Lawmaker commits PHP 50 million more for ISUFST

BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo — Deputy Speaker and Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel G. Biron has committed another PHP 50 million for Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology in 2027, adding to ongoing investments in facilities at the university’s Main Campus-Tiwi Site.

Based on information received by ISUFST from the Department of Public Works and Highways on Oct. 9, the additional funding is intended for the completion of the university’s sports facilities and Fisheries Learning Complex.

The two major projects are expected to strengthen student development, fisheries education, research and community engagement.

The latest commitment comes alongside three ongoing projects backed by Biron at the Main Campus-Tiwi Site.

These include PHP 10 million for the completion of Maritime Studies facilities, PHP 5 million for the completion of the campus grandstand with satellite offices and PHP 20 million for the University Community Learning Center.

Biron has also committed support for complete sets of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment for ISUFST, complementing the university’s continuing expansion of its academic and research facilities.

The commitments build on earlier government support for the university.

In January 2026, ISUFST acknowledged PHP 15 million secured through Biron’s support under the DPWH infrastructure program for improvements at the Tiwi Site.

The university’s broader development plan includes major fisheries, sports, maritime and learning facilities intended to serve students and, in some cases, surrounding communities.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. expressed the university’s gratitude, saying the support means more than additional buildings and equipment.

“We are deeply grateful to Deputy Speaker Ferjenel Biron for continuing to believe in ISUFST and in what this University can do for our students and communities. These investments will give our learners better laboratories, better-equipped maritime and fisheries facilities, and spaces where they can study, train, compete, and grow,” Siason said.

“More importantly, they help us turn our programs and plans into opportunities that our students can actually experience. His support has been with ISUFST through some of its most important milestones, and we sincerely thank him for continuing to walk with us as the University grows,” he added.

Biron’s continuing support carries particular historical significance for the university.

He championed the legislation that led to the transformation of the former Iloilo State College of Fisheries into ISUFST, earning him the moniker “Father of ISUFST.”

His more recent support has extended to ISUFST’s expansion into maritime education.

The university earlier reported Biron’s commitment to help fund the conversion of the old Tiwi library into facilities for Maritime Studies, alongside the transfer of library services to a new learning center.

For Siason, the latest commitment reflects a relationship with the university that has moved from legislation to facilities, academic programs and opportunities that students can see and use.

“Every classroom, laboratory, learning space, and sports facility ultimately has to mean something in the life of a student,” Siason said.

“That is why we value support that helps us build not simply a bigger university, but a better-equipped and more responsive one.”

With three ongoing projects totaling PHP 35 million and another PHP 50 million committed for 2027, apart from separate support for laboratory equipment, ISUFST continues to develop its Tiwi Site as a center for fisheries and maritime education, research, student development, sports and community learning. (Herman Lagon | PAMMCO)