NISU-Batad Benchmarks ISUFST Best Practices for Faculty Growth

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Eighty-four faculty and staff members of Northern Iloilo State University (NISU)-Batad Campus visited the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) on Sunday, May 18, 2025, for a full-day benchmarking and professional development activity.

The event aimed to enrich institutional practices in instruction, governance, research, internationalization, and extension.

Held at the Research and Extension Hub of the ISUFST Main Tiwi Site, the activity marked Day 1 of a two-part learning initiative organized by NISU-Batad.

The second part is a scheduled visit to the University of Antique the following day.

The program gathered key academic officials, including ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. and NISU-Batad Campus Administrator Dr. Veminrose Clariza-Samuel, who were classmates at West Visayas State University.

In his welcome message at the Hasa-Hasa Theater of the Tiwi campus, Dr. Siason emphasized the value of educational integrity and the faculty’s role in institutional transformation.

“Teachers are the most valuable asset in the university,” he said.

“Take care of them. Hire the best educators so students will have access to quality education.”

He reminded attendees of their core mission, saying, “You exist in Batad to transform the child in Batad and nearby towns.”

Dr. Siason urged educators to commit to ethical and impactful service, highlighting that excellence in education must translate to community development.

“Strike a balance between competence and character. Never engage in corruption. Substance, context, and genuineness are vital,” he said.

He added that administrators should teach what is essential and see education as a full cycle—from admission to employment.

Dr. Clariza-Samuel expressed her gratitude to ISUFST, calling the university “our family” and acknowledging its consistent guidance.

“This initiative is an investment for NISU,” she said.

“We must not compete, but learn from best practices.”

NISU-Batad, one of seven campuses under NISU, offers programs in education, agriculture, information technology, and technology and livelihood education.

Reflecting on her ties with Dr. Siason, she shared, “What I learned from Sir Nordy is to have integrity. You have to work in the field.”

She emphasized that while administrators may change, legacy is built by learning from leaders who lead by example.

A session on ISUFST’s best practices followed, led by Dr. Edmer Bernardo, Director for Planning and Development and Auxiliary Services, and Ms. Marlow Peñano, Human Resource Management Officer of the ISUFST Poblacion Site.

Their presentations focused on human resource empowerment, institutional planning, and alignment with national and international academic standards.

An open forum allowed delegates to raise questions about faculty development, HR protocols, international partnerships, and balancing academic rigor with community engagement.

These areas have helped ISUFST earn regional recognition in higher education.

After lunch hosted by ISUFST, the NISU-Batad delegation toured the campus before traveling to Iloilo City, where they stayed overnight ahead of their May 19 visit to the University of Antique.

With over 8,500 students and 280 faculty members, ISUFST—converted into a university in 2023—is the country’s first and only state university specializing in fisheries.

It is a consistent CHED Quality Awardee for internationalization and Indigenous Peoples education.

ISUFST remains committed to inclusive education and sustainability, guided by its values of integrity, social justice, discipline, and academic excellence.

Sunday’s exchange between ISUFST and NISU-Batad reaffirmed the spirit of collaboration among Western Visayas state universities.

“Commitment to do something great must begin with the classroom—but it must end in service to the community,” Dr. Siason said. (Herman Lagon / PAMMCO)