Category: Linkages

West Visayas State University (WVSU) strengthened its commitment to internationalization as it participated in the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) International Week 2025 – Educational Fair on July 11, 2025, held at Paradise Garden Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Boracay, Malay, Aklan.

The event brought together local and international higher education institutions (HEIs) in a celebration of global collaboration and academic exchange.

With the theme “Connecting Cultures, Inspiring Futures,” the event featured educational presentations, networking opportunities, and exploratory meetings that served as a platform for strengthening internationalization initiatives among participating institutions.

Representing WVSU were Prof. Mary Ann V. Alvarez, Internationalization Coordinator of the Janiuay Campus; Prof. Jason P. Amar, Internationalization Coordinator of the Himamaylan City Campus; and Ms. Alisa Mei Locsin, Information Officer I. The university delegates took part in various engagements including presentations from international HEIs, one-on-one institutional dialogues, and exploration of collaboration opportunities with local, national, and international academic institutions.

The WVSU team also participated in booth visits and discussions aimed at initiating future partnerships in academic programs, research, and student mobility. These interactions provided a valuable platform to promote WVSU’s internationalization goals and establish potential linkages with institutions abroad.

Through its active involvement, WVSU reaffirms its strong commitment to global engagement and collaboration as it continues to pursue academic excellence and international recognition.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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West Visayas State University (WVSU) has secured Rank 187 in the prestigious World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025, placing it among the Global Top 400 Innovative Universities.

This achievement reflects a notable rise from its 210th position in 2024, underscoring WVSU’s sustained dedication to fostering innovation, enhancing student engagement, and expanding international collaboration.

In addition to its overall ranking, WVSU earned recognition in three specialized categories within the WURI Top 100:

• Rank 20 in Student Mobility and Openness (A2) Program Name: E-BRIDGE: Intercultural Digital Learning Proponent: Dr. Antoniette D. Cortez
• Rank 36 in Student Support and Engagement (A1) Program Name: Project E-Hustisya Proponents: Atty. Pauline Grace B. Alfuente and Atty. Regina Johanna V.Gustilo
• Rank 91 in Culture/Values (B4) Program Name: Personality Enhancement Activities (PEA) Program Proponents: Dr. Marie Rosette Cainday and Dr. Bella Antonia Lorilla.

The 2025 WURI evaluation covers 16 categories, reflecting a comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional academic metrics. The ranking system focuses on universities’ innovative capacities, practical contributions to industry and society, and their responsiveness to global challenges.

WVSU’s improved standing in this global ranking highlights its commitment to advancing education that aligns with evolving societal needs and international standards.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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West Visayas State University (WVSU) continues to enhance its global academic presence as two faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)—Professor Ree Ran Park and Arizza Julia Inocencio—are set to represent the King Sejong Institute Iloilo and the Philippines at the 2025 World Korean Educators Conference (세계한국어교육자대회) to be held from July 21 to 24 in Seoul, South Korea.

This prestigious international conference is hosted annually by the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea. It gathers Korean language educators from around the world to share best practices, discuss pedagogical innovations, and promote global collaboration in Korean language education.

Both Professor Park and Ms. Inocencio, who is also a proud alumna of the Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages program, currently serve as Korean language instructors under CAS. The King Sejong Institute Iloilo is a flagship cultural and language initiative of the college, established to advance Korean language education and foster cultural appreciation in the region.

This is not the first time WVSU has gained international recognition in this arena. In August 2024, Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs, represented the university at the 2024 edition of the same conference.

WVSU was formally designated as a King Sejong Institute in 2024, officially joining South Korea’s international network of institutions promoting Korean language and culture around the world.

Through sustained global engagements such as this, WVSU reaffirms its commitment to academic excellence, international collaboration, and cross-cultural education—raising the Philippine flag proudly on the world stage.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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Four medical students from Pennsylvania State University officially began their Global Health Scholars Pathway (GHSP) immersion today, June 30, at West Visayas State University (WVSU), marking the start of a collaborative international program aimed at strengthening global medical education and cross-cultural healthcare learning.

The visiting students—Madison Scopano, Jacob Berry, Eva Eleftheriadis, and Jaybee Diones—are accompanied by their faculty site lead, Dr. Jasmin Gange Lagman, Associate Professor at Penn State and an alumna of the WVSU College of Medicine.

The three-week immersion program, which runs from June 30 to July 19, 2025, commenced with a courtesy visit to Dr. Victor Amantillo, Dean of the WVSU College of Medicine, followed by a tour of the college. The group also paid a visit to WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, who welcomed them and expressed the university’s enthusiasm for this new chapter in global academic cooperation.

This visit is part of a larger partnership between Penn State and WVSU, established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year on January 1, 2025.

The program is designed to expose future medical professionals to diverse health systems, community-based practices, and health economics in a global setting.

Additionally, the program is coordinated by Dr. Eunice Sermonia and Dr. Charmaine Malata, who are overseeing the students’ university-related activities and ensuring a smooth and enriching academic and cultural experience.

The Global Health Scholars Pathway is a unique and innovative program that integrates global health education into the medical curriculum at Penn State. It provides students with two immersive international experiences: the first focused on community immersion and development of a health project, and the second, in the students’ senior year, dedicated to clinical engagement in the same setting.

By choosing the Philippines—specifically WVSU—as one of the program’s international sites, this initiative not only fosters academic and cultural exchange but also reflects the growing global partnerships that shape the future of medical education.

This visit is just the beginning of a promising long-term collaboration between WVSU and Penn State, with future cohorts of medical scholars expected to follow.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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What began as a student initiative has grown into a movement of environmental hope and action. At the heart of this effort is Sanctuarium Maris, a sea turtle conservation project in Barangay Atabayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo—led by the DagYoung Student Ambassadors of West Visayas State University (WVSU), in partnership with the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), the Federated Student Council (FSC), and the Development Communicators’ Society.

Funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, this project is building bridges between science, sustainability, and the community. On June 28, these student leaders hosted “Conversations on Conservation”, a focus group discussion that reflected on the progress, challenges, and future of the initiative.

A Safe Shore for Sea Turtles

Barangay Atabayan is known as a vital nesting ground for sea turtles, with records of hatchlings as recent as 2020. But this coastal community also faces alarming challenges. From 2001 to 2011, 109 sea turtles were spotted—many of them injured or stranded. In 2020 alone, 11 turtles were rescued from fish traps or found along the coast. These figures paint a clear picture: the need for action is urgent.

Youth at the Helm of Conservation

WVSU’s DagYoung Student Ambassadors are at the forefront of this effort. Serving as the internationalization arm of the university’s International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), these students are not only raising awareness but are actively training as “first responders” in sea turtle protection. Chairperson Aihrich M. Toreres led the opening of the forum on behalf of Director Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csóka, emphasizing the role of student leadership in real-world impact.

A Dialogue of Insights and Solutions

The forum was designed not just to report outcomes, but to listen—to the volunteers, residents, and local leaders who share the responsibility of protecting the coast. Topics included TideWatch, a sharing of field observations and reflections; Bright Spots, which highlighted conservation wins; Rough Waters, where challenges and failures were discussed; and Echoes of Engagement, where volunteers and locals gave feedback on their experiences. The final session, Currents Forward, explored strategies to sustain the project long-term.

A United Community Response

The event was attended by key community figures, including Barangay Captain Hon. Edison T. Camiña, Hon. Julius E. Trafalgar, Hon. Rowena C. Torrechante, and SK Chair Peter Paul Cadabo. Their presence demonstrated strong local support and the growing awareness that sea turtle conservation is not a solo effort—it is a shared mission.

Charting a Future for the Sea

In his closing remarks, Special Projects Coordinator Johnric G. Vargas reflected on the importance of continuity and shared responsibility. He underscored that while policies and programs help, it is the hearts and hands of people—especially the youth—that will sustain real change.

WVSU continues to serve as a beacon of environmental leadership in the region. With Sanctuarium Maris, the university’s student leaders are setting an example of what passionate, community-rooted conservation can look like.

As the sea turtles return to Tigbauan’s shores in the years to come, they will find more than just a natural sanctuary. They will find a community waiting, watching, and willing to protect.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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West Visayas State University (WVSU) has entered into a new international partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Otago on June 27, 2025, in Dunedin, New Zealand.

The agreement was signed by WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and University of Otago Vice Chancellor Hon. Grant Robertson during the Philippine High-Level Mission to New Zealand organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

The partnership focuses on collaborative research in digital health and medicine, faculty and student exchange programs, and the co-development of digital innovations aimed at enhancing healthcare systems and services. Both institutions expressed their commitment to working together in advancing global health outcomes through academic and technological collaboration.

Dr. Villaruz emphasized that the partnership marks a significant step in WVSU’s pursuit of excellence and innovation in health sciences. He highlighted that the agreement not only supports the university’s research goals but also opens international pathways for students and faculty.

With this new partnership, WVSU continues to position itself as a leader in global health education and digital transformation.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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To advance global engagement in higher education, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) officially rolled out the updated CMO No. 3, Series of 2025, at West Visayas State University (WVSU) on June 23, featuring Mr. Renz Giorgio Tibigar of the CHED International Affairs Service.

The presentation focused on the “Updated Guidelines for Securing Authority to Travel Abroad for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across Region VI”, a vital framework aimed at streamlining foreign travel procedures, enhancing institutional accountability, and aligning international activities with national policy.

Mr. Tibigar underscored the strategic role of International Relations Officers (IROs) in ensuring that all foreign travel requests are legitimate, necessary, and directly contribute to the university’s Strategic Internationalization Plan (SIP). He introduced the revised IAS Form 15, a crucial tool to evaluate and justify SUC travel requests. He also emphasized the importance of monitoring outcomes from international travel, such as joint research projects, improved student mobility, and strengthened linkages.

To assist SUCs in assessing the legitimacy of invitations, CHED introduced a Toolkit on Red-Flagged Conferences and Organizations, continuously updated through the CHED-IAS platform. In line with transparency and integrity, Mr. Tibigar also reiterated that all trips partially or fully sponsored by private entities with pending transactions with SUCs are strictly prohibited.

Another highlight was the clarification of exemptions from CHED travel clearance, which include CHED-funded initiatives, IAS-endorsed activities, and trips resulting from formal MOAs or MOUs. Also discussed were the transitionary provisions delegating travel processing functions from CHED Central to Regional Offices.

The program concluded with Dr. Danebeth G. Narzoles, Officer-in-Charge and Chief Education Program Specialist and Internationalization (IZN) Focal Person of CHED Region VI, delivering the closing remarks, commending the collaboration among institutions and reiterating CHED’s full support for initiatives that champion internationalization in Philippine higher education.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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West Visayas State University (WVSU) strengthened its role as a key driver of global academic engagement in Western Visayas as it hosted the Region VI International Relations Officers (IRO) Council Oath-Taking Ceremony today, June 23, at the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) hall.

The ceremony gathered international relations officers from various higher education institutions across Western Visayas, all united under the shared vision of expanding the region’s global academic footprint.

The event opened with warm welcome remarks from Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, WVSU Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation, who underscored the importance of regional unity and global engagement.

“Today marks not just a ceremonial gathering but a declaration of our shared vision to elevate the international presence of our institutions,” Dr. Gabinete said.

Dr. Raul C. Alvarez, Jr., Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VI, delivered an inspiring message during the program. He also led the oath-taking of the newly elected officers of the Region VI IRO Council.

“The establishment of the IRO Council signals a strategic direction for Western Visayas. With the right leadership, collaboration, and commitment, our institutions can flourish in the global academic arena,” Dr. Alvarez said.

Elected Officers of the Region VI IRO Council:

• President: Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka (West Visayas State University)
• Vice President for External Affairs: Ms. Jieza J. Napone (Iloilo Science and Technology University)
• Vice President for Internal Affairs: Ms. Jennelyn A. Omadio (University of Antique)
• Secretary: Dr. Marien A. Laureto (Capiz State University)
• Assistant Secretary: Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice (Central Philippine University)
• Treasurer: Dr. Jeanette G. Bayona (Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology)
• Assistant Treasurer: Dr. Virmari S. Tan (John B. Lacson Maritime Foundation University)
• Auditor: Dr. Manuel O. Malonisio (Aklan State University)
• Business Manager: Dr. Mary F. Jane Tormon (Filamer Christian University)
• PRO: Mr. John Paul P. Mondejar (University of San Agustin)

The officers were first elected during the event “Activating Linkages: International Relations Officers Convergence” last May 27, 2025 at the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST). The convergence served as the official launching of the Region VI IRO Council, a body envisioned to lead coordinated internationalization efforts across Western Visayas’ higher education institutions.

As the council President, Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka is expected to steer the council toward fostering regional collaboration, sharing global best practices, and initiating cross-institutional projects aimed at enhancing the international standing of Region VI’s academic institutions.

Today’s ceremony signifies not only the beginning of a leadership term but the dawning of a stronger, united front in positioning Region VI as a key player in global education.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, President of West Visayas State University (WVSU), is currently in New Zealand as part of the Philippine High-Level Mission organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), taking place from June 21 to 28, 2025 in the cities of Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

The mission brings together key representatives from CHED and various higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines. Its primary goal is to expand international academic and research partnerships, particularly in the health sciences, as well as in other priority academic fields.

This initiative provides an opportunity for Philippine delegates to visit and engage with leading universities and institutions in New Zealand. Through institutional visits, networking sessions, and collaborative dialogues, the mission aims to open new avenues for faculty and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and international degree programs.

Dr. Villaruz’s participation emphasizes WVSU’s commitment to global engagement and academic excellence. By actively taking part in international collaborations, WVSU continues to advance its role as a premier institution in health sciences and higher education.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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Jeju Island, South Korea–West Visayas State University (WVSU) has significantly advanced its 17 years of long-standing partnership with Jeju National University (JNU) following a pivotal engagement with key officials from JNU’s Regional Innovation System and Education (RISE) initiative. This deepened collaboration centers on the ” Establishment of the Center for Digital Transformation for Governance” project at WVSU, a vital undertaking funded by the Department of Science and Technology-VI (DOST).

This expanded partnership comes after a recent visit by WVSU delegates, who were part of the DOST-Western Visayas Consortium for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (WVCIEERD) international study mission to Jeju Island from June 16-20, 2025.

Leading the WVSU team were Dr. Ma. Beth S. Concepcion, Dean of the College of ICT and Project Leader of WVSU’s Center for Digital Transformation for Governance, and Mr. Shem Durst Elijah B. Sandig, a faculty member and researcher.

A key highlight was their meeting with JNU President Eel-Hwan Kim, reaffirming the strong bond between the universities. They also met with Dr. Chul-Ung Kang, Vice President and Director of JNU-RISE, and Dr. Yung-Cheol Byun, a professor and director at JNU’s RIS Office for High-Intelligent Service.

These discussions highlighted how WVSU’s digital transformation goals align with JNU’s RISE program, which focuses on regional development through technology. The goal is to boost digital transformation for governance and foster an innovation-driven Western Visayas, leveraging Jeju as a model of innovation.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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