ISUFST Unveils PHP25 Million Research, Extension Hub

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The Iloilo State University of Fisheries and Technology has officially inaugurated its PHP25 million Research and Extension Hub, marking a milestone in its efforts to enhance academic and research facilities.

The hub, nearly two years in the making, is the first of its scale under the leadership of University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr.

Located at the Main Campus–Tiwi Site in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, the facility features a multipurpose cinema-function hall, dedicated offices for the Research and Extension departments, and innovation spaces.

Dr. Johnny Dolor, vice president for administration and finance, said the project reflects the university’s commitment to strengthening research and community outreach.

The completion of the hub is part of President Siason’s broader vision to establish a Fisheries Learning Complex.

“I hope to establish a Fisheries Learning Complex, and this hub will be a significant part of that vision,” Siason said during the turnover rites.

The planned complex will incorporate the new hub along with existing and upcoming facilities such as Paler Hall, a fish processing complex, a 26-hectare fishpond, brackish water zones and several laboratories for training, collaboration, production and research.

The vision also includes the construction of a PHP22.5 million state-of-the-art library and an PHP80 million Olympic-sized swimming pool and sports complex.

The library will break ground this year, while the other projects are ongoing.

“These infrastructure projects aim to create a holistic learning environment where students gain both academic knowledge and practical experience,” Siason said.

“We are building a university that is not just about academics but about providing the best facilities to help students excel.”

Contractor Doroteo Salas of DG Salas Construction Services shared that the hub was a product of careful planning and strong collaboration.

“It was a challenging but fulfilling project, especially since the university was very particular about quality and timely completion,” Salas said.

Dr. Jescel Bito-onon, ISUFST’s research director, said the new hub will significantly improve the university’s research capacity.

“This facility will allow us to expand our research, host more community-oriented activities and contribute further to the development of the fisheries sector in the region,” Bito-onon said.

President Siason also highlighted the importance of selecting the right partners for future projects.

“Every bidding process is a prayer that we find the right partner for the job,” he said.

“Like the contractor who built this hub, we hope to continue working with the best for all our future projects.”

With the Research and Extension Hub now operational, ISUFST—the country’s only fisheries university—takes another step toward becoming one of the region’s leading institutions.

ISUFST remains committed to producing highly equipped professionals ready to lead not only in fisheries and aquatic sciences, but also in education, agriculture, management, industrial and information technology. (Herman Lagon / Sea Treasure / R&D Office / PAMMCO)