In line with its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration, West Visayas State University (WVSU) visited the Iloilo City Government as part of its engagement under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) Project, GREEN FINANCE: Advancing Higher Education for Sustainable Growth in Southeast Asia. The initiative seeks to enhance education, research, and policy engagement in sustainable finance and promote climate-responsive financial practices in the Philippines.
The visit, led by Dr. Maria Corazon M. Samorin, Associate Professor V and Project Manager of the Erasmus+ GREEN FINANCE initiative, aimed to introduce the project to the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (LEDIP) Office and seek their endorsement to participate in the Stakeholders Survey. This collaboration ensures that local government policies, priorities, and opportunities are integrated into the design of modular and online micro-credential courses that WVSU will develop for sustainable finance education.
Through this engagement, WVSU emphasizes the importance of aligning academic programs with city development goals, empowering local stakeholders and Ilonggos to adopt green and sustainable mindsets in finance. The initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to responsible investment, inclusive growth, and environmentally sound practices, reinforcing WVSU’s role as a leader in sustainability-driven higher education.
Funded by the European Union, the Erasmus+ GREEN FINANCE project positions WVSU to bridge international expertise with local needs, ensuring that Iloilo City benefits from innovative and outcomes-based green finance initiatives.
Photos by Iloilo City Government
Category: Energy and Climate Change
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WVSU visits Iloilo City Government to strengthen sustainable finance collaboration under Erasmus+ GREEN FINANCE
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WVSU College of Law Moot Court Team pays a visit to the University President
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.
#WVSUTransformingGenerations
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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 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.