WVSU

Day: May 6, 2026

  • WVSU, Silla University conclude global innovation series; CON team tops final pitch

    WVSU, Silla University conclude global innovation series; CON team tops final pitch

    Bridging the 2,500-mile distance between Iloilo and Busan, West Visayas State University (WVSU) successfully concluded its intensive three-session international series, conducted online, “Global Education Innovation for Sustainable Cities: Busan-Iloilo Collaboration,” on April 28, 2026. The program, a landmark collaboration with South Korea’s Silla University, culminated in a high-stakes pitch competition where the College of Nursing (CON) emerged as the grand champion. The activity was facilitated by the Offices of the Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, University Extension and Development Center, and the Directors of Academic Affairs.

    A Vision of Internationalization

    The series opened in February with a powerful message from University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, who underscored WVSU’s commitment to elevating the university to global academic standards. Under the guidance of the Office of Instruction led by Dr. Alona M. Belarga, the program immersed university faculty in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on Quality Education (SDG 4), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

    The Road to Innovation: From Busan to Iloilo

    The collaboration was structured as a three-session intensive series spanning February to April 2026. Keynote lectures from Wootak Jung (Former Director, UNESCO Asia-Pacific), Hyunkyu Oh (Former Busan City Councilor) and Dr. Ricky Becodo (Director of WVSU Extension and Development Center) provided the strategic foundation. Teams were later trained in “Storytelling-Based Approaches’ and & Living Lab”; methodologies by Silla University’s Prof. Eunhwa Lee and Prof. Hayoung Shin, turning theoretical global concepts into practical solutions tailored for the Ilonggo context.

    The Final Pitch: A Battle of Specialized Brilliance

    The final session served as the “moment of truth,” where seven teams from the Main and Satellite campuses defended their visions. The results showcased the diverse expertise of the “Taga-West community:

    • 1st Place: College of Nursing (CON) – Represented by Prof. Sheila Beliran, Dr. Madonna Palmes, and Prof. Febray Lapidante, the team took the top spot with their proposal, “Project CON-CARE: Clinical Outreach and Nursing-Led Community Assessment for Resilience Empowerment” Their project masterfully integrated public health strategies with urban resilience.

    • 2nd Place: College of Communication (COC) – Presented by Dr. Rona Dhel Alingasa, Dr. Louis Placido Lachica, Prof. Joesyl Marie Aranas, Dr. Ricky Abaleña III, and Dr. Shiela Mae Quero), the project “MAGSAYSAY PREPARADO: A Communication-Driven Behavior Change Intervention for Enhancing Disaster Preparedness in Barangay Magsaysay Village, La Paz, Iloilo City”; stood out for its focus on communication-driven behavior change, creating a critical bridge between awareness and survival in flood-prone urban barangays.

    • 3rd Place: College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) – Led by Dr. Michael Victor Gonzales, Dr. Belinda Leonida, Dr. Anthony Leal, and Mr. Nico Mambusadathe, the team’s initiative “Optimizing Residential Waste Valorization Pathways: A WVSU-CAF Initiative Based on Community Waste Profiling and Food Security Needs,” offered a vital solution for community waste management while simultaneously addressing local food security.

    The “One WVSU” spirit was further solidified by the participation of WVSU-Calinog, Himamaylan City, Janiuay, and Pototan. These campuses brought vital provincial perspectives to the global stage, ensuring that the innovation dialogue reached every corner of the region.

    Further, the activity became more meaningful due to the special participation of the College of Communication – Graduate School Students.

    Global Scrutiny and Academic Excellence

    The proposals were scrutinized by a distinguished panel that bridged academic theory and government policy:
    • Prof. Lee Eun Hwa: Dean of the Graduate School at Silla University
    • Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla: WVSU Vice President for Academic Affairs
    • Dr. Greta G. Gabinete: WVSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension
    • Ms. Febie S. Ibojos: Vice Chair of the Iloilo Provincial Social Development Committee

    The Path Forward

    In the closing ceremony, the university leadership signaled that these proposals are not merely academic exercises but blueprints for the future of the region. As WVSU continues to expand its global footprint, this partnership with Silla University serves as a testament to what can be achieved when local ingenuity meets international collaboration.

    For the winners and participants, the Busan-Iloilo journey has set a new benchmark for excellence, proving that the ‘Taga-West’ community is ready to lead the world in sustainable urban innovation.

  • WVSU BSHM students lead PMS training to strengthen front office skills

    WVSU BSHM students lead PMS training to strengthen front office skills

    Second-year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students of West Visayas State University (WVSU) conducted and participated in an advanced training on front office operations and service excellence on April 27–28, 2026, at the WVSU BINHI Building.

    Titled “Optimizing Front Office Operations through PMS for Quality Service Excellence,” the activity was held under the courses Front Office Operations and Management and Quality Service in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, under the guidance of faculty member Ms. Feanna B. Vito.

    The students not only attended the program but also took the lead in organizing, facilitating and managing the activity as part of their course requirements. The hands-on approach allowed them to experience the full process of event management while strengthening their practical skills in the hospitality field.

    A key component of the program was the use of Property Management Systems (PMS), commonly used in hotels to manage reservations, guest information and daily operations. Through the workshop, students gained practical exposure to industry-standard tools, helping them better understand real-time front office procedures, improve service efficiency and enhance their leadership and communication skills.

    Resource speaker Mr. Peter Paul Dayanan of Paul Kaldi Coffee shared insights on real-world front office operations, providing students with industry-based perspectives that complemented their classroom learning.

    The activity forms part of WVSU’s continued efforts to equip hospitality management students with hands-on, industry-relevant skills and prepare them for future careers in the field.

  • WVSU rises to rank 137 in WURI 2026, breaks into global top 500 innovative

    WVSU rises to rank 137 in WURI 2026, breaks into global top 500 innovative

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) has secured Rank 137 in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026, placing it among the Global Top 500 Innovative Universities.

    This marks a significant rise from its 187th position in 2025, highlighting the university’s continued commitment to innovation, quality assurance, enhanced student engagement, and strengthened international collaboration.

    In addition to its overall ranking, WVSU earned recognition in several specialized categories within the WURI Top 100:

    * Rank 8 – Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved (C6)

    * Rank 36 – Student Mobility and Openness (A2)

    * Rank 47 – Future-Oriented Responses to Global Uncertainty and Geopolitical Risk (A7)

    * Rank 83 – SDG- and ESG-Based Responses to Past and Present Global Challenges (A8)

    The World University Rankings for Innovation evaluates universities based on innovation, practical impact, and responsiveness to global and societal challenges, rather than traditional academic metrics.

    WVSU’s improved standing reflects its continued commitment to advancing education that is innovative, socially responsive, and aligned with global standards.