education, held a full-day book writing workshop titled From Manuscript to Market on March 28, 2025, at the Techno Hub of the university’s Main Campus in Poblacion.

The workshop aimed to cultivate a stronger culture of scholarship and guide faculty members through the publishing process.

Faculty and academic staff from ISUFST’s five campuses gathered for a day of lectures and hands-on sessions led by experts in education and publishing.

The event was part of the university’s ongoing drive to boost academic output and align with global standards in teaching and research.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga, who gave the opening remarks, said the initiative reflects the university’s long-term goal of producing not only graduates but also knowledge.

“We want to encourage our faculty to publish not just for tenure or promotion but to share meaningful contributions with the academic world,” she said.

She added that the event supports ISUFST’s strategic vision to promote excellence in teaching, research and publication.

In the morning session, Lee Ann Joy Torno, associate talent management manager of Rex Education, gave an overview of the publishing industry.

Her presentation covered the publishing process, pathways to publication and key legal and financial considerations for instructional authors.

“Understanding your rights as an author, the publishing timeline and how royalties work are key steps in turning your manuscript into a published book,” she said.

In the afternoon, Dr. Greg Pawilen, a professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños and author of several educational books, led a session on scholarly publishing in higher education.

He noted that global university rankings increasingly factor in research productivity and publication output.

He encouraged educators to see publishing as a scholarly responsibility, particularly in teaching-centered institutions.

“Publishing is not just about compliance or career advancement,” he said.

“It is about building a community of expert teachers who share knowledge, reflect critically and shape curriculum and instruction through research.”

He also presented a framework for developing textbooks, manuals, workbooks, reference materials and learning modules for higher education.

He emphasized the need to align instructional materials with national curriculum standards and outcomes-based education principles.

As the country’s only fisheries university, ISUFST remains committed to excellence in education and research.

The university currently serves over 8,500 students and employs 280 faculty members across its five campuses.

ISUFST continues to advance academic rigor, research innovation and community engagement in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Belga.

“We hope to hold more workshops like this to ensure ISUFST becomes a breeding ground not only for future professionals but also for future authors, researchers and changemakers.” (Aynnie Belicena and Herman Lagon / PAMMCO)