WVSU Congratulates Rico Lopez Silvestre, a graduate of West Visayas State University – College of Agriculture and Forestry (WVSU-CAF) for placing 7th at the recent Foresters Licensure Examination held on October 17 and 18, 2023.
The WVSU community is proud of you.
Month: October 2023
Categories
Indigenous Peoples Month
West Visayas State University joins the nation in celebrating the Indigenous Peoples Month. Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1906, the month of October is declared as the National Indigenous Peoples Month. This year’s theme is “Buhay naDunong: Pagkamalikhain at Kalikasan” (Living Heritage: Creativity and Nature). It highlights the rich tapestry of indigenous culture and the importance of nature in sustaining and nourishing intangible cultural heritage. #BuhaynaDunongPagkamalikhainatKalikasan #Dayaw2023
Picture credit: NCCA official facebook page
Ms. Marie Angela Cachuela, the Trade Commissioner for Agriculture and Education of the Embassy of Canada met with the West Visayas State University key people led by President Dr. Joselito Villaruz on October 20, to discuss possible opportunities for collaboration.
Students and faculty from different institutions in Panay took part in a public forum titled “1st Public Forum on Research in Mathematics and Statistics (PFORMS)”, Friday, October 6.
The event, attended by faculty researchers, and undergraduate and graduate students in Mathematics, Statistics, and Mathematics Education, focused on dissemination of research outputs in support to the goal of the university on creating, innovating, and generating new knowledge and technology through research engagements and creative outputs.
Dr. Eden Delight P. Miro, Chair of the Department of Mathematics of Ateneo de Manila University, graced the forum as the resource person. Her presentation, titled “Mathematics in Theory and in the Real World,” explored the inherent beauty of Mathematics and its profound real-world applications. Dr. Miro also shared valuable wisdom with aspiring researchers, encouraging them to embrace the unknown and conquer it fearlessly.
The public forum was organized by the Mathematics Department of the College of Arts and Sciences at the 4th Floor of the Research and Extension Building 1, in partnership with CAS Research Office and the Society of Applied Mathematics Students. It exemplified the university’s commitment to nurturing research excellence and to encouraging fruitful collaborations and the exchange of innovative ideas among local and student researchers.
The forum provided a platform for the Master of Arts in Mathematics candidates to present their on-going researches and findings to the public. Notable research presentations included “Mathematical Modeling of COVID-19 and Dengue Co-infection” by Wyeth Ian C. Blase, “Point Pattern Analysis of Dengue Cases in Panay Island” by Jovelyn F. Gadian, and “Hamiltonian Circuits and Coded Paths in Generalized Petersen Graphs via Lattice Model” by Jack Mario Brian D. Ancuna. It also featured short lectures by the faculty researchers including “Introduction to Differential Equations Modeling” by Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo, “A Glimpse on Spatial Point Pattern Analysis” by Dr. Geneveve M. Parreño-Lachica, and “On Hamiltonian Circuits and Coded Paths” by Mr. Keith Lester A. Mallorca.
PFORMS was a success, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of learning, discovery, and collaboration among students and faculty members. It served as a venue for nurturing research interest in mathematics and statistics and showcasing the university’s dedication to advancing mathematical and statistical research and knowledge
West Visayas State University was awarded as one of the Outstanding Partners in Statistical Planning, Policy, and Coordination – Regional Category last September 29, 2023 at Zuri Hotel, Iloilo City by the Philippine Statistics Authority – Western Visayas.
WVSU was one of the agencies recognized by PSA-Region 6 at the Outstanding PSA Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony, commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the agency. Various stakeholders and partners from government agencies, private organizations, civil society, and academia were commended for their invaluable contributions through their distinctive perspectives, expertise, resources, and initiatives that have played pivotal roles in the achievement of PSA’s programs and activities.
The award was received by Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo, OIC-Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Prof. Shirley D. Cabico, Chair of the Mathematics Department. Dr. Balsomo served as the project leader of the WVSU-Guimaras PSC Partnership on Data Analytics that primarily aimed to train statistical, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and other technical personnel in the Province of Guimaras and other PSC member-offices or organizations on data collection, management, review and validation, and visualization and infographics.
The partnership commenced in 2021 that initially focused on Statistical Training for Infographics, specifically emphasizing the IDeA of Data Visualization. Last 2022, the project centered at Data-Driven Decision Making, concentrating on Data Management using Excel. The third cycle, scheduled for November this year, will center around Capacity Development Activity on Data Analysis, Statistical Presentation, and Report Packaging.
West Visayas State University (WVSU) headed a virtual discussion to shed light on the best practices of the state universities and colleges in Region VI on October 18, 2023. The partner state universities were Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), Capiz State University (CAPSU), and Guimaras State University (GSU). Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), though not in Region 6, served as guest partner.
Called as Region VI on Spotlight: Best Practices in International Internships, the activity tackled what works in a state university, procedures/protocols, and best practices.
WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz welcomed the participants, “Today shows the untiring efforts of internationalization, where barriers of competition and exclusivity among state universities are broken and we welcome the spirit of unity by the sharing of the best practices in international internships.”
The presenters were Dr. Marien Laureto, Director-International and National Affairs of CAPSU, Dr. Joel Japitana, Director-International Affairs and External Linkages of GSU, Mrs. Angeline Basco, National and International Coordinator of the College of Industrial Technology of ISAT U, and Dr. Ma. Flora C. Collado, Chair-Division of Hospitality Management of WVSU.
The discussions with the four universities in Region 6 revolved around the following points: in the era of Internationalization, student internships abroad are conscious efforts , though voluntary, for learners to be able to not only learn academically and put into practice the theories they were taught, but also to immerse them into cultures different from theirs-making them globally competitive and developing in them global citizenship. However, the internships must undergo procedures properly—there should be an existing memorandum of understanding or memorandum of agreement between the sending school and the host school abroad with the internship plan approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the University President.
Issues regarding financial subsidy to outbound students were also brought up, discovering that each university has different practices. Dr. Nemia Mabaquiao, the Vice President for External Affairs of ISAT U said that “while we spend for our foreign students, we should also spend for our own” to support international internship or exchange.
Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office of WVSU stressed that in international internships, “We think more of what is best for our students, what protects them, and what benefits the universities in the Philippines in return.”
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of Commission on Higher Education Region I (CHEDRO1) expressed her support to this endeavor in Region VI and also shared the process on how to go about international internships. Dr. Ferrer was the Director for External Linkages and International Affairs of Tarlac Agricultural University before she was appointed Regional Director of CHEDRO1. She is considered as one of the mentors in internationalization in the Philippines.
The event closed with remarks from the TAU’s Acting Director of External Linkages and International Affairs Prof. Marlon Espedillon, “In any internationalization activity, it is imperative that we understand the quintessential reasons why we are sending our students abroad. Is it for competencies? Is it for our institution profile?… It is the learning processes and the ecological context that may significantly influence the internship experience. Hence, the need for this dialogue. I am thankful that we have this kind of forum… “
The event was participated by more or less 130 faculty, students, and staff.
October 13, 2023-Dalhousie University (Dal), Canada met with West Visayas State University to talk about areas such as agriculture and food security, considering collaborations on mobility, research, and development project activities.
During the meeting-discussion at WVSU, Dal was represented by Project and Advancement Coordinator-International of the Faculty of Agriculture David Parks with their Manager for International Lana Bos expressed. They discussed strengths and possible projects to pursue with the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF).
The meeting was attended by president Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences Dr. Celina Gellada, WVSU International and Local Linkages Office – ILLO Director Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, CAF Campus Administrator Dr. Dominador Lisao, Dean of the College of Agriculture Dr. Anthony Leal, CAF faculty Prof. Leonie Consabo and CAF Internationalization Coordinator Prof. Michael Victor Gonzales.
DagYoung Ambassadors (university student ambassadors) Johnric Vargas and Marey Florence Losanes were present to help boost WVSU’s reputation by hosting the Dal guests from the hotel to the University.
The discussion will continue at Dal’s tour at the College of Agriculture and Foresty for them to see the campus and the Mariit Wildlife Conservation Park.
The Taga-West is again in revelry as they receive a commendation from the Commission on Higher Education for being one of the awardees during the Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards 2023 on October 8, 2023 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
Represented by WVSU International and Local Linkages Office Director, Ms Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, WVSU was given recognition for debuting at the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI), 201-300.
Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka acknowledges the effort of the entire WVSU system in this achievement. “We are only just beginning, having the ILLO established as a separate unit for only almost 2 years. The cooperation of everyone, especially those who work so hard to bring WVSU into a higher plane every time and unselfishly share extra of their time and resources, this award is for you.”
It is recalled that last year, the University also received an ICONS Award for garnering 3 stars in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).
The rankings and ratings of the state universities and colleges and the private higher education institutions in the country are products of the continuous efforts of the schools in pursuing internationalization here (home-based) and abroad (cross-border).
By Keith Brian Villar
Photos courtesy of MIS
A comprehensive training and orientation program for various modules of the Integrated University Information System (IUIS) promises improved efficiency, streamlined processes, and an enhanced user experience across West Visayas State University’s various campuses, departments, and offices.
The IUIS Implementation Phase 1 took place from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4, 2023, at the Reference Section of the WVSU Library and had 26 participants from the University’s six external campuses, departments, and offices, including Finance, Registrar, Management Information System, Student Affairs, and Academic Affairs, among others.
The program aimed to familiarize participants with the system’s modules and functionality, fostering a collaborative atmosphere for a seamless transition.
The event’s agenda was structured to cover a wide array of IUIS modules, ensuring that participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the system. These modules included Accounting, Cashier, Registrar/Academic, Scheduler, Faculty, and Student.
Practical, hands-on sessions were conducted to ensure that participants were well-prepared to effectively utilize the system.
Throughout the event, several activities and sessions were conducted to facilitate learning and collaboration among participants. Notable highlights included: Overview sessions at the beginning of the event to provide a comprehensive understanding of IUIS; In-depth module-specific orientations, including Cashier, Faculty, and Registrar/Academic; hands-on dry-run sessions, allowing participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge in practical scenarios; and meetings to discuss data migration requirements and timelines, ensuring a smooth transition to the IUIS system.
Phase 2 of the program is expected to occur soon, according to the MIS.
Photos by Joseph Nebres
The culinary heritage of the province of Antique was highlighted in a public presentation of a doctoral dissertation by a candidate from the WVSU College of Education Graduate School, focusing on the tangible and intangible aspects of food traditions passed down through generations of local gatekeepers, forming the basis for the development of a culinary school management model.
Mary Rose Gemma S. Rodriguez, president of Advance Central College in San Jose, Antique, presented her dissertation titled “Unearthing the Culinary Heritage of Antique through the Local Gatekeepers: Basis for the Development of a Culinary School Management Model” on September 28, 2023, at the Center for Teaching Excellence. Her adviser is Dr. John Erwin Pedroso.
The qualitative research study exploring the intricate tapestry of Antique’s culinary heritage had the following themes: (1) Hands to Stomach: Antique’s Culinary Practices, (2) Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Antique’s Food Customs, (3) Vast Windows of Opportunities for Antique, and (4) Explicating Stories of Struggles.
To understand the social phenomena related to culinary heritage from the perspective of local gatekeepers, Rodriguez conducted in-depth interviews and observations with six participants chosen based on inclusion criteria representing various heritage dishes of Antique. Participants shared their experiences, memories, and perceptions associated with traditional food practices, recipes, and rituals.
Based on the findings of her dissertation, Rodriguez created a culinary school management model to provide a structured framework and systematic approach for efficiently and effectively managing all aspects of a culinary school’s operations.
In her abstract, Rodriguez wrote, “This study sheds light on the vital role of local gatekeepers and culinary heritage dishes in sustaining cultural diversity and fostering social cohesion. By recognizing and valuing the intangible aspects of food traditions, societies can embrace their collective past while fostering a more inclusive and culturally vibrant future for the next generation.”