ISUFST Seminar Highlights Futures Thinking, Value Creation

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) concluded a two-day seminar on Futures Thinking and Value Creation, held from October 24-25 at INA Farm.
The event brought together 40 ISUFST researchers and academics to delve into strategic foresight and research aimed at addressing the evolving demands of the agri-fisheries sector.
Futurist Emmanuel de Guia delivered the keynote address, commending ISUFST for its forward-thinking approach to research.
“ISUFST is setting a benchmark, with projects demonstrating depth and breadth beyond many institutions,” he said.
De Guia urged participants to redefine their metrics for success, noting, “In today’s post-normal world, we must shift from traditional SUC metrics to social impact metrics.”
His sessions on Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and strategic storytelling highlighted the importance of creating authentic narratives that resonate with society, challenging ISUFST to develop a unique research identity focused on real-world impact.
Futures researcher Jalaine Joyce Malabanan emphasized the importance of “collaborative foresight” in addressing gaps in future thinking. She encouraged aligning research with community needs to foster sustainable impact. The workshop provided participants with tools to advance ISUFST’s commitment to socially responsible research.
ISUFST’s Research and Development Director, Dr. Jescel Bito-onon, introduced the “Bangka sang Kabuhi Ta” initiative, highlighting research on oysters, shrimps, goats, milkfish, and resource management.
Bito-onon encouraged researchers to explore ways these resources can support community livelihoods and environmental sustainability, urging them to expand beyond traditional research boundaries.
The seminar built on ISUFST’s Futures Thinking initiative launched in September 2023, positioning the university as a leader in sustainable agri-fisheries research.
With backing from Senator Pia Cayetano, who helped secure funding for this program, ISUFST has established a robust research agenda grounded in foresight.
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason expressed gratitude for Cayetano’s dedication to promoting Futures Thinking in education and for enabling ISUFST to lead research that strengthens food security and resilience in Western Visayas.
ISUFST now stands ready to expand its futures-thinking approach, focusing on community-centered research that promotes food security, economic growth, and sustainable development. (PAMMCO)
Comments (0)
LEAVE A REPLY
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Related Articles

Iloilo airport is getting an OFW lounge and a new runway surface
ILOILO CITY – Rehabilitation of the Iloilo International Airport passenger terminal in Cabatuan, Iloilo is about 70% complete, with a runway overlay, a dedicated lounge for overseas Filipino workers, and an apron expansion lined up as the next phases of upgrading the gateway, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines

NO DARK HOLIDAYS?: DOE says Visayas brownouts could end in October
ILOILO CITY – Residents of the Visayas may have to endure rotational brownouts until early October as the Department of Energy (DOE) presses the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to complete the connection of battery energy storage systems to the grid. DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said the department has

LNG-to-power plant eyed to ease Iloilo City brownouts
ILOILO CITY — A liquefied natural gas (LNG)-to-power project is being eyed in Iloilo City as a new source of electricity, Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu said, as rotational brownouts caused by tight power supply in the Visayas grid continue. Treñas-Chu said Friday, Sept. 4, that the city is expecting the entry of
