Twenty-one faculty members from the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) are set to participate in the 2025 AI Fest Technical Conference from August 11 to 13 at the Iloilo Convention Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. This national gathering will unite academia, industry, government, and civil society to explore trends, applications, and challenges in artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to promote responsible and inclusive innovation.
With the theme “Coding a Better Future: Responsible AI for Communities and Cities,” the conference seeks to humanize AI and encourage its responsible integration into society. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology Region VI (DOST VI) and partners, the event aspires to establish Western Visayas as a hub for AI development and governance in the Philippines.
ISUFST’s delegation, representing campuses in Poblacion, Tiwi, Dingle, Dumangas, and San Enrique, will engage in plenary discussions, research forums, and innovation showcases. Participants from the Main Campus–Poblacion include Instructors Efren Lazarte, Kenth Joshua Espina, and others, while the Main Campus–Tiwi will have Dr. Ronilo Aponte and colleagues. Representatives from the Dingle, Dumangas, and San Enrique campuses will also contribute.
Dr. Herman M. Lagon from the Main Campus–Tiwi is part of the organizing committee, serving as rapporteur and documentation lead. Keynote speakers will feature DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., UNDP Philippines Country Economist Mohamed Shahudh, and various private sector and academic leaders. Plenary sessions will address AI’s role in sustainability, human development, education, and business innovation.
The conference aims to ground AI discussions in real-world applications, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and education, encouraging ISUFST to maintain its model of transformative, community-based engagement. Additional events like the AI Research Forum, AI Hackathon, and SineAI will offer students and faculty the chance to showcase their work and explore partnerships, reshaping AI’s role in the Philippines.
ISUFST President Dr. Norny Siason Jr. emphasized the importance of faculty involvement in ethical AI discussions, not just as observers but as contributors to technologies that benefit society. As the country’s first and only fisheries university, ISUFST is committed to inclusive and sustainable development while integrating future-ready technologies into education and research.
