Month: February 2025

West Visayas State University (WVSU) honored the pre-service fourth year students from College of Education (COE) and the College of Physical Education, Culture, Arts, and Recreation (PESCAR) during the 2nd Teaching Internship Pinning and Completion Rites held earlier today at the WVSU Cultural Center.

The ceremony recognized 566 student teachers comprised of 456 from COE, and 110 from PESCAR.

As featured in the event, the distribution of certificates of completion were awarded to Bachelor of Special Needs Education (BSNED) Generalist Teaching Internship completers for the academic year 2024 to 2025.

The program included the pinning ceremony, the recitation of the practice teachers’ creed, and the induction of COE teaching internship officers.

Known as batch INARA, the ceremony concluded with the singing of the batch song, “Long Live” by Taylor Swift.

As they step into the world of teaching, the 566 pre-service teachers carry forward a strong tradition of excellence and a commitment to lifelong learning. This milestone marks the start of their journey as educators, ready to inspire and shape future generations.

By JA Temelo/PAMCO, with sources from SILAK Media

Photos by Wina de la Cruz/PAMCO

Over a thousand delegates—including student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff—from the seven West Visayas State University (WVSU) campuses participated in the opening ceremony of University Hinampang 2025, held earlier today.

The ceremony began with a foot parade from the WVSU Main Campus grounds, followed by a street dance competition judged in front of the Administration Building.

The opening program commenced at the Iloilo Sports Complex, where campus administrators, heads, and sports coordinators raised their banners and recognized their respective student-athletes as they took the oath of sportsmanship.

Dr. Celina Cordero-Gellada, Vice President of Medical and Allied Sciences and current OIC University President, reminded everyone of the true victory that lies in the University Hinampang.

“Remember that true victory lies in the effort, the friendships forged, and the memories made, so let us embrace each opportunity to challenge ourselves, uplift one another, and showcase the spirit of WVSU sportsmanship,” said Gellada.

Jerome P. Millan, WVSU Student Regent, emphasized the University’s dedication to a holistic development that included athletic performance.

“[Hinampang 2025] represents the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our life, personal growth, teamwork and leadership,” said Millan.

Following the preliminaries was the cheer dance competition, featuring participants from the Janiuay, Himamaylan, and La Paz campuses. The program then concluded with a unity dance led by the Federated Student Council.

With the theme “PAGSIBOD 2025: Harnessing Growth, Celebrating Unity—A Journey of Progress through Sports,” University Hinampang 2025 aims to reignite passion for sports and foster unity as part of holistic growth, upholding the tradition of excellence among Taga-West.

By JA Temelo/PAMCO, with sources from SILAK Media

Photos by Wina de la Cruz/PAMCO

The 2025 DIGAMO sa West reached its boiling point as the week-long festivities drew to a close with a sizzling victory for Dapog Manugsanlag (College of Nursing), which executed a grand leap to the top of the leaderboard, securing the overall championship title.

The Home of the Topnotchers turned up the heat in the final stretch, dethroning the two-time defending champion, Dapog Manuglapay (College of PESCAR).

With a remarkable score of 375 points, the College of Nursing proved its dominance in the showdown of wit, artistry, and creativity, prevailing as a formidable force in the university.

Following closely behind with 359 points was Dapog Manugsugba (College of Education), while the Talent Center of the University, Dapog Manuglapay (College of PESCAR), climbed the rankings to claim third place with 325 points—thanks to their stellar performances in the musical and performing arts category.

Next in the rankings, Dapog Manugtuom (College of Arts and Sciences) secured fourth place with 320 points, while Dapog Manugpangat (College of Communication) rounded out the top five with 290 points.

As the final scores were tallied and the new champions celebrated, DIGAMO sa West 2025 proved to be the ultimate feast of the year—a chef’s kiss-worthy celebration.

Story by Grace Divine Salumag/The Mediator

Pubmat by Pagyuhum Publication

During Laro ng Lahi at West Visayas State University’s 2025 University Days celebration, inclusivity takes center stage as everyone, regardless of their role, gets a chance to participate. This year, the basketball court became an unexpected battleground for a team composed of campus security guards, including 54-year-old Rico Andrade, Security Guard I at WVSU-Main Campus.

Since joining the university in 2013, Andrade has suited up for the basketball team every year. During their recent game against WVSU-Lambunao Campus, he played as the team’s center—a position that demands strength and stamina. Despite facing younger and more agile opponents, Andrade embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.

“Maka pa balhas lang, okay na ko,” Andrade said, smiling as he described how sweating it out on the court was enough of a victory for him.

The biggest hurdle, he admitted, was the age gap. “Budlay kay puro bata mga kontra namon,” he shared. Still, their perseverance paid off as the Main Campus secured an overall victory, proving that experience and determination can triumph over physical disadvantages.

Beyond the competition, Andrade emphasized the importance of staying fit, particularly for security personnel. “Mayad gid sa amon ni nga mga guwardiya. Dapat physically fit kami,” he said, highlighting how physical activity benefits their ability to perform their duties efficiently.

As the final buzzer sounded and the crowd erupted in cheers, it was clear that the game was more than just a sporting event. Andrade and his teammates demonstrated the university’s commitment to inclusivity, where even those working behind the scenes have a chance to be part of WVSU’s cherished traditions.

During University Days 2025, WVSU proved that inclusivity is not just a principle but a lived experience, ensuring everyone, regardless of their role, gets their moment in the spotlight.

Story by Dwiniane Keith Escoltor and Hazelyn Aliboso/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa

Photos by Dwiniane Keith Escoltor/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa

The West Visayas State University grandstand came alive with electrifying energy as 12 colleges and campuses fiercely competed in the highly anticipated Battle of the Bands on Jan. 31, the culminating event of this year’s University Days celebration.

Each band performed one slow and one fast song, showcasing their musical versatility and creativity. The crowd was treated to a vibrant mix of genres, with performances including “Rolling in the Deep,” “Isang Linggong Pag-ibig,” and “Ang Buhay Ko.”

The atmosphere was electric as the audience cheered, sang along, and danced to the performances. John Vall Moreno, a student from Himamaylan City Campus, described the event as heartwarming.

“Ang experience ‘ko gid diri sa Battle of the Bands is ka-warm gid sang environment, especially sang mga Taga-West. Makita mo gid nga full support sila sa ila mga banda kag representatives. Ma-feel mo gid nga ga-vibe sila sa kanta, rock, music, and all,” Moreno said.

After a high-energy competition, Himamaylan City Campus emerged as the champion, followed by the College of PESCAR as first runner-up. The College of Nursing, Pototan Campus, and Integrated Laboratory School secured second, third, and fourth runner-up positions, respectively.

Special awards were also given to individual performers. Himamaylan City Campus swept most of the honors, winning Best Vocalist, Best Guitarist, and Best Bassist. The College of Information and Communications Technology earned the Best Drummer award, while the College of PESCAR was recognized for Best Keyboardist.

The event not only highlighted the musical talent of the university but also fostered a sense of community as students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate the power of music. The competition proved to be a memorable highlight of University Days, leaving attendees eager for next year’s festivities.

Story by Kim Sualibios, Ryan Joy, Portillo, and Shianne Michael Dela Peña/Dynamics Publication

Photos by Rhenel Villaluna and Mark Stephen Dellavan/Dynamics Publication