Categories
News

Director Anton Juan proposes migrant-themed musical at WVSU

International theater and film director Anton Juan visited West Visayas State University on March 28 to propose a musical focusing on Filipino migrants, to be performed by the College of PESCAR’s, TeatroTayo.
 
During his meeting with WVSU President Joselito F. Villaruz, Juan expressed appreciation for the leadership of TeatroTayo directors Jemuel Garcia and Ryan Puljanan, both faculty members of the College of PESCAR, under the guidance of Dean Porferio J. Barlas.
 
The proposed musical aims to highlight the experiences of Filipino migrants, furthering TeatroTayo’s commitment to producing socially relevant performances.
 
This initiative follows the company’s recent adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Titus Andronicus,” titled “Titus Tan,” which received acclaim for its innovative approach.
 
Juan’s collaboration with WVSU seeks to enrich the university’s cultural offerings and provide students with opportunities to engage in meaningful theatrical productions.
 
By Wina De la Cruz/PAMCO
Categories
News

Film icon Nick Deocampo graces WVSU

Filmmaker and Film Historian Prof. Nick Deocampo visits West Visayas State University, together with representatives from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) on March 28, 2025.
 
During a meeting with the WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and WVSU College of Communication (COC) Dean Dr. Rona Dhel C. Alingasa, Prof. Deocampo shared the sociocultural and educational importance of film archiving and preservation.
 
He also emphasized that the collaborative work he is doing with Ms. Mary Kareen Gancio, faculty of WVSU-COC Broadcasting Division, and FDCP in film and media archiving requires complete institutional support.
 
Representatives from FDCP were also present during the meeting, including Korina Dela Cruz, Lemor Sobrevega, and COC alumni Sonnet Llaguno.
 
The partnership between WVSU College of Communication and FDCP, with the guidance of Prof.
 
Deocampo aims to strengthen the promotion and appreciation of local films as well as develop the skills of students in purposive storytelling.
 
Prof. Deocampo arrived in WVSU fresh from his talk, “Pagtahal: Talk on Film Historiography and Archiving” with Ms. Julie Nealaga, an audiovisual archivist and the head of Probe Archives, at Cinematheque Iloilo last March 27, 2025.
 
Text by Prof. Joesyl D. Aranas, College of Communication
 
Photos by Wina De la Cruz, PAMCO
Categories
International News Linkages News

Global competence strengthened at WVSU Janiuay Campus Through French Language and Culture Crash Course

On March 28, 2025, the West Visayas State University (WVSU)-Janiuay Campus hosted a French Language and Culture Crash Course, led by Mr. Enzo Muñoz, from the MEEF Master’s Degree program in Teaching Abroad at INSPÉ de Toulouse, Université Toulouse II.

 

The program was part of WVSU’s ongoing efforts through the International and Local Linkages Office to provide an immersive learning experience in French language and culture,particularly tailored for students pursuing Hotel and Management degrees.

 

Dr. Guiller Pendon, Campus Administrator of WVSU Janiuay, officially welcomed the participants, stressing the significance of foreign exchange programs in fostering cultural diversity. He pointed out that such initiatives offer fresh perspectives and innovative teaching methods that contribute to enriching classroom experiences.

 

During the session, Mr. Muñoz engaged students in learning fundamental French vocabulary, greetings, and provided valuable insights into French culture. His interactive, hands-on teaching style encouraged students to actively participate, creating a dynamic environment that blended language acquisition with practical understanding of French customs, fine dining etiquette, and tongue twisters.

 

The course not only enhanced their language proficiency but also deepened their appreciation of French traditions and societal norms, preparing them for an increasingly interconnected world.

 

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

Categories
International News Linkages News

WVSU elevates global citizenship through IZN-Making and Taking opportunities event

In a bold step toward expanding its global reach, West Visayas State University (WVSU) hosted the WVSU IZN-Making and Taking Opportunities event on March 27, 2025, emphasizing its ongoing efforts to elevate international partnerships, academic excellence, and support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event gathered students, faculty, and international interns for a day of enriching dialogues, presentations, and collaborative exchanges focused on global citizenship, cultural involvement, and cross-border academic opportunities.

 

Building Bridges Through IZN

 

The event commenced with a welcome address from Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), who highlighted the importance of global engagement in shaping education and leadership for the future. In her opening remarks, Prof. Edel expressed WVSU’s commitment to fostering an environment where students not only excel academically but also develop as responsible global citizens ready to make meaningful societal contributions. Her speech reinforced the university’s dedication to internationalization as a core part of its mission, urging attendees to embrace opportunities for global collaboration.

 

“At WVSU, we are committed to creating an environment where our students not only excel academically but also develop as responsible global citizens ready to make meaningful contributions to society”, she said.

 

Sharing Global Engagement Experiences

 

One of the most engaging segments of the event featured students and faculty sharing their personal experiences from academic exchanges and cross-cultural immersion programs:

 

SEA-Teacher Project, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (Indonesia): Students Feb Anthony G. Rizano, Allizon A. Bernaldez, and Nina Elah S. Subano shared how this unique experience has significantly shaped their professional growth and broadened their global perspectives on teaching.

 

Thu Dau Mot University (TDMU), Vietnam: Angel Tigas, Fermen Tirador, and Jonabel Abarinto spoke about their academic and cultural immersion in Vietnam, discussing how the experience deepened their understanding of global education.

 

Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED): Reeman Singh and Von Ashley Chichirita shared insights from their experience in the Computer Engineering Technology – Mechatronic Systems program, detailing how their skills were enhanced through this cross-border opportunity.

 

American Language Village (ALV), Taiwan: Maria Fe Tiane, Zoe Marie Baaya, and Le Gerlaine Mondejar reflected on their transformative language-learning experiences in Taiwan, emphasizing the importance of language acquisition for cultural understanding and global engagement.

 

EDIW E-Bridge Volunteers: Andrei Jan Tono and Jamaica Gandecila presented their volunteer experiences, highlighting the value of international collaboration through volunteerism.

 

Kasetsart University, Thailand: Justin June P. Cerillo and JC C. Fernandez shared the impact of their agricultural exchange programs in Thailand on both their personal and academic growth.

 

Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), also shared her transformative experience during her graduate studies in the United States.

 

Navigating Home-Based and Cross-Border Opportunities

 

Dr. Laurene Lock Chua-Garcia, Managing Director of Strategy & Innovation at Picasso Management Group Inc., delivered a keynote titled “Home-Based and Cross-Border Involvement for Global Citizenship.” Dr. Chua-Garcia emphasized the necessity of preparing students for a highly interconnected world where global citizenship and cross-border opportunities are essential for both personal and professional success.

 

“By fostering cross-border opportunities and supporting home-based involvement, we ensure that students are equipped to navigate and succeed in a globalized, interconnected world”, she said.

 

Dr. Chua-Garcia’s speech resonated with attendees as she highlighted how international collaborations, exchanges, and volunteer work allow students to develop the skills and perspectives necessary for success in the modern world. She urged both students and institutions to embrace these opportunities as essential pathways to building a more sustainable and inclusive future.

 

Her session provided valuable insights into how universities like WVSU can strengthen their role in shaping global citizens who are not only knowledgeable but also actively engaged in making a positive impact on society.

 

WVSU’s Commitment to Sustainability and Research Excellence

 

A key segment of the event, WVSU Sustainability: Mapping of WVSU Publications and Theses that Address the SDGs Through WIRED++, presented by Stephen B. Alayon, BLIS Program Coordinator, showcased how WVSU’s academic research contributes to the achievement of the SDGs. This session highlighted the university’s growing collection of academic works addressing global challenges, particularly in sustainability and innovation.

 

Exploring Culture Through Global Learning

 

The event also celebrated the cultural exchange programs at the heart of WVSU’s internationalization strategy. Enzo Muñoz from the MEEF Master’s Degree program in Teaching Abroad at INSPÉ de Toulouse, Université Toulouse II, shared his experiences in French culture and education, offering a unique perspective on the benefits of international teaching exchanges.

 

Additionally, Mertxe Mendibe Lázaro and María Pilar Arraiz Torre of the Basque Government’s Global Training Grant Programme discussed Spain’s global training initiatives, emphasizing how these programs enrich students’ academic and cultural knowledge.

 

Looking Ahead

 

With the successful execution of WVSU IZN-Making and Taking Opportunities, West Visayas State University once again demonstrated its leadership in global engagement, academic excellence, and international collaboration. The event not only showcased the university’s commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow but also reaffirmed its role as a center for global citizenship and sustainable development.

 

As WVSU continues to expand its global presence, this event marks a significant milestone in its journey toward becoming a hub for international education, equipping students to engage meaningfully in the global community.

 

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

Categories
International News Linkages News

WVSU, Caraga State University foster new opportunities for global mobility and collaboration

On March 27, 2025, a delegation from Caraga State University (CSU)-Cabadbaran Campus visited West Visayas State University (WVSU) to explore and gain insights into WVSU’s best practices, innovative strategies, and the processes in place to foster international exchanges and collaborations.

 

The team, led by Dr. Jona J. Biongcog, Division Chief for Academic Affairs, included key personnel from Caraga State University’s various divisions: Dr. Ritchfildjay L. Mariscal, Division Chief for Admin and Finance; Prof. Maria Annie B. Mortola, Division Chief for Student Affairs and Auxiliary Services; Prof. Ronald A. Monzon, Division Chief for Executive Operations; Dr. Glenn Arthur A. Garcia, Director of the Office of Internationalization and Global Engagements; Prof. Maria Jovita C. Serrano, Head of the Office of Internationalization and Global Engagements; Mr. Carl Vencent M. Niñofranco, CBA IGE Coordinator; Ms. Renissa S. Cosicol, CITTE OIGE Coordinator; and Ms. Hazel P. Tamalla, CTHM IGE Coordinator.

 

The visitors had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Greta Gabinete, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata, Dean, Office of Student Affairs (OSA); Dr. Raymund Moreno, Dean of College of Business and Management (CBM); Dr. Regin Cabacas, faculty of the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT); and Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO).

 

Discussions centered on improving the internationalization efforts of both institutions, with a focus on fostering new partnerships in key areas such as education, business management, ICT, and research.

Both universities are committed to advancing their internationalization strategies, with the goal of enhancing academic opportunities and strengthening ties between institutions.

 

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

Categories
International News Linkages News

WVSU concludes 11th batch of SEA-Teacher Project with Exit Conference

On March 25, 2025, Two students from Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia, Devi Mayanti Magdalena Manullang and Lutfia Hapsari, have successfully completed their month-long teaching internship at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) under the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia (SEA-Teacher) Project.

 

Dr. Rosemarie G. Felimon, Associate Dean of the College of Education, welcomed the exchange students and expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are grateful for the opportunity to have partnered with Universitas Negeri Jakarta for us to share our knowledge, expertise, and experiences with Fia and Devi. Your presence has not only enriched our academic community but has also fostered a stronger partnership between our institutions. Today’s Exit Conference marks the culmination of your internship journey with us.”

 

Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, highlighted the importance of international collaboration in teacher education. “The ongoing participation of WVSU in the SEA-Teacher Project highlights the importance of international cooperation in shaping the future of education in the ASEAN region,” she said.

 

Both students shared heartfelt reflections on their time at WVSU. Devi Mayanti Magdalena Manullang expressed her gratitude, “The academic training I received here at WVSU has been invaluable. It has not only expanded my knowledge but also enhanced my skills to better serve students back home in Indonesia.” Lutfia Hapsari echoed similar sentiments, adding, “This training was particularly helpful, as it has broadened my horizons and given me new tools to use in my teaching career.”

 

Beyond academics, the students expressed immense gratitude for the cultural experiences they had throughout their stay. They recalled participating in traditional Filipino culture, food tastings, and visiting cultural landmarks, all of which they found to be highlights of the program.

 

Dr. John Erwin Pedroso, WVSU College of Education Graduate School Secretary, delivered closing remarks, underscoring the significance of the SEA-Teacher Project in fostering professional development and cross-cultural exchange among educators.

 

“To our exchange students, you have not only contributed to the academic growth of WVSU but have also helped build stronger connections between our institutions. Your presence has bridged the gap between our cultures, and the lessons we’ve learned from one another will continue to guide us in the years ahead,” he said.

 

The SEA-Teacher Project, initiated by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), aims to enhance international collaboration and cultural exchange, while also promoting the professional development of future educators across Southeast Asia.

 

This marks the 11th batch of participants in the SEA-Teacher Project hosted by WVSU, further solidifying the university’s commitment to advancing cross-cultural education and nurturing future educators from across the Southeast Asian region.

 

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

Categories
International News Linkages News

WVSU breaks into top 40 of Philippine Universities in latest EduRank rankings

West Visayas State University (WVSU) has secured the 40th spot among universities in the Philippines and earned global recognition, ranking #2659 in Asia and #6884 worldwide, according to the latest EduRank data for March 2025.

 

EduRank, an independent platform that ranks universities based on research performance, alumni influence, and non-academic prominence, utilizes data from over 115 million scholarly publications and nearly 3 billion citations. This ranking system evaluates institutions across 246 research topics to provide a comprehensive analysis of their global standing.

 

The university’s position reflects its growing impact in the fields of education and scientific research, and the recognition will further solidify its role as one of the key educational institutions in the Philippines.

 

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

Categories
International News Linkages News

WVSU achieves global recognition with 176th spot in 2025 HE Rankings

West Visayas State University (WVSU) has earned a prestigious spot in the 2025 HE Higher Education Ranking, securing 176th place out of 422 universities worldwide. This accomplishment reflects the university’s dedication to academic excellence and its ongoing efforts to improve in key areas such as research, internationalization, and community engagement.

 

The HE Higher Education Ranking, an annual global assessment, evaluates universities based on 25 criteria that cover key aspects of academic and operational performance. These criteria are measured by 177 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which assess institutions across areas such as management, research impact, internationalization, community engagement, and their relationship with the labor market.

 

WVSU’s strong performance in the rankings highlights its significant contributions to education and its positive influence both locally and internationally.

 

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

Categories
International News Linkages News

Learning Beyond Borders: WVSU-Pototan campus students dive into global culture with French Language Crash Course

A French Language and Culture Crash Course, led by Mr. Enzo Muñoz from the MEEF Master’s Degree program in Teaching Abroad at INSPÉ de Toulouse, Université Toulouse II, took place at the West Visayas State University (WVSU)-Pototan Campus on March 21, 2025.

This crash course is part of WVSU International and Local Linkages Office’s continuing efforts to broaden the horizons of its students. Specifically designed for Hotel and Management students, the program provided participants with an immersive experience in French language and culture.

 

Dr. Raymund B. Gemora, Campus Administrator of WVSU Pototan, welcomed the participants, highlighting the importance of foreign exchange programs in promoting cultural diversity. He emphasized how such initiatives provide new perspectives, ideas, and teaching approaches, which can lead to innovation in the classroom. “This foreign exchange internship is a significant opportunity for WVSU, allowing us to bring in new perspectives that can help us stay competitive in the globalized educational landscape,” Dr. Gemora said. He also acknowledged the unique skills foreign interns bring, such as language proficiency, global market knowledge, and technical expertise, all of which are valuable assets for the university.

 

Mr. Muñoz guided the students through basic French vocabulary, greetings, and cultural insights, encouraging a hands-on, interactive learning environment that helped students not only learn the language but also understand the nuances of French customs, etiquette, and traditions.

                                        

The skills gained from the crash course, particularly the practical application of the language, will serve as a valuable asset to students pursuing careers in a global industry where multilingualism and cross-cultural competence are key.

 

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

Categories
International News Linkages News

WVSU amplifies global education impact at FEF-R Students’ Exchange Mobility post-meeting

West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), has taken another significant step towards global academic collaboration with its participation in the Fonds Equipe France – Rapide (FEF-R) Students’ Exchange Mobility post-meeting, held on March 18-19, 2025, at the Alliance Française de Manille, Makati City.

 

Hosted by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, the meeting focused on strengthening educational exchanges between the Philippines and France, and exploring future initiatives to enhance student mobility between the two nations.

 

Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of ILLO, was part of the Roundtable Discussion on Acquired Competencies and Assets, where she shared insights on student activities organized by the French Embassy and reflected on her experience attending the European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference in Toulouse, France, in September 2024.

 

She emphasized the importance of international collaborations in higher education, particularly the competencies and connections gained from such partnerships. She also spoke about the FEF-R program’s impact on enriching students’ academic and cultural exchanges, particularly in strengthening educational ties between the Philippines and France.

 

“My participation at the pre-conference, EAIE, and the post meetings, enriched my knowledge on the French educational system, culture and language. But most importantly, this initiative by the French Embassy opened doors for us to venture into projects for student organizations like the Sanctuarium Maris, and to accept French interns. As a state university, we don’t have the budget to send all students to France, but thru the home-based internationalization initiatives, we can bring them closer to the French”, she said.

 

WVSU’s inclusion as one of the sixteen colleges and universities selected in the project highlights its commitment to international education and its growing role in fostering global collaboration.

 

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO