WVSU

Day: November 19, 2025

  • WVSU Faculty advances public health research in France through selective SSHN scholarship

    WVSU Faculty advances public health research in France through selective SSHN scholarship

    Marking a significant milestone in West Visayas State University’s international research engagement, Dr. Resti Tito H. Villarino, Assistant Professor III of the College of Nursing, is currently undertaking a four-week research mobility program in La Rochelle, France, from November 19 to December 19 as one of only eight scholars selected for the prestigious Séjours Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (SSHN) 2025 Scholarship awarded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia.

    The scholarship selection was highly competitive, with 37 applications submitted from 22 institutions across the country and only eight research projects chosen for funding.

    The research mobility enabled Dr. Villarino to advance his public health study at Excelia Business School under the mentorship of Dr. Lili Zheng, Associate Professor and HDR-accredited research supervisor. His project, “Analyzing Barriers to Electronic Health Record (EHR) Adoption in Philippine Public Hospitals: A Push-Pull-Mooring Perspective with Integrated TAM and DOI Insights,” examines the persistent challenges faced by healthcare institutions in implementing electronic health records.

    During his stay, Dr. Villarino was integrated into Excelia’s CERIIM Research Center, where he was provided a dedicated workspace equipped with essential research materials. He gained full access to the institution’s extensive library resources, academic databases, and statistical tools such as SPSS and AMOS, which supported the advancement of his data analysis and manuscript development. His mobility experience also allowed him to participate in academic seminars, research group meetings, and faculty consultations, enabling productive scholarly engagement within Excelia’s research community.

    Excelia’s technical and administrative teams offered continuous logistical support, ensuring a smooth and enriching mobility period. In her remarks, Dr. Zheng commended Dr. Villarino’s research progress and emphasized the project’s potential to offer meaningful insights into EHR adoption challenges in Philippine public hospitals while strengthening international academic collaboration.

    This ongoing research mobility continues to strengthen the partnership between France and WVSU, particularly in the areas of research, internationalization, and capacity building.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Across Korea’s Cultural Heartlands: WVSU Students Immerse in Global Tourism Practices

    Across Korea’s Cultural Heartlands: WVSU Students Immerse in Global Tourism Practices

    Third-year BS Tourism Management (BSTM) students of West Visayas State University–College of Business and Management (WVSU-CBM) completed a five-day international educational tour in South Korea from Nov. 8 to 12, 2025. The program encompassed two major cities: Seoul, the capital and largest city, and Busan, the nation’s second-largest city and a prominent port and cultural hub. This initiative provided students with direct exposure to diverse tourism environments, integrating historical, cultural, and contemporary perspectives essential to their professional development.

    In Seoul, students visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, deepening their understanding of Korea’s dynastic history and traditional architectural heritage. The tour also included Bukchon Hanok Village, a well-preserved neighborhood of traditional Korean houses. Here, students observed efforts to maintain cultural identity amid rapid urban modernization, gaining insights into the role of heritage preservation within an evolving metropolitan context.

    The itinerary in Busan emphasized historical learning and community-centered tourism development. Students explored Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a renowned seaside temple celebrated for its scenic coastal location and architectural beauty, illustrating the integration of natural landscapes with historical and spiritual significance. They also visited Gamcheon Culture Village, a post-war refugee settlement transformed into a vibrant “open-air museum” through public art initiatives and community-led revitalization. These sites exemplified the contribution of creative placemaking and grassroots participation to sustainable tourism development.

    The program further highlighted the intersection of sustainability and community-based tourism through visits to Nami Island and Haeundae Beach, where environmental stewardship and active community involvement are central to destination management. Observing these practices firsthand reinforced students’ understanding of sustainability as a critical principle in contemporary tourism management. Interactions with local residents and tourism professionals also enhanced their intercultural communication, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and responsible travel practices.

    Ultimately, the international educational tour exemplifies WVSU’s commitment to providing experiential learning opportunities that broaden students’ global perspectives. By examining how South Korea balances heritage preservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism, students developed competencies necessary for professional excellence. The experience prepares them to become culturally aware, competent, and future-ready tourism professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to the global tourism industry.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels
    Text and photos from WVSU CBM