ROTARY CLUBS OF ILOILO, NAMWEON CENTRAL  PARTNER WITH ISUFST FOR ₱1.8M TECH GRANT

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The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST), in partnership with the Rotary Club of Iloilo (District 3850) and the Rotary Club of Namweon Central (District 3670, South Korea), formally signed a ₱1.8-million Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Project POWER UP last Friday, October 17, 2025, at Sam’s 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.

Attended by about 40 local and Korean Rotarians, the ceremonial signing marked the launch of the Project for Optimized Workforce-Readiness through Equipment and Resource Upgrade for Professional Certification (POWER UP)—a Rotary International Global Grant (GG2682848) aimed at modernizing ISUFST’s Bachelor in Industrial Technology (BIT) programs in Electronics and Electrical Servicing.

Under the grant, ₱1.8 million has been allocated for the procurement, installation, and calibration of modern laboratory equipment to strengthen technical training and certification readiness for ISUFST’s College of Industrial Technology. The project also includes faculty capacity building and the establishment of a TESDA-accredited NC II Assessment Center for Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing (EPAS) and Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM).

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. and Dr. Herman M. Lagon, ISUFST Director of Public Affairs, Marketing, and Media Communications and Project Leader, signed the agreement on behalf of the university. Representing Rotary were Dr. Lucio Encio, President of RC Iloilo, and Mr. Wang Hee Kim, Global Grant Chair of RC Namweon Central. They were joined by RC Iloilo past presidents, officers, members, and spouses, including President-Elect Dr. Rye Halili, Immediate Past President Atty. Peter John Raymund Pacheco, Past President Engr. Jesus Anayas, and distinguished guests led by Past District Governor John Michael “Kano” Ng, Assistant Governor Amy Gabion, and District Secretary Adrian Funtelar. RC Namweon’s delegation also included Immediate Past President Yunkil Nam and Assistant Governor Mark Hongjaw Jeong of RC Zamboanga North.

Dr. Siason expressed gratitude to the Rotary partners for their continuing trust and support. “This partnership gives our students a real chance to turn their technical training into global opportunities—especially those from fishing, farming, and working-class families who dream of a better life,” the Rotarian educator said.

Dr. Lagon, who also serves as a Rotarian, emphasized that Project POWER UP reflects ISUFST’s mission of combining industry relevance with social responsibility. “This is not just about machines and tools—it’s about empowering young Filipinos to build futures through skills that meet global standards,” he added.

RC Iloilo President and fellow educator Dr. Lucio Encio described the partnership as another milestone in Rotary’s work for education and development. “We serve best when we help others stand on their own. This is Service Above Self in action,” he said with pride.

Building on ISUFST’s earlier ₱1.89-million Rotary Global Grant for its Automotive Laboratory in 2025, Project POWER UP represents the university’s second major international collaboration with Rotary. The laboratories are slated to open by early 2026, completing four stages from preparation to full integration into the BIT courses. Rooted in SDGs 4, 8, and 17, the project redefines learning by connecting it to real industries and shared global goals. The MOA signing ended with a token exchange and fellowship—a gesture that spoke of trust, teamwork, camaraderie, and a shared vision for a better-skilled generation. (PAMMCO)