ISUFST showcases gender, policy research at ISSHCON 2025

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The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) delivered a strong showing at the 2nd International Social Sciences and Humanities Conference (ISSHCON 2025), held from Aug. 13 to 16 at the Metrocentre Hotel, according to Dr. Francisco Magno, director of the De La Salle University (DLSU) Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance (JRIG).

Dr. Magno, who led the joint research initiative with ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. on localizing women’s and children’s policies, praised the university’s impressive research presence.

He said the studies demonstrated both academic rigor and social relevance, with ISUFST presentations co-authored by DLSU faculty and researchers.

The initiative aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, particularly the Times Higher Education SDG 16.3.3 metric on “Participation in government research.”

The policy-focused research involved collaboration with government agencies, including the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, and the Iloilo Provincial Government.

This ensured the conference presentations were both academically rigorous and policy-relevant, bridging scholarship and governance.

ISUFST delegates presented 12 papers under the themes of gender, governance, sustainability, and higher education transformation, drawing positive attention from participants in the Philippines and abroad.

The joint academic work contributes to SDG 17.2, which emphasizes international partnerships, data sharing, and cross-sector dialogue to advance the SDGs.

Highlighted gender-related presentations included:

• Mr. Reil Jan Patosa’s research on women’s participation in governance.
• Dr. Herman Lagon’s analysis of barangay health workers’ gender and mental wellness.
• Dr. Jescel Bito-onon’s presentation on women in coastal climate governance.
• Dr. Joana Paula Biñas’ findings on combating violence against women.
• Dr. Jeanette Bayona’s work on women, culture, and sustainable tourism.
• Dr. Lenirose Mondero’s study on localizing and implementing national women’s rights policies.
• Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Johnny Dolor’s research on gender and governance in waste management.
• Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga’s advocacy for advancing women’s reproductive health.

The university also showcased its institutional milestones through Dr. Bito-onon’s paper on university conversion, Dr. Edmer Bernardo’s study on equity for first-generation students, Dr. Bayona’s work on global engagement through the SDGs, and Dr. Siason’s presentation on ISUFST’s development roadmap.

Dr. Bayona and Dr. Lagon also served as moderators of separate conference sessions, further underscoring ISUFST’s leadership in regional and global academic exchange.

This engagement aligns with SDG 17’s call for collaborative research and positions ISUFST as both a producer of knowledge and a facilitator of cross-border dialogue.

Dr. Siason described the conference as a vital platform for ISUFST to amplify its research voice on the global stage while remaining grounded in local realities.

“Our mission is to turn community-based challenges into research-driven solutions that can influence both national and international frameworks,” he said.

The ISUFST delegation, composed of 11 faculty researchers in partnership with DLSU, illustrated how a state university can meaningfully contribute to policy advocacy through evidence-based research.

Their work reflects the impact of SDG 16 and SDG 17 by strengthening institutions through collaborative policy research and promoting global academic partnerships.

From gender-responsive governance to equitable access in higher education, ISUFST’s presentations highlighted its emergence as a research-driven institution.

Dr. Magno said the university’s performance was not only academically sound but socially vital—proof of ISUFST’s growing role in shaping inclusive, sustainable futures through strategic research partnerships and policy engagement.