Category: Linkages

In a powerful demonstration of community collaboration and environmental commitment, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) DagYoung Student Ambassadors, in partnership with the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Federated Student Council (FSC), and the Development Communicators’ Society, officially launched the “Sanctuarium Maris: Sea Turtle Nest Protection Project” on January 30, 2025, in Barangay Atabayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo.

The project, funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, highlights the university’s commitment to sustainability and volunteerism. As the internationalization arm of WVSU International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), the DagYoung Student Ambassadors spearheaded the project, demonstrating the power of student leadership in fostering positive change for both local communities and the environment.

A Vital Nesting Ground for Olive Ridley Turtles

Barangay Atabayan is one of the key nesting sites for olive ridley turtles in the Philippines, yet it faces several challenges. These turtles, classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), are often injured or stranded due to human activities like fishing. Between 2001 and 2011, over 100 turtles were reported stranded, many with injuries. In 2020 alone, 11 turtles were rescued, underscoring the urgency of conservation efforts.

The Sanctuarium Maris project was conceived to address these challenges by not only protecting the turtles but also empowering the community of Atabayan to become active stewards of their natural resources.

A ceremony of Commitment

The ceremony was opened by Prof. Joesyl Marie Aranas, Division Chair, BS Development Communication of WVSU, who read the message from Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the WVSU International and Local Linkages Office. In her message Ms. Edel emphasized the role of education and collaboration in environmental action. “The conceptualization of the Sanctuarium Maris is a product of collaborative concern and efforts that we would like to put into practice and to serve as a beginning of something that will continue in the generations to come”.

Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs, shared words of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of collective effort. “WVSU is proud to be a part of this important project, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on both the environment and the people of Atabayan,” she said.

In a message of commitment, Edgardo M. Rostata, Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI, stressed the significance of governmental support in implementing sustainable environmental practices. “The success of Sanctuarium Maris lies in the collaborative efforts of local communities, educational institutions, and government agencies,” Rostata stated. He underscored the importance of public-private partnerships, noting that DENR’s involvement ensures that the project aligns with national environmental goals and standards. As a government agency, DENR provides critical resources, expertise, and oversight, reinforcing the long-term viability of the project.

Cyresse Ann Achilleos, Strategic Support Unit Head of the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), also spoke on the pivotal role youth plays in the project. PYDN’s involvement is instrumental in ensuring that the youth of Barangay Atabayan are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to become advocates for sustainable practices.

Dr. Ricky G. Abaleña, Project Consultant and adviser of Young Journalists’ Society, highlighted the importance of education and advocacy in this initiative. The Young Journalists’ Society plays a key role in documenting and sharing the project’s progress, further spreading awareness about environmental issues in the region.

Hon. Edison Camiña, the Punong Barangay of Atabayan, highlighted the importance of the community’s active participation in conservation efforts. Camiña acknowledged that local leadership is essential for fostering a culture of environmental awareness and sustainability, expressing gratitude for the support of WVSU and its partners in this shared responsibility.

The role of WVSU as a leading educational institution was emphasized by Johnric G. Vargas, Board Member of the Federated Student Council. As part of the university’s effort to integrate global and local issues, WVSU’s students are at the heart of the project, spearheading community education and conservation initiatives.

Amabela Fiona Le B. Benid, a student ambassador and Special Projects head, presented the rationale behind the Sanctuarium Maris project. She outlined the critical role Barangay Atabayan plays as a nesting ground for the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), a species listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). She also addressed the challenges posed by high rates of stranded and injured turtles, noting that from 2001 to 2011, over 100 sea turtles were reported stranded in the area. In 2020 alone, 11 turtles were rescued from fish traps and other hazardous situations.

The ceremony culminated with the signing of a Commitment Pledge and the symbolic ribbon-cutting to officially launch the project.

A Model for Sustainable Conservation

The Sanctuarium Maris project is a significant step forward in marine conservation. It offers a model for how universities, local communities, and environmental organizations can work together to protect vulnerable species while also benefiting the people who live alongside them.

As sea turtles continue to nest along the shores of Atabayan, the project will serve as a testament to the power of community collaboration. With the combined efforts of WVSU, local government units, and residents, the Sanctuarium Maris project aims to create a lasting impact on the preservation of sea turtles and their habitats for generations to come.

Through the vision of WVSU’s student leaders and the commitment of the Atabayan community, the Sanctuarium Maris project proves that even small, localized efforts can make a global difference in conservation and environmental sustainability.

Story by Gladwyn Gustilo/ILLO

In a significant step towards international academic collaboration, West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Chang Gung University of Science and Technology (CGUST) Taiwan, met today, January 23, 2025, for discussions on specific areas in the nursing education.

Representing WVSU, Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), was warmly received by Dr. Chia-Ling Wu, RN, PhD, Chief of the Office of International Affairs, and Dr. Chueh-Fen Lu, Associate Professor at the Nursing School of CGUST.

The visit focused on discussing collaborative opportunities in nursing programs, academic exchanges, and joint research initiatives, setting the stage for a fruitful partnership aimed at enhancing nursing education in both institutions.

This meeting marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in international cooperation for WVSU as it seeks to further elevate its academic standing in the nursing bachelor and graduate programs on the global stage.

Story by Gladwyn Gustilo/ILLO

West Visayas State University (WVSU) has officially welcomed two Spanish interns, Mertxe Mendibe Lazaro and Maria Pilar Arraiz Torre, who will participate in a six-month internship from January 22 to July 21, 2025. The interns are recipients of the Basque Government’s Global Training Grant Programme, part of a collaborative effort between WVSU, Mondragon University, and the University of Deusto in Spain.

Dr. Antoniette Cortez, Director of WVSU’s Center for Teaching Excellence, expressed her enthusiasm upon their arrival, saying, “We’re looking forward to having them. We have already prepared a Program of Activities for the duration of their stay, such as going on cultural immersion activities in varied challenged areas in Western Visayas, learn more about Philippine History since they will be attending a class with BCAED students, do teaching assistantships in the ILS Kindergarten, College of Pescar, and College of Arts and Sciences. They will also be collaborating with College of Education students in creating a multilingual compendium. All in all, we’re excited to spend these six, productive and meaningful months with them.”

WVSU will take the lead in guiding the interns through a carefully designed six-month program aimed at enhancing their professional skills. The university is committed to providing a structured work plan that aligns with the interns’ individual profiles, helping them gain valuable hands-on experience while also contributing to WVSU’s academic community.

This collaboration will also offer significant opportunities for cultural immersion, allowing the interns to experience Filipino traditions, values, and work environments in Iloilo and the surrounding provinces. These interactions will enrich their understanding of local culture and provide a well-rounded, practical learning experience.

For WVSU, the arrival of Mendibe Lazaro and Arraiz Torre is an exciting opportunity to strengthen international ties and bring fresh global perspectives to its campus. The program is designed to benefit not only the interns but also the university community, as it fosters collaboration, cultural exchange, and professional growth across borders.

Story by Gladwyn Gustilo/ILLO

Three students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) are set to join the American Language Village (ALV) Immersion Program in Taiwan from January 18 to 27, 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in the university’s international outreach. This immersive camp will be the first major initiative under the newly established Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WVSU and the ALV.

The selected students will act as teacher assistants, playing a pivotal role in facilitating group activities, supporting language instruction, and assisting with cultural programs integral to the camp’s curriculum. Maria Fe Tianes is a student from the WVSU Himamaylan Campus, enrolled in the School of Education, while Zoe Marie Baaya and Le Gerlaine Mondejar are both 4th-year Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) English students from the Main Campus, College of Education (COE).

Accompanying them will be Prof. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, and Prof. Esperval Cezhar H. Cadiao, College Secretary of the College of Education. Together, this group of students and faculty members will represent WVSU at the renowned camp in Taiwan, which was established in 1992 as the country’s first and only English immersion camp.

For the WVSU delegation, this opportunity goes beyond the teaching skills they will acquire; it is an invaluable experience that will deepen their understanding of global perspectives and prepare them to become more effective educators. As future teachers, the skills and insights they gain at the ALV will be instrumental in helping them teach their students not only English but also important values of global citizenship, cultural awareness, and environmental stewardship.

This immersion program aligns perfectly with WVSU’s commitment to fostering global learning opportunities for its students. By exposing them to international teaching environments and cross-cultural experiences, WVSU is preparing its future educators to take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to the ever-changing educational landscape.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) has officially welcomed a delegation of 20 students from Jeju National University (JNU), South Korea, for a month-long academic and cultural immersion program. The students will immerse themselves in various academic activities under the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) and engage in English language studies through the WVSU Center for Foreign Languages, from January 17 to February 17, 2025.

The delegation, led by Prof. Yung-Cheol Byun, Director of the Center for High Intelligence Service at Jeju National University, was warmly received by Dr. Ma. Beth Concepcion, Dean of the College of ICT. This program marks another milestone in WVSU’s ongoing internationalization efforts, aimed at fostering cross-cultural learning and global partnerships.

During their stay, the South Korean students will be immersed in academic courses offered by CICT, focusing on information technology and communications. In addition to the academic curriculum, they will also participate in English language training at the WVSU Center for Foreign Languages, under the guidance of professors from the Department of English and Foreign Languages.

Beyond the classroom, the students will engage in a variety of cultural activities designed to expose them to Filipino traditions, customs, and lifestyles. These activities, facilitated by the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) and WVSU-Business Incubator Nurturing Homegrown Innovations (BINHI), will allow both South Korean and WVSU students to connect, share, and learn from one another.

This program underscores WVSU’s dedication to fostering international collaborations and providing its students with opportunities for global exposure, academic exchange, and cultural dialogue. It also strengthens ties between WVSU and Jeju National University, furthering the institutions’ shared mission of creating a more interconnected world through education.

Story by Gladwyn Gustilo/ILLO

In a significant step towards strengthening academic ties between the Philippines and Korea, Kim Inyong, a representative from Korean Association in the Visayas, visited West Visayas State University (WVSU) on January 7, 2025. The visit focused on exploring potential avenues for collaboration, particularly in education and cultural exchange.

Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of WVSU International and Local Linkages Office, warmly welcomed Mr. Kim, expressing optimism about the visit’s potential to foster stronger international partnerships.

“It’s an additional opportunity for us in the University especially that we have earned the King Sejong Institute grant recently. We are looking at expanding the cross-cultural experience not only in information technology and English language study, but also in the medical Sciences”, she said.

Kim Inyoung echoed the enthusiasm, noting that the potential for academic exchange and mutual collaboration holds great promise. He highlighted that Korean institutions are eager to expand their global partnerships, and WVSU presents a valuable opportunity for academic cooperation.

The discussions revolved around several key initiatives, including faculty and student exchange programs, fostering partnerships with Korean universities, and developing joint curricula aimed at enhancing the academic offerings of both institutions.

This exploratory meeting sets the stage for continued discussions in the coming months, as both institutions work to formalize the specifics of their partnership. The success of these talks could pave the way for new educational opportunities and deepen the relationship between the Philippines and Korea through academic exchange and joint projects.

Story by Gladwyn Gustilo/ILLO