Day: March 16, 2026

Students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) and other institutions gathered at the WVSU Audio-Visual Hall on Mar. 16 for a forum on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) aimed at strengthening media literacy and responsible information consumption among the youth.

The interactive discussion introduced participants to how foreign information manipulation operates online and how it can influence public discourse, highlighting the need for critical thinking and careful verification of information in the digital age.

Prof. Joesyl D. Aranas, chair of the Development Communication Division, welcomed the participants, organizers and guest speakers during the opening program. She emphasized the importance of becoming informed and responsible consumers of information amid the fast-changing digital landscape.

Guest speakers shared insights from research and journalism. Janina Santos of DoubleThink Lab discussed the basics of FIMI and presented case studies showing how foreign influence operations shape narratives online. Christina Chi of PhilStar.com shared newsroom experiences in gathering data and reporting on FIMI-related issues, while Prof. Felipe Salvosa II of PressOne.Ph examined how narratives, influence and manipulation can reshape public perception.

An open forum moderated by Atty. Joseph Bernard A. Marzan, senior reporter of the Daily Guardian, allowed students to engage with the speakers and ask questions about media literacy and information verification. The program concluded with the awarding of certificates to speakers and participants, followed by closing remarks from Francis Allan L. Angelo, editor-in-chief of the Daily Guardian.

The forum was organized through a collaboration among the WVSU Development Communicators’ Society, Daily Guardian, and InterNews to help strengthen media resilience and promote informed public discourse in the region.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) has appointed Dr. Victorino Salcedo III as vice president for Medical and Allied Sciences, a role he formally accepted during the University’s flag-raising ceremony on Mar. 16 at Jubilee Park.

University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz introduced Salcedo to the University community, citing his longstanding service to the institution and contributions to medical education and healthcare at WVSU.

“When I reflect in this moment, I realize that my entire life has been deeply intertwined with this University,” Salcedo said. “In many ways, this institution has shaped not only my professional life but also the way I think about leadership, service, and public responsibility.”

Salcedo’s academic and professional journey has been closely tied to the University. He entered WVSU at age 16 as a student in the biology program, later completing his medical degree and surgery residency at the University Medical Center. He eventually joined the College of Medicine faculty, teaching anatomy and surgery, and served as consultant in the Department of Surgery. He also earned his master’s degree in public governance from the University.

Beyond his professional milestones, Salcedo shared that WVSU also holds personal significance for him, recalling that he met his wife on campus during his student years.

“Because of all these memories and experiences, this University holds a special place in my heart,” he said, adding that it was difficult to decline the opportunity when Villaruz offered him the position.

Salcedo accepted the post with gratitude and emphasized the importance of collaboration in fulfilling the responsibilities of the office. He expressed his intention to work closely with faculty, staff and students in advancing the University’s mission in medical and allied health education, and asked the community to keep him in their prayers “that I may be blessed by the Lord with wisdom in all the things that I do and in all the decisions that I make.”

Salcedo succeeds Dr. Celina Cordero-Gellada, who now serves as dean of the College of Medicine after assuming the position on Mar. 1.