WVSU

Day: January 14, 2026

  • WVSU strengthens international Teacher Education with 12th SEA-Teacher batch from UAD

    WVSU strengthens international Teacher Education with 12th SEA-Teacher batch from UAD

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed the 12th batch of pre-service student teachers under the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia (SEA-Teacher) Project during a welcome ceremony held today at the university board room.

    The ceremony introduced two practice teachers from Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), Indonesia—Qurrota A’yun and Najwa Lelya Mawarda—who will complete their teaching internship at the WVSU Integrated Laboratory School from January 14 to February 10, 2026.

    In his welcome message, Dr. Ricky M. Magno, Dean of the College of Education, highlighted the value of international collaboration in teacher education.

    “This collaboration stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when institutions come together with a shared vision for excellence in teacher education. To our pre-service teachers, you are not merely participants in a program; you are ambassadors of your country, bringing with you hope, culture, and compassion,” he said.

    Prof. Mary June Pineda, Director of the Integrated Laboratory School, expressed her support for the visiting practice teachers and underscored the school’s commitment to providing a nurturing learning environment.

    An overview of the internship program was presented by Dr. Cheryl Lyn Delgado, Chair of the Division of Secondary Teacher Training, who outlined the academic and teaching components of the SEA-Teacher engagement.

    Messages of welcome were also delivered by student leaders Jesrael G. Amor, Chairperson of the English Majors’ Organization, and Arnel F. Gubatanga Jr., Chairperson of the Circle of Mathematicians, emphasizing student involvement and cultural exchange.

    The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, who reaffirmed WVSU’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and promoting global competence among future educators.

    The SEA-Teacher Project continues to serve as a platform for cross-cultural learning and professional growth, reinforcing WVSU’s dedication to internationalization in teacher education.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Scholars, Students explore Japanese studies at WVSU forum

    Scholars, Students explore Japanese studies at WVSU forum

    West Visayas State University hosted a Lecture Forum and Information Session on Japanese Studies in the Philippines on Jan. 13, bringing together students, faculty members and partner institutions to deepen discussions on history, diplomacy and contemporary issues linking Japan and the Philippines.

    Held at the Research and Extension Building, the forum engaged the WVSU academic community alongside participants from PHINMA University of Iloilo, the University of San Agustin, the University of the Philippines Diliman and the University of the Philippines Visayas. The activity highlighted WVSU’s continuing role as a venue for academic exchange and interdisciplinary learning in Western Visayas.

    The forum featured lectures and information sessions led by experts from the University of the Philippines Asian Center and the Japan Foundation Manila. It was organized in partnership with the WVSU College of Arts and Sciences, the Social Science Department and the Political Science Students’ Organization.

    Japan Foundation Manila program coordinator Jasmine Latina opened the program with an overview of Japanese Studies initiatives and global partnership opportunities, providing students and faculty with information on academic pathways, research support and international collaboration. An open forum followed, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers.

    UP Asian Center Assistant Professor Karl Ian Cheng Chua led the academic discussions with a lecture on peace literature and wartime memory, examining how narratives of victimhood influence public understanding of the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines.

    The program also included a lecture by UP Asian Center Assistant Professor Alexander Michael Palma, who discussed Japan-assisted flood control projects in the Philippines and shared lessons drawn from ex-post audits, linking historical cooperation with present-day development concerns.

    In the afternoon session, education research assistant Michelle Deloria presented academic and research opportunities available at the UP Asian Center, particularly for students and faculty interested in Japanese and Asian studies.

    The forum concluded with a lecture by UP Asian Center Associate Professor Ariel Lopez, who revisited Philippine diplomatic history through Jawi letters from Mindanao, Sulu and the wider Malay world, challenging long-held assumptions about the origins of Filipino diplomacy.

    The activity aimed to strengthen academic engagement, promote Japanese Studies and expand historical and cultural understanding among WVSU students, faculty and staff, reinforcing the university’s commitment to relevant, globally connected scholarship.