Rotary governor to inspect ISUFST’s PHP 3.8 million projects

BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo — Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) will welcome Rotary International District 3850 Gov. Carlo Joseph E. de la Cruz on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, for an inspection of two global grant projects worth approximately PHP 3.8 million aimed at strengthening technical-vocational education and workforce readiness.

De la Cruz will be accompanied by officers and members of the Rotary Club of Iloilo, led by President Dr. Rye Halili, during the visit to the university’s College of Industrial Technology (CIT) at its Main Campus-Poblacion Site in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.

The visit will allow the Rotary delegation to inspect the facilities, equipment and continuing implementation of the Automotive Industry Modernization in Iloilo (AIM Iloilo) project, funded under Rotary Global Grant GG2570858, and POWER UP, or Project for Optimized Workforce-Readiness Through Equipment and Resource Upgrade for Professional Certification, funded under Global Grant GG2682848.

The two initiatives, with a combined value of approximately PHP 3.8 million, represent a continuing partnership among ISUFST, the Rotary Club of Iloilo under District 3850, the Rotary Club of Namweon Central in South Korea under District 3670, and Rotary International District 3850.

The collaboration aims to strengthen technical-vocational education, workforce readiness, professional certification and community-based skills development.

AIM Iloilo modernized the university’s automotive training facilities through the acquisition of industry-grade equipment for hands-on instruction.

Implemented in 2025, the project upgraded the university’s automotive laboratory to provide students with training tools and technologies aligned with industry requirements.

POWER UP expanded the partnership by providing modern electrical and electronics equipment to support skills training and professional certification.

The project delivered equipment worth PHP 1.89 million to ISUFST in March 2026, including electrical installation trainers, digital multimeters, soldering stations, function generators, solar power training systems and other industrial-grade tools.

The equipment supports laboratory instruction in Electrical Installation and Maintenance and Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing, with training aligned with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority certification standards.

The POWER UP initiative is expected to benefit more than 450 students and community learners annually, particularly those from farming, fishing and low-income households in nearby municipalities.

Together, the projects enable CIT students and community beneficiaries to develop practical skills using equipment and technologies similar to those found in actual workplaces.

The Oct. 30 inspection also marks another stage in a partnership that has progressed from project development and international collaboration to the establishment of upgraded laboratories, the delivery of equipment and expanded training opportunities.

The collaboration reflects the role of international grant assistance in improving access to technical education and strengthening employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in northern Iloilo.

Through the continuing partnership, ISUFST and its Rotary partners aim to sustain the benefits of the equipment upgrades and expand skills development opportunities for students and surrounding communities. (PAMMCO)