Month: August 2023

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WVSU’s dance and theatre groups stage Indonesian-inspired cultural performances on 2nd day of ASEAN Exhibit

Text and photos by John Felip Gerasol

Bringing the Indonesian-inspired spectacle to the heart of Iloilo, West Visayas State University’s Irong-Irong Dance Company (IIDC) and Rondalla Ensemble performed the dance “Tari Indang”, and folk song “Si Patokan”, during the cultural show on the second day of the ASEAN Exhibit at SM City Iloilo, August 30, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The combined efforts of the WVSU IIDC and Rondalla Ensemble set a performance that seamlessly blended traditional dance, music, and storytelling. The performance was under the artistic direction of Prof. Liberty Porras, director of WVSU Dance and Cultural Affairs.

Making the ASEAN spirit come to life, the WVSU Teatro Tayo also graced the stage with trivia and knowledge about Indonesian languages — reliving the country’s rich culture.

Amid a backdrop of colorful and intricate set pieces representing the rich cultural tapestry of Southeast Asian nations are the other eight higher education institutions that had booths in SM City, namely: University of Antique, Iloilo Science and Technology University, Aklan State University, Capiz State University, Filamer Christian University, Northern Iloilo State University, Guimaras State University, and Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology.

Moreover, WVSU International and Local Linkages Office spearheaded the university’s booth representing Indonesia, in collaboration with Dance and Cultural Affairs, other colleges, and external campuses. This collaborative effort underscored the significance of inter-institutional cooperation in accomplishing such significant events.

The ASEAN Exhibit serves as a platform to foster cultural exchange and deepen ties among member nations. The cultural performances showcased traditional dances, music, and art forms, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of different countries and further exploration of the ties that bind the ASEAN community together.

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CHED-RO6 celebrates 56th Founding Anniversary of ASEAN; Univs prepare booths showcasing cultural displays

Text and photos by John Felip Gerasol and Joseph Nebres

The 56th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was celebrated during a grand opening at SM City Iloilo on August 29, 2023, participated by 13 Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Region VI representing their designated ASEAN countries.

Themed “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth,” the anniversary celebration echoed the pivotal role of the ASEAN community in the ever-evolving global landscape.

The ASEAN booths are still open to the public until September 1, 2023, located on the ground floor of SM City Iloilo.

In the words of Dr. Raul Alvarez Jr., Director IV of CHEDRO VI, “We should appreciate the culture and the rich heritage of our ASEAN neighbors. It is only then that we can establish full understanding, and most importantly, respect. We cannot respect other people for who they are if we cannot understand them.”

The event was hosted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VI in collaboration with the Western Visayas Association of Higher Education Institutions (WVAHEHI), Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), and John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU).

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WVSU joins the ASEAN in commemorating its 56th Founding Anniversary

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – “A regional intergovernmental organization that fosters cooperation and integration among its ten member states in Southeast Asia” commemorates its 56th Founding Anniversary on August 29 to September 1, 2023 at SM City Iloilo.

Universities and institutions in the Western Visayas region including West Visayas State University will hold an exhibit to celebrate ASEAN unity amidst diversity and “to promote regional solidarity and showcase ASEAN’s achievements and objectives. This occasion serves as a vital platform to emphasize the significance of regional collaboration in addressing shared challenges and fostering economic growth and cultural understanding.”

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Unity amidst diversity: A spectacular celebration of Mindanao culture

By Shanea Mae A. Nalaunan 

Photos by Gian Kyra Morones, Marc Given Alvarez, and Joanna Rose Bermejo

Mindanao state colleges and state universities showcased their rich culture and traditions through spectacular performances during the third day of the SUC Fair 2023 at SM City Iloilo’s Activity Center.

Mindanao, a particularly anticipated region in terms of performance, enthralled the audience with their stunning attire adorned in vibrant colors, accompanied by the resonant sounds of their indigenous instruments.

They showcased their cultural dances and songs, all in line with the theme “Pagsinadya: Celebrating Cultural Diversity of Mindanao.”

Dr. Imelda F. Legaspi, Director IV of the Office of Student Development and Services at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), warmly welcomed the esteemed guests from various regions and recognized the key contributors to the success of SUC Fair 2023, including Dr. Joselito Villaruz, the president of WVSU, who served as the event’s host, as well as the presidents of other SUCs who brought their students to the city.

“Bringing students from different SUCs allows us to take a glimpse into the cultures of other regions, fostering a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for our incredibly rich cultural heritage in the Philippines,” said Dr. Legaspi.

The live cultural show started with Region 9 of Zamboanga Peninsula performing PELULA (Jose Rizal Memorial University), SOHTEN AND TALAK dance (JH Cerilles State College), followed by Mi Ciudad de Zamboanga and Chavacano de Zamboanga (Western Mindanao State University) on the second part.

On the third set of the performances, PANGALAY HA PATUNG (Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University), SINGKIL (JH Cerilles State College), JANGGAY (Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University), and BAILE LATINO SUITE comprising of Flamenco and Spanish origin dances (Western Mindanao State University).

Region 10 performances started with HIGAONAN SUITE (Bukidnon State University), SUBANEN DANCE-THALEK (Northwestern Mindanao State University), MARANAO DANCES-KINI-KINI, MALONG & KINAKULANAG (University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines), KINAMIGUIN SUITE (Camiguin Polytechnic State College), and JOTA QUIRINO (Northwestern Mindanao State University).

Region 11 as the last region to perform showcased the ATA Manobo Tribe Dance (Davao Del Norte State College).

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Catchy SUC Fair theme song composed on short notice; composer’s band to play today at SM City

By Joanna Rose Bermejo
Photos by Joanna Rose Bermejo

Composed on short notice, the SUC Fair 2023 theme song, with its infectious beat, has become a clarion call for participating state universities and colleges (SUC) whenever it plays at the SM City Iloilo Event Center.

Francis Cabinos, a 4th-year Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education student and the current University Student Council Vice Chairperson of West Visayas State University, was initially tasked with composing a song to be performed by the SUC presidents of the Visayas Campuses on the first day of the SUC fair.

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Cabinos was asked to perform the song himself, along with his band members Homer Sigaya, Michael Arbilon, Clart Alcallaga, Pab Santillan, Kyle Aguillon, and Jayson Sobredilla.

It warmed Cabinos’ heart to learn that his composition would also serve as the official theme song for SUC Fair 2023.

The catchy composition was written on very short notice. The song revolves around the idea that when state universities and colleges from different geographical landscapes come together, positive change and innovation become possible.

Cabinos’ band will be performing on Day 3 of the SUC Fair for the cultural performances of the Mindanao Campuses’ Unity Dance.

Here are the song lyrics of Cabino’s composition of the SUC Fair 2023 theme song entitled, “SUC, dali na”:

Stanza 1:

Lain lain man ang ginhalinan,

Gintipon sa bugal kag kadayawan,

Nga usuyon kag itib-ung

ang aton kauswagan.

Stanza 2:

Ipabugal sa bilog nga kalibutan,

Kalidad nga edukasyon nga para sa

tanan,

Inobasyon nga aton ginapasangkad,

Kulturang manggad, padayon sa

paglayag.

Refrain:

State Universities and Colleges,

Let’s unite and continue to be the best,

Navigating the Global Landscape,

Advancing education, research and

development.

Chorus:

SUC dali na!

Edukasyon nga kalidad, ipalayag ta!

SUC dali na!

Inobasyon ang itib-ung, ipadayon ta!

Preserbasyon sang taliambong kag

kultura,

Ipabugal, manggad nga kinaadman ta!

Dali na! Ululupod kita!

Ipalayag sa kalibutan,

SUC dali na!

Stanza 3:

Ipabugal ang aton nga hinimuan,

Pagpasangkad sang edukasyon sa

kapungsuran,

Mga kultura nga aton ginapabugal,

padayon nga ipakita.

Stanza 4:

Pasunyugon hasta sa masarangan,

Ululupod kita sa pagpanawagan,

SUC padayon nga magasakdag,

Sa bilog nga kalibutan, Pilipinas ang

ipalayag!

Chorus:

SUC dali na!

Edukasyon nga kalidad, ipalayag ta!

SUC dali na!

Inobasyon ang itib-ung, ipadayon ta!

Preserbasyon sang taliambong kag

kultura,

Ipabugal, manggad nga kinaadman ta!

Dali na! Ululupod kita!

Ipalayag sa kalibutan,

SUC dali na!

Bridge:

State Universities and Colleges,

Let’s unite and continue to be the best,

Navigating the Global Landscape,

Advancing education, research and

development.

(Transpose)

Chorus:

SUC dali na!

Edukasyon nga kalidad, ipalayag ta!

SUC dali na!

Inobasyon ang itib-ung, ipadayon ta!

Preserbasyon sang taliambong kag

kultura,

Ipabugal, manggad nga kinaadman ta!

Dali na! Ululupod kita!

Ipalayag sa kalibutan,

SUC dali na!

Preserbasyon sang taliambong kag

kultura,

Ipabugal, manggad nga kinaadman ta!

Dali na! Ululupod kita!

Ipalayag sa kalibutan,

SUC dali na!

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Songwriting with live interpretation of compositions highlights SUC Fair theme

By Shanea Mae A. Nalaunan

Photos by Joanna Rose Bermejo and Marc Given Alvarez

In a compelling demonstration of the SUC Fair 2023 theme’s relevance, students from various regions enthralled the audience with their singing performances during the Songwriting Competition and Live Interpretation of Compositions, held on the second day of the Fair at SM City Iloilo.

The competition at 2:30 pm of July 11 aimed to showcase the musical creativity of the participating regions, highlighting the theme, “Navigating the Global Landscape Through Innovations, Culture and Arts Preservation, and Higher Education Quality.”

While Filipino and English texts took center stage in the performances, participants were given the opportunity to incorporate native dialects to enhance their compositions, with a strong emphasis on the inclusion of indigenous traditional instruments.

A diverse array of compositions were presented by the talented SUC students from Regions XI, IX, VII, III, II, I, and X.

The featured compositions included “Dayag,” performed by Davao de Oro State College; “One Vision” by Northern Mindanao University; “Beyond the Possibilities” by Cebu Normal University; “Layag” from Bataan Peninsula State University; “Mundo ng Kagandahan” presented by Nueva Vizcaya State University; “Abot Kamay ang Pangarap” by Mariano Marcos State University, and “Makabagong Pagbabago” by Bukidnon State University.

#sucexplore #sucdiscover #sucfair2023 #sucfair #suc2023

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WVSU and partners prepare to host the first ROTC games in the Philippines

Photos and Text by Joanna Bermejo, intern

The first-ever ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) games in the country, called the “Visayas Leg”, is going to be hosted by West Visayas State University together with the Iloilo City Government, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air-force of Region 6.

Delegates from Regions 6, 7, and 8 will be competing in different sport events on August 13-19, 2023.

The events are the following: Basketball, Volleyball, Boxing, Kick-boxing, Arnis, athletics, and esports.

A meeting with partners was held today, Aug. 3, 2023, at Quezon Hall Room 217 of WVSU to firm up details of the ROTC Games.

As of now, the expected number of registered delegates reached 608 from Region 6 alone. The number of participants joining the ROTC games is still expected to add up as the event approaches.

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National Privacy Commission conducts on-site visits and compliance checks at WVSU

Text and photos by Shanea Mae A. Nalaunan

West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed the National Privacy Commission (NPC) on the morning of July 25, 2023, at the WVSU teleconference room where the NPC did an orientation prior to the on-site visit (OSV) and compliance check of several offices in the afternoon.

With the WVSU as the first state university in Western Visayas to be thus inspected, key figures from the university welcomed the OSV team led by Atty. Anna Benjieline R. Puzon. They are WVSU President Joselito F. Villaruz, Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Christine Asuncion Dequilla, Vice President for Administration and Finance Porfirio Barlas, and Vice President for Research Innovation, and Extension Greta Gabinete, along with other WVSU faculty and staff.

During his closing remarks, Dr. Barlas conveyed the WVSU community’s appreciation to the NPC’s OSV team for making the effort to visit West Visayas despite the challenges posed by Typhoon Egay.

He also expressed gratitude for the honor of being the first state university in Western Visayas to be visited by the NPC.

The visit and compliance checks are essential steps in ensuring that data privacy and security measures are being effectively implemented at the university.

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CHED Chair Popoy talks on evolution of SUC Fair; eyes Mindanao as next host

By Shanea Mae A. Nalaunan
Photos By Joseph Nebres, Venice Ghea Faldas, Marc Given Alvarez, Rain Julien Tuvilleja, Rommelen Dema-ala, Gian Kyra A. Morones, John Felip Gerasol, Joan Marie Cacay, Joanna Rose Bermejo, Shanea Mae A. Nalaunan

Mindanao is likely to be next year’s host of the SUC Fair, according to Prospero “Popoy” De Vera III, chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

The CHED chair announced this during the Mr. & Ms. SUC Fair 2023 held in the afternoon of July 13, 2023, the last day of the 4-day event at the SM City Event Center.

He also reflected on the evolution of the SUC Fair, which has grown from a mere product showcase to a cultural extravaganza that provides a unique opportunity to experience the diversity of the entire Philippines in one place.

Dr. De Vera highlighted that the objective of the SUC Fair is to bring together products from different regions of the country under one roof, offering a comprehensive representation of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

However, he explained that the fair was halted for two years due to the pandemic. Last year, it resumed with the same principle of showcasing products, but with an expanded focus on promoting the entirety of Philippine culture and traditions through the exceptional talents of SUC students.

“Makikita naman natin yung mga leader ng ating mga state universities na hindi lang pala sila mga matatalino, hindi lang pala sila may mga PhD, marurunong rin pala rumampa,“ said Dr. De Vera, referring to the SUC leaders who have been supporting their SUC representatives’ talents from Day 1, July 10, 2023.

He added that this event will demonstrate that our public university system is more than just an institution that offers free quality education.

Moreover, he emphasized that the SUC Fair also showcases the diverse range of products, talented students, and exceptional leaders within our universities, highlighting the contributions and achievements of our public universities, and reaffirming their role as pillars of knowledge, innovation, and beauty within our society.

“This decision to hold the SUC Fair in Mindanao reflects the commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that different regions of the country have the chance to host and experience the SUC Fair,” said Dr. De Vera.

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CHED exec director discusses SUC journey; need for promotion of products

By Shanea Mae A. Nalaunan
Photos by Joseph Nebres

During the concluding day of SUC Fair 2023 at SM City Iloilo on July 13, 2023, Atty. Cinderella Filipina S. Benitez-Jaro, executive director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), reflected on the origins of the SUC Fair and its role in promoting development for the country.

Atty. Jaro highlighted that CHED initiated the SUC Fair with the purpose of showcasing the products of SUCs to the entire Filipino community.

She recalled that the first-ever event was initially embraced by CHED personnel, taking place at Ayala Malls Trinoma in Manila before expanding to venues outside of CHED’s SUC locations, culminating in its current grand scale at SM City Iloilo.

The growth and creative development of the SUC Fair was evident during its second edition, held at the iconic Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena where it featured a vibrant display of cultural performances and indigenous trademarks, enhancing the advertisement of the unique offerings and products of SUCs.

“What we did was to showcase also the distinctive cultures of our SUCS. Where are they based? So, nagkaroon na po kami ng mga cutural shows, [nagkaroon na po kami] ng fashion shows, showcasing of course the SUCs’ products,” said Atty. Jaro.

The theme of SUC Fair 2023, “Navigating the Global Landscapes through Innovations, Cultural Arts, Preservation, and Higher Education Quality,” emphasizes the progress of the higher educational system and showcases the excellence of state colleges and universities.

To achieve the goals set by the theme, SUCs have actively sought the expertise of professionals and invited individuals from government agencies.

This includes personnel from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Innovation Secretariat and the Department of Science and Technology Secretary, who has been instrumental in showcasing innovative practices within higher education.

Atty. Jaro further acknowledged that there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of commercialization and strengthening the linkages between universities, industries, and government institutions, with a specific focus on research collaboration.

“Dito talaga makikita ang mga needs ng industry and (our) SUCs will provide researches that our industry needs,” according to Atty. Jaro.

“We should always think big. So dapat ang mga ideas natin hindi nagtatapos lang. Hindi yon na dapat comfortable na tayo ay magstop na tayo doon (No). Do not stop just because things are already comfortable.”

Atty. Jaro emphasized the importance of fostering fruitful conversations and ensuring that events continue to showcase the products of SUCs.

She expressed her desire for workshops and competitions to generate innovative ideas and foster a deep commitment to quality education. Her hope is not only to capture the attention of everyone but also to gain their full commitment to making the SUC Fair a resounding success.