Herman Lagon
Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo—The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) at Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) held its orientation for the academic year 2024-2025 on September 28, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the ISUFST Main Campus-Poblacion Site Social Hall. The event brought together new students, faculty, and staff to welcome the upcoming semester.
The program commenced with the election of class officers, allowing students to take on leadership roles within their respective programs. Following this, the opening program featured a remarks from Dr. Stephen Raymund Jinon, Director of the SGS. In his speech, Dr. Jinon expressed support and encouragement for the students embarking on their graduate studies journey, highlighting the university’s commitment to academic excellence and adherence to CHED standards.
Dr. Joan Belga, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Johnny B. Dolor, Vice President for Administrative Affairs and Finance, also addressed the attendees, along with Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., University President, who emphasized the importance of graduate education in shaping future leaders.
The orientation included informative sessions on graduate studies policies, led by various faculty members. Prof. Grace Bunda, Director of the Office of Student Affairs, discussed student registration, while Engr. Fatimar Parreño provided insights on retention and curricular guidelines. Additional topics covered included library services by Ms. Jossa Blancada, medical and dental services by Dr. Kharlle Joehn Hautea, and a talk on HIV awareness.
Updates on SGS policies and guidelines were presented by Dr. Jinon, and new faculty members were introduced to the attendees. The event culminated in the induction of the newly elected SGS officers, presided over by Dr. Siason. The newly elected officers include President Gilbert Binas, Vice President Joselito Danoso, Secretary Jean Jesena, Assistant Secretary Maria Terle Guanzon, Treasurer Juvy Amable, Assistant Treasurer Marilou Delotina, Auditor Kris Anthony Zuniega, Business Manager Cesar Ditchon III, and Public Information Officer Jahjei Barva. The representatives elected are Elvin John Getulli, Juric Jurnadal, Arjun Espulgar, Leo Paparun, and Cjay Soliven.
An open forum followed, which provided an opportunity for students to ask questions and seek clarifications regarding their programs. The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Matthew T. Lasap, Dean of the College of Education, as classes resumed thereafter.
This semester marks the launch of the six courses for the Master of Arts in Education and Doctor of Philosophy in Education programs, majoring in Mathematics, Science, and English Language Teaching, further aligning with ISUFST’s commitment to meeting the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) standards.
For further inquiries regarding the SGS program, interested parties can contact sgse@isufst.edu.ph or visit the office at the Main Campus-Tiwi Site, Brgy. Tiwi, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)
