WVSU

Category: Education and Research

  • West Philippine Sea Protection drives maritime awareness at WVSU

    West Philippine Sea Protection drives maritime awareness at WVSU

    Reinforcing its commitment to global awareness and civic engagement, West Visayas State University convened a forum on February 14 focused on protecting the West Philippine Sea, underscoring the vital role of the youth in promoting maritime awareness.

    The event gathered students from NSTP–CWTS, ROTC, and the College of Education Graduate School.

    Representatives from the National Task Force delivered a lecture on Philippine national security and developments in the West Philippine Sea, outlining key geopolitical realities and the country’s maritime policies.

    The forum concluded with a poster-making activity, where students translated their insights into creative advocacy pieces.

    The program was mounted in collaboration with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, International and Local Linkages Office, Office of the University President, NSTP–CWTS, ROTC, and the Center for Peace Education, demonstrating a shared commitment to informed and active citizenship.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU selected among 30 HEIs for CHED-CBIE project advancing Canada-PH academic linkages

    WVSU selected among 30 HEIs for CHED-CBIE project advancing Canada-PH academic linkages

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) has been selected as one of the 30 Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to participate in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Project entitled “Leading Internationalization: Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Canada-Philippines Linkages.”

    CHED, in partnership with the Canadian Bureau for International Education and through its International Affairs Service (IAS), launched the initiative to strengthen academic and institutional ties between the Philippines and Canada, building on a collaboration that began in 2014. The project is supported by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC) under the Indo-Pacific Regional Connectivity Envelope.

    The initiative aims to strengthen the IZN capacity of Philippine HEIs by equipping university administrators and key officials with foundational knowledge, leadership skills, and strategic tools to foster global engagement, particularly in developing and sustaining partnerships with Canadian institutions. The program will be delivered in a blended format, combining online synchronous and asynchronous learning sessions, and will culminate in an in-person workshop for a selected cohort of participants.

    Representing WVSU in the project are Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO); and Dr. Michael Victor Gonzales, College of Agriculture and Forestry IZN Coordinator.

    Through this engagement, WVSU continues to strengthen its academic linkages with Canadian institutions and reaffirm its vision of becoming a globally competitive university responsive to the evolving landscape of international higher education.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • ILS Batch ’76 marks golden anniversary with homecoming at WVSU

    ILS Batch ’76 marks golden anniversary with homecoming at WVSU

    Graduates of the Integrated Laboratory School Batch 1976 returned to West Visayas State University to celebrate their 50th Anniversary Alumni Homecoming, reconnecting with classmates and revisiting their alma mater five decades later.

    Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla welcomed the group and shared updates on the university’s current academic developments and ongoing institutional initiatives.

    Director Jonathan Gloria of the University Alumni Affairs Office also presented recent accomplishments and activities of the WVSU Alumni Association, underscoring the university’s continued commitment to engaging and supporting its alumni community.

    Their golden gathering reaffirmed the enduring bond between the alumni and the university they continue to call home.

  • WVSU delegates touch down in India for e-Bridge student mobility and cultural exchange

    WVSU delegates touch down in India for e-Bridge student mobility and cultural exchange

    Strengthening its commitment to internationalization and global citizenship, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) delegation has arrived in Pune, India, for a 15-day mobility and cultural exchange program under the e-Bridge Intercultural Digital Learning initiative, scheduled from February 12 to 27, 2026.

    Leading the team is Dr. Antoniette D. Cortez, Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence and International Program Coordinator, along with e-Bridge teacher-volunteers: Chia Camelle C. Guillen and Louis Kenneth T. Visaya, both fourth-year BSED English students who began their e-Bridge journey as first-year volunteers, and Ann Mariel T. Ebiota, a second-year BSED English student.

    The three volunteers were selected by Reeves Rodrigues, founder of Poveda Foundation India and e-Bridge India coordinator.

    The mobility program offers an opportunity for meaningful face-to-face interactions with partner learners, enabling volunteers to gain deeper cultural insights, refine teaching strategies, and enhance the impact of their virtual engagements.

    Since its launch in 2022, the WVSU e-Bridge Intercultural Digital Learning Program has grown into a dynamic platform for global collaboration. The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between WVSU and Education for an Interdependent World (EDIW), represented by WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and Dr. Emma T. Melgarejo, EDIW Project Coordinator for Asia and America, on behalf of EDIW President Dr. Julia Maria González Ferreras of Brussels, Belgium.

    This international engagement is part of Phase Eight of the EDIW e-Bridge Program, reinforcing the WVSU–EDIW partnership and its commitment to global citizenship education and borderless learning.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU, Linguistic Society seal partnership for LSP international conference

    WVSU, Linguistic Society seal partnership for LSP international conference

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) and the Linguistic Society of the Philippines (LSP) formalized their partnership on Feb. 9 with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, confirming WVSU as host of the 8th LSP International Conference (LSPIC 2026) set for April 23–25 in Iloilo City.

    The agreement strengthens WVSU’s role as a hub for national and international academic exchange, with LSPIC 2026 expected to bring together scholars, educators and researchers to examine emerging linguistic studies and the role of language in shaping communities.

    College of Education Dean Dr. Ricky M. Magno welcomed participants, followed by an overview of the conference by LSPIC 2026 co-director Esperval Cezhar H. Cadiao. Dr. Victoria Albacete introduced the WVSU organizing team, while LSP President Dr. Rachelle Ballesteros-Lintao presented the LSP Board and underscored the significance of the collaboration.

    The ceremony also included separate MOA signings with the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and the Department of Education (DepEd), broadening institutional cooperation in support of education and academic programs.

    WVSU OIC-President Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris expressed the University’s full support as conference host, saying, “Seeing the LSP, ISUFST, DepEd, and WVSU have come together, this fills us with immense pride. Our officials and University community are fully committed to ensuring that this partnership will be a success.”

    Cultural performances by the Irong-Irong Dance Company and the Panayana Cultural Group highlighted the program, which concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Cadiao reaffirming WVSU’s commitment to academic excellence, service and sustained engagement through national and local partnerships.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels

  • WVSU, ICCC, and Irodori Inc.-Japan ink MOA for Iloilo Wagamama Innovators project

    WVSU, ICCC, and Irodori Inc.-Japan ink MOA for Iloilo Wagamama Innovators project

    A new international collaboration aimed at empowering student innovators was formalized on February 10 as West Visayas State University, Iloilo City Community College (ICCC), and Irodori Inc.-Japan signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the International and Local Linkages Office for the implementation of the “Iloilo Wagamama Innovators” project.

    Dr. Joey E. Elechicon delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In his message, he underscored the value of international collaboration in strengthening innovation and digital competence among students.

    Atty. Sharon B. Millan, Project Coordinator, presented the overview and rationale of the partnership. Inspired by Irodori Inc.’s “Wagamama Lab” approach, the initiative encourages students to transform their “wagamama,” or small community-centered wishes, into practical and innovative mobile applications that address local challenges.

    The 8-week initiative engages 15 students from ICCC and 15 students from WVSU-Lambunao Campus in mobile app development training under the guidance of Japan-based trainers from Irodori Inc. Through online lectures, mentorship, and hands-on activities, participants enhance their digital literacy, creativity, and problem-solving skills while developing functional app prototypes for their respective communities.

    Messages of commitment were delivered by Dr. Peter Ernie P. Paris, OIC President of WVSU; Dr. Arnold G. Rago, OIC President of ICCC; and Mr. Takahiro Yatsu, Representative Director of Irodori Inc.-Japan.

    Followed by the ceremonial signing of the MOA, which officially formalized the partnership among the three institutions. The closing message of Prof. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, ILLO Director, was delivered by Dr. Cheryll Dawal, Campus Administrator of WVSU-Lambunao Campus.

    The partnership reflects a shared commitment to nurturing socially responsible digital innovators capable of contributing meaningful solutions to local and global communities.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU hosts ‘Bridging Worlds’ workshop to strengthen global readiness

    WVSU hosts ‘Bridging Worlds’ workshop to strengthen global readiness

    West Visayas State University advanced its internationalization efforts through a two-day seminar-workshop, “WVSU Bridging Worlds: Protocol and Intercultural Intelligence,” held Feb. 5–6 at the Center for Teaching Excellence Hall.

    Organized by the International and Local Linkages Office in partnership with the Human Resource Management Office, the event gathered directors, unit heads, internationalization coordinators, faculty, staff, and student ambassadors for sessions on protocol, diplomacy, and intercultural competence.

    Dr. Louis Placido F. Lachica, WVSU focal person to the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, opened the workshop with a lecture underscoring the university’s commitment to SDG-aligned communication and shared responsibility in advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

    ILLO Director Edel Carmela Subong Csoka outlined WVSU’s internationalization directions, followed by Executive Assistant III Danielle Galecio, who discussed diplomatic protocol, event and conference management, and the role of protocol officers in ensuring professionalism and cultural sensitivity.

    Dr. Danebeth Narzoles, CHED Regional Office VI internationalization focal person, presented CHED’s 7-Point Agenda, which focuses on lifelong learning, human capital development, inclusive internationalization, data-driven governance, and strengthened institutional systems.

    Sessions on intercultural intelligence were led by Subong Csoka and workshop facilitator Alisa Mei Locsin, while Quality Assurance Office Administrative Officer IV Christine Liz Jimenea discussed the role of global rankings in strengthening institutional visibility.

    On the second day, Mary Lou G. Escullar, supervising tourism operations officer of the Department of Tourism Region VI, presented the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, emphasizing improved service standards and regional competitiveness.

    The workshop forms part of WVSU’s broader push to build globally ready graduates and deepen its engagement in international and local networks.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels

  • CON strings hearts out to emerge as champs in ’26 UDays Battle of the Bands

    CON strings hearts out to emerge as champs in ’26 UDays Battle of the Bands

    Hanging on to their last chance to impress Taga-Wests during the culmination of this year’s University Days, several bands vied for a podium finish in this year’s Battle of the Bands competition at the WVSU Grounds, Jan. 30.

    As one of the highly-anticipated contests in the yearly University Days, the participating bands representing their campuses and colleges did not disappoint the crowd with their musical numbers—ranging from all-time favorite songs like “Himala” by Rivermaya; “Bang Bang” by Ariana Grande, Jessie J, and Nicki Minaj; “Mundo” by IV of Spades; and “Basang-basa sa Ulan” by Aegis.

    After an electrifying three-hour-long spectacle of talent, the College of Nursing emerged as the Champion, followed by last year’s champion Himamaylan City Campus at second place, and College of PESCAR at third, with the College of Education and Pototan Campus following at fourth and fifth spots respectively.

    For the special awards, two ensembles went on neck-and-neck: Himamaylan City Campus winning the Best Guitarist, Best Bassist, and Best Drummer while the College of PESCAR snatching the Best Keyboardist and Best Vocalist.

    Despite experiencing delays in the events due to unforeseen circumstances, this year’s Battle of the Bands competition left the crowd electrified, which continued even after the event during the WVSU Night.

    #BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels
    2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

    Write-up by Abbygale Hope Abasolo & Amiel Roy Zaulda/ Pagyuhum Publication

    Photos by Benz Nicolf Casador, Circo Lawrence Dumaicos, & Aryhan Kate Patrona/ Pagyuhum Publication

  • First-ever Radio Broadcasting Competition held during 2026 University Days

    First-ever Radio Broadcasting Competition held during 2026 University Days

    The sounds from the speakers echoed louder, and the sharpness of voices flowing through the microphones was strongly felt as the West Visayas State University (WVSU) community witnessed the first-ever Radio Broadcasting Competition of the 2026 University Days on Friday afternoon, January 30, at the WVSU Audio-Visual Hall.

    Nine (9) colleges and satellite campuses of the university showcased and raised their banners high, demonstrating their skills and competence in journalism and on-air news broadcasting. Among the contenders in the competition were WVSU Pototan Campus (Tribu Algao), College of Communication (Tribu Delan), College of Business and Management (Tribu Mayari), College of Education (Tribu Hanan), College of Arts and Sciences (Tribu Adlaw), College of Nursing (Tribu Haliya), WVSU Janiuay Campus (Tribu Mapatar), WVSU Himamaylan City Campus (Tribu Libulan), and the College of PESCAR (Tribu Dalikmata).

    In an interview, John Paul Guerra, a former Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) Radio Broadcasting Qualifier and a third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies student from Tribu Libulan of WVSU Himamaylan City Campus, shared his excitement about the competition and his experience as a member of their radio news team representing their campus.

    “Actually, when I entered West [Visayas State University], isa gid sa mga gina-look forward ko nga competition amo ang Radio Broadcasting. But sad to say, sang first year ko, wala pa ini ginahimo. Sang second year naman, nag-asa gid ako, pero wala pa gid gihapon. But in God’s will, natabo na gid ini—nga daw ka-miss man bala sa feeling. and it felt great, actually. The tension, ang kakulba, kag ang kasadya during our performance were all worth it gid ya, kag indi gid ini mabayluhan sang bisan ano nga bagay,” Guerra said.

    At the last day of the Bana-ag sa West celebration on Friday, January 30, the winners from the Individual, Group, and Major Awards were also recognized. Darlen Miranda of the College of Nursing (Tribu Haliya) received the Best News Presenter award. LJ Orpheus Soriano and Lourlene Mondejar, also from Tribu Haliya, were named Best Anchors. The same college also bagged the Best Technical Application and Best Script awards. Meanwhile, the College of Communication (Tribu Delan) won Best in Infomercial.

    Tribu Dalikmata of the College of PESCAR placed as 4th Runner-Up, followed by the College of Education (Tribu Hanan) in 3rd Runner-Up. Tribu Libulan of WVSU Himamaylan City Campus secured the 2nd Runner-Up position, while Tribu Delan of the College of Communication finished as 1st Runner-Up. Emerging as the champion of the inaugural Radio Broadcasting Competition was Tribu Haliya of the College of Nursing.

    As the competition marked its first year, the Radio Broadcasting Competition aimed to provide student broadcasters a platform to hone their skills in on-air journalism, teamwork, and technical application. With its successful first run, the university envisions the competition as a continuing and expanding event in the coming years, strengthening campus journalism and nurturing future media professionals among the Taga-West.

    #BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

    2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

    Write-Up by Jeff Brian Caña, The Mediator
    Photos by Matthew Immanuel Sayman, Ken Torres, The Mediator

  • Short plays from 10 colleges light up Day 3 of 2026 University Days

    Short plays from 10 colleges light up Day 3 of 2026 University Days

    Short scenes left lasting impressions as 10 colleges brought original plays to the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Cultural Center stage on the evening of Jan. 29, 2026 as part of the Day 3 activities of the 2026 University Days.

    Student groups from various colleges presented original plays lasting 5 to 10 minutes. These showcased diverse stories addressing the impact of social media on youth, family unity, Filipino values, and other relevant issues affecting contemporary young people.

    With genres ranging from drama to comedy, the performances reflected the creativity and talent of the Taga-West community.

    Performances were evaluated based on acting, directing, technical design, and overall play quality. Criteria focused on the interpretation of material, use of space, technical execution, and the effectiveness of storytelling in engaging the audience.

    The theatrical showcase brought the third day of festivities to a close as the university celebration heads into its final day.

    #BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

    2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

    Write-up by Jurish Pauleen Hitalia, ICON Publication
    Photos by Meryll Klaryze Polaron, ICON Publication