DUEÑAS, Iloilo—This Wednesday morning, February 19, 2025, the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) brought its ICARE (ISUFST Career Adventure Expo) to Dueñas General Comprehensive High School (DGCHS), guiding senior high school students in making informed career choices, preparing for college and beyond.
A flagship activity of the Public Affairs, Marketing, and Media Communications Office (PAMMCO), the ICARE Program is an initiative supported by ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., a former DepEd executive. More than just pitching ISUFST as a school of choice, the program aims to equip students with the proper steps and mindset for career pathing so they can strategically plan their vocation and mission as citizens of the country—efficiently, wisely, and productively.
In his talk, Dr. Herman M. Lagon, PAMMCO Director, encouraged students to select courses aligned with their strengths and aspirations. He highlighted the concept of ikigai, a way that gives a person a sense of purpose and a reason for living. While discussing the value of creating more career options, he also introduced ISUFST’s diverse academic programs, emphasizing the university’s commitment to excellence and holistic development.
Meanwhile, Guidance Counselor Keziah Lagarto and Psychometrician Dwight Deslate facilitated a personality and career-interest assessment to help students gain deeper insights into their future career paths.
Adding to the discussion, San Enrique Campus Agriculture Instructor Rezeld Alarva and Education Instructor Russet Yamit (PAMMCO Chair) shared their own career narratives while highlighting higher education options and the value of committing to one’s career plan. The session also featured testimonials from ISUFST alumni: Peter Defacto (a Fisheries student and DGCHS graduate), Jose Eugene Salazar (Hospitality Management), and Aivie Padohinog (Fisheries Board Topnotcher), who shared their career journeys and success tips.
Hundreds of SHS students and faculty members attended the event, including Guidance Counselor Natividad delos Santos and Mr. Jerry Jizon.
The ICARE program provides young learners practical career knowledge and meaningful mentorship, connecting university career advocates, ambassadors, and volunteers with high school students. The program has, so far, visited 16 schools across Barotac Nuevo, Pototan, Dumangas, Dingle, Anilao, New Lucena, Dueñas, and Zarraga. It is set to expand its reach to Banate, San Rafael, San Joaquin, and four senior high schools in Passi City before the end of the month, with more visits in other towns scheduled in March. The school also accepts formal invitations via the Office of the ISUFST President from interested private or public senior high schools in Iloilo for the same service and purpose.
Prospective students are reminded that ISUFST’s admission application deadline is March 28, while the University Entrance Examination is set for April 12. The university will admit only 1,200 qualified Academic Year 2025-2026 applicants across its five campuses and sites. With over 4,000 applications already received and numbers expected to exceed 8,000 by the deadline, competition for admission remains strong. (Dwight Deslate, Shinya Templo, and Herman Lagon / PAMMCO)
