February 6, 2026

WVSU hosts ‘Bridging Worlds’ workshop to strengthen global readiness

West Visayas State University advanced its internationalization efforts through a two-day seminar-workshop, “WVSU Bridging Worlds: Protocol and Intercultural Intelligence,” held Feb. 5–6 at the Center for Teaching Excellence Hall.

Organized by the International and Local Linkages Office in partnership with the Human Resource Management Office, the event gathered directors, unit heads, internationalization coordinators, faculty, staff, and student ambassadors for sessions on protocol, diplomacy, and intercultural competence.

Dr. Louis Placido F. Lachica, WVSU focal person to the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, opened the workshop with a lecture underscoring the university’s commitment to SDG-aligned communication and shared responsibility in advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

ILLO Director Edel Carmela Subong Csoka outlined WVSU’s internationalization directions, followed by Executive Assistant III Danielle Galecio, who discussed diplomatic protocol, event and conference management, and the role of protocol officers in ensuring professionalism and cultural sensitivity.

Dr. Danebeth Narzoles, CHED Regional Office VI internationalization focal person, presented CHED’s 7-Point Agenda, which focuses on lifelong learning, human capital development, inclusive internationalization, data-driven governance, and strengthened institutional systems.

Sessions on intercultural intelligence were led by Subong Csoka and workshop facilitator Alisa Mei Locsin, while Quality Assurance Office Administrative Officer IV Christine Liz Jimenea discussed the role of global rankings in strengthening institutional visibility.

On the second day, Mary Lou G. Escullar, supervising tourism operations officer of the Department of Tourism Region VI, presented the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, emphasizing improved service standards and regional competitiveness.

The workshop forms part of WVSU’s broader push to build globally ready graduates and deepen its engagement in international and local networks.

#WVSUTransformingGenerations
#WVSUexcels

February 6, 2026

CON strings hearts out to emerge as champs in ’26 UDays Battle of the Bands

Hanging on to their last chance to impress Taga-Wests during the culmination of this year’s University Days, several bands vied for a podium finish in this year’s Battle of the Bands competition at the WVSU Grounds, Jan. 30.

As one of the highly-anticipated contests in the yearly University Days, the participating bands representing their campuses and colleges did not disappoint the crowd with their musical numbers—ranging from all-time favorite songs like “Himala” by Rivermaya; “Bang Bang” by Ariana Grande, Jessie J, and Nicki Minaj; “Mundo” by IV of Spades; and “Basang-basa sa Ulan” by Aegis.

After an electrifying three-hour-long spectacle of talent, the College of Nursing emerged as the Champion, followed by last year’s champion Himamaylan City Campus at second place, and College of PESCAR at third, with the College of Education and Pototan Campus following at fourth and fifth spots respectively.

For the special awards, two ensembles went on neck-and-neck: Himamaylan City Campus winning the Best Guitarist, Best Bassist, and Best Drummer while the College of PESCAR snatching the Best Keyboardist and Best Vocalist.

Despite experiencing delays in the events due to unforeseen circumstances, this year’s Battle of the Bands competition left the crowd electrified, which continued even after the event during the WVSU Night.

#BANAAGsangWEST2026 #OneWVSU
#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels
2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

Write-up by Abbygale Hope Abasolo & Amiel Roy Zaulda/ Pagyuhum Publication

Photos by Benz Nicolf Casador, Circo Lawrence Dumaicos, & Aryhan Kate Patrona/ Pagyuhum Publication

February 6, 2026

First-ever Radio Broadcasting Competition held during 2026 University Days

The sounds from the speakers echoed louder, and the sharpness of voices flowing through the microphones was strongly felt as the West Visayas State University (WVSU) community witnessed the first-ever Radio Broadcasting Competition of the 2026 University Days on Friday afternoon, January 30, at the WVSU Audio-Visual Hall.

Nine (9) colleges and satellite campuses of the university showcased and raised their banners high, demonstrating their skills and competence in journalism and on-air news broadcasting. Among the contenders in the competition were WVSU Pototan Campus (Tribu Algao), College of Communication (Tribu Delan), College of Business and Management (Tribu Mayari), College of Education (Tribu Hanan), College of Arts and Sciences (Tribu Adlaw), College of Nursing (Tribu Haliya), WVSU Janiuay Campus (Tribu Mapatar), WVSU Himamaylan City Campus (Tribu Libulan), and the College of PESCAR (Tribu Dalikmata).

In an interview, John Paul Guerra, a former Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) Radio Broadcasting Qualifier and a third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies student from Tribu Libulan of WVSU Himamaylan City Campus, shared his excitement about the competition and his experience as a member of their radio news team representing their campus.

“Actually, when I entered West [Visayas State University], isa gid sa mga gina-look forward ko nga competition amo ang Radio Broadcasting. But sad to say, sang first year ko, wala pa ini ginahimo. Sang second year naman, nag-asa gid ako, pero wala pa gid gihapon. But in God’s will, natabo na gid ini—nga daw ka-miss man bala sa feeling. and it felt great, actually. The tension, ang kakulba, kag ang kasadya during our performance were all worth it gid ya, kag indi gid ini mabayluhan sang bisan ano nga bagay,” Guerra said.

At the last day of the Bana-ag sa West celebration on Friday, January 30, the winners from the Individual, Group, and Major Awards were also recognized. Darlen Miranda of the College of Nursing (Tribu Haliya) received the Best News Presenter award. LJ Orpheus Soriano and Lourlene Mondejar, also from Tribu Haliya, were named Best Anchors. The same college also bagged the Best Technical Application and Best Script awards. Meanwhile, the College of Communication (Tribu Delan) won Best in Infomercial.

Tribu Dalikmata of the College of PESCAR placed as 4th Runner-Up, followed by the College of Education (Tribu Hanan) in 3rd Runner-Up. Tribu Libulan of WVSU Himamaylan City Campus secured the 2nd Runner-Up position, while Tribu Delan of the College of Communication finished as 1st Runner-Up. Emerging as the champion of the inaugural Radio Broadcasting Competition was Tribu Haliya of the College of Nursing.

As the competition marked its first year, the Radio Broadcasting Competition aimed to provide student broadcasters a platform to hone their skills in on-air journalism, teamwork, and technical application. With its successful first run, the university envisions the competition as a continuing and expanding event in the coming years, strengthening campus journalism and nurturing future media professionals among the Taga-West.

#BANAAGsangWEST2026 #OneWVSU
#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels

2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

Write-Up by Jeff Brian Caña, The Mediator
Photos by Matthew Immanuel Sayman, Ken Torres, The Mediator

February 6, 2026

Short plays from 10 colleges light up Day 3 of 2026 University Days

Short scenes left lasting impressions as 10 colleges brought original plays to the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Cultural Center stage on the evening of Jan. 29, 2026 as part of the Day 3 activities of the 2026 University Days.

Student groups from various colleges presented original plays lasting 5 to 10 minutes. These showcased diverse stories addressing the impact of social media on youth, family unity, Filipino values, and other relevant issues affecting contemporary young people.

With genres ranging from drama to comedy, the performances reflected the creativity and talent of the Taga-West community.

Performances were evaluated based on acting, directing, technical design, and overall play quality. Criteria focused on the interpretation of material, use of space, technical execution, and the effectiveness of storytelling in engaging the audience.

The theatrical showcase brought the third day of festivities to a close as the university celebration heads into its final day.

#BANAAGsangWEST2026 #OneWVSU
#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels

2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

Write-up by Jurish Pauleen Hitalia, ICON Publication
Photos by Meryll Klaryze Polaron, ICON Publication

February 6, 2026

Filipino brand of service excellence anchors WVSU bridging worlds seminar

Emphasizing service excellence as a key element of internationalization (IZN), the seminar-workshop “WVSU Bridging Worlds: Protocol and Intercultural Intelligence” gathered non-teaching staff, faculty members, IZN coordinators, and DagYoung student ambassadors from the main and external campuses on February 6 at the WVSU Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) hall.

The activity was organized by the International and Local Linkages Office, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Western Visayas and the Human Resource Management Office, as part of efforts to strengthen global readiness through culturally grounded and values-based service practices.

The session featured Ms. Mary Lou G. Escullar, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer of the DOT Region VI, who presented the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence and discussed the 7Ms of Filipino Hospitality and Service Excellence.

Highlighted in the session was the ‘Mabuhay’ gesture, a key expression of Filipino hospitality that demonstrates a warm greeting, respectful body language, attentiveness, and genuine courtesy in engaging guests. This simple yet powerful practice leaves a lasting positive impression, reinforcing service excellence in both local and international settings.

Ms. Escullar emphasized that service excellence in tourism must be consistently experienced across all tourism touchpoints.

The session enriched participants’ knowledge and enhanced their skills in delivering authentic Filipino hospitality aligned with both local standards and international expectations.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO