Newly promoted faculty members of the West Visayas State University (WVSU), numbering 125, were recognized in this year’s Faculty General Assembly held at the University Cultural Center on August 12, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon. Recognizing the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of instructors, associate professors, and professors from different colleges and campuses of the WVSU system was the highlight of the said assembly as the faculty members took oath, administered by WVSU President Joselito Villaruz.
The faculty members’ promotion was based on the Department of Budget and Management Commission on Higher Education’s Joint Circular No. 3, series of 2022, which provides the guidelines on the reclassification of faculty positions in state universities and colleges (SUCs). “I challenge each of you to approach the academic year 2024 – 2025 with conviction and purpose. Let us build upon past achievements to create a more impactful and transformative educational experience for our students and communities,” Dr. Villaruz said in his message.
The vice presidents of WVSU also gave their messages, emphasizing key matters relating to their respective offices and the university.Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, vice president for Administration and Finance, mentioned the university’s commitment and aspiration for ease of doing business as well as efficient delivery of government services through automation in different offices. He also highlighted the need for the student community to establish “tangible student projects.”
The Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ma. Christine Asuncion Dequilla, raised key points on the procurement of learning materials for students, the use of artificial intelligence in the academe, and her advocacy for agile teaching “which prioritizes continuous feedback.” The Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences, Dr. Celina Gellada, underscored the health services available at WVSU which includes medical and dental services for students, faculty, and staff personnel. “We want to ensure that all members of our community are aware of resources available,” said Dr. Gellada.
Meanwhile, Dr. Greta Gabinete, the vice president for Research, Innovation, and Extension, shared the importance of international and local opportunities in research for societal impact and institutional growth, encouraging faculty members to apply their research that will further strengthen the University’s ties with industries and position WVSU as a leader “in bridging the gap between academe and real-world applications.” Nearing the end of the program, Associate Professor of the College of Information and Communications Technology, Stephen Alayon, then introduced Wired++, the university’s official institutional repository that offers long-term preservation, access, retrieval, and dissemination of scholarly and creative works of WVSU students and faculty.
By Keven Rizzo Sitjar, PAMCO
