Rotary grant boosts ISUFST’s electronics, electrical training

The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) is set to enhance its industrial technology training programs after securing a USD 31,500 (approximately PHP 1.84 million) grant under Rotary International’s Global Grant initiative.

The newly approved POWER UP (Project for Optimized Workforce-Readiness through Equipment and Resource Upgrade) grant will fund the upgrade of ISUFST’s training facilities for Electronic Products Assembly and Servicing (EPAS) and Electrical Servicing National Certification (NC) II.

Grant approval was confirmed on Jan. 16, 2026, following a joint application led by the Rotary Club of Iloilo (District 3850) and its international partner, the Rotary Club of Namweon Central, South Korea (District 3670).

The initiative supports Rotary International’s Community Economic Development focus area and advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes decent work and inclusive economic growth.

POWER UP aims to establish a TESDA-aligned training and assessment facility designed to benefit students, out-of-school youth, and jobseekers from fishing and farming communities in Northern Iloilo.

The project leadership included Rotary Club of Iloilo President Dr. Lucio Encio, incoming President and Primary Contact Dr. Rye Halili, and President Designate and Project Leader Dr. Herman Lagon.

ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr. provided critical institutional backing, ensuring administrative preparedness, compliance with Rotary requirements, local equity support, and long-term sustainability planning throughout the grant application process.

Beyond individual leadership, Rotary club officers and members from both countries played key roles in equity contributions, documentation, proposal reviews, and international coordination to meet the rigorous standards of the Rotary Foundation’s Global Grant program.

According to the Rotary Foundation, grant payment processing will commence once equity confirmation and documentation requirements are fulfilled. The grant is expected to be released within two weeks of approval, with equipment procurement and turnover targeted between March and April 2026.

POWER UP follows the successful 2025 AIM Iloilo (Automotive Industry Modernization) project, which upgraded ISUFST’s automotive training laboratories through another Rotary International Global Grant. Combined, both initiatives represent nearly PHP 3.7 million in international investment in ISUFST’s technical-vocational programs.

Together, the projects are projected to benefit approximately 450 individuals per year through improved technical training, skills certification readiness, and expanded workforce opportunities.

Rotary leaders from both the Philippines and South Korea contributed at every stage of the process—from concept development and fundraising to evaluation and compliance—underscoring the strength of Rotary’s cross-border service model.

With the POWER UP grant now approved, ISUFST is poised to expand its role as a regional hub for workforce development, further supporting inclusive economic growth through accessible and industry-relevant education. (ISUFST-PAMMCO)