Month: May 2025

West Visayas State University (WVSU) once again proved its commitment to global engagement as it received the Excellence in Internationalization (IZN) Initiatives Award for the fourth consecutive year at the 4th Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Awards held on May 28, 2025, at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, Central Philippine University, Iloilo City.

The award was accepted by Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, alongside WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, and Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation Dr. Greta Gabinete.

The CHED Regional Quality Awards, held in celebration of CHED’s 31st founding anniversary and the 5th Higher Education Day, recognize higher education institutions for excellence in board examination performance, research, instruction, internationalization, and institutional innovation.

WVSU’s four-year winning streak, which began in 2022, reflects its unwavering efforts to establish international partnerships, enhance academic mobility, and offer globally competitive programs.

WVSU remains a leading institution in Western Visayas, setting the standard in international academic partnerships and innovation.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

A new chapter in internationalization for Western Visayas’ higher education institutions unfolded as Director Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka of the International and Local Linkages Office, West Visayas State University (WVSU) was elected President of the Region VI International Relations Officers (IRO) Council during the event “Activating Linkages: International Relations Officers Convergence” held at the Research and Extension Hub of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) in Tiwi, Barotac Nuevo on May 27, 2025.

The event gathered International Relations Officers from public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Region VI to align their Internationalization (IZN) efforts with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) IZN Pillars, which focus on building global partnerships, international mobility, and academic excellence through international engagement.

Twelve HEIs, including WVSU, presented their 2025 IZN initiatives, showcasing their strategies for global collaboration, faculty and student exchange, and cross-border academic linkages.

In her presentation, Director Edel highlighted WVSU’s ongoing and upcoming IZN programs, including active linkages with international universities, faculty mobility projects, and research collaborations aimed at fostering global competencies.

The convergence also marked the formal establishment of the Region VI IRO Council, culminating in the election of its first set of officers. As newly elected president, Director Edel is expected to lead the council in strengthening regional cooperation, sharing best practices, and creating joint initiatives to elevate the international profile of Region VI’s academic institutions.

The event was held in celebration of CHED’s 31st Anniversary and 5th Higher Education Day, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to promoting global standards and innovation in Philippine higher education.

With the formation of the Region VI IRO Council, and under Director Edel’s leadership, Western Visayas is poised to build stronger international linkages, support capacity-building among IROs, and promote a more globally engaged academic community.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

In a celebration of dedication, service, and intercultural learning, Education for an Interdependent World (EDIW) and West Visayas State University (WVSU) held the e-BRIDGE Volunteers’ Appreciation Day on May 26, 2025, at the Center for Teaching Excellence Hall.

The event marked the successful completion of Phase 6 of the e-BRIDGE International Digital Learning Program, and honored the student-teacher volunteers who contributed their time, talents, and compassion to promote digital education across cultural and regional boundaries.

The program opened with a message from Andrei Jan Tono, Lead Student Volunteer, who shared heartfelt reflections on the significance of the volunteers’ work. “Through each virtual classroom, we planted seeds of hope, knowledge, and unity,” Tono said.

Messages from key figures followed, including Dr. Emma Melgarejo, Project Coordinator for Asia and North America, who praised the volunteers for their selfless service and dedication to promoting digital education across diverse communities. “You are proof that education can transcend limitations and bring people together,” she said.

Dr. Julia Maria Gonzales Ferreras, President of EDIW, emphasized the deeper mission of the organization: “Our goal is to develop young people who are globally aware and locally responsive. You have shown exactly what that looks like.”

Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs, expressed pride in the university’s continued partnership with EDIW. “This program exemplifies the kind of engaged, transformative learning WVSU stands for,” she said.

Volunteers were formally recognized during the certificate awarding ceremony, honoring their commitment to teaching literacy, English, and science to young learners in diverse communities. The event also featured personal reflections from three student volunteers, who spoke about the impact of their work and the meaningful connections they built throughout the program.

Athria Vidiot, Assistant Lead Student Volunteer, delivered the closing remarks, calling on her fellow volunteers to carry the experience forward. “Phase 6 may be over, but our journey as educators and bridge-builders continues. Let’s keep making a difference—wherever we go,” she said.

Dr. Antoniette Cortez, Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence and International Program Coordinator, was also present to lend her support. A champion of the initiative since its inception, Dr. Cortez reaffirmed the program’s transformative impact and announced that Phase 7 will be launched in October 2025. Notably, the upcoming phase will welcome student volunteers from WVSU Himamaylan Campus and the College of Communication (COC), expanding the program’s reach and inclusivity.

The-BRIDGE program has expanded its reach, fostering literacy, language proficiency, and scientific knowledge through digital platforms. Phase 6 further strengthened these efforts, bringing together volunteers and learners from different regions to build bridges through education.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

West Visayas State University (WVSU) deepened its global engagement as it hosted French Ambassador Her Excellency Marie Fontanel on May 23, 2025, at the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), paving the way for new academic partnerships and collaborative initiatives in education, sustainability, and international exchange.

Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the strong support the French Embassy has continuously provided to WVSU’s internationalization efforts.

” West Visayas State University has always believed in the power of education not only to uplift communities but also to connect them across borders. We continue to take another step toward that vision. By joining hands with the French Embassy, we open new doors for our students, faculty, and researchers to engage with a culture and academic tradition that has long been known for its depth, creativity, and global influence”, he said.

During the visit, Ambassador Fontanel presented a comprehensive overview of the diverse educational opportunities available in France, ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate programs. The presentation aimed to encourage WVSU students and faculty to explore scholarships and exchange programs that foster academic growth and cultural exchange abroad.

Johnric Vargas, Special Projects Coordinator of the Sanctuarium Maris initiative, also discussed the ongoing sea turtle nest conservation project. Located in Barangay Atabayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo, the project is a key environmental effort by WVSU’s internationalization student arm, the DagYoung Student Ambassadors.

Barangay Chairman Edison Camiña, representing the local community hosting the conservation site, expressed his gratitude for the project’s positive impact on both environmental preservation and community awareness.

Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), underscored the importance of the partnership with the French Embassy in advancing WVSU’s goals for global engagement and sustainability.

“This is not just a partnership on paper or in words-it is a living, breathing collaboration built on shared values: excellence, mutual respect, and a belief in education as a force for good. As we deepen our ties, we also recognize the importance of cultural appreciation and understanding”, she said, recalling key initiatives including funding through the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) for student mobility training and educational trips to France; backing the Sanctuarium Maris project led by the DagYoung Student Ambassadors; and sponsoring the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) delegation trip to France, in which WVSU participated.

The event was further enriched by the active participation of students from various colleges who engaged with Ambassador Fontanel in meaningful dialogue.

The visit further solidifies the close ties between WVSU and the Embassy of France, highlighting the shared commitment to educational development and environmental stewardship.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO