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Month: June 2023
by Leo G. Almonte, MDC
Merely three years after a royal decree from the Spanish government elevated the status of Iloilo from a town to a city in 1902, the Queen City of the South found itself at a crossroads.
Caught in the turbulent aftermath of the Philippine Revolution (1896-1898), the Spanish-American War (1898), and the Philippine-American War (1899-1902), Iloilo began to carve out a fresh start under a new progressive regime.
Unlike the Spanish, who arrived in peace bearing a cross but later seized the land with their arms, the hostile Americans came with blazing cannons, conquered the domain, and then slew centuries of ignorance with their books.
The Thomasites landed in Iloilo with the determination of the US government to establish a public educational system. Unlike Spain, which aimed to imbue Filipinos with holiness, the Americans aspired to ignite their minds with knowledge.
On a stretch of hallowed land along a road that would later become Luna Street, the Thomasites established the Iloilo Normal School in 1902. One hundred twenty-one years later, this humble roadside school with wooden walls and squeaking floors has grown and evolved into the West Visayas State University (WVSU).
WVSU’s milestones and achievements are widely recognized, and it has built a reputation for academic excellence, topnotchers, exceptional acuity in cultural and performing arts, and outstanding alums. What else can WVSU tout as its achievement, and what is its relevance to its 121st anniversary?
Aside from the external influences that impact its growth, the internal dynamics stemming from politicking, weaknesses, shortcomings, conflicts, intrigues, and controversies also pose threats to its development and growth.
Every president, from Mr. Jose B. Ledesma (1958 to 1978) to the incumbent, Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, has faced unique challenges shaped by the cultural and social environments of their respective periods. Yet, each generation of leaders and administrators has managed to turn the tide in the university’s favor, guiding it to safer shores.
The complex burden of leading and managing a public educational institution under stringent policies and compliance requirements has consequential effects, often pushing individuals to their limits. Administrators, directors, deans, staff, and students all share the common load according to their respective capabilities, roles, and responsibilities.
WVSU is not perfect – no institution is. Amid its limitations and shortcomings, the pressure from delivering desired results and expected outcomes, the university still manages to grasp the silver linings and transform them into sunshine.
What is WVSU celebrating in its 121st year?
Voices from WVSU’s past and present answer in chorus :
In the face of every tumble, we rise taller still.
Each boundary met ignites innovation.
From our doubts, wisdom is distilled.
Conflict, though chaotic, births harmony.
In the wake of our failures, excellence shines after.
We are our greatest achievement.
Congratulations and Happy 121st Foundation Day, WVSU.
By: Franco Miguel Nodado
Photos: Dr. Ruth Mary Pada
West Visayas State University Medical Center’s (WVSU-MC) Department of Family and Community Medicine (FCM) Residency training program has been recognized as the 5th top-performing institution among 132 institutions in the Philippines.
The program’s outstanding performance was gauged based on the combined scores of Levels II and III examinees in the Family Medicine In-Service Training Examination (FITE), administered by the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Inc., on January 29, 2023.
In addition to the program’s overall success, Dr. John Kevin Arrivas, a Level I resident of the program, secured an impressive 10th place in the national ranking. Dr. Lurence Anne Pañer, a Level III resident, also bagged 10th place among her peers in the country.
Dr. Arrivas was “surprised” as he “did not expect to belong in the top 10 for this year’s FITE.” On other hand, Dr. Pañer “couldn’t believe it” since she was not included in the initial announcement of PAFP. However, she felt “ecstatic” as this proved that she has “chosen the right career.”
Dr. Pañer shared that upon seeing the exam blueprint, she felt “overwhelmed.”
She then downloaded all the reading materials and encouraged her co-residents to share the burden of reading all these and highlight the “must-knows.”
Dr. Pañer added that the monthly exams prepared them for the oral and written national exams.
Meanwhile, Dr. Arrivas gave his advice for future FCM practitioners: “FCM will be the specialty that will lead the Universal Health Care. There will be lots of opportunities for those who want to work as a primary care provider.”
“My tip for them is to be kind and compassionate for the least of us and keep the desire burning for learning and growth,” he continued.
“For those who want to join this path, I suggest that you should make sure that this is really something that you want. You should also learn not to compare your own set of knowledge and skills with those of your peers. Always bear in mind that “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one,” Dr. Pañer shared.
WVSU’s Family and Community Medicine residency training is a three-year program only established in 2020.
By: Ma. Antonette D. Aguilar
Photos by: Joseph Henry Nebres
The West Visayas State University Gender and Development Office (GAD) organized a study visit and benchmarking activity for representatives from the University of the Philippines-Los Banos (UPLB) today, June 7, 2023.
The team had an ocular visit to the Art Therapy Room, University Drop-in Center, Breastfeeding Room, Anti-Sexual Harassment Room, Center for Law Advocacy Room, Moot Court, and Woman and Children Protection Unit.
It was an opportune moment to have the WCPU Services at the University Medical Center presented by Dr. Marie Faith B. Villaruz, GAD Coordinator.
The WVSU GAD Office is committed to promoting gender equality through programs and activities that provide equal opportunities for women and men.
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WVSU- Journal for Law Advocacy Board
Congratulations!
The West Visayas State University- Journal for Law Advocacy (WVSU-JLA) Selection and Executive Committee is pleased to announce the Juris Doctor (JD) Students that will constitute the WVSU-JLA Board of Editors and Contribution Editors Year 2 following a competitive commentary writing marathon held on March 5.
WVSU-JLA is envisioned as a student-run publication of highly prestigious, credible and intellectual articles, commentaries and analyses about the law, both in the Philippines and the international arena.
The journal’s thrust is aligned to the core mission of the WVSU Center for Law Advocacy which is the legal aid arm of the College of Law pursuant to the Rule 138-A of the Revised Student Practice Rule of the Supreme Court.
The concept is plain and simple—a student-run publication, providing a window of opportunities for law students wanting to take their legal writing, analysis, and research skills to new heights; providing avenues for “a robust marketplace of ideas”, empowering the students to responsibly exercise their freedom of expression and academic freedom.
The undertaking of the JLA is to edify the legal research proficiency of JD students to train and support them in their advocacy for solving legal concerns. Capacity-building initiatives have been undergone by the Editorial Board to develop competencies and skills to make them more effective writers about the law and its development in the country. It will definitely encourage the JD students to take action through critical thinking, provide legal advice and counseling and have the potential to solve legal matters and issues.WVSU-JLA shall act as a catalyst for the development of legal scholarship in the Western Visayas through the publication of primarily student-authored articles involving the application of legal principles and doctrines, concepts and procedures in relation to relevant issues in the Philippines and abroad.