West Visayas State University (WVSU) gathered its faculty and staff from across the University system for the 2026 General Assembly for Faculty and Staff on August 10 at the WVSU Cultural Center, setting the tone and direction for Academic Year 2026-2027 through a shared commitment to institutional excellence, service, and transformation.

Anchored on the theme of moving WVSU forward, the assembly highlighted the University’s accomplishments in the previous academic year while presenting key priorities and initiatives for the year ahead. University President Prof. Joselito F. Villaruz delivered his message, “WVSU Forward: Celebrating Progress, Transforming Generations,” reflecting on the University’s gains in academic excellence, research and extension, financial performance, and healthcare services.

In his message, Villaruz emphasized that WVSU’s progress is a collective achievement built on the dedication of its faculty, staff, students, alumni, partners, and stakeholders. He also outlined the University’s continuing priorities, including strengthening academic quality, expanding research productivity and international collaboration, enhancing community development, accelerating digital transformation, improving infrastructure and learning environments, advancing healthcare services, pursuing national and international quality recognition, strengthening financial sustainability, and sustaining WVSU’s global visibility.

“The future calls for us to think bigger, innovate further, and serve with greater purpose,” Villaruz said, emphasizing that the University’s work must ultimately be measured not only through numbers and records, but through the lives touched, communities empowered, and future built together.

Charting the way forward

The University’s vice presidents likewise presented their respective directions and priorities for AY 2026-2027.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Asuncion V. Dequilla, centered her presentation on the University’s most important priority: its students. Her presentation emphasized empowering faculty, enriching instruction, and enhancing student services, underscoring the shared responsibility of educators and university personnel in preparing students for their future.

Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences Victorino A. Salcedo III presented the University’s commitment to its students, employees, and communities through student care, employee health, and community impact. His presentation highlighted competence, compassion, science, and service as key elements in building a healthier and more resilient WVSU community.

For research, innovation, and extension, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension Greta G. Gabinete presented an “Impact Pathway” that moves from research and innovation toward technology transfer, extension, and ultimately meaningful impact. The framework emphasizes the University’s role in turning knowledge into solutions and bringing these solutions to communities.

Meanwhile, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Peter Ernie D. Paris presented the University’s direction toward enabling institutional excellence, focusing on productive and responsive governance, sustainable resource and financial management, and infrastructure, systems, and digital transformation. His presentation underscored the need to strengthen policies, ensure transparency, manage resources wisely, and build systems that support a future-ready university.

Together, the presentations provided a systemwide view of WVSU’s priorities for the coming academic year—from instruction and student services to healthcare, research and innovation, community engagement, governance, financial sustainability, and digital and physical infrastructure.

Recognizing the WVSU community

The assembly also recognized the faculty and staff, whose excellence and service continue to support WVSU’s operations across its campuses.

Campus Administrators of the six satellite campuses (Calinog, Himamaylan City, Janiuay, Lambunao, Pototan, and the College of Agriculture and Forestry) as well as the deans of the University’s main campus colleges and VPAF Peter Ernie D. Paris welcomed those in attendance.

The assembly also featured the Recognition of Top Instructors and Professors in Teaching Effectiveness, presented by Prof. Alona M. Belarga, PhD, Director of Instruction and Quality Assurance, honoring faculty members who demonstrated excellence in teaching based on the faculty evaluations from the previous year.

Faculty Regent Hon. Shim Lester G. de Pio, President of the WVSU Federated Faculty Association, likewise delivered a message to the University community.

Welcoming a new generation of WVSU personnel

The University formally welcomed its newest members, who were introduced by Doullie M. Lotilla, Administrative Officer V of the Human Resource Management Office. They then took their oath of office before President Villaruz, officially marking the beginning of their service to the University and its stakeholders.

Adding to the celebration were special performances by West Crew and the Irong-Irong Dance Company, bringing energy and festivity to the gathering.

As WVSU begins another academic year, the General Assembly served as both a reflection on how far the University has come and a reminder of the work that lies ahead. WVSU moves forward into AY 2026-2027 with a shared direction: to strengthen the University, deliver greater value to its stakeholders, and continue Transforming Generations.