ISUFST Student Leaders Take Oath, Pledge Proactive Service

1 of 11

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology officially inducted its new set of Federated University Student Council officers for academic year 2025-2026 during a solemn oath-taking ceremony on May 20, 2024, at the Main Campus-Poblacion Site in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

The event marked a new chapter in student governance, highlighting unity, advocacy and proactive leadership across ISUFST’s five campuses.

The newly elected officers are President Rjay B. Pahuganoy (San Enrique Campus), Vice President Rudolph Francis N. Antenor (Main Poblacion Site), Secretary Gerel A. Depositario (Dumangas Campus), Treasurer Eunice Pearl A. Ticar (Main Tiwi Site) and Auditor Cristian S. Demabildo (Dingle Campus).

The Board of Directors includes student representatives from all campuses: Gero S. Hablero, Jude Micheal B. Casumpang, Faith Hope B. Gumbao and Mary Abigail P. Benagua (Main Tiwi Site); Grace M. Rabor, Angelica Toreverde, Renei R. Belarma and Shayne Jancilan (Main Poblacion Site); Jovie Kate D. Lorca, Gerve James E. Lanado, Rose Ann P. Ardales and Jade D. Demasu-ay (Dumangas Campus); Renz Jan C. Mondin, KC Marie T. Anadon, Kyzzy Charm D. Pamplona and Dairish Jade D. Ajeco (Dingle Campus); and Nicole Antonette L. Batollo, Lea Grace L. Edong, James G. Montera and Jan Laurence Galon (San Enrique Campus).

Campus Student Council advisers also took their oath alongside the student officers.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. presided over the ceremony and urged the student leaders to revisit the USC Constitution and Bylaws.

He emphasized the need to balance academic excellence with student leadership, stating, “You must be models of the community as shown in your academic performance.”

“You are here to study and maximize the free college education provided by the government,” he added.

He also encouraged students to show initiative, exercise agency and inspire others.

“I want you to talk to your fellow students, mentor them and show them how to be ideal, dedicated and committed ISUFST students,” he said.

“If you want to change the country, do it slowly—through your deeds and how you make choices, like in the recent elections.”

In his inaugural speech, USC President and student regent Pahuganoy quoted Nelson Mandela to highlight the importance of making a difference in the lives of others.

“Today, I carry these words in my heart as I stand before you—not merely as an individual taking an oath, but as a servant embracing a larger purpose,” he said.

Pahuganoy, a consistent dean’s lister and former Federated USC secretary, brings a strong leadership background as former San Enrique Campus USC president and an active participant in national student summits.

He pledged to focus on advocacy and proactive representation, prioritizing student concerns and anticipating needs.

“Let us uphold our shared cause: ‘Kawsa sang Estudyante ang Una,’” he said.

“This is more than a slogan—it is a principle that should guide every choice, every policy and every project.”

Outgoing USC President Nathalie Jade Tanquerido, in an online message, thanked the student body for the opportunity to serve and encouraged her successors to lead with empathy and dedication.

“We are not here to police the students; we are here to serve and represent them,” she said.

“We are here to listen and act with empathy.”

Dr. Armando S. Katalbas, director of the Student Support Center, announced initial funding support of PHP12,000 for the council, which includes a PHP2,000 donation from President Siason.

“We are committed to supporting our student leaders as they begin new initiatives grounded in service, innovation and student empowerment,” Katalbas said.

According to Pahuganoy, he plans to propose evidence-based health breaks for students and initiatives to strengthen unity under the theme “One ISUFST.”

The council’s guiding principle remains “Kawsa sg Kabataan ang Una.”

Pahuganoy is set to attend the Board of Regents’ second quarter regular meeting in June as an observer before formally assuming his seat in the third quarter.

ISUFST, the nation’s first fisheries university and a leader in education quality and innovation, considers the induction aligned with its mission to develop socially responsible, engaged and globally competitive graduates. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)