Month: April 2025

West Visayas State University (WVSU) continues to pave the way for global collaboration and cultural exchange through its international internship program, as it honored Mr. Enzo Muñoz during the closing ceremony of his internship at the university.

Mr. Muñoz, a French education intern from the Master Métiers de l’Enseignement, de l’Éducation et de la Formation (MEEF) program at INSPÉ de Toulouse, Université Toulouse II, France, spent two months under the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) of WVSU.

Throughout his stay, Mr. Muñoz conducted French classes for journalism students, led crash courses on French language and culture across external campuses, and actively engaged with the university’s internationalization projects.

“I was given this opportunity to do my internship here at West, specifically under ILLO, I taught French to journalism students, handled crash courses, and was exposed to internationalization projects. I’d like to thank Ma’am Edel for trusting me and giving me complete pedagogical freedom. I was able to share my knowledge and culture with the students—and they also taught me about theirs. It was truly an enriching experience”, he said.

Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of ILLO, warmly welcomed attendees and extended her heartfelt thanks to Mr. Muñoz for his passion, dedication, and the international perspective he brought to the university.

Faculty members who worked closely with Mr. Muñoz also shared their experiences. Dr. Joyce Colon, faculty from College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) commended his insightful contributions during her Reading in Philippine History class. Prof. Raffy Galan, faculty member from College of Communication (COC) praised Enzo’s openness to learning and cultural immersion as he participated in a Hiligaynon class, demonstrating his eagerness to connect with the local community.

The ceremony also featured messages from ILLO staff, as well as fellow international interns Mertxe and Pilar from the Basque Country, Spain. Both shared their experiences collaborating with Enzo, reflecting on the cross-cultural connections they formed during their time at WVSU.

Students of the French language courses expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Muñoz’s creative, interactive teaching style. Members of the DagYoung Student Ambassadors acknowledged how the internship helped strengthen cultural bridges and fostered international understanding.

With programs like this, WVSU continues to make opportunities for intercultural learning and solidify its commitment to becoming a globally engaged institution—truly living up to its promise of building “The French Connection” and beyond.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

West Visayas State University is currently holding a forum titled “Perspectives from the Ground: Building Resilience, Positive Responses through Responsible Reporting” at the WVSU Board Room today, April 30, 2025.

Organized by the International and Local Linkages Office, in partnership with the third-year Bachelor of Arts in Journalism students of the College of Communication (COC) and the Center for Peace Education, the forum features speakers from diverse fields sharing real-world experiences and insights on ethical journalism, peacebuilding, and community resilience.

Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office and a professor of Peace Journalism, welcomed the participants by highlighting the crucial role of media in shaping public perception and advancing peace, especially in times of crisis. She stressed the need for future journalists to ground their reporting in empathy, accuracy, and social responsibility.

“In a world increasingly marked by conflict, division, and misinformation, the role of peace journalism has never been more critical. This approach challenges us to go beyond headlines, to explore the deeper causes of conflict, and to give voice to those often left unheard. It reminds us that journalism is not just about reporting events—it is also about how we report them, and the impact our words have on peace, understanding, and unity”, she said.

The forum features a diverse panel of speakers with expertise grounded in real-world experience. Among them are Ms. Alexia Galera, a Bachelor of Secondary Education student from WVSU-Janiuay Campus; Atty. Ariel I. Ballega, Information Technology Officer I at the Department of Education in Negros Occidental; PMAJ Shiela Mae A. Sangrines, spokesperson for the Iloilo City Police Office; and Mr. Moshe Jobel Aranas, a videographer, editor, and documentarist.

An open floor discussion provides participants the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, deepening the conversation on the role of journalism in addressing conflict, promoting understanding, and responding to crises with accuracy and empathy. Mr. Ramon Belleno III, faculty member of WVSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, and Mr. Gierson Bordon, BAJ Student, serves as the reactor for the event, offering reflections and insights on the themes discussed.

The forum underscores WVSU’s continued commitment to peace education and journalistic integrity, empowering future communicators to become responsible storytellers and agents of positive change.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

Roxas City, Capiz – April 29, 2025 — A convergence of international insights and local commitment marked the Symposium and Open Dialogue on Environmental Sustainability. International interns from West Visayas State University—Mertxe and Pilar from Basque, Spain, and Enzo from Toulouse, France—shared lessons from global environmental governance models and their relevance to Capiz’s ongoing sustainability efforts.

Opening Messages and Institutional Support

The symposium opened with a welcome address by Mr. Ronald Allan F. Cullo, Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Capiz. He emphasized the urgency of climate resilience and expressed gratitude for the knowledge exchange enabled by the presence of the international interns.

Dr. Antoniette Cortez, Director of the WVSU Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), delivered an empowering message on the critical role of educators in fostering environmental consciousness. She called for academic institutions to take the lead in developing future stewards of the environment.

Forum on Environmental Literacy and Community Empowerment

A key highlight of the symposium was the in-depth dialogue on environmental literacy, where both international and local voices stressed the need to embed sustainability education in formal curricula and community engagement programs.

The interns praised their experience in Capiz, noting the province’s potential for innovative environmental action through strengthened community participation and educational reform. Their testimonies underscored that informed citizens are essential to successful environmental governance.

Sectoral Updates from Environmental Leaders

Local environmental officials offered comprehensive updates on Capiz’s sustainability programs. Moon Alinsangan, DMO I and head of the Information, Communication and Education/Climate Change Adaptation Section, highlighted awareness campaigns tailored for schools and barangays.

For. Kiua Mariz Chavez-Penuela, EMS I and head of Forest Management Services, discussed current reforestation and biodiversity conservation projects.

Agr. Reynald Dejapa, EMS I and head of Coastal Resource Management, detailed mangrove rehabilitation and marine protection efforts.

Ma. Lyn L. Ronzales, EMS I and head of Pollution Control and Solid Waste Management, presented on waste reduction and community-based segregation initiatives.

Grassroots Perspectives and Reflections

Adding depth to the local dialogue, Jeff Finnagan Schwartz, a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, shared experiences from his community-based work in Capiz, reinforcing the message that sustainable change begins at the grassroots level.

Dr. Harold O. Beunvenida, Director of the Capiz Ecology and Conservation Center, concluded the panel discussions by emphasizing the need to balance ecological protection with socio-economic development. He noted that learning from other regions, while anchoring solutions in local culture and context, is key to long-term sustainability.

A Shared Path Toward Sustainability

The exchange of ideas—enriched by the international interns’ global experiences—highlighted the universal nature of environmental challenges and the collective responsibility to address them through education, inclusive governance, and local empowerment.

Participants capped off the event with a guided tour of the Capiz Provincial Park and the Philippine Native Tree Arboretum—symbols of the province’s dedication to biodiversity and ecological education.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

West Visayas State University (WVSU) and the Philippine Information Agency Region VI (PIA VI) formally entered into a partnership today, April 25, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing held at the WVSU campus.

The MOU was signed by Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, President of WVSU, and EnP Cheryl B. Amor, Regional Head of PIA VI. The collaboration aims to strengthen collaboration between the university and the government in promoting sustainability, policy development, and civic engagement among students, faculty, and staff.

“This partnership with PIA VI represents our collective commitment to ensuring that the truth is not only accessible but also amplified in the right ways. We at WVSU believe in the transformative power of communication — to educate, to empower, and to inspire change” said Dr. Villaruz.

Under the agreement, WVSU and PIA VI will implement joint projects, information drives, workshops, and forums aimed at raising awareness on government policies, sustainable practices, and civic responsibility. The initiative will also provide avenues for students and faculty to engage in public discourse and contribute to policy discussions.

Also present during the ceremonial signing were Ms. Easter Anne Doza, Assistant Regional Head of PIA VI; Mr. Franz Remar Garion, Information Officer II of PIA VI; Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) of WVSU; and Prof. Lara Jeunesse Villaruel, faculty member of the College of Communication (COC).

This strategic partnership marks a step forward in promoting responsive and responsible communication efforts, enhancing transparency, and supporting development goals across Western Visayas.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Universitas Potensi Utama (UPU) Indonesia held a virtual roundtable discussion on April 24, 2025, bringing together legal and technology experts to address the rising threat of cybercrime in Southeast Asia and explore solutions through cybersecurity tools and legal reforms.

The session, held shortly after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two universities.

The roundtable featured Dr. Budi Triadi, M.Kom, from the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at UPU; Dr. Mujib Medio Annas, M.Kn, from the Faculty of Law at UPU; Dr. Frank Elijorde from WVSU College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT); and Atty. Federic Loise Regencia from WVSU College of Law.

At the heart of the discussion was the growing concern over the rise in cybercrime, especially online scams and identity theft, which have become increasingly prevalent across Southeast Asia. The experts shared insights into how technologies like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems are being deployed to detect digital anomalies, providing early warnings and improving incident response in both public and private digital infrastructures.

Dr. Elijorde emphasized the significance of real-time monitoring and threat detection through SIEM, stating that proactive systems are essential in combating the sophisticated methods employed by cybercriminals today. Dr. Triadi highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and intelligence-sharing, noting that cybercrime is a borderless threat that requires a unified approach among Southeast Asian nations.

Legal frameworks for cybercrime in both the Philippines and Indonesia were also brought into focus. Dr. Annas and Atty. Regencia discussed the challenges in implementing and enforcing cybersecurity laws, particularly in communities with low digital literacy. They stressed the need for stronger legal education, public awareness campaigns, and inclusive digital policies that protect citizens without compromising access and convenience.

The roundtable concluded with a renewed commitment to academic cooperation between WVSU and UPU. Both institutions expressed their intention to pursue joint research initiatives, policy recommendations, and outreach programs that will enhance cybersecurity and digital literacy in underserved communities.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Universitas Potensi Utama (UPU) of Indonesia officially entered into a new academic partnership through a virtual Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony today, April 24.

The online event brought together key officials from both institutions. WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “Advancing internationalization through joint collaboration between faculty and students highlights the essence of this partnership and WVSU’s commitment to going global”.

Also present were Atty. Pauline Grace T. Buñol–Alfuente, Dean of College of Law (COL); Dr. Ma. Beth S. Concepcion, Dean of the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT); Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO); and faculty members from CICT and COL, signaling a focused collaboration in the fields of legal education and information technology.

The agreement aims to promote international academic exchange, research collaboration, joint conferences, faculty mobility, and shared curriculum development.

Discussions are also underway for potential collaborations in the fields of Communication and Business.

This MoU represents a step forward in WVSU’s continuing commitment to global engagement and cross-cultural academic growth.

On April 15, 2025, Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) of West Visayas State University (WVSU), attended the Erasmus+ Information Day for the Philippines 2025 at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Central Office in Quezon City.

The session, organized by CHED in collaboration with the European Union (EU), aimed to raise awareness and promote greater participation of Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) in the Erasmus+ program.

The event gathered International Relations Officers (IROs) from various PHEIs, offering a platform to learn from institutions that have successfully implemented Erasmus+ projects. These institutions shared practical insights and strategies on proposal development, partnership-building, program implementation, and evaluation. Their experiences served as a valuable guide for emerging and aspiring Erasmus+ participants, equipping attendees with real-world knowledge on how to navigate the program and leverage its benefits.

Ms. Edel expressed optimism about WVSU’s future engagements with Erasmus+, highlighting the program’s potential to strengthen global partnerships and enrich academic experiences for both faculty and students. She noted that the session provided not only technical insights but also inspiration to pursue international opportunities that align with WVSU’s vision of academic excellence and internationalization.

“The Erasmus+ programs provide opportunities for us in the academe to maximize our potentials, tap experts, and use our strengths to bring about change, with funding that assists in our efforts”, she said.

Topics discussed during the session included Key Action 1 – Mobility of Individuals, which supports the mobility of students, educators, and staff for international learning and professional experiences. Key Action 2 – Cooperation Among Organizations and Institutions was also highlighted, particularly focusing on Cooperation Partnerships and Alliances for Innovation. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality and relevance of institutional activities, promote joint operations on a transnational level, and strengthen networks that support education and workforce development.

Another key component discussed was the Jean Monnet Actions in the field of higher education. These actions support teaching and research in European Union studies worldwide, and may take the form of Modules, Chairs, or Centres of Excellence. These structures aim to develop expertise in EU-related subjects and foster multidisciplinary collaboration.

The Erasmus+ Information Day for Philippines 2025 marked a significant step in reinforcing the Philippines’ presence in the global academic community, with CHED and the EU working closely to build the capacity of local institutions and empower them to thrive in the international education landscape.

To note, WVSU is a recipient of the Erasmus+ grants for projects like FORTH, FAB, and CALOHEA.