University of the Philippines Ichthyophilic Society (UPIS) celebrated its 61st founding anniversary through its annual Outreach Program and Clean-up Drive at the coastal community of Brgy. Tiolas, San Joaquin, Iloilo, last August 21, 2026, bringing educational activities and learning sessions on the conservation of marine resources for 40 beneficiaries, including 20 local children and 20 fisherfolk.
Fisherfolk children were taught the importance of marine resources and declining environmental health, which highlighted the different endangered aquatic animals in the Philippines, proper garbage segregation and the effect of polluted waters on marine life, and sustainable fishing through sustainable fishing vessels and fishing gear.
“Teaching our children made me recognize that there’s still hope. It’s amazing to learn that young minds really do seek to help our environment in any way they can. For instance, we talked about mangroves, and after that short discussion, the children are now fascinated by the idea of how mangroves shelter not only marine life, but also our neighborhood. Overall, doing both activities as a volunteer was really fulfilling and [I] would love to lend a helping hand again!” BS Fisheries I Student Volunteer Norcel Tanangonan emphasized.
Coordinator of the UPV Museum of Natural Sciences Asst. Prof. Jonalyn Mateo led the discussion on the conservation of coastal marine resources, highlighting ecological balance, which involved the roles of each marine animal in maintaining the balance in each other’s population and how overexploitation destroys this harmony underwater.
“[Ang] UPIS naka bulig sa Brgy. Tiolas sa pag-share sa ila blessing, kag ka alam, kag sa pag pahalaga kang aton dunang manggad paagi sa pagpang-limpyo sa aton baybayon. Salamat gid sa inyo nga blessing UPIS kag more pa nga blessing para sa iba kag padayon lng sa inyo nga adbokasiya para sa nagakinahanglan kang inyo bulig. God bless and more power sa inyo org,” Barangay Tiolas Kagawad Gilbert S. Andrade expressed in a message to the volunteers.
In line with this year’s theme “Serviendo Crescimus: Celebrating 61 Years of Growth through Service of the Fisheries Sector”, UPIS highlighted the importance of learning outside the four corners of the classroom by developing oneself through dedicated service to the fisherfolk sector.
“At its core, UPIS dedicates itself to uplift the fisheries profession and to serve the fisheries sector. Through this program, we reflect on the organization’s mission and create an impact on the community we are partnering with. Furthermore, it is also an opportunity for new Fisheries students to immerse themselves in volunteer work and expose them to the importance of our studies,not just staying inside the classroom, but also going out and working with the people,” UPIS President Eva Cerise Lopez highlighted.
During the organization’s anniversary week, activities such as Pag-Ulikid 2026, which honored the service of the University of the Philippines Visayas offices, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences staff, personnel, faculty, and constituents for their contribution to the organization and to its goal of uplifting the fisheries sector and an exhibit at the Lean Alejandro (CUB) Hall Lobby that featured the organization events and services throughout its 61-year history were held which will be followed by the Fun Run 2026: Strides of Servitude this September 5, 2026 which is an income-generating event for the organization’s annual Outreach Program and Coastal Clean-up Drive and the future services of the organization to the fisherfolk community.
Written by F Meñeza
Photos by UP Ichthyophilic Society
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