Category: Governance

West Visayas State University (WVSU) has partnered with the Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) to roll out a health-focused initiative in legal education, with the WVSU College of Law designated as the pilot institution in Western Visayas.

The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the Healthy Learning Institution – Legal Education Institution (HLI-LEI) initiative, which aims to promote student well-being by integrating health standards into school systems.

Under the program, the College of Law will incorporate health literacy, mental health support, and physical safety measures into its policies and curriculum. The initiative also seeks to strengthen awareness of health rights among law students while fostering a safer and more supportive learning environment.

The HLI framework, established through Joint Administrative Order No. 2022-0001 and anchored on the Universal Health Care Act, brings together national agencies, including the Legal Education Board, to promote health and well-being in educational institutions.

As part of the rollout, the DOH Health Promotion Bureau will conduct onboarding workshops to guide WVSU faculty and administrators in integrating HLI principles into academic and institutional practices.

WVSU President Joselito F. Villaruz emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying, “By signing this MOU, West Visayas State University officially accepts the responsibility of serving as the pilot Legal Education Institution for HLI-LEI in Western Visayas.”

He added that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to “fostering a law school environment that promotes health, safety, and community engagement,” underscoring the university’s role in advancing both legal education and public health outcomes in the region.

Seven student journalists from West Visayas State University have brought pride to the University after being named among the 25 recipients of the prestigious 2026 IWAG Awards conferred by the Philippine Information Agency Region 6.

Recognized for their excellence in campus journalism, development communication, and academic performance were LJ Orpheus Soriano and Jericho Francesco C. Jandongan of The Lifeline (College of Nursing); Gierson F. Bordon of The Mediator (College of Communication); Josef Henri S. Tumbagahan of Forum-Dimensions (Main Campus); Sean Lerry Jim Claud and Franco Miguel M. Nodado of Vital Signs (College of Medicine); and Fritz Jaime L. Sumbo of SILAK Media (College of Education).

The 2026 PIA IWAG College Awardees recognize graduating campus editors across Western Visayas who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting national development through responsible and impactful journalism. Awardees are selected from among participants of PIA-6’s campus journalism initiatives, including seminar-workshops and press conferences.

Now on its 49th year since its establishment in 1977, the IWAG Awards remain the region’s premier recognition program for student writers who champion truth, civic engagement, and community development through media.

WVSU continues to take pride in its student communicators whose work reflects the University’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and service—Basta Taga-West, the Best!

Photos from Philippine Information Agency Region VI

West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its College of Business and Management (CBM), hosted the 3rd BIZCON on Mar. 27-28 at the WVSU Cultural Center, with the second day focusing on innovation talks that highlighted Ilonggo gastronomy as a driver of enterprise and creative development.

Carrying the theme “Taste, Tradition, Transformation: Gastronomy Driving Ilonggo Innovation,” the convention gathered students, faculty, and industry practitioners to explore how local cuisine can shape sustainable businesses and strengthen regional identity.

Industry experts led discussions on topics such as sustainable SME financing, culinary branding, and food tourism. Invited speakers included Prof. Ts. Dr. Shafinaz Binti Ismail, Chef Tibong Jardeleza, Ms. Natalie Lim, Chef Cidj Jalandoni, and Mr. Daniel Agan, who shared insights on scaling local enterprises and positioning Ilonggo products in competitive markets.

The talks provided participants with practical perspectives on bridging academic knowledge with industry demands, encouraging innovation rooted in local culture and resources. The program concluded with engagement activities and an awarding ceremony recognizing outstanding participants.

The innovation talks followed a series of competitions held on the first day of the convention, including the Ilonggo Cuisine Innovation Showdown, business pitching, table skirting with centerpiece making, and food itinerary development.

Through BIZCON 2026, WVSU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural appreciation, equipping students and stakeholders to develop sustainable, homegrown solutions for regional growth.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) ranked highest among state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Region VI in the latest Department of Budget and Management (DBM) performance review, alongside key recognitions in research and quality assurance, University officials announced during a flag-raising ceremony led by the University Extension and Development Center (UEDC).

Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie Paris said WVSU earned a 4.75 rating based on physical targets and fiscal management indicators, placing it at the top among SUCs in the region, including those in the Negros Island Region. He noted that the result may positively influence the University’s future budget allocation.

Paris also announced a temporary adjustment in duty hours from Monday to Wednesday in observance of Holy Week, with personnel reverting to a regular eight-hour work schedule. He encouraged faculty and staff to use the break for reflection and prayer, including intentions for global peace and security.

Meanwhile, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Greta G. Gabinete reported that WVSU’s Intellectual Property and Technology Support Office (ITSO) was recognized as a Platinum Awardee at the IPOPHL ITSO Cluster Awards 2026, held in Iloilo City. The recognition marks the University’s second platinum award for sustained efforts in technology commercialization, with five consecutive awards required to achieve the highest distinction, the Palladium Award.

In academic leadership, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla announced that WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz received the Manuel T. Corpus Outstanding Quality Champion Award 2026 from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines. The award, conferred on Mar. 24 at the Century Park Hotel, recognizes his contributions to advancing quality assurance in higher education.

The updates highlight WVSU’s continued gains in institutional performance, research innovation, and academic quality—developments that directly support improved programs, resources, and opportunities for the University community. The program concluded with a Women’s Month trivia game facilitated by the UEDC, engaging participants with fun facts on women’s history and achievements.

Pinangunahan ng West Visayas State University (WVSU) Sentro ng Wika at Kultura, katuwang ang Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, ang Panlalawigang Seminar sa Korespondensiya Opisyal 2026 na isinasagawa ngayong Marso 19–20, 2026 sa WVSU Center for Teaching Excellence.

Ang unang araw ng seminar ay dinaluhan ng mga kalahok mula sa iba’t ibang institusyon sa sektor ng edukasyon at serbisyong pampubliko, na naglalayong paigtingin ang paggamit ng Filipino sa opisyal na komunikasyon.

Gamit ang temang “Palihan at Pagsasanaysay sa Korespondensiya Opisyal,” layunin ng seminar na palakasin ang paggamit ng Filipino sa akademya at sektor publiko, alinsunod sa Executive Order Blg. 335 na naghihikayat ng paggamit ng Filipino sa mga opisyal na korespondensiya at transaksiyon ng pamahalaan.

Binuksan ang aktibidad sa pagkilala sa mga kalahok mula sa iba’t ibang institusyon at eksternal na kampus. Ipinakilala ni Dr. Salvador P. Bacio, direktor ng WVSU Sentro ng Wika at Kultura, ang mga kalahok at mga imbitadong panauhin mula sa Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), at binigyang-diin ang kanilang ambag sa pagsusulong ng wikang Filipino.

Kabilang sa mga nagbahagi ng talakayan ang mga kinatawan mula sa Sentro ng Wika at Kultura na si Alain Ruzz D. Gimzo ng Komisyong Hiligaynon; at Dr. Jose Elvie G. Duclay, tagapamahala ng SWK-Visayas, at kinatawan ng Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino na sina Atty. Marites Barrios-Taran, tagapangulo; at Dr. Carmelita C. Abduhraman, full-time komisyoner. 

Layunin ng seminar na pahusayin ang kasanayan ng mga kalahok sa pagsulat at presentasyon ng opisyal na korespondensiya sa Filipino upang maisulong ang mas epektibo at estandardisadong komunikasyon sa akademya at pamahalaan. Kasabay nito, binigyang-diin ang tungkulin ng KWF sa pagpapanatili at pagtataguyod ng wikang Filipino, pati na rin ng mga katutubong wika.

Magpapatuloy ang aktibidad bukas para sa ikalawang araw ng mga sesyon at karagdagang talakayan mula sa iba pang tagapagsalita.

Student delegates from across the country gather as West Visayas State University hosts the West Visayas Model United Nations Conference 2026 from March 19 to 21 at the Research and Extension Building’s Research Conference Room.

Organized by the West Visayas Model United Nations, the three-day conference convenes participants to engage in diplomatic simulations, collaborative dialogue, and policy discussions aimed at addressing global issues.

His Excellency Mariomassimo Santoro, Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines, delivers the keynote address during the opening plenary. Santoro brings extensive experience in diplomacy and international relations, having previously served as Head of Office of the Secretary General of the European External Action Service and Head of Division for Policy Coordination from 2021 to 2024, where he oversaw policy coordination, decision-making processes and cooperation with international partners.

Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, underscores the University’s role in advancing global engagement.

“Our university stands as a proactive partner in advancing diplomacy, inclusivity, and meaningful engagement in international affairs. The Model United Nations organization of the West Visayas State University is committed to cultivating future leaders who will carry forward the values of peace, cooperation, and respect among nations,” Dr. Paris says.

Earlier in the day, University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and Dr. Paris met with Santoro to discuss European and Filipino culture and food, academic exchanges, potential institutional partnerships, and scholarship opportunities, as well as ways to strengthen ties between the University and the European Union.

The conference underscores its commitment to fostering meaningful participation and bridging differences among young leaders. It aims to equip delegates with the skills and perspectives needed to engage with global challenges with purpose and understanding.

The initiative promotes diplomacy that extends beyond conference halls, encouraging participants to work collaboratively toward a more harmonious and interconnected world.