The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Law Vox Populi Moot Court Team paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the President on January 28, 2026, following their First Runner-Up finish at the 30th Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition – Southeast Asian Regional Rounds.
Team 1219, composed of Yan Germinanda, Patrick Palquiran, and Emilio Combatir, clinched the First Runner-Up title, earning the team a spot at the International Rounds to be held in Florida, USA, later this year.
Together with the team are WVSU College of Law Dean Ian Thomas M. Besana, REB, LLM, Atty. Regina Johanna V. Gustilo, and Atty. Larry Pestaño.
West Visayas State University congratulates the College of Law and extends its best wishes as it prepares for its next competition.
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Category: Education and Research
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WVSU College of Law Moot Court Team pays a visit to the University President
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Ambassador of South Korea to the PH Lee Sang-hwa meets KSI Iloilo and WVSU officials to strengthen academic and cultural ties
His Excellency Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to the Philippines, met with officials of West Visayas State University (WVSU) and the King Sejong Institute Iloilo (KSI Iloilo) today, strengthening academic and cultural ties between South Korea and the Philippines.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Joy H. Pantino, Director of KSI Iloilo; Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Prof. Saturnino Luke A. Sobrevega, Associate Dean of CAS; Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office; Ms. Arizza Julia Inocencio, faculty member from the WVSU–Department of Language Studies; Ms. Krizza S. Cañete, Project Manager of KSI Iloilo, along with other faculty members and staff from CAS and KSI Iloilo.
Discussions focused on KSI Iloilo, formally established in 2025 through a Memorandum of Agreement between WVSU and the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF). Professor Ree Ran Park played a key role in helping bring the Institute to life after a six-month trial program in 2024 that drew strong participation from students, professionals, and cultural enthusiasts. Since then, the Institute has offered Korean language and culture classes, as well as activities such as Chuseok celebrations, Korean speech contests, and traditional craft workshops.
The meeting also emphasized strengthening academic collaboration, expanding Korean language education, and promoting cultural exchange programs between South Korea and the Philippines, including joint activities, faculty engagement, and student-centered initiatives. It further highlighted WVSU’s role in advancing Korean language and cultural education in the region.
To note, last November 25, 2024, Kim Hyon Du, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of South Korea to the Philippines, delivered a special lecture at WVSU in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Philippines.
The visit of Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa reflects the enduring friendship between South Korea and the Philippines and reinforces a shared commitment to academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and the continued strengthening of bilateral relations. -
Three-day Erasmus+ Introductory Training In Romania advances WVSU’s sustainable finance expertise
Reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainable finance, West Visayas State University (WVSU) completed the three-day introductory training held from January 23 to 25 2026 under Work Package 2 of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) Project Green Finance: Advancing Higher Education for Sustainable Growth in Southeast Asia, at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania.
On Day 1, President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, Legal Entity Appointed Representative (LEAR), presented the Philippine country and institutional report, outlining WVSU’s preparedness and strategic direction in implementing micro-credentials aligned with European Union (EU) frameworks. His presentation emphasized the university’s capacity to adopt innovative credentialing systems that respond to evolving academic and industry demands.
Building on this, Dr. Maria Corazon M. Samorin, Project Manager from the College of Business and Management, examined the Green Finance landscape in the Philippines, outlining key national policies, regulatory developments, and emerging market needs that shape the country’s sustainable finance ecosystem.
The training concluded with insights from Ms. Mia Guartilla, Junior Expert from the CBM, who shared WVSU’s experience in higher education–industry collaboration. Her presentation highlighted practical approaches to developing partnerships, internship programs, and co-designed academic initiatives that strengthen workforce relevance and foster industry engagement.
The three-day training reinforced WVSU’s role in advancing outcomes-based, industry-responsive green finance micro-credentials, while strengthening institutional capacity in sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration under the Erasmus+ framework. -
WVSU marks global role in Erasmus+ Green Finance kick-off in Romania
Advancing global efforts in sustainable finance, West Visayas State University (WVSU) took part in the 1st Transnational Project Meeting of the Erasmus+ CBHE project Green Finance: Advancing Higher Education for Sustainable Growth in Southeast Asia, held on January 22, 2026 at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania.
President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, Legal Entity Appointed Representative (LEAR), led the team alongside Dr. Maria Corazon M. Samorin, Project Manager, and Ms. Mia Guartilla, Junior Expert from the College of Business and Management.
The meeting marked the official launch of the project and served as a critical platform for aligning international partners on the project’s strategic direction. Key discussions focused on the project background and rationale, work breakdown structure, project management framework, and dissemination strategies.
Partners also reviewed first-year activities and deliverables, mobility implementation plans, and financial and reporting requirements, ensuring a coordinated and effective execution of project goals.
This milestone gathering brought together academic institutions and experts from the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Romania, Poland, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Highlights of the event included an institutional welcome session, in-depth planning of the project roadmap, a workshop on mobility and collaboration opportunities, and a cultural immersion tour of historic downtown Sibiu, fostering stronger cross-cultural and institutional partnerships.
Through its participation in this Erasmus+ initiative, WVSU reaffirms its commitment to outcomes-based education and sustainability-driven academic innovation under the Erasmus+ framework. -
WVSU strengthens international Teacher Education with 12th SEA-Teacher batch from UAD
West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed the 12th batch of pre-service student teachers under the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia (SEA-Teacher) Project during a welcome ceremony held today at the university board room.
The ceremony introduced two practice teachers from Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), Indonesia—Qurrota A’yun and Najwa Lelya Mawarda—who will complete their teaching internship at the WVSU Integrated Laboratory School from January 14 to February 10, 2026.
In his welcome message, Dr. Ricky M. Magno, Dean of the College of Education, highlighted the value of international collaboration in teacher education.
“This collaboration stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when institutions come together with a shared vision for excellence in teacher education. To our pre-service teachers, you are not merely participants in a program; you are ambassadors of your country, bringing with you hope, culture, and compassion,” he said.
Prof. Mary June Pineda, Director of the Integrated Laboratory School, expressed her support for the visiting practice teachers and underscored the school’s commitment to providing a nurturing learning environment.
An overview of the internship program was presented by Dr. Cheryl Lyn Delgado, Chair of the Division of Secondary Teacher Training, who outlined the academic and teaching components of the SEA-Teacher engagement.
Messages of welcome were also delivered by student leaders Jesrael G. Amor, Chairperson of the English Majors’ Organization, and Arnel F. Gubatanga Jr., Chairperson of the Circle of Mathematicians, emphasizing student involvement and cultural exchange.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, who reaffirmed WVSU’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and promoting global competence among future educators.
The SEA-Teacher Project continues to serve as a platform for cross-cultural learning and professional growth, reinforcing WVSU’s dedication to internationalization in teacher education.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO -
Scholars, Students explore Japanese studies at WVSU forum
West Visayas State University hosted a Lecture Forum and Information Session on Japanese Studies in the Philippines on Jan. 13, bringing together students, faculty members and partner institutions to deepen discussions on history, diplomacy and contemporary issues linking Japan and the Philippines.
Held at the Research and Extension Building, the forum engaged the WVSU academic community alongside participants from PHINMA University of Iloilo, the University of San Agustin, the University of the Philippines Diliman and the University of the Philippines Visayas. The activity highlighted WVSU’s continuing role as a venue for academic exchange and interdisciplinary learning in Western Visayas.
The forum featured lectures and information sessions led by experts from the University of the Philippines Asian Center and the Japan Foundation Manila. It was organized in partnership with the WVSU College of Arts and Sciences, the Social Science Department and the Political Science Students’ Organization.
Japan Foundation Manila program coordinator Jasmine Latina opened the program with an overview of Japanese Studies initiatives and global partnership opportunities, providing students and faculty with information on academic pathways, research support and international collaboration. An open forum followed, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers.
UP Asian Center Assistant Professor Karl Ian Cheng Chua led the academic discussions with a lecture on peace literature and wartime memory, examining how narratives of victimhood influence public understanding of the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines.
The program also included a lecture by UP Asian Center Assistant Professor Alexander Michael Palma, who discussed Japan-assisted flood control projects in the Philippines and shared lessons drawn from ex-post audits, linking historical cooperation with present-day development concerns.
In the afternoon session, education research assistant Michelle Deloria presented academic and research opportunities available at the UP Asian Center, particularly for students and faculty interested in Japanese and Asian studies.
The forum concluded with a lecture by UP Asian Center Associate Professor Ariel Lopez, who revisited Philippine diplomatic history through Jawi letters from Mindanao, Sulu and the wider Malay world, challenging long-held assumptions about the origins of Filipino diplomacy.
The activity aimed to strengthen academic engagement, promote Japanese Studies and expand historical and cultural understanding among WVSU students, faculty and staff, reinforcing the university’s commitment to relevant, globally connected scholarship. -
WVSU Hosts Balik Scientist Dr. Bernice Mae Yu Jeco-Espaldon
West Visayas State University (WVSU) has welcomed Dr. Bernice Mae Yu Jeco-Espaldon, a Balik Scientist awardee under the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Dr. Yu Jeco-Espaldon’s engagement with WVSU will take effect in February 2026. The appointment is formalized through a Contract of Award approved by the DOST–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), designating WVSU as the host institution.
Dr. Espaldon holds a PhD in Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, with a specialization in inorganic high-efficiency solar energy devices, from The University of Tokyo. She has been awarded the Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Research Fellowship, and the University of Tokyo Edge Capital Challenge Support Program, and has held research appointments at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and the University of Tokyo.
During her engagement, Dr. Espaldon is expected to contribute to research, curriculum development, and capacity building at the University. Her activities include collaborating on interdisciplinary research initiatives, mentoring faculty members and students, assisting in laboratory enhancement efforts, and conducting capacity-building workshops focused on advanced research methodologies.
The Center for Research and Innovations in Science, Mathematics, and Education (CRISMEd) will serve as the coordinating unit for Dr. Espaldon’s engagement at the University. The initiative is being advanced through the collaborative efforts of Dr. Geneveve Parreño-Lachica, Director of CRISMEd; Dr. Ryan Michael F. Oducado, Director of the University Research and Development Center; Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Stephen G. Sabinay, Director of the Biotechnology and Biomedical Research Laboratory; and Dr. Aris C. Larroder, Editor-in-Chief of the WVSU Research Journal, with the support of Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation, and Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, WVSU President.
Institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11035, the Balik Scientist Program aims to strengthen the country’s scientific and human resource capacity by encouraging Filipino scientists abroad to share expertise and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and emerging technologies to Philippine institutions.
Through this engagement, WVSU continues to expand its research capabilities, strengthen institutional collaboration, and contribute to national development through science and innovation. -
WVSU recognizes March 2026 LET topnotchers, passers in weekly flag ceremony
West Visayas State University (WVSU) recognized its topnotchers and passers in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) during its weekly flag-raising ceremony held earlier today, May 18, at Jubilee Park.
The University announced that the Main Campus posted a 100% passing rate in both the elementary and secondary levels of the LET, while also emerging as the top-performing school nationwide in the secondary level.
Topnotchers from the College of Education (COE) and the College of Physical Education, Sports, Culture, Arts and Recreation (COP) were likewise recognized, including COP’s first-ever LET topnotcher, Keith Brian Jabaybay.
COE Dean Dr. Ricky M. Magno highlighted the achievement as a reflection of the University’s continued commitment to quality teacher education and academic excellence.
Meanwhile, COP Dean Dr. Porferio Barlas Jr. emphasized the collective effort behind the achievement, thanking the University community for its support and prayers. “We do believe that the efforts of others may have a direct influence on the output of one,” he said, acknowledging the support extended by the administration, faculty, staff, utility personnel and students in sustaining the University’s academic performance.
Jabaybay also expressed gratitude to the University community and the COP faculty for their guidance throughout his academic journey.
“Since first year, ginhubog niyo guid kami para maging quality nga educators,” he said.
During the ceremony, Magno also introduced student interns from Universitas Negeri Jakarta composed of Bachelor of Secondary Education majors in English and Mathematics who are currently undertaking their SEA Teacher internship program at WVSU. He described the initiative as part of the College’s continuing internationalization efforts and expressed hope for its continuation in the coming academic year with the support of the administration.
The student interns likewise shared their appreciation for the opportunity to study and train at WVSU, describing Iloilo City and the University community as welcoming and supportive since the beginning of their stay.
Magno also thanked the University’s top management following the recent evaluation for Centers of Excellence, noting that evaluators commended the strong presence and support of University officials throughout the assessment activities.
The ceremony, hosted by the Accounting Unit headed by Ms. Marissa Antonillas, concluded with trivia games and interactive activities for members of the University community. -
WVSU-CICT presents disaster, health tech research at international conference in Taiwan
The West Visayas State University–College of Information and Communications Technology (WVSU-CICT) strengthened the University’s international research presence after presenting three studies on disaster communication and healthcare access at the 2025 International Conference on Convergence Content (ICCC), held Dec. 18-20 at the National Taipei University of Technology in Taipei, Taiwan.
The papers were selected from 239 accepted research presentations representing more than 10 countries, highlighting WVSU-CICT’s growing contribution to community-centered and globally relevant technological innovation.
Now in its 25th year, ICCC is an annual international conference organized by the Korea Contents Association that convenes researchers, engineers and students to exchange ideas on emerging trends in technology, digital applications, and content production and use. The 2025 conference was co-hosted by the National Taipei University of Technology and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information.
WVSU-CICT presented the following research studies at the conference:
Secure disaster messaging using VHF radio technology
A study on a secure disaster messaging application that addresses communication breakdowns during emergencies by utilizing very high frequency (VHF) ham radio technology with block-based message transmission. The research was authored by Jose Occeña III, Regin Cabacas, Hyung-Jin Kim and In-Ho Ra, and presented by Occeña and Dr. Regin Cabacas. Blockchain-based outpatient records management
A blockchain-enabled system designed to provide secure, tamper-resistant sharing of outpatient department records through smart contract–based access control and encryption. The study was authored by Genine Lynelle Cabantug, Doane Marie Horlador, Kristel Mae Lim, Jhules Loren Maquiran, Ram Wisdom Nacis and Regin Cabacas, and presented by Cabantug, Lim and Maquiran. Near-infrared vein detection mobile application
A mobile application that assists healthcare workers in locating veins using near-infrared spectroscopy, aimed at addressing challenges in venipuncture procedures. The research was conducted by Trixie De la Cruz, Alyanna Lois Geonanga, Regin Cabacas, Augustine Seve Kang Bacale, Edrianne Luise Parales and In-Ho Ra, and was presented by De la Cruz, Geonanga, Bacale and Parales.
WVSU-CICT’s participation in ICCC 2025 underscores the University’s commitment to research excellence, international collaboration and the development of technologies that respond to real-world needs, particularly in healthcare delivery and disaster preparedness.