Category: Linkages

The Taga-West is again in revelry as they receive a commendation from the Commission on Higher Education for being one of the awardees during the Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards 2023 on October 8, 2023 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Represented by WVSU International and Local Linkages Office Director, Ms Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, WVSU was given recognition for debuting at the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI), 201-300.

Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka acknowledges the effort of the entire WVSU system in this achievement. “We are only just beginning, having the ILLO established as a separate unit for only almost 2 years. The cooperation of everyone, especially those who work so hard to bring WVSU into a higher plane every time and unselfishly share extra of their time and resources, this award is for you.”

It is recalled that last year, the University also received an ICONS Award for garnering 3 stars in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

The rankings and ratings of the state universities and colleges and the private higher education institutions in the country are products of the continuous efforts of the schools in pursuing internationalization here (home-based) and abroad (cross-border).

West Visayas State University Calinog embarked on a journey of collaboration and knowledge-sharing with Philippine Normal University North Luzon (PNU-NL) last October 2-3, 2023.

This two-day benchmarking event focused on exploring best practices in Indigenous People (IP) education, delving into various facets such as curriculum development, research initiatives, extension activities, facilities and the unique concept of an IP village within the campus. The partnership aimed to foster a deeper understanding of effective approaches to empower and uplift indigenous communities through education. WVSU Calinog Campus group was spearheaded by Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, Campus Administrator, Dr. Mercedes C. Ciasico, former Director for Academic Affairs and currently the Program Head of PhD in Education major in Education and MAED Educational Management, Dr. Elias C. Olapane, Campus Research Coordinator and Dr. Marie Candy L. Celeste, Chair of English Department and IPED Coordinator of the campus. They were welcomed warmly by the faculty, staff and students by PNU-NL headed by their Executive Director and Provost, Dr. Leticia N. Aquino.

One of the key highlights of the activity was the exchange of insights regarding curriculum development. PNU-NL presented and discussed their Diploma Program in Indigenous People Teacher Education. They have demonstrated their commitment to preserving indigenous knowledge and culture by incorporating these elements into its curriculum. The university has made substantial efforts to ensure that the education provided is not only academically rigorous but also culturally sensitive. PNU-NL is known as the Indigenous People Education Hub of the Philippines.

Participants in the benchmarking event were also introduced to a range of research initiatives that focused on issues affecting indigenous peoples and successful extension activities that were designed to provide tangible. Research collaborations between the two universities were also highlighted during the discussion. The strong support from the university administration and the local government units was manifested in the many successful activities promoting indigenous people education.

Lastly, a truly unique aspect of PNU-NL’s approach is the concept of an IP village. WVSU Calinog faculty got the chance to visit and see for their eyes the traditional houses of IP groups in the north including Ilokano, Kalinga, Ifugao and many more. This living classroom provides students with an immersive experience in indigenous culture and traditions. It also serves as a hub for community activities, enabling collaboration between students, faculty, and the indigenous population. This innovative approach not only educates but also fosters cultural appreciation and preservation.

The academic partnership between WVSU Calinog Campus and Philippine Normal University- North Luzon represents a commitment to excellence in indigenous people education. By coming together to share best practices and learn from each other, they aim to create a brighter future for indigenous communities in the Philippines and beyond. The two-day benchmarking event was a testament to the power of collaboration in academia, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and community engagement in education. WVSU Calinog Campus is committed to take strategic steps in promoting a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape for indigenous people.

WVSU IZN Coordinators and Frontliner-Staff of units gathered at the Center for Teaching Excellence Building for WVSU International and Local Linkages Office’s (ILLO) Communicating in the Workplace Era of Internationalization (IZN) : Orientation of ILLO Procedures and its Reason for Being.

Led by ILLO Director Mrs. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, the orientation discussed the different courses of action that were put into organizing the University’s travels: ILLO Mandates, MOU/MOA and International Travel procedures, and Budget and Itinerary Preparation.

Prof. Bryan Dayuta, Philippine Normal University’s Director of International Affairs and Linkages, discussed the importance of an Internationalization Office and the university’s role in helping it to succeed.

This is just the first of two parts of the said event.

West Visayas State University took part in the CHED’s Regional Orientation (Visayas Leg), focusing on the Guidelines for Assessment of Foreign Travel for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) at L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City on September 21, 2023.

The orientation was broken down into three sessions, assessing different practices of SUCs’ foreign travels: Spotting and Avoiding Predatory International Conferences, Rules and Rates of Expenses and Allowances for Official Travels, and Revision of Processes and Guidelines of Foreign Travels for SUCs personnel.

Among the people who headed the discussions were Prof. Johnrev B. Guilaran, Associate Professor of University of the Philippines Visayas; together with Atty. Lynn Danao-Moreno GGAO’s Asst. Executive Secretary for the Office of the President of the Philippines; Prof. Bryan C. Dayuta, PNU’s Director for Linkages and International Office; CHED’s International Affairs; and, Dr. Gaudencio Petalcorin Jr., Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise of Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology.

WVSU was represented by Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of International and Local Linkages Office. She praised CHED’s initiative by saying, “This orientation clarifies all the queries regarding foreign travels and allowances, which will help WVSU strengthen its policies in internationalization. The International and Local Linkages Office facilitates the foreign travels and it is a tedious procedure. Our presence here with CHED International Affairs Services is indeed beneficial, most especially that an orientation on ILLO procedures will be held soon for the WVSU Community to reiterate processes.”

West Visayas State University embarked on a journey to Mindanao recently for discussions on collaboration and sharing of best practices.

Internationalization, planning and development, research, quality assurance, and possible partnerships in Information and Communications Technology were prioritized as WVSU visited Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSU).

Dr. Josephine Sulasula, ZPPSU’s VP for Administration and Finance and currently the OIC-President representing Dr. Nelson Cabral, headed the discussion, with Mr. Alexius Silorio, Internationalization Officer, and heads of units, including Quality Assurance, Information Technology, and Planning.

The WVSU delegation was led by Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office. With her were Dr. Wilhelm Cerbo, Director for Planning and Development; Dr. Dolly Rose Temelo, Director of Quality Assurance; Dr. Arlyn Salistre, Secretary of the College of Nursing, representing the Nursing Dean Dr. Madonna Palmes; Prof. Shem Durst Elijah Sandig, faculty of the College of Information and Communications Technology, representing CICT Dean Dr. Ma. Beth Concepcion; and Architect Gerard Ibanez, Head of the Campus Physical Planning office.

This is just an initial activity for institutional expansion to the south, where WVSU sees potential in sustainable projects with consideration for diversity and inclusion.

West Visayas State University embarked on a journey to Mindanao recently for discussions on collaboration and sharing of best practices.

One of the state universities the WVSU delegates visited was Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) where internationalization, planning and development, research, quality assurance, and possible partnerships in academic programs (focusing on BS Nursing, Information and Communications Technology, and Journalism) were prioritized.

Both WVSU and WMSU, though in different geographical areas, have many similarities in program offerings and almost the same age—WVSU was founded in 1902 and WMSU was founded in 1904.

Dr. Mario Obra, WMSU’s Director for International Relations and Quality Assurance, , together with their top officials Dr. Nursia M. Barjose, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Joel G. Fernando, Vice President for Research Extension Services & External Linkages; and, Dr. Joselito D. Madroñal, Vice President for Administration and Finance , welcomed the WVSU delegation. Deans and unit heads were also present to grace the occasion. WMSU President Dr. Ma. Carla Ochotorena expressed warm regards to the WVSU delegates while on travel during the discussion-sharing visit.

The WVSU delegation was led by Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office. With her were Dr. Wilhelm Cerbo, Director for Planning and Development; Dr. Dolly Rose Temelo, Director of Quality Assurance; Dr. Arlyn Salistre, Secretary of the College of Nursing, representing the Nursing Dean Dr. Madonna Palmes; Prof. Shem Durst Elijah Sandig, faculty of the College of Information and Communications Technology, representing CICT Dean Dr. Ma. Beth Concepcion; and Architect Gerard Ibanez, Head of the Campus Physical Planning office.

This is just an initial activity for institutional expansion to the south where WVSU sees potential in sustainable projects with consideration for diversity and inclusion.

For further understanding the health care education in institutions as well as developments of different health sectors in the Philippines, World Education Services (WES) Managing Director, Canada, and Deputy Executive Director, Shamira Madhany, together with Megan Blackburn, Senior Director of Strategy and Planning and Chief of Staff, visit the University on October 4, 2023.

The issues and challenges concerning the immigration, registration and employment of Internationally Educated Nurses were tackled as well as the procedures and processes of applications for academic exchange or international travels for potentially interested WVSU students.

The people present in the meeting were University President, Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz; together with Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla; Vice President for Administration and Finance, Porferio Barlas Jr.; ILLO Director, Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka; Office of Director for Quality Assurance, Dr. Dolly Rose F. Temelo; and College of Nursing Faculty, Carla P. Gustilo.

“You came to the right school!”, stated Dr. Villaruz as he explained how WVSU is the perfect prospect for the opportunity after WVSU nursing students yielding as topnotcher in the Nursing Licensure Exam every year.

Both parties expressed interest regarding the opportunities and how they are willing to share resources and build relationships with other educational institutions and organizations in the country.This discussion was organized through the efforts of the Canadian Trade and Education Commission.