ISUFST students win 2025 DOST-BPI innovation award

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Four fisheries students from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) won the 2025 DOST-BPI Best Innovation Project of the Year Award, marking a historic first for the country’s lone fisheries university.

The winning entry—a probiotic solution derived from oysters—was developed to help protect tilapia from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

The project was created by Melody Vaughn Ferrer, Johnas P. Arellado, Romeo Theodore F. Golez, and Arlene May A. Linacero, under the mentorship of Professor Jason O. Albances, with institutional support from project head Dr. Mary Mar Noblezada-Payne.

The award was announced Dec. 4, 2025, during a ceremony at the Shangri-La Hotel in Manila.

Former Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña paused during the event to ask Dr. Payne, “Are you the adviser?” before tapping her on the shoulder in quiet congratulations.

“I felt proud knowing our students did well and that their innovation was truly appreciated,” Payne said.

Though Albances is now in Japan on a Ph.D. scholarship, the team dedicated the win to him.

“Despite that Sir Jason is no longer physically with us, we dedicate this victory to him. He was with us in the long nights, the failed trials, and the moments we wanted to give up. Siya ang imaw namon kag ga-encourage saamon sa lab,” the team said.

Payne, who trains student researchers as early as their second year and returns on Fridays to lecture without pay, said the award proves that curiosity fuels real innovation.

“They failed and tried again. Three contaminated runs, sleepless days, holidays spent in the lab—yet they never walked away,” she said. “Interest and grit can bring students farther than the syllabus ever could.”

Golez, who handled communications, market surveys, and sourcing, said the research has a higher purpose.

“Our study shouldn’t just stay on paper. Science should reach communities and solve problems, especially for the marginalized,” he said.

The probiotic aims to help small-scale tilapia farmers, many of whom rely on costly antibiotics to fight Aeromonas infections.

By harnessing the microbial wealth of local oysters, the team hopes to offer a low-cost, natural way to boost fish health while preserving aquatic ecosystems.

“If this succeeds, it means stability of income, safer food, and stronger aquaculture communities,” Ferrer said.

Linacero, who proposed exploring probiotics and managed team operations, called the victory a shared achievement.

“Every failed trial, someone held the line for the rest of us,” she said.

Arellado, the team’s hands-on problem solver, said the project taught him a lesson that went beyond the lab.

“I can ask for help, and that doesn’t make me less. It makes the work better,” he said.

For ISUFST, the award is more than a trophy—it is a milestone that affirms the value of local innovation.

University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. said the achievement embodies the university’s mission as the Philippines’ fisheries university.

“This is what happens when passion meets purpose,” he said. “Our students carry not only knowledge and skill, but a sense of service—proving that science, when rooted in community, can change lives.”

“What they’ve accomplished is not just science,” Payne added. “It’s purpose meeting perseverance. This win reminds us how far students can go when their work is rooted in service.”

As the applause fades, the student-researchers will return to their tank trials and data sheets—carrying with them a national award and a growing responsibility to fishers, to the environment, and to the future they now know they can help shape. (Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)