WVSU

Day: August 29, 2025

  • WVSU marks end of ASEAN Month 2025 with food fest, awarding

    WVSU marks end of ASEAN Month 2025 with food fest, awarding

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) officially wrapped up its ASEAN Month 2025 celebration today, August 29, with a Closing Program, ASEAN Foodfest, and Awarding Ceremony at the administration lobby.

    The culminating event was spearheaded by the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), in support of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and joined by the different external campuses of the University.

    Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of ILLO, opened the program with her welcome remarks, emphasizing the importance of sustaining partnerships and cultural exchanges among ASEAN member states.

    This was followed by a message from Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance and OIC-University President, who highlighted the relevance of ASEAN’s vision in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, education, and economic development. He also mentioned how food unite ASEAN citizens.

    The program featured the Awarding of Certificates to the Judges and recognition of winners in the competitions:

    • My ASEAN Story writing contest
    • ASEAN Bulletin Board Competition


    Dr. Alona M. Belarga, Director of Instruction, delivered the Closing Remarks, commending the participants and organizers for their efforts in promoting ASEAN awareness.

    To cap the festivities, guests and participants enjoyed the ASEAN Foodfest, which showcased diverse culinary traditions across the region.

    Earlier this month, WVSU launched its ASEAN Month celebration on August 4 with an Opening Program and ASEAN Attire Showcase, setting the tone for a month-long series of cultural and educational activities.

    With the theme “ASEAN 58: Towards Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN Future,” this year’s celebration underscored the role of regional cooperation in building a more resilient and united Southeast Asia.

    Declared through Presidential Proclamation No. 282, s. 2017, ASEAN Month is celebrated every August across the Philippines to encourage Filipinos—especially the youth—to engage with ASEAN’s vision and goals.

    Throughout the month, WVSU hosted activities that fostered cultural understanding, regional solidarity, and international collaboration—reflecting the university’s commitment to nurturing globally aware and socially responsible citizens.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU Drop-In Center Ipinagdiwang ang Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa

    WVSU Drop-In Center Ipinagdiwang ang Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa

    Ngayong Agosto 29, 2025, inorganisa ng WVSU Drop-In Center ang selebrasyon ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa sa pamamagitan ng isang makulay na programa na ginanap sa Rehearsal Room. Lumahok ang mga mag-aaral mula sa Pink, Yellow, Blue, at Green na klase, kasama ang kanilang mga magulang, sa iba’t ibang aktibidad upang isulong ang wikang Filipino. 

    Nagpakitang-gilas ang mga bata sa entablado na nakasuot ng makukulay na tradisyonal na kasuotan habang ipinapahayag ang kanilang paboritong salitang Filipino, bilang pagpapakita ng yaman ng ating pambansang wika. Ginanap din ang iba’t ibang laro at paligsahan na sinalihan ng mga magulang at mag-aaral. 

    Sa pagsisimula ng selebrasyon, ipinahayag ni Prop. Rosalea Cornelia A. De Leon ang halaga ng ating pambansang wika, “Sa aton gamay nga selebrasyon subong nga adlaw, balikan ta ang aton mga hampang, mga pulong, kag istorya nga paborito kag importante sa aton.” 

    Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay marka ng adhikain ng WVSU na magbigay ng makabuluhang edukasyon sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalaganap ng mayamang kultura at wika ng ating bansa. 

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels

  • WVSU officially designated as King Sejong Institute Iloilo

    WVSU officially designated as King Sejong Institute Iloilo

    In a historic move strengthening Philippine-Korean educational ties, West Visayas State University (WVSU) was formally designated as the host institution of the King Sejong Institute Iloilo (KSI Iloilo), today August 29, at the WVSU board room.

    In his welcome message, Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the significance of the milestone, “Hosting the King Sejong Institute at WVSU reflects our commitment to broaden horizons and provide our students and community with opportunities for intercultural exchange and global competence”, Dr. Balsomo said.

    Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, SUC President IV of WVSU, expressed pride in the university’s role in fostering international partnerships.

    “The establishment of KSI Iloilo is a testament to WVSU’s vision of becoming a globally engaged institution. Through this partnership, we not only teach language but also promote deeper understanding and friendship between Filipinos and Koreans”, he said.

    H.E. Sang Hwa Lee, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, who underlined the importance of cultural ties: “The King Sejong Institute Iloilo is more than a language center—it is a bridge of friendship between Korea and the Philippines. I look forward to seeing more young Filipinos learn our language, experience our culture, and build lasting connections.”

    Representing Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, Executive Assistant Jay Treñas praised the collaboration: “This partnership brings Iloilo closer to the world. It strengthens our city’s cultural diversity and creates opportunities for learning and global engagement.”

    Meanwhile, Mr. Seoggu Pyo, Chairman of the Iloilo-Korean United Community, reaffirmed their support: “We are grateful to WVSU for making this dream possible.

    The Korean community in Iloilo is proud to be part of this journey of mutual learning and cultural exchange.”

    The program featured presentations on the Institute’s Achievements and Hymn, as well as Future Plans presented by Dr. Joy H. Pantino, Director of KSI Iloilo, who shared that the institute will expand its courses and cultural activities to benefit more learners in Western Visayas.

    The highlight of the event was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by WVSU and KSI Iloilo officials, symbolizing the official launch of the Institute.

    KSI Iloilo was formally established in 2025 through a Memorandum of Agreement between WVSU and the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF), following a six-month trial program in 2024 that drew overwhelming participation from students, professionals, and cultural enthusiasts. Since then, the Institute has offered Korean language and culture classes, alongside activities such as Chuseok celebrations, Korean speech contests, and traditional craft workshops.

    The King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF), a public institution under Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, manages more than 240 institutes across 80 countries. Named after King Sejong the Great (1397–1450), who created the Korean alphabet Hangeul in 1443, the Foundation seeks to promote understanding, cooperation, and cultural exchange between Korea and the global community.

    With its official inauguration, KSI Iloilo places WVSU at the forefront of international education and cultural exchange in Western Visayas, creating stronger bridges of friendship between the Philippines and Korea.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO