With the theme "Handum kag Pagtinguha: 59 years of continued determination and commitment in the service of the fisheries sector," the University of the Philippines Ichthyophilic Society (UPIS) marked its 59th founding anniversary through a week-long celebration on August 19-23, 2024.
UPIS kicked off the celebration with Pag-ulikid 2024 on August 19 to give formal recognition to the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) offices, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) staff, personnel, and faculty for their contribution to the organization and to its goal of uplifting the fisheries sector since 1965. The same recognition was also afforded to the tricycle drivers and vendors for their subtle yet crucial role in the day-to-day functioning of the university. Certificates and tokens such as calendars, pens, and fans were given.
"I feel like our anniversary would not be complete without Pag-ulikid because we always consider the contributions of the UPV constituents by recognizing them, making this celebration not only about our organization but also with people who walked through with us in uplifting the fisheries sector," expressed Elrich Adrian Lencio, event head, and Auditor of UPIS.
Moreover, graced by UPIS co-adviser Dr. Grace N. Palmos, resident members of the organization, together with the student volunteers from BS in Fisheries, conducted an Outreach Program and Coastal Clean-up Drive at Brgy. Buyu-an, Tigbauan, Iloilo on August 23.
“Masaya kasi nakapag coastal cleaning po kami. Nagkaroon po kami ng way para makatulong po sa environment. Then sa outreach program, back in QC pa po ako, sumasali din po ako sa mga community work there, kaya masaya po ako kasi hindi ko po na-eexpect na nagagawa ko rin po iyon dito (I feel grateful because we are able to do coastal cleaning, which is one way to help the environment. When it comes to the outreach program, way back when I was still in Quezon City, I was also joining community work, that's why I feel happy because I didn't expect that I'm still able to do it here.)” shared Lance Ferolino Mobo, a first year BS Fisheries and one of the student volunteers.
Grocery packages of rice, noodles, canned goods, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, coffee, and milk were handed to 20 fisherfolk members of Buyu-an Fisherfolk Association. Meanwhile, school supplies such as pad paper, crayons, notebooks, pens, and pencils were given to their children.
“Nami gid ang muni nga event kay kami nga mga fisherfolk, nadiparahan man bala kami tungod sa pigado man kami. Ang amon nga mga kabataan kag kami man nga mga ginikanan, nag-enjoy gid kami (The event was really beneficial because you were able to help fisherfolk like us who are really in need of help. Our children and us, their parents, really enjoyed it a lot.)” expressed Arnel Gambalan, President of the Buyu-an Fisherfolk Association.
The organization also arranged a discussion on fish bycatch and discards for the fisherfolk. Miss Cherry T. Camayodo, the Fisheries Coordinator of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tigbauan, was the resource person of the said discussion. A storytelling event about hermit crabs, coastal clean-up, and pollution were also held for their children.
"We are happy to do our part in information dissemination by being able to share science-based information with the community through our outreach program. The fisherfolk, who are one of the most important stakeholders in the fisheries sector, should be able to use such information to further develop their means of livelihood as well as help in protecting the environment," said Von Matthew Delgado, External Committee Chairperson of UPIS.
This year's anniversary embarks on another milestone of the organization's core values, loyalty, unity, and determination. Last July 7, during the Papuri, UPIS received a plaque of recognition for being the UPV Most Outstanding Student Organization (MOSO) 2024 and received a cash incentive from Dr. Adolfo B. Bellosillo.
“We were able to share the monetary award that we have received in MOSO through serving the fisherfolk community of Brgy. Buyu-an. Their stories kept us alive in uplifting the fisheries sector and to serve more,” shared UPIS President Blezi Ann Bernadette Casis.
With the recent addition of service to the motto of UP, honor and excellence, UPIS remained steadfast in its strong commitment to advancing the professional field of fisheries to the people, delivering service to the community through its series of socio-academic activities being conducted annually, and providing support to the programs and thrusts of the university.