Day: April 30, 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