Categories
International News Linkages News

French ambassador impressed with La Maison du Leganes ㅤㅤㅤdining experience

No less than Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Republic of the Philippines was impressed with her dining experience at La Maison Du Leganes-French Bistro and Café located in the municipality of Leganes, Iloilo.
 
The ambassador and Claire Châles, Higher Education and Scientific Cooperation officer – Cooperation and Cultural Affairs Department, had dinner at La Maison on May 23, 2025, arranged by the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) of the West Visayas State University (WVSU).
 
“What an incredible experience to have dinner in France… in Iloilo!” wrote Ambassador Fontanel in La Maison’s guest book.
 
She also wrote that “Iloilo deserves the title of gastronomic capital of the Philippines but La Maison deserves the title of best French restaurant. I am impressed!”
 
The Ambassador and Ms. Châles, together with WVSU representatives Edel Carmela Csoka, ILLO director; and Hazel Villa, director of Public Affairs, Marketing and Communications Office were served the following:
 
𝘊𝘖𝘓𝘋 𝘈𝘗𝘗𝘌𝘛𝘐𝘡𝘌𝘙
𝘗𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤, 𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘳𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘴
 
𝘚𝘈𝘓𝘈𝘋𝘌
𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘯
𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢, 𝘵𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘴, 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦
 
𝘗𝘓𝘈𝘛 𝘐𝘕𝘛𝘌𝘙𝘔𝘌𝘋𝘐𝘈𝘐𝘙𝘌
𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨,
𝘗𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘰, 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦
 
𝘗𝘓𝘈𝘛 𝘗𝘙𝘐𝘕𝘊𝘐𝘗𝘈𝘓
𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘯-𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘪𝘴𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘶𝘤𝘦
𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘢
 
𝘋𝘌𝘚𝘚𝘌𝘙𝘛
𝘓𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯’𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘭é
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘯
 
On hand to explain how La Maison came to be were dinner hosts of La Maison — Dr. Anjuli May Jaen, CEO and President; Leah Gonzaludo, Operations Officer; and Ms. Geline Jaen-Gurrea, Finance Officer.
 
Ambassador Fontanel was so pleased with her experience and said she will share the experience with the French Community and invited La Maison to join the Goût de France / Good France this end of May 2025 – the biggest dinner in the world to celebrate French gastronomy which is organized by French diplomatic missions in their host countries as a tribute to the excellence of French cuisine.
 
Text: 𝘋𝘳. 𝘏𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘭 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢, 𝘗𝘈𝘔𝘊𝘖 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳
Photos: 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘮𝘢
Categories
News

2 WVSU Students Named 2025 Outstanding Students of Iloilo

Big congratulations to Anton Miguel Perucho of WVSU College of Nursing and Psyche Una Villaresto of WVSU Integrated Laboratory School for being recognized as two of the 2025 Outstanding Students of Iloilo!
 
They officially received their awards from JCI Regatta during the 16th The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA) held on May 24, 2025, at Robinsons Place Iloilo.
 
Both Anton and Psyche were announced as awardees last April 8, 2025, after going through a tough selection process—complete with bid screening, essay writing, and interviews. Their passion, perseverance, and heart for service made them stand out among many equally inspiring student leaders.
 
TOSIA, organized by JCI Regatta in partnership with DepEd Iloilo, Iloilo City, Passi City, and CHED Region VI, honors students for their academic excellence, leadership, and strong sense of social responsibility.
 
Awardees are grouped into Junior High and College categories, celebrating young changemakers across schools in Iloilo.
 
Anton thanked his parents, Mary Grace and Larry Perucho, as well as Dr. Charmaine Malata, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs, and the WVSU University Student Council 2021–2022.
 
Psyche also expressed gratitude to her parents, Desiree Joy and Senen Villaresto, and gave special thanks to her mentors—Ms. Gerlie Joy Pacete, Dr. Angelou Deloguines, and ILS Principal Prof. Mary June Delariman.
 
We are so proud of you, Anton and Psyche! Keep making WVSU proud and continue being a force for good in your communities.
 
Text by DO Callosa/HP Villa/PAMCO
Publication materials from TOSIA -The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards/Facebook
Categories
News

WVSU Drop-In Center holds moving-up Ceremony, Honors Little Achievers

Seventeen bright preschoolers took center stage as the West Visayas State University Drop-In Center (WVSU DIC) celebrated their Moving-Up Ceremony today at the 4th Floor of the Research Building. With the theme “A Celebration of Little Stars Soaring to New Heights,” the event marked a joyful milestone in the learners’ early education journey.
 
The program began with a warm welcome from Martina Salome Umadhay, one of the preschool completers, followed by an inspiring message from Dr. Jeanette Simpas, DIC Supervisor and Director of the WVSU Gender and Development Office.
 
Dressed in colorful Filipino-inspired attire in support of the Civil Service Commission’s call to wear traditional clothing on the last three Mondays of each month, the preschoolers received their certificates and special recognition awards, each proudly walking on stage to celebrate their achievements.
 
Other DIC students were also recognized as “Sports and Splash” awardees during Open House held on May 5.
 
Closing the ceremony were heartfelt messages of gratitude from selected completers, a message of appreciation from parent representative Mrs. Eunice Ga-an, and closing remarks from fellow preschooler Gracielle Adean Eleonor Demaisip. Parents then shared a festive potluck feast to cap off the celebration.
 
The WVSU Drop-In Center remains committed to nurturing young minds through a learning environment that encourages cooperation, self-discovery, and creativity in helping children grow into confident, compassionate, and responsible individuals.
 
Text and photos by JA Temelo/PAMCO
Categories
News

3 WVSU student journalists honored as 2025 IWAG awardees

Three outstanding student journalists from West Visayas State University have brought honor to the University after being named among the 13 recipients of the prestigious 2025 IWAG Awards by the Philippine Information Agency on May 19.
 
Recognized for their leadership, journalistic excellence, and dedication to development communication were Nove Joy Losbañes, Editor-in-Chief, and Cybelle Rio Jhane Hembra, Associate Editor of Forum-Dimensions, the official university publication; and Roger Sibag Jr., Senior Editorial Consultant and former Editor-in-Chief of Silak, the official publication of the College of Education.
 
Now in its 48th year, the IWAG Awards continue to celebrate campus journalists whose work fosters community engagement, civic awareness, and responsible reporting. Established in 1977, the program aligns with PIA’s commitment to nation-building by recognizing young communicators who serve as agents of positive change.
 
WVSU beams with pride as these taga-West awardees exemplify the excellence and spirit of service that define the University—Basta Taga-West, the Best!
 
Text by DO Callosa/PAMCO
Publication materials from PIA Western Visayas/Facebook
Categories
News

Hospitality students explore culture, cuisine, and collaboration in Vietnam tour

Third-year Hospitality Management students from the West Visayas State University College of Business and Management explored the sights, flavors, and traditions of Vietnam during their international educational tour and cultural immersion from May 4 to 9.
 
The weeklong trip brought the students to Hanoi and Sapa, where they marveled at the scenic landscapes of Halong Bay and ascended the famed Fansipan, also known as the “Roof of Indochina.” The tour also featured hands-on activities, including a Vietnamese culinary and coffee-making class, where students learned the craft behind local cuisine and beverage preparation.
 
More than just sightseeing, the tour served as a cultural bridge. The WVSU students met with Hospitality and Tourism majors from Hanoi University of Culture, exchanging insights on tourism, tradition, and academic life. A cultural exchange event hosted by the Vietnamese university featured music, dance, and messages of friendship that strengthened ties between the two institutions.
 
Accompanying the students were CBM faculty members Dr. Cristy M. Pagente, associate dean; Dr. Ma. Flora Collado, division chair for Hospitality Management; and Sr. Cynthia Miñon, CBM research coordinator.
 
The tour highlighted WVSU’s commitment to global learning and industry immersion, helping students develop cultural awareness, professional skills, and a broader global perspective in preparation for careers in the hospitality field.
 
Text by Hazel P. Villa/PAMCO
Photos and sources from the College of Business & Management
Categories
News

WVSU celebrates CHED’s 31st founding anniversary, 5th National Higher Education Day

Officials of West Visayas State University (WVSU) gathered at the WVSU Unity Park earlier today as the university geared up for the grand caravan of colleges and universities, marking the 31st Founding Anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the celebration of the 5th National Higher Education Day with the theme, “Higher Heights in Higher Education”.
 
WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz led the delegation, accompanied by Vice Presidents Dr. Celina Cordero-Gellada (Medical and Allied Sciences), Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla (Academic Affairs), and Dr. Peter Ernie Paris (Administration and Finance).
 
Adding flair to the WVSU caravan were Mr. and Ms. WVSU 2025 from the College of Nursing, Hyle Daduya and Michelle Anne Juanitas.
Joining the celebration was the West Maral, the official WVSU mascot, proudly featured on the float. The mascot was designed by Mark Joseph Solidarios, a faculty member from the College of Information and Communications Technology.
 
The caravan rolled through Iloilo City, spreading awareness and excitement before culminating at the CHED Regional Office VI with a kickoff program and a mass for the celebration.
 
Events marking CHED’s 31st Founding Anniversary and the 5th National Higher Education Day will run from May 19 to 29, 2025.
 
Text by JA Temelo/PAMCO
Photos by JA Temelo, DO Callosa/PAMCO
Categories
News

WVSU, recycling company, partner for sustainability

West Visayas State University and start-up company Rezbin officially launched their sustainability partnership on campus on May 5, 2025, with the installation of smart recycling bins to promote sustainable practices on campus.
 
Rezbin, a company that envisions making plastic recycling engaging and rewarding, introduced its reward-based mobile application to encourage responsible waste disposal.
 
“To encourage more people to recycle,” said Rezbin co-founder Mari Martirez in an interview with Beyond Innovation TV, “it should be convenient for them, easy for them, rewarding and satisfying. That’s basically the gist of what we do, that’s our philosophy.”
 
Rezbin turns ordinary recycling bins into tools for sustainability by allowing users to scan, upload, and track their recyclable trash through the app and earn points in return.
 
Here’s how it works: Rezbin recycling bins can be located using the Rezbin app. Once found, scan the QR code on the Rezbin, take a photo of your recyclable trash before dropping it in the Rezbin, and you have now earned yourself points.
These points can later be redeemed for raffle tickets and rewards from Rezbin’s partner entities.
 
You can find Rezbin recycling hubs near Magsaysay Hall, Quezon Hall, Rizal Hall, the MPC Building, and across the Administration Building.
 
This partnership highlights the University’s continued pursuit of sustainable practices and healthy collaborations with our partners.
 
Visit Rezbin to know more:
 
Text by Dan Olsen Callosa/PAMCO
Photos by Marvin Fernandez/Admin Officer and Claude Calimlim/PAMCO
Categories
News

DevCom faculty, students presents K-pop research at 10PKSS in UP Diliman

Analyzing the intersectionality of Korean pop and youth civic engagement, a research team from the Development Communication Division of the WVSU College of Communication presented their research “From stans to active citizens: Spaces and motivations for civic (re)engagement in K-pop fandoms in the Philippines” at the 10th Philippine Korean Studies Symposium (10PKSS) last April 28-29, 2025 at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.
 
Joesyl Marie D. Aranas, faculty of DevCom Division, worked with third-year development communication students, Lyann Marie S. Española and Sarah Margaret G. Gavile, to make sense of the growing youth civic disengagement and apathy among the current generation.
 
The study posits that today’s young people didn’t lose their civic sensibilities; it merely shifted to new modes.
 
The research team, all fans of Korean pop music and culture, looked into one of the most novel and emerging spaces where young people practice their active citizenship, “fandom-driven civic engagements.” This is where members of K-pop fandoms launched donation drives during national emergencies, volunteered in environmental and education causes, and supported advocacies for social change.
 
The study identified the type and level of civic engagement conducted by Philippine fandoms, focusing on initiatives of Philippine-based BTS ARMYs, and mapped these efforts into the existing civic engagement space. They also explored what motivates fandoms to conduct these civic actions. Furthermore, the study supports the recommendations of various existing literature that calls for the redefining and reconceptualizing of youth civic engagement and active citizenship.
 
This study is a product of a research mentoring program fostered by the College of Communication’s Development Communication Division and the WVSU Development Communicators’ Society.
 
“These collaborative research efforts of our faculty and students have demonstrated the impact that comes when students are empowered to explore the topics that genuinely matter to them. We plan on harnessing and exploring more of that, given how multidisciplinary communication research can be,” said Dr. Rona Dhel Alingasa, dean of the College of Communication.
 
This international symposium was organized by the UP Korean Research Center and sponsored by the Korean Foundation.
 
Text by Joesyl Marie Aranas
Photo by UP Korean Research Center and UP Department of Linguistics
Categories
News

WVSU employees enjoy pampering services in Labor Day celebration

Employees of West Visayas State University (WVSU) took a well-deserved break from their daily routines as they enjoyed a variety of wellness and self-care services during the “Araw ng Pagpapahalaga sa mga Empleyado ng WVSU”, held on May 2, 2025, at Room 102 of the College of Medicine.
 
In celebration of Labor Day, non-teaching staff indulged in free pampering services including massages, foot spas, manicures, pedicures, and haircuts.
 
A total of 27 employees availed themselves of massage services, 64 received manicure and pedicure treatments, and 19 opted for haircuts. In addition to these services, 57 lucky employees were awarded cash prizes during raffle draws as part of the celebration.
Adding to the festive atmosphere was a talent show that brought energy and excitement to the venue.
 
The activity was part of WVSU’s continuing commitment to employee well-being and appreciation, in line with the nationwide observance of Labor Day.
 
Text by JA Temelo/PAMCO
Photos by OVPAF
Categories
News

WVSU Drop-in Center showcases sports and summer fun at open house

The West Visayas State University Drop-in Center hosted its “Sports and Splash” Open House on April 30, offering children a day of active play and colorful summer celebration. The Open House was a whole-day event held at the WVSU Rehearsal Hall.
 
The event featured sports activities, dynamic games, and a lively dance presentation aimed at promoting physical fitness and social engagement. Children arrived in sporty outfits and later switched to bright summer attire as they embraced the spirit of the season.
 
Center officials highlighted the importance of face-to-face interaction in early childhood, noting that in-person activities help build confidence, social skills, and peer connections.
 
Families capped off the day with a shared potluck, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
 
The Drop-in Center will hold its Moving-up Ceremony on May 26, 2025.
 
By: DO Callosa/PAMCO