Two ISUFST grads land in top 10 of fisheries exam

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Two graduates from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) have once again placed among the country’s top performers in the October 2025 Fisheries Professional Licensure Examination conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on October 9–10—a testament to the university’s enduring reputation as a national leader in fisheries education and training.

Leslie Kate T. Macaling and Andrei Von T. Villarin, both from BS Fisheries Batch 2025, tied for eighth place with a rating of 89.00%, bringing pride to the ISUFST community and continuing the long-standing tradition of excellence by its College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS), the university’s flagship program.

The college recorded a 77.14% overall passing rate with 54 passers, and an 80.95% success rate for first-time takers—well above the national average of 69.61%.

ISUFST has consistently exceeded national performance levels, owing to its nurturing faculty and culture of persistence that define the Philippines’ only fisheries university.

University President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr. praised the accomplishment as proof of ISUFST’s growing national significance.

“Each topnotcher represents not just personal success but institutional strength,” Siason said.

“These results affirm our mission to produce globally competent professionals who sustain both communities and coastlines,” he added.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga emphasized that the outcome strengthens ISUFST’s bid to be recognized as a Center of Excellence in Fisheries.

“The success of our students speaks of the culture of collaboration we nurture—from faculty mentoring to practical immersion,” Belga said.

“This is how quality education must look: human-centered, evidence-based, and industry-linked,” she added.

For CFAS Dean Dr. Rolindo B. Demo-os Jr., the results are part of a continuing journey of academic distinction.

“This victory is not an isolated event—it’s part of a larger story of transformation,” Demo-os said.

“Our college is building a reputation not only for high passing rates but also for producing graduates who will lead the blue economy,” he added.

Prof. Rico Ian D. To-ong, Top 2 in the 2019 Fisheries Licensure Exam and lead coach of the 2025 board passers, expressed pride in the dedication shown by the new topnotchers.

“I saw in Leslie and Andrei, and their batchmates as well, the same hunger for mastery that shaped many of our past achievers,” To-ong said.

“They studied hard, stayed humble, and lifted each other up—just as we teach them to lift their communities,” he added.

A legacy anchored in excellence

ISUFST’s CFAS has long stood as a cradle of fisheries leadership, consistently producing national topnotchers over the past decade.

Its roster of recent achievers includes:
Macaling, Top 8 (2025)
Villarin, Top 8 (2025)
Aivie S. Padohinog, Top 10 (2024)
Vanica Boglosa, Top 3 (2023)
Jean Margaret G. Badong, Top 1 (2022)
Ferla Pearl Palomar, Top 10 (2022)
Rico Ian D. To-ong, Top 2 (2019)
Robinson Amihan Jr., Top 3 (2019)
Jomel Limbago, Top 4 (2017)
Bherra Grace Bontigao, Top 3 (2017)

The CFAS program, recently awarded AACCUP Level IV Re-accreditation—the country’s highest accreditation status—continues to build momentum toward ISUFST’s aspiration of becoming the National University of Fisheries.

This distinction highlights the college’s commitment to research-driven learning, technological innovation, and community-centered extension programs that bridge academic knowledge with real-world coastal applications.

Empowering the next wave of fisheries leaders

Beyond producing topnotchers, ISUFST’s fisheries curriculum empowers students—many from fishing and farming families—to become champions of sustainable development.

With modern laboratories, hatchery stations, processing facilities, and a soon-to-be-completed PHP 270 million Fisheries Complex, students are trained in science-based stewardship alongside hands-on aquaculture and marine management.

This holistic education model aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 14: Life Below Water—emphasizing inclusive, transformative learning and responsible marine care.

President Siason said ISUFST’s progress reflects “a collective effort to align education with purpose.”

“We are not just producing professionals; we are shaping future guardians of our seas,” he said.

ISUFST, the country’s only fisheries university, continues to distinguish itself through strong research and extension programs, faculty excellence, and consistently high board exam results.

Founded in 1957, ISUFST offers 27 undergraduate and 16 graduate programs—with nine more in development—across five campuses in Iloilo.

It also provides degree programs in marine biology, education, industrial technology, management, agriculture, office administration, and information technology.

Recognized in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for excellence in five Sustainable Development Goals, ISUFST has received nine CHED Regional Excellence Awards in fields such as internationalization, peace education, IP education, student affairs, and community engagement.

An ISO 9001:2015–certified and AACCUP-accredited institution with full COPC compliance, ISUFST is powered by 280 faculty members, nearly half of whom hold PhDs, mentoring 8,500 students toward innovation, service, and global citizenship—true to its motto: “We Learn, We Sustain.”