West Visayas State University (WVSU) officially introduced the 12 pairs vying for Mr. and Ms. West 2026 during a sashing ceremony held Feb. 16 at Jubilee Park.
The launch formally kicked off this year’s pageant, which carries the theme “Vivant,” a French word meaning “alive.” Organizers said the theme reflects the University community’s shared pursuit of excellence, camaraderie and unity amid diversity as candidates prepare to serve as student ambassadors.
Each candidate was formally sashed and accompanied by their respective college dean or campus administrator.
Representing the College of Arts and Sciences are Benz Dominique Delariman and Rannah Chylla Reyes. The College of Education is represented by Charles Benedict Villegas and Athria Vidiot, while the College of Communication fields Arcel Vinz Agudo and Grace Beltran. From the College of PESCAR are Rizabel Maxine Vilches and Wyn Chryster Magpatoc.
The College of Information and Communications Technology presents Athena Villarin and Augustine Seve Kang Bacale. Representing the College of Business and Management are Kyrsten Teodelle Dumayas and Dan Loyd Becodo, while the College of Nursing fields Rica Daniella Tan and Andrew Miguel Montero. The Integrated Laboratory School is represented by Zoe Alexandria Lanceta and Marvin Sorongon.
External campuses are also represented: Pototan by Vea Nicole Juab and John Jorazz Palabrica; Himamaylan City by Johana Marie Oyog and Alvien Saraet; Lambunao by Elyza Marie Lasaleta and Michael Elvince Villanueva; and Janiuay by Jamir Chael Castillo and Shaine Amador.
The activity was initiated by the Federated Alumni Association led by President Prof. Bonifacio Gaverza and the Faculty Association headed by President Prof. Shim Lester De Pio, with sponsorship from the College of Law under Dean Atty. Ian Thomas Besania and support from the College of Law Student Council and the Federated Student Council.
Mr. and Ms. West 2026 is scheduled for Feb. 26 at the WVSU Cultural Center.
Category: Governance
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WVSU launches 12 pairs for Mr. and Ms. West 2026
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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.
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WVSU secures CSC registration of Collective Negotiation Agreement
West Visayas State University (WVSU) marked a milestone in labor-management relations on Feb. 10 as the Civil Service Commission (CSC)– RO VI Office awarded the Certificate of Registration for the University’s Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA).
The registration formally recognizes negotiated agreements between the University administration and employee organizations, reinforcing protections, benefits and cooperative mechanisms for both teaching and non-teaching personnel.
The awarding ceremony, held at the WVSU Board Room, was attended by officers and board members of the WVSU–Non-Teaching Personnel Organization Inc. (WVSU-NPO Inc.) and the WVSU Federated Faculty Association (WVSU-FFA). WVSU-NPO Inc. President Joy Fullo and WVSU-FFA President Prof. Shim Lester De Pio represented their respective groups and expressed appreciation to the CSC, the University administration and their members for the recognition.
CSC VI Acting Director III Andre L. Ladigohon underscored the broader significance of the agreement, saying, “This moment is more than ceremonial; it is a testament that employee unionism in West Visayas State University is not a passing practice but a tradition. It reflects an institutional culture that recognizes employees, values partnerships, and believes that excellent public service begins with a respected workforce.” He added, “A CNA is not just a document; it is a product of dialogue, trust, and shared responsibility. When done right, it improves morale, strengthens cooperation, and supports institutional performance.”
WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz said the CSC registration affirms the legitimacy and value of the University’s labor partnerships. “The recognition of these agreements by the Civil Service Commission affirms that our partnerships are not only valid but also grounded in law, policy, and the principles of good governance. It strengthens our resolve to work hand in hand in fostering a harmonious workplace where both teaching and non-teaching personnel are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the mission of the university,” he said.
The CNA registration marks a key step in strengthening workplace welfare and cooperation at WVSU, supporting a work environment where dialogue and shared responsibility are integral to delivering quality public service.
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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.
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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
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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 -
Bridging worlds workshop boosts WVSU global readiness, internationalization
Strengthening institutional internationalization efforts, the seminar-workshop “WVSU Bridging Worlds: Protocol and Intercultural Intelligence” was held on February 5 at the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) hall through the International and Local Linkages Office, in partnership with the Human Resource Management Office.
The first day opened with a lecture by Dr. Louis Placido F. Lachica, WVSU Focal Person to the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN), highlighting the importance of SDG-aligned communication and the shared responsibility of the WVSU community in advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Setting the university’s global direction, Ms. Edel Carmela Subong Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, discussed WVSU’s internationalization initiatives. This was followed by Ms. Danielle Galecio, Executive Assistant III from the Office of the President, who tackled diplomatic protocol, events and conference management, and the responsibilities of protocol officers, underscoring professionalism and cultural sensitivity in international engagements.
Representing the Commission on Higher Education, Dr. Danebeth Narzoles, CHED Regional Office VI Internationalization Focal Person, presented CHED’s 7-Point Agenda, consisting of four core thrusts and three enablers that address key priorities in higher education, including lifelong learning, human capital development, SDG-based research and innovation, inclusive internationalization, data-driven governance, strengthened institutional systems, and effective public service.
Sessions on Intercultural Intelligence were led by Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, followed by a workshop facilitated by Ms. Alisa Mei Locsin.
The first day concluded with a discussion on “The Value of Rankings” by Ms. Christine Liz Jimenea, Administrative Officer IV of the Quality Assurance Office.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO -
Tribu Adlaw shines the brightest, edges Tribu Haliya in 2026 Banggianay
Showcasing the depth and reach of student leadership, Tribu Adlaw of the College of Arts and Sciences emerged champion of the 2026 Banggianay after a hard-fought finals against Tribu Haliya of the College of Nursing.
The two teams debated whether to reverse and set aside the 2023 WVSU Student Court rulingon term limits, with Tribu Adlaw on the affirmative and Tribu Haliya on the negative.
Opening the debate, necessity speaker Joe Allen Marañon argued that the ruling was erroneous for imposing candidacy restrictions not found in the Student Constitution.
“The law is permissive, not prohibitive,” Marañon said, stressing that election rules should encourage democratic participation among students.
Tribu Haliya defended the ruling as a necessary interpretation of a vague constitutional provision, citing its continued application across the past three elections and student administrations.
Beneficiality speaker Kristine Kaye Serra countered that the ruling limits students’ freedom to choose their leaders and creates gaps in student governance, particularly the second-year leadership gap.
Practicability speaker EJ Gatila added that the proposal was feasible and well within the Student Court’s power of judicial self-correction.
In rebuttal, Serra reinforced the team’s main arguments and concluded her speech with, “It is our side that has truly shined the brightest.”
After deliberation, the adjudicators ruled in favor of Tribu Adlaw, with Angelie Marie Garrido, Non-necessity Speaker of Tribu Haliya, taking both Best Speaker and Best Debater honors in the finals, officially concluding the 2026 Banggianay.
The following are the individual awards from the semi-finals:
Match 10 (CAS vs PESCAR)
Best Speaker – Kristine Kaye Serra, Beneficiality Speaker (CAS)
Best Debater – Kristine Kaye Serra, Beneficiality Speaker (CAS)
Match 11 (CON vs COE)
Best Speaker – Jeff Emmanuel Sambrano, Practicability Speaker (CON)
Best Debater – Jeff Emmanuel Sambrano, Practicability Speaker (CON)
Here are the overall standings of the colleges for this year’s Banggianay:
3rd Runner-up – Tribu Hanan (COE)
2nd Runner-up – Tribu Dalikmata (COP)
1st Runner-up – Tribu Haliya (CON)
Champion – Tribu Adlaw (CAS)
The team was also backed by researchers Jafra Jul Siruelo, Samantha Lourdes Baniel, and Mag Jey Aribal,whose support proved vital to their success.
As the event concluded, Serra shared in an interview that the victory was fulfilling and credited the success to the collective effort of the team and their researchers, emphasizing that the achievement would not have been possible without their support.
#BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels
2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications
Write up by Tracy Anne Freires/The Courier
Photos by Cassandra Alexa Ciasico/The Courier -
WVSU GAD focal persons meet for FY 2026 planning
Gender and Development (GAD) focal persons from across West Visayas State University (WVSU) convened for the GAD Focal Point System 1st Quarter Meeting, focusing on strategic planning for the University’s 2026 programs and activities, on Jan. 30, 2026, at the GAD Office, Quezon Hall.
The meeting also served as a platform to welcome newly designated focal persons from various colleges and satellite campuses, foster camaraderie, and strengthen collaboration among members.
Presided over by Prof. Rosalea Cornelia Araneta-De Leon, WVSU GAD director, the meeting centered on planning gender-responsive programs and activities, developing innovative initiatives, and enhancing the capacity of GAD focal persons through upskilling in gender-related reporting and administrative processes.
These efforts form part of the University’s continuing commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and gender-sensitive campus environment.
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WVSU convocation highlights AI’s role in higher education agrarian film advocacy
West Visayas State University (WVSU) spotlighted the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education as Jose Jenil Demorito, assistant secretary of the Public Information Service of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Central Office, delivered the keynote lecture during the University Convocation on Jan. 28 at the WVSU Cultural Center, a major highlight of the 2026 University Days celebration.
Held under the theme, “Banaag sang West: Celebrating our Radiant Gleam in Illuminating Generations,” the convocation gathered university officials, faculty, staff, students and alumni to reflect on the University’s mission of excellence, service and innovation amid emerging technological and social challenges.
In his lecture, Demorito described AI as both a “boon and a bane,” emphasizing that while technology can enhance teaching, learning and productivity, its ethical and responsible use remains crucial. He urged WVSU to lead in cultivating AI literacy, transparency and human-centered innovation, stressing that AI should empower educators and students rather than replace human judgment, creativity and empathy.
Demorito illustrated AI’s creative potential by presenting videos generated from archival photographs, offering a nostalgic journey through student life with his college batchmates. He also challenged the University to integrate AI thoughtfully across instruction, research and administration, promoting a culture of responsible use, academic integrity and continuous innovation.
A highlight of the convocation was the screening of “Ang Yab-ok Nangin Amon Napanag-iyahan”, produced by Madyaas Productions of the WVSU College of Information and Communications Technology, as part of the DAR PelikulAgraryo Film Festival 2025. The award-winning film, which placed second in the Best Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations category, showcased the students’ contribution to digital storytelling and agrarian reform advocacy, reflecting the University’s growing role in leveraging media and technology for social development.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, vice president for Administration and Finance, underscored the University’s enduring radiance, noting that WVSU’s “banaag” is a collective glow shaped by service, commitment, and shared purpose that continues to illuminate communities.
WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz formally introduced Demorito, highlighting his distinguished career in broadcast media, corporate leadership and public service, and emphasizing his homecoming as a proud alumnus of the University’s Mass Communications Class of 1984 and one of the Most Outstanding Alumni during the university’s centennial anniversary.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, vice president for Academic Affairs, reaffirmed WVSU’s commitment to shaping the nation’s future through excellence in instruction, research, and community engagement, calling on the academic community to nurture integrity, diligence, innovation, and compassion in service of the Filipino people.
The University Convocation formed part of the weeklong 2026 University Days celebration, reinforcing WVSU’s dedication to transformative education, ethical leadership and inclusive development in the digital age. -
WVSU clients benefit from on-campus access to public services during Government Agencies Service Desk Day
Key officials, employees, and stakeholders of West Visayas State University (WVSU) availed themselves of essential public services during the Government Agencies Service Desk Day, held Jan. 29 as part of the 2026 University Days celebration.
The activity, organized by the University through its Administrative Division, brought regional government agencies directly to the campus, enabling clients to conveniently access information, consultation, and frontline assistance without leaving the university premises. Participating agencies collectively recorded 278 client transactions, noting that some individuals availed multiple services during the one-day event, reflecting strong participation from the university community.
Among the participating regional offices, the Department of Information and Communications Technology recorded the highest number of visits, assisting 107 clients in the registration and verification of the eGovPH mobile application, which serves as the government’s one-stop digital platform for public services.
Other agencies present included the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Civil Service Commission, Government Service Insurance System, and the Social Security System, which collectively addressed various concerns related to health insurance, employment and eligibility requirements, government benefits, and social security coverage.
The initiative aimed to streamline access to public services while reinforcing collaboration between the University and national government agencies. By hosting the service desks on campus, WVSU provided a more efficient and accessible platform for employees, students, and stakeholders to process inquiries, update records, and complete essential transactions.
The Government Agencies Service Desk Day forms part of the broader 2026 University Days celebration, which features activities highlighting service, partnership, and community engagement across all WVSU campuses.