WVSU

Day: October 16, 2025

  • Passion for Korean Language leads WVSU BAFL Student to Excellence Award in KSI speech contest in South Korea

    Passion for Korean Language leads WVSU BAFL Student to Excellence Award in KSI speech contest in South Korea

    What began as a passion for language learning has taken Bryl Christian R. Sario, a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language (major in Korean) student at West Visayas State University (WVSU), all the way to Seoul, South Korea—where he earned the Excellence Award in the 2025 King Sejong Institute Speech Contest Finals.

    Representing both the King Sejong Institute (KSI)–Iloilo and the Philippines, Sario stood among the top 10 finalists worldwide, captivating the judges with his story of perseverance and purpose throughout his five-year Korean language journey. His speech highlighted his deep appreciation for the Korean language and his aspirations to foster intercultural understanding between Filipinos and Koreans.

    Before the final round, Sario and other international participants joined a weeklong cultural immersion program in Korea, gaining firsthand experiences that deepened their connection to Korean traditions and values.

    Sario was mentored by Ms. Reeran Park of KSI–Iloilo, who guided him after his victory in the local speech contest held last May.

    The King Sejong Institute Speech Contest, organized annually by the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF), gathers outstanding learners from over 240 KSI centers worldwide to celebrate excellence in Korean language and culture.

    Sario’s achievement also reflects the growing impact of KSI–Iloilo, which operates under the WVSU College of Arts and Sciences. Established in partnership with KSIF, the institute aims to provide quality Korean language education and promote global linkages through cultural and academic exchange.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz amplifies WVSU’s global presence in Health Research at ARISE 2025 in Japan

    Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz amplifies WVSU’s global presence in Health Research at ARISE 2025 in Japan

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz leads the university’s participation in the 4th Annual ARISE (ARO Alliance of Southeast and East Asia) Meeting held in Nagasaki, Japan, from October 16 to 17, 2025.

    With the theme “Leveraging ARO Capacity to Strengthen the Clinical Trials Ecosystem in ARISE,” the event brings together key leaders from Academic Research Organizations (AROs) across Asia to strengthen collaboration in clinical research and public health development.

    The meeting is co-hosted by Nagasaki University, renowned for its expertise in infectious disease research and disaster preparedness. It is supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) under the project “Clinical Research and Clinical Trial Platform Formation to Promote International Research Cooperation Between Japan and Asian Countries in the Field of Infectious Diseases.”

    Dr. Villaruz’s engagement in the meeting highlights WVSU’s dedication to advancing health research and enhancing evidence-based healthcare in the region.

    “At WVSU, we serve communities that lack access to advanced healthcare and research facilities, particularly in rural areas. Our action plan is anchored in the belief that clinical research should not be confined to urban centers alone. By establishing a clinical trial unit and investing in local capacity-building, we hope to bridge this gap and make research more inclusive and impactful. This aligns with ARISE’s vision of strengthening research ecosystems, especially in regions traditionally underrepresented in clinical studies,” Dr. Villaruz shared.

    The ARISE network envisions becoming a leading and reliable collaboration of AROs in Asia that promotes infectious disease clinical trials while upholding ethics, integrity, safety, and quality in research. Through this international engagement, WVSU continues to affirm its role as a research-driven institution committed to global collaboration, innovation, and improving public health outcomes through science.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU Student Earns Excellence Award in Global Korean Speech Contest

    WVSU Student Earns Excellence Award in Global Korean Speech Contest

    Bryl Christian R. Sario, a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language (BAFL) major in Korean at West Visayas State University, earned the Excellence Award at the 2025 King Sejong Institute Speech Contest Finals held Oct. 15 in Seoul, South Korea.

    Representing both the King Sejong Institute (KSI)–Iloilo and the Philippines, Sario was among the top 10 finalists chosen from hundreds of contestants across more than 240 KSI branches worldwide. His winning speech shared his five-year journey of learning the Korean language, his motivations for pursuing Korean studies, and his future goals in the field.

    Before the competition, Sario and other finalists participated in a weeklong cultural immersion program in Korea. As part of his competition, he will remain in South Korea until Oct. 20 for further cultural activities and engagements.

    The KSI Speech Contest is held annually by the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) to foster global appreciation for Korean language and culture participated in by outstanding learners from across the world, each representing their respective KSI branches.

    Sario first secured his spot in the finals after winning the local competition hosted by KSI–Iloilo on May 31. The preliminary round, joined by 11 participants, highlighted the learners’ experiences in studying the Korean language and culture.

    He was mentored by Ms. Reeran Park, instructor at KSI–Iloilo, which operates under the College of Arts and Sciences at WVSU. The institute, formally inaugurated last August following a Memorandum of Agreement between WVSU and the King Sejong Institute in Korea, aims to strengthen Korean language education and cultural exchange in Western Visayas.

    According to Ms. Krizza S. Cañete of KSI–Iloilo, this achievement reflects the strength of WVSU’s Korean language program and the success of the institute in promoting Korean language and culture in the region.

    “Since may ara kita BAFL nga program, mas gina-strengthen ang aton Korean program, especially sa pagpalaganap sang Korean culture—not just sa WVSU but in the whole Western Visayas. Kita lang ang KSI sa Western Visayas. Aside sa internationalization sang aton university and as the only university nga naga-offer sang Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language program, mas na-help pa gid ni KSI nga maging stronger ang program ta for Korean language,” Cañete said.

    Sario’s international recognition marks a milestone for both WVSU and KSI–Iloilo, showcasing the growing impact of the university’s foreign language programs on the global stage.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels