To formally install the 8th President of West Visayas State University (WVSU), an official investiture ceremony for Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz was held at the WVSU Cultural Center on January 22, 2020.
Faculty members and staff of the Main Campus, deans, directors, heads of units, campus administrators, vice presidents, members of the Board of Regents, provincial government officials, friends and family of the new president have gathered to witness the ceremony.
A processional led by Dr. Luis A. Abioda, Vice President for Academic Affairs, as the Grand Marshall was done to kick off the event. During the ceremony, various greetings to the president coming from different sectors were rendered by their respective key persons, namely: Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III on behalf of the WVSU Board of Regents; Ms. Khalel Czarine L. Tanalgo of the Federated Student Council on behalf of the students; Atty. Dennis T. Ventilacion of Federated Alumni Association, Inc. on behalf of the alumni; Hon. Gov. Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. of the Province of Iloilo on behalf of the community; Mrs. Mardy A. Ledesma of University Non-teaching Personnel Organization, Inc. (UNPO) on behalf of the non-teaching staff; Dr. Vicente C. Handa of the Faculty Association, Inc. on behalf of the faculty and Dr. Raul F. Muyong on behalf of the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (RASUC-VI).
The reading of Board of Regents’ Resolution and President’s Appointment was done by Mrs. Belen G. Carreon, Secretary of WVSU Board of Regents. It was followed by the vesting of the academic robe, hood, and cap, imposition of the academic medallion, presentation of the academic mace and awarding of Plaque of Installation and the administration of Oath of Office to the new president.
After the installation rites, Dr. Villaruz delivered his address. In his speech, he shared his story as he began his journey towards presidency, underscoring that becoming a president was a ‘conscious and calculated effort on his part where he had to work hard, persevere, and prepare himself to finally realize such day happening.’ He further emphasized his vision for the University- among of which is transforming WVSU into a Research University by ensuring results that are of high impact and innovations that will consequently help build resilient communities. He also announced the opening of the College of Law in the upcoming academic year with observance of strict admissions process and the opening of Doctor of Dental Medicine Program, which his administration is currently working on, to become the second state university in the country to offer such program.
His presidency commenced on October 16, 2019 and will end on October 15, 2023.