Regent Atty. Peter John Raymund Pacheco:  Bridging excellence and innovation for ISUFST

On July 17, 2024, Atty. Peter John Raymund Pacheco was sworn in as one of the newest members of the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) Board of Regents (BOR). The ceremony, held at the CHED Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City, was presided over by CHED and ISUFST BOR Chairman Popoy de Vera. It was attended by newly appointed Student Regent Nathalie Jade Tanquerido, other BOR members, and select ISUFST administrators. Atty. Pacheco brings a wealth of experience, vision, and dedication to ISUFST, promising to further enhance the university’s education and research.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. expressed his confidence in Pacheco’s appointment, stating, “Atty. Pacheco’s extensive experience and dedication are invaluable assets to our university. His leadership will undoubtedly drive ISUFST toward achieving its goals.”

A native of Barotac Nuevo, Atty. Pacheco’s journey from a public school student to a CPA lawyer and academician highlights his commitment to education. “Being a product of public education motivated me to accept the role of a regent for ISUFST,” he shared, emphasizing his desire to give back to his hometown.

Promoting Excellence and Improvement

Atty. Pacheco’s vision for ISUFST aligns with the university’s mission of producing globally competitive and empowered graduates. He aims to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the institution. “My current institution emphasizes excellence and continuous improvement. I plan to bring the same culture to ISUFST,” he said. This approach will inspire faculty and students to excel, ensuring ISUFST remains a leader in educational innovation.

One of Atty. Pacheco’s key goals is to promote ISUFST’s application for the Philippine Quality Award (PQA), leading the university to world-class performance. “The PQA helps organizations achieve world-class performance through integrated performance management. I want to accomplish this for ISUFST,” he explained. By setting high standards and encouraging continuous improvement, Atty. Pacheco aims to help elevate ISUFST’s educational standards.

Promoting Innovation and Collaboration

Atty. Pacheco sees excellent potential in fostering partnerships between ISUFST and the private sector. He believes that collaboration, rather than competition, will enhance the quality of education. “ISUFST can collaborate with private colleges and universities in research and sharing best practices. This cooperation will improve education,” he emphasized. These partnerships will open new avenues for research and development, benefiting both students and faculty.

His expertise in legal matters, finance, and quality assurance uniquely positions him to contribute to ISUFST’s goals. “My background in quality assurance will be beneficial in ISUFST’s quest for academic excellence,” he noted. His roles as an ISO Certified Lead Auditor and Philippine Quality Award Assessor underscore his capability to drive the university toward higher standards.

Overcoming Challenges with Integrity

Atty. Pacheco is prepared to address challenges with integrity and dedication. He anticipates potential conflicts with his current employer regarding his role at ISUFST. “My employer might view my ISUFST role as a conflict of interest. If so, I’ll explain that enhancing education quality is our shared mission and that ISUFST’s programs target a different market,” he said. He believes he can navigate these challenges by fostering a shared mission.

To better prepare ISUFST students for the evolving fisheries science and technology industry, Atty. Pacheco advocates for high-quality education and training. He emphasizes the importance of research and innovation to keep the curriculum current with industry advancements. “The university must actively promote research and innovation to ensure that its curriculum is up to date,” he stated. His support for research and innovative project budgets demonstrates his dedication to this cause.

Engaging the University Community

Atty. Pacheco emphasizes the importance of engaging with the university community. He plans to visit campuses and attend major events to interact with students, faculty, and staff. “I will visit the different campuses of the university and attend major events to engage with the community,” he shared. By ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs met, Atty. Pacheco aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment.

His impressive career has prepared him well for his role as a regent at ISUFST. A CPA lawyer with a Master’s in Management from UP Visayas, Atty. Pacheco has served as President of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)—Iloilo Chapter and as a PICPA National Board of Directors member. His extensive experience in university administration will be instrumental in performing his duties at ISUFST. “My diverse background and connection with some of the school’s administrators will benefit the university, providing suggestions on legal matters and improving operational efficiency,” he affirmed. Incidentally, Atty. Pacheco is also the incoming President of the International Rotary Mother Club of Iloilo, where Dr. Siason, ISUFST Regent Mr. Lemuel Fernandez, and ISUFST’s Public Relations Director Dr. Herman Lagon are also part of.

Sharing ISUFST’s Vision and Mission

His vision for ISUFST is in perfect harmony with the university’s mandate to provide advanced education and training for regional and national development. By fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, he aims to propel ISUFST toward its goal of becoming a leading Southeast Asian research university by 2030. His commitment to enhancing collaboration, innovation, and research will play a crucial role in achieving this objective.

Additionally, Atty. Pacheco’s dedication to the university’s core principles of integrity, social justice, discipline, and academic excellence will ensure that ISUFST continues to be a leader in quality education. His initiatives to promote ISO certification and the Philippine Quality Award will help keep the university competitive in today’s fast-evolving educational landscape. “By adopting international standards, the university will remain competitive,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to maintaining ISUFST’s relevance and excellence.

A Future of Promise and Potential

Atty. Pacheco’s appointment as an ISUFST regent marks a transformative moment for the university. His passion for education, extensive experience, and visionary approach are set to usher in a new era of growth and innovation. As he begins this journey, the ISUFST community can anticipate a future where excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement are at the heart of the university’s mission.

With Atty. Pacheco at the helm, ISUFST is poised to reach new heights in education and research, remaining true to its mission of producing globally competitive graduates and contributing to nation-building. His unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation will undoubtedly inspire the entire ISUFST community to continue to strive for greatness, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for all. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)