UPIS marks 61 years with Iloilo coastal outreach

SAN JOAQUIN, Iloilo — The University of the Philippines Ichthyophilic Society marked its 61st founding anniversary with an outreach program and coastal cleanup in Barangay Tiolas on Aug. 21, 2026.

The program served 40 residents, including 20 children and 20 members of the local fishing community.

Volunteers taught the children about marine resources, environmental degradation and endangered aquatic animals in the Philippines.

The lessons also covered proper waste segregation and the effects of polluted water on marine life.

Participants learned about sustainable fishing practices, including the use of environmentally responsible fishing vessels and gear.

“Teaching our children made me recognize that there’s still hope. It’s amazing to learn that young minds really do seek to help our environment in any way they can. For instance, we talked about mangroves, and after that short discussion, the children are now fascinated by the idea of how mangroves shelter not only marine life, but also our neighborhood. Overall, doing both activities as a volunteer was really fulfilling and [I] would love to lend a helping hand again!” said Norcel Tanangonan, a first-year Bachelor of Science in Fisheries student and volunteer.

Jonalyn Mateo, an assistant professor and coordinator of the UP Visayas Museum of Natural Sciences, led a discussion on coastal and marine conservation.

Mateo explained how marine animals help maintain ecological balance by regulating one another’s populations.

She also discussed how overexploitation can disrupt the balance of underwater ecosystems.

Barangay Tiolas council member Gilbert S. Andrade thanked UPIS for sharing its resources and knowledge with the community and helping clean the coast.

“[Ang] UPIS naka bulig sa Brgy. Tiolas sa pag-share sa ila blessing, kag ka alam, kag sa pag pahalaga kang aton dunang manggad paagi sa pagpang-limpyo sa aton baybayon. Salamat gid sa inyo nga blessing UPIS kag more pa nga blessing para sa iba kag padayon lng sa inyo nga adbokasiya para sa nagakinahanglan kang inyo bulig. God bless and more power sa inyo org,” Andrade said in a message to the volunteers.

The anniversary carried the theme “Serviendo Crescimus: Celebrating 61 Years of Growth through Service of the Fisheries Sector.”

UPIS used the celebration to highlight the value of learning beyond the classroom and developing students through service to fishing communities.

“At its core, UPIS dedicates itself to uplift the fisheries profession and to serve the fisheries sector. Through this program, we reflect on the organization’s mission and create an impact on the community we are partnering with. Furthermore, it is also an opportunity for new Fisheries students to immerse themselves in volunteer work and expose them to the importance of our studies,not just staying inside the classroom, but also going out and working with the people,” UPIS President Eva Cerise Lopez said.

Other anniversary activities included Pag-Ulikid 2026, which recognized UP Visayas offices and members of the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences community for supporting the organization and its work in the fisheries sector.

An exhibit at the Lean Alejandro Hall lobby in the College Union Building showcased UPIS events and public-service programs throughout its 61-year history.

The organization also scheduled “Fun Run 2026: Strides of Servitude” for Sept. 5, 2026.

Proceeds from the run will support UPIS’ annual outreach program, coastal cleanup and future services for fishing communities.

Founded in 1965, UPIS is a socio-academic organization of the UP Visayas College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences that works to advance the fisheries profession and serve coastal communities, according to the university’s historical account.