Day: July 15, 2024

West Visayas State University (WVSU) bagged Excellence in Internationalization (IZN) Initiatives awards for two straight years, during the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Awards in celebration of its Founding Anniversary and 4th National Higher Education Day held at Urdaneta Hall, University of San Agustin on May 29, 2024.

The CHED Regional Quality Awards celebrates the outstanding efforts and initiatives of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in various categories such as instruction, research, and community extension, among many others.

President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) Director, Prof. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, with Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, VP for Administration and Finance, received the award.

ILLO acknowledges the effort of the entire WVSU system in this achievement, to strengthen its internationalization efforts and widen its network of international partners for academic, research, and community engagement programs and activities.

Furthermore, WVSU excelled in various areas earning recognition across multiple categories. The university received the following awards:

• Multiple Outstanding Board Performance Awards for the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE), Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE), and Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET)
• Award for Excellence in Community Extension
• Award for Excellence in Research
• Award for Excellence in Internationalization Initiatives
• Award for Excellence in Peace Education
• Model Implementer: SIKAP
• Recognition for the Provision of Support to CHEDRO VI’s Endeavors

Key university officials, including Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, VP for Academic Affairs; Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, VP for Research, Innovation and Extension; Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris, VP for Administration and Finance; Dr. Reymund B. Flores, Director of University Planning and Development Office (UPDO); Dr. Celina C. Gellada, VP for Medical and Allied Sciences; Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs; Dr. Rejie F. Palmos, Coordinator of Center for Peace Education; Dr. Ricky P. Becodo, Director of University Extension & Development Center, were also present to receive the various recognitions.

WVSU’s remarkable achievements in the CHED Regional Quality Awards serve as a testament to its dedication to excellence and its significant contributions to the advancement of higher education in the region and in the country.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 23, 2024, to enhance and fortify the university’s national volunteer service and community extension program.

The signing ceremony led by PNVSCA’s Executive Director, Donald James D. Gawe and WVSU’s President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, solidifies both PNVSCA and WVSU’s commitment to advocate for volunteerism, deepening the sense of camaraderie and unity among faculty, staff, and students.

Dr. Villaruz said, “This partnership will open more doors for us to collaborate with established organizations and will accelerate the implementation of programs and enhance our systems and services.”

Present in the signing ceremony were Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of International and Local Linkages Office; Mr. Marlon Jinon, Chief EDS, NEDA VI; Dr. Ma. Pilar Malata, Dean of Students; Dr. Francis Pantino, Director of the National Service Training Program; Mr. Ian Sumagaysay, Director of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Unit WVSU; Dr. Isauro Sindol, IZN Coordinator of WVSU Lambunao; Dr. Lea Escantilla-Lebuna, Planning Officer of CAF, and the DagYoung Student Ambassadors from the different colleges and campuses.

The West Visayas State University – College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) Emergency Response Team (ERT) composed of student volunteers, also attended. They have been involved with volunteerism efforts in the CAF and with the local government of Lambunao. The CAF ERT is under the supervision of Dr. Escantilla-Lebuna.

The partnership allows both WVSU and PNVSCA to collaborate in mainstreaming volunteerism in the academe, implement volunteerism-related activities, promote and advocate volunteerism, build volunteerism statistics and, help in nation-building.