The West Visayas State University (WVSU) University Health Services (UHS) was officially recognized as the first university clinic in Region VI accredited as a PhilHealth Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) facility during the program held Sept. 4 at the University.
The milestone strengthens WVSU’s efforts to bring accessible and preventive healthcare closer to its students, faculty, staff, and other eligible members of the University community.
As a PhilHealth YAKAP facility, the UHS will provide primary healthcare services focused on prevention, early detection, and timely management of health conditions. The program is designed to help members maintain good health through regular consultations, early disease detection, laboratory services, medicines, and other preventive care, helping address health concerns before they progress into more serious conditions.
PhilHealth Regional Office VI Regional Vice President Marjorie A. Cabrieto delivered a congratulatory message during the ceremony, citing the partnership between PhilHealth and the University.
“Beyond excellence in academics and research, including producing topnotchers, WVSU gives paramount importance on the health and well-being of not just their employees but also of their students and their dependents,” Cabrieto said.
University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz formally accepted the recognition on behalf of WVSU, emphasizing that the significance of the milestone goes beyond being the first school-based health center in the region accredited as a PhilHealth YAKAP facility.
“Beyond being first, what matters most is what this partnership makes possible: bringing preventive healthcare closer to our people, expanding access to essential health services, and transforming our shared commitment to health and well-being into meaningful action that touches lives and strengthens communities,” Villaruz said.
He also underscored the responsibility that comes with the accreditation, particularly the need to continuously strengthen the capacity of the UHS to provide responsive and people-centered care.
Dr. Ronalyn P. Gallinero, University Physician, together with members of the UHS team, accepted the recognition on behalf of the University Health Services. Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences Dr. Victorino A. Salcedo III, Vice President for Administration and Finance Peter Ernie D. Paris, Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, Faculty Regent Shim Lester G. de Pio, and Alumni Regent Bonifacio P. Gaverza were also present during the launch.
As part of the launch, PhilHealth personnel set up registration booths at the UHS to assist students and other eligible individuals with PhilHealth membership, YAKAP registration, and First Patient Encounter.
Students who are not yet PhilHealth members were provided free assistance with membership registration, while eligible students were given the opportunity to voluntarily register for the YAKAP program.
For WVSU, the accreditation represents another step toward strengthening a culture of health across the University.
“At West Visayas State University, transforming generations means investing not only in knowledge and skills, but also in the health and well-being of the people who carry our mission forward,” Villaruz said.
The University looks forward to sustaining its partnership with PhilHealth in advancing preventive healthcare and ensuring that quality health services remain within reach of the people it serves.
Author: WVSU PAMCO
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WVSU University Health Services becomes first university clinic in Region VI accredited as PhilHealth YAKAP facility
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More than a reunion: WVSU SLS Batch 1989 finds new ways to give back
For West Visayas State University (WVSU) Secondary Laboratory School (SLS) Batch 1989, coming home was more than a chance to revisit old memories. Their reunion became an opportunity to give back.
Through two outreach activities held on July 4 and 5 under the theme “Batch ’89 Giving Back: Excellence and Gratefulness,” the alumni brought together their time, resources, and professional expertise to serve both their alma mater and communities beyond the University. The initiative was led by Organizing Committee Head Mary Theobelle Parreno-Lopez.
The first stop was the Pediatric Ward of the WVSU Medical Center, where the batch donated three pediatric cribs, a 43-inch smart TV, a bookshelf containing 40 hardbound books, educational toys and activity materials, and 80 vacutainers. Beyond the donations, members of the batch spent time with patients and hospital staff, turning what could have been a simple act of giving into an afternoon of presence and connection.
The following day, Batch 1989 brought the same spirit of service to the Ati Village in Lanit, Jaro, reaching 50 families with rice, vegetables, basic medicines, slippers, school supplies, hygiene kits, and pantry goods.
But the outreach was not limited to what could be placed in a donation bag. Drawing from the diverse professions of its members, the alumni also organized a storytelling session, a basic hygiene session, and medical consultations. Members from the education, nursing, and medical fields shared their knowledge and spent time engaging with the community. The activity culminated in a shared meal of arroz caldo prepared together with community members.
The batch was connected to the community through Mr. John Paul Petrola, Director of the University of San Agustin’s Center for Heritage and Indigenous Cultures.
One of the more personal dimensions of the outreach was the batch’s commitment to support Ms. Rowela Palacios, a member of the Ati community and a 2019 graduate of the WVSU College of Education. The alumni are supporting her in completing her remaining K-12 units so she can qualify to take the licensure examination for teachers.
For Batch 1989, giving back has also found its way home. The alumni donated a whole-body walkthrough scanners and a baggage X-ray machine, installed at the University’s gates, as part of efforts to strengthen campus security and help ensure the safety of students and the wider WVSU community.
These acts may have taken different forms — a hospital donation, a community outreach, support for an aspiring professional, or a contribution to campus safety — but they share a common thread: a desire to turn gratitude into something tangible.
A reunion often brings people back to where a shared story began. For WVSU SLS Batch 1989, that return became an opportunity to carry something forward.
Their story is a reminder that the ties built in school can extend far beyond graduation. Years after leaving the halls of WVSU, the values, friendships, and sense of community formed there can continue to find expression through service.
For Batch 1989, giving back is more than remembering where they came from. It is finding ways to make what they received matter to someone else.
WVSU expresses its gratitude to the WVSU SLS/High School Batch 1989 for continuing to remember its alma mater and for turning a celebration of shared memories into meaningful acts of service. -
WVSU installs walkthrough scanner and x-ray machine at entrances to strengthen campus safety and security
West Visayas State University has further strengthened its campus security with the installation of another whole-body walkthrough scanner at the Elementary Gate and a baggage X-ray machine at the Main Gate.
The additional security equipment, donated by WVSU High School Batch 1989 and Safety PH Innovation Inc., forms part of continuing efforts to help keep students, faculty, staff, and visitors safe while inside the University.
The University asks everyone’s cooperation in following campus security protocols and submitting to the required inspection upon entry. These measures are in place for everyone’s safety and security. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to keep WVSU a safe and secure community.