Category: Feature News

Joy Cardinal Saban, an alumna of the West Visayas State University College of Agriculture and Forestry, placed third in the Department of Agriculture’s Young Farmers Challenge National Business Pitch Competition Food Processing Category, held at the Iloilo Convention Center, for her agribusiness, Banana Kingdom Food Products.

Saban, who graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Crop Science, was recognized for her innovative value-added banana enterprise that supports Indigenous livelihoods in Lambunao, Iloilo. She received ₱300,000 in prize money under the program’s Start-Up Component.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture through its Young Farmers Challenge Program in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program, the competition highlights youth-led agribusiness ventures that promote innovation and sustainability in the agriculture sector.

Through Banana Kingdom Food Products, Saban transforms locally grown bananas into marketable products, creating economic opportunities for her Indigenous community while promoting inclusive growth in agriculture.

The program provides training and mentorship to strengthen long-term resilience and sustainability among young agripreneurs, supporting the continued development of enterprises like Saban’s.

Her achievement underscores the role of WVSU’s College of Agriculture and Forestry in producing graduates who contribute to agricultural innovation and community empowerment, in line with the university’s commitment to excellence, creativity, and service.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) administered the oath of office for the new set of officers of the University Non-Teaching Personnel Organization (UNPO) Inc., and recognized the successful hosting of the National Culture and the Arts Festival (NCAF) 2026 during its flag-raising ceremony held on Apr. 20, at Jubilee Park, led by the University Research and Development Center headed by Dr. Ryan Michael Oducado.

The newly elected UNPO officers for 2026-2028, led by President Ms. Elsie Retotar, registrar of the College of Medicine, formally took their oath before Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie Paris.

University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz expressed his gratitude to the WVSU community for the successful hosting of NCAF 2026, noting positive feedback from state university and college presidents and members of the NCAF national technical secretariat. He also congratulated participating students and awardees, encouraging them to take pride in their achievements.

Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs, likewise acknowledged the collective effort of faculty, staff and students who contributed to the success of the national event.

Members of the organizing committees were also recognized during the program. Dr. Jon Kristoffer Deguma commended the working committees, while Dr. Jemuel Garcia Jr. acknowledged the technical teams and emphasized their continued commitment to excellence.

Meanwhile, Prof. Liberty Porras highlighted the achievements of student artists, noting that Region VI placed first runner-up with 171 points, of which 103 points, or 60 percent, were contributed by WVSU delegates.

The ceremony concluded with performances from NCAF champions in Storytelling and Vocal Solo (Kundiman), as well as winning groups in Folk Dance, Indigenous Dance, and Street Dance.

Six students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) have been named awardees in the 2026 Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA), recognizing their achievements in academics, leadership and service.

For the tertiary level, awardees include Fritz Jaime Sumbo and Romavil Abelarde of the College of Education, Arcel Vinz Agudo of the College of Communication, and Jan Michael Alayon of the College of Arts and Sciences. From the WVSU Integrated Laboratory School, Zoe Alexandria Lanceta and Unah Angel Gabrielle Robante were recognized in the high school category.

Organizers announced the awardees April 11, 2026, following a selection process that included bid screening, essay writing and panel interviews.

Organized by JCI Regatta in partnership with the Department of Education divisions of Iloilo, Iloilo City and Passi City, as well as the Commission on Higher Education Region VI, TOSIA recognizes students who demonstrate strong character, resilience and social responsibility.

The 2026 awards, guided by the symbol of the firefly, highlight students whose perseverance and commitment to excellence continue to make an impact in their schools and communities.

The recognition adds to WVSU’s growing roster of student leaders who bring honor to the University through excellence, innovation and service.

Publication materials by: TOSIA – The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards