DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) –
It is truly heartwarming to see a school that specializes in research, innovation, and the development of technologies that align with TESDA’s initiatives in the Zamboanga Peninsula.” These were the words of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez after inaugurating new facilities at the Dipolog School of Fisheries (DSF) and leading the groundbreaking ceremony for its soon-to-be-built Halal Kitchen.
On January 10, 2025, Sec. Benitez visited DFS, where he took part in the ribbon-cutting for the school’s Pasalubong Center, Mangrove Park, and Aquasilviculture area.
He also led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Halal Kitchen, which is expected to enhance the school’s curriculum and services.
Following the ceremony, Sec. Benitez toured the campus and explored the various student facilities, including the welding technology laboratory, the milkfish brooding tank and hatchery, and the automated fish feeder, among others.

Sec. Benitez also inaugurated the Learning Skills Institute, the Events Management Services Center, and the Trainers Methodology Assessment Center.
He commended the innovative approaches the TESDA-administered school has adopted, particularly the automated fish feeder. Operated via smartphone, this technology eliminates the need for manual feeding, saving both time and labor.
Meanwhile, TESDA Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Director Engr. Alan Bacatan shared that these new facilities would provide students with the resources they need to hone their skills further.
Engr. Bacatan also revealed that efforts are underway to transition DFS into the Zamboanga del Norte Polytechnic Institute of Fisheries, a move that would bring a larger budget, expanded facilities, and a wider array of courses for aspiring students and local residents. (JPA/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)