Herman Lagon, Ph.D.
The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) is set to commence construction on a new sports complex at the Main Campus-Tiwi Site this Thursday, May 2. The groundbreaking ceremony will introduce the construction of an Olympic-size swimming pool with a grandstand, a rubberized 10-lane oval with a grandstand, and an outdoor basketball court, aiming to elevate the university’s sports infrastructure to world-class standards.
Initially funded by a P80 million grant from the 2024 General Appropriations Act, courtesy of an initiative by Uswag Iloilo Representative Jojo Ang, the project titled “Construction of a Multipurpose Facility (Sports Complex Facilities)” is anticipated to be a cornerstone for fostering athletic excellence and community engagement at ISUFST. Construction is expected to span two years, with a completion target set for 2026.
Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr., President of ISUFST, expressed his anticipation for the project, stating, “We are on the brink of a transformative year for ISUFST. This groundbreaking is more than just the start of a construction project; it is the dawn of enhanced opportunities for our students and the broader community in the nearby towns and districts of Iloilo to engage in sports from the grassroots to the highly competitive level. We are deeply grateful for the support from the government and all stakeholders involved.”
The ceremony, scheduled for early Thursday morning, will be attended by key officials from the university, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Uswag Ilonggo, and other governmental bodies. The event will celebrate the start of the new facilities and highlight the collaborative efforts that made this initiative possible.
“The new facilities will not only boost the university’s capability to host national and international sports events but also significantly contribute to the physical and social development of its students,” ISUFST Planning and Development Office (PDO) Director Edmer Bernardo said, adding, “The inclusion of these facilities underscores ISUFST’s commitment to developing a holistic educational environment that nurtures both academic and athletic prowess.”
I’d like to point out that the swimming pool, while primarily intended for sports activities, will also be a practical diving laboratory for the university’s fisheries and marine biology students. Similarly, the track oval will support athletic competitions, physical education, and student organization-related activities, enriching the students’ academic and extracurricular experiences.
As the ISUFST community looks forward to unveiling these state-of-the-art sports facilities, the excitement is palpable, with expectations set high for the positive impact these facilities will have on the university’s landscape and its contribution to sports in the region. (Text by Herman Lagon; Designs by the PDO/PAMCO)
