Day: June 1, 2026

West Visayas State University (WVSU) students earned top distinctions at the 17th The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA), with four Taga-West honorees securing places among the competition’s highest awardees and bringing home several special recognitions during the awarding ceremony held May 30 at Robinsons Place Pavia.

Among the university’s awardees, Fritz Jaime Sumbo and Romavil Abelarde of the College of Education and Jan Michael Alayon of the College of Arts and Sciences secured places in the prestigious College Top Circle of Five, one of the highest recognitions granted during the annual search.

Adding to the university’s achievements, Unah Angel Gabrielle Robante of the WVSU Integrated Laboratory School was named to the Junior High School Top Circle of Five, placing her among Iloilo’s most outstanding young student leaders.

The university’s representatives also garnered several special awards. Arcel Vinz Agudo received both the TOSIA Artisan Award and Advocacy Video Award in the college category, while Fritz Jaime Sumbo earned the TOSIA Scholar Award. In the junior high school category, Zoe Alexandria Lanceta was recognized with the TOSIA Artisan Award.

WVSU was recognized with the TOSIA Elite Schools Award, a distinction bestowed on institutions that consistently produce exemplary student leaders.


Organized by JCI Regatta, TOSIA recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, service, and character. This year’s search drew nearly 100 applicants from schools across Iloilo. Following a rigorous screening process that included document evaluation, interviews, and leadership assessments, only a select number of students advanced as awardees and Top Circle honorees.

The West Visayas State University College of Communication (WVSU COC) recognized outstanding student achievement, leadership, and service during Parangal 2026, its annual recognition ceremony held June 1 at the WVSU Cultural Center.

The event brought together students, faculty members, parents, and university officials to celebrate the accomplishments of COC learners for Academic Year 2025–2026 and honor those who demonstrated excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Rona Dhel C. Alingasa, COC dean, commended the students for their dedication and perseverance throughout the academic year. This was followed by a message from Dr. Alona M. Belarga, director of the Office of Instruction, who encouraged the awardees to carry their achievements with humility, uphold the values of truth and service, and use their voices to create meaningful impact in their communities.

Serving as the inspirational speaker was Ms. Mary Zeliet D. Paris, supervising producer of GMA Public Affairs and a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting program, Batch 2017, where she earned the distinction of cum laude. Drawing from her experiences in the media industry, Paris inspired students to step beyond the classroom, seek transformative experiences, and allow the stories and people they encounter to shape them into compassionate and purposeful communicators.

The presentation of academic awards was led by Alingasa together with Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, vice president for Academic Affairs, and Belarga, recognizing students who excelled in their academic pursuits during the school year.

Adding a cultural highlight to the ceremony was a performance by Leobert Vincent M. Delariarte, champion in Vocal Solo Kundiman at the 2026 National Culture and the Arts Festival, accompanied by Prof. Ronie Libutaque, who served as coach and accompanist.

The presentation of non-academic awards followed, led by Dr. Shiela Mae C. Quero, division chair for Broadcasting; Dr. Ricky G. Abalena III, division chair for Journalism; and Ms. Joesyl Marie D. Aranas, division chair for Development Communication. The awards recognized students who distinguished themselves in leadership, campus involvement, competitions, and various co-curricular and extracurricular endeavors.

Another highlight of the event was the oath-taking of the newly elected COC Student Council officers, administered by Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata, dean of the Office of Student Affairs, marking the transition of student leadership within the college.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the College of Communication Graduating Class of 2026, recognizing graduating students as they prepare for commencement exercises and their transition to professional practice.

Ms. Lara Jeunese Villaruel, college secretary and chairperson of the Awards Committee, delivered the closing remarks and congratulated the awardees for their achievements, encouraging them to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and service as ambassadors of the college beyond the university.