by Herman Lagon/PAMMCO
Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) took a significant step toward shaping the future of its research initiatives during the Research Agenda Formulation Dialogue on Friday, August 30. Held at the ISUFST Main Campus Poblacion Site Technology Hub, the event saw unanimous support from the university’s stakeholders for DOST Regional Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga’s challenge to place the blue economy at the forefront of the university’s research efforts.
The blue economy, which encompasses the sustainable use and management of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of marine ecosystems, is increasingly recognized as critical for the Philippines. With over 220,000 square kilometers of fishing grounds and 60% of the population living in coastal areas, the country’s marine resources are vital for national development.
During the public consultation, Engr. Gelonga, who is also a member of the school’s Board of Regents, underscored ISUFST’s unique role as the nation’s sole university in the country dedicated to fisheries science and technology. “ISUFST has a prime responsibility to spearhead research initiatives that directly contribute to the sustainable management and development of our marine resources,” he stated, urging the 67-year-old institution to align its research priorities with the blue economy. He emphasized the need for a strategic plan for the university’s facilities, human capital, financial resources, and collaborative potential.
The dialogue convened 80 stakeholders, encompassing representatives from government national and local agencies, local government units (LGUs), private industry partners, farming and fishing communities, and faculty and students from the academic sector, to collaboratively develop a strategic research and development (R&D) agenda that leverages the university’s strengths and aligns with national and international standards.
The event featured the overview of ISUFST’s proposed nine-point research agenda by Dr. Jescel Bito-onon, the university’s R&D Director. The two-hour discussion of this comprehensive roadmap addresses critical areas such as food security, resource conservation, post-harvest process optimization, food safety enhancement, industrial technology, tourism, educational innovation, social policy advancement, and aligning industry needs with employment opportunities.
Stakeholders from agencies such as DOST, DICT, DENR, CHED, DTI, DA, NDA, BFAR, and BJMP, along with various district, municipal, and barangay LGUs, actively engaged in the plenary session, offering insights to refine the research priorities. The discussions highlighted the importance of aligning the university’s research initiatives with premium benchmarks, emphasizing sustainability, inclusivity, internationalization, social responsiveness, social justice, and integrating adaptive technologies.
Speaking on behalf of ISUFST President Dr. Nordy Siason, Dr. Joan M. Belga reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to fisheries science and technology. She noted ISUFST’s potential to substantially impact global issues such as quality education, climate action, life below water, and global partnerships through its localized and internationalized research efforts.
“Together, we will craft a research agenda that not only upholds our core values but also drives us towards a future of academic excellence and social responsibility,” Dr. Belga encouraged, echoing Engr. Gelonga’s call to make the blue economy the centerpiece of the university’s research endeavors.
It is worth noting that this session is part of the process of crafting a responsive research agenda that will eventually synergize the university’s resource management and research initiatives with the specific needs and priorities of the institution’s stakeholders, including faculty, students, and the broader community. This will eventually foster more robust engagement, social relevance, and a sense of ownership of research projects, leading to more innovative, impactful, and sustainable outcomes that directly address contextualized challenges while contributing to the university’s overall mission and goals.
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