The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) convened its First Quarter Academic Council Meeting on February 7, 2025, at the CICT Technohub, bringing together administrators, professors, and associate professors, with some faculty joining virtually. The faculty and student regents were also in attendance. Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Joan Belga presided over the hybrid session, which tackled key institutional initiatives and academic policies.
ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason Jr. set the tone for the meeting by outlining key institutional priorities. He emphasized the university’s goal of attaining Center of Excellence status for the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (CFAS), strengthening extension programs, increasing Scopus-indexed research publications, and improving instructional materials. He also stressed the need for faculty reclassification, enhanced quality education, and a more supportive learning environment. Additionally, Siason called for energy-saving measures and efficient use of resources to ensure sustainable operations.
The council reviewed and endorsed several key academic policies and programs, including the approval of candidates for graduation for the First Semester of Academic Year 2024-2025 and faculty applications for the Faculty and Staff Development Program. Discussions also covered curriculum revisions for the Master in Fisheries Technology (MFT) major in Aquaculture and Post-Harvest, the Doctor of Fisheries Technology (DFT), and the proposed MFT major in Marine Fisheries, along with its Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) application.
Further strengthening ISUFST’s academic framework, the council reviewed policies concerning the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), including fee structures for Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development (COE/COD) programs, policies on comprehensive examinations for students abroad, and group publication guidelines. Additionally, updates to the grading system, honors and awards criteria, and graduation policies for undergraduate students were discussed, reflecting ISUFST’s continuous efforts to refine its academic policies in line with national and international standards.
Retention policies and extension-related guidelines were also on the agenda, with discussions on general provisions, program planning and implementation, as well as recognition, rewards, and incentives for faculty and extension workers. These policy updates are expected to bolster ISUFST’s engagement with the community and reinforce its mission of providing accessible, high-quality education with strong industry linkages.
“The decisions we make today will shape the future of ISUFST. Our goal is to ensure that our students receive quality education and that our faculty is equipped with the necessary resources and policies to drive meaningful academic and research advancements,” said Dr. Belga during the session.
With ISUFST’s continued recognition as a High Performing Institution in Fisheries Technologist Board Examinations and its recent accolades from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the meeting underscored the university’s drive for innovation and academic excellence. As the institution expands its educational offerings and research impact, its commitment to social justice, sustainability, and quality education remains steadfast.
The first quarterly academic council meeting this year set the stage for a year of significant academic reforms and institutional advancements, reinforcing ISUFST’s position as a leading university in fisheries, agriculture, education, and technology in Southeast Asia by 2030. (Herman Lagon/PAMMCO)
