WVSU

Day: May 26, 2025

  • She Studied “Everything Under the Sun”-Now She’s a LET Topnotcher

    She Studied “Everything Under the Sun”-Now She’s a LET Topnotcher

    When the Professional Regulation Commission released the 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) results on May 23, West Visayas State University once again earned a spot on the national leaderboard. But behind this year’s fifth placer in the Secondary Level exam is more than just a high score—there’s a story of grit, grounding, and a girl named Gizelle.

    Gizelle Amour Tabangcora Tagabi, a BSEd Social Studies graduate and summa cum laude of the WVSU College of Education Class of 2024, scored an impressive 93.00%, officially becoming one of the top LET examinees in the country.

    But those who knew her story weren’t surprised. A consistent academic performer and the former Editor-in-Chief of Silak Media, the college’s award-winning publication, Gizelle has long embodied excellence—with both her intellect and her heart in the right place.

    “I reviewed everything I could, everywhere I could.”

    That was Gizelle’s no-frills answer when asked how she prepared for the LET. But her preparation ran deeper than that. Her Social Studies background, she said, helped sharpen not only her content mastery but also her worldview.

    “The thing about Social Studies is that you have to know everything under the sun,” she laughed. “And I think that translates well into the LET.”

    More than just book smarts, Gizelle credits her achievement to her roots.

    “I feel like I’ve been preparing for the LET my whole life. From the way I was raised, to every teacher who guided me—grade school, high school, college—I wouldn’t have made it without them,” she shared.

    That sense of gratitude is a hallmark of her journey. Whether competing in national quiz bees or being named an IWAG Awardee by the Philippine Information Agency for her impact in campus journalism, Gizelle has always balanced brilliance with humility.

    In fact, she was already giving LET-level answers even before the real thing: she topped her class’s Mock Licensure Exam in her senior year and emerged as champion in the Provincial Leg (Iloilo) of the 1st National Teacher Education Quiz Bee, later becoming a national finalist.

    Gizelle Amour Tabangcora Tagabi is more than a topnotcher—she’s a torchbearer for what it means to be Taga-West: brilliant, grounded, and ready to teach the next generation.

    To Gizelle and all the Taga-West passers of the 2025 LEPT—Congratulations!

    Your triumphs today will become the lessons of tomorrow.

    #WVSUexcels
    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUCares
    #WVSU

    Text by DO Callosa, Dr. Hazel P. Villa/PAMCO
    Layout by C Calimlim/PAMCO, with sources from Gizelle Tagabi/Facebook, PRC/Website

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  • French ambassador impressed with La Maison du Leganes dining experience

    French ambassador impressed with La Maison du Leganes dining 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.

    #WVSUInternationalization #WVSUILLO
    #WVSUTransformingGenerations

    Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia

    Text: 𝘋𝘳. 𝘏𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘭 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢, 𝘗𝘈𝘔𝘊𝘖 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳
    Photos: 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘮𝘢

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  • E-Bridge phase 6 culminates in volunteers’ appreciation day celebration

    E-Bridge phase 6 culminates in volunteers’ appreciation day celebration

    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

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  • 2 WVSU Students Named 2025 Outstanding Students of Iloilo

    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.

    On top of being named as TOSIA Awardees, Psyche and Anton bagged distinguished awards. Psyche was hailed as TOSIA Artisan and claimed the Best in Advocacy Video award. Meanwhile, Anton received the major distinction of being included in the TOSIA Top Circle.

    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

    #WVSUexcels
    #WVSUCares
    #TagaWest
    #WVSU

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

    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.

    #WVSUexcels #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUGAD #WVSUDropInCenter

    Text and photos by JA Temelo/PAMCO

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