Day: May 21, 2026

West Visayas State University (WVSU) received four major recognitions and served as host institution for the 6th Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Quality Awards, held at the WVSU Cultural Center as part of CHED’s celebration of its 32nd Founding Anniversary and the 5th Higher Education Day.

The annual awards program recognizes higher education institutions (HEIs) in Western Visayas for excellence in instruction, research, extension, internationalization, and other key areas aligned with CHED policies and quality standards.

WVSU received the following recognitions during the ceremony:
• CHED Regional Office VI’s Partner HEI
• Excellence in Research
• Excellence in Internationalization Initiatives
• Excellence in Peace Education Implementation

The event was led by CHED Regional Office VI Director IV Raul F. Muyong, while CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis delivered a special video message recognizing the contributions of HEIs in advancing quality higher education in the region.

The program also recognized scholarship grantee topnotchers from WVSU and other universities across Western Visayas.

WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz received the awards on behalf of the University together with the vice presidents and key officials. Villaruz also delivered the response speech for the awardees, expressing gratitude to CHED and reaffirming the commitment of HEIs to continue improving the quality of education and service.

The hosting of the regional awards and the recognitions received reflect WVSU’s continuing efforts to strengthen research, internationalization, peace education, and institutional partnerships in support of quality and transformative higher education.

West Visayas State University welcomed partner institutions and cultural stakeholders for the Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras (CMPG) Book Distribution on May 21, 2026, at the WVSU Quezon Hall Merged Rooms, reinforcing efforts to preserve and document the region’s cultural heritage.

The activity served as an early distribution of the books ahead of the project’s official launch in June 2026, in partnership with University of the Philippines Visayas and other local stakeholders. Dr. Mary Ann de la Vega serves as the Project Coordinator of WVSU CMPG for Iloilo City and the 3rd District of Iloilo Province, facilitating local coordination for the cultural mapping initiative.

The books contain documented cultural resources of Iloilo City and the Third District in the Province of Iloilo, including historical landmarks, traditions, practices, local stories, and other heritage elements that reflect the identity of communities in the region.

Present during the event were representatives from the local government offices of Iloilo City and the Third District of Iloilo Province, cultural tourism officers, Dr Bonna Palma, Dean-CAS, Anna Razel Ramirez from UPV, and Neshil Garvilles from the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, cultural workers, and academic institutions involved in the initiative.

Through the initiative, WVSU continues to support cultural preservation and strengthen partnerships with institutions working to promote greater appreciation of the rich heritage of Western Visayas.