ISUFST thanks Ilonggo lawmaker for PHP 15 million funding

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology has thanked Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel G. Biron for securing PHP 15 million in national government funding to improve key facilities at its main campus–Tiwi site in Barangay Tiwi, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

The funding, included in the fiscal year 2026 Department of Public Works and Highways Basic Infrastructure Program under the House General Appropriations Bill, will support the rehabilitation and completion of the university’s multi-purpose building—now serving as the library—and upgrades to the campus sports complex.

Of the total amount, PHP 10 million is allocated for the repair and conversion of the former multi-purpose building into instructional rooms for the Bachelor of Science in Maritime Management and Bachelor of Science in Ship Management programs, as well as future maritime transportation courses.

The remaining PHP 5 million will go toward completing the sports complex grandstand.

The project was formally relayed to ISUFST through a letter from Eduardo B. Oren, district engineer of the DPWH Iloilo 2nd District Engineering Office.

In the letter addressed to ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., EdD, CESO VI, DPWH requested submission of preliminary documents, including the project location plan, proof of land ownership, and a school endorsement affirming the university’s responsibility for maintaining the facilities once completed.

Siason welcomed the development and emphasized the value of consistent legislative support in building academic and student-life infrastructure.

“We are deeply thankful to Congressman Biron for his continued confidence in ISUFST and for ensuring that our growing needs as a university are reflected in national infrastructure priorities,” Siason said.

“This support directly strengthens our capacity to deliver quality maritime and fisheries education, while also improving spaces that shape student formation, discipline, and well-being.”

He said the funding reflects a long-standing partnership that has shaped the university’s growth.

“Congressman Biron has been instrumental not only in supporting our facilities, but in championing the very universityhood of ISUFST,” Siason said.

“From our transition to a state university to our present growth as a globally engaged fisheries institution, his support has helped turn vision into concrete opportunities for our students and communities.”

Upgrading the library supports ISUFST’s expanding maritime programs and prepares students for work in the blue economy, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 8.

Completing the sports complex grandstand also enhances student life by promoting fitness, discipline, and campus involvement.

Since 1957, ISUFST has grown into the country’s first and only fisheries university, currently serving more than 8,500 students across five campuses.

Its recent Commission on Higher Education awards and international rankings reflect years of strategic planning, quality instruction, and commitment to community service.

With DPWH set to conduct site inspections and surveys, university officials said ISUFST is prepared to meet all project requirements to keep the development on schedule. (Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)