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Gabawa takes oath as first president of Mechatronics and Robotics Society in Western Visayas; highlights inclusive leadership, tech innovation

Engr. Lea Gabawa, a faculty member and Gender and Development (GAD) focal person at West Visayas State University’s College of Information and Communications Technology, was sworn in as the inaugural president of the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines – Western Visayas Chapter (MRSP-WV).
 
The oath-taking and induction ceremony was held on April 11, 2025, at the Iloilo City Hall Penthouse and attended by key figures in science, education, and governance.
 
𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩
 
Dr. Joel De Castro opened the event by commending the leadership and dedication of the newly inducted officers, expressing confidence that their efforts would elevate the region’s position in robotics and technology.
 
National President Dr. Arvin Dela Cruz outlined his goals of strengthening partnerships, enhancing workforce readiness, advancing research and development, and upholding ethical practices in the field.
 
Engr. Rowen Gelonga, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology Region VI, emphasized the role of collaboration and urgency in addressing national challenges. He encouraged stronger ties between academia, industry, and local government.
 
𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚
 
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed his full support for the initiatives of the new chapter, citing their alignment with the city’s smart city agenda. He described the vision as a fusion of innovation, sustainability, and public service enhancement through technology.
 
Treñas also administered the oath of commitment to the officers, formally recognizing their mandate.
 
Other officials from the WVSU system also formed the MRSP Western Visayas pioneer team, including Prof. Rosie Jane Siosan of WVSU Pototan Campus as Secretary and Prof. Rose May Cora Lagon of WVSU Calinog Campus as Auditor.
 
𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙈
 
As part of her acceptance speech, Gabawa laid out a roadmap for the chapter’s development, with goals focused on capacity-building, ethical leadership, and inclusivity.
 
An advocate of gender equality in science and technology, Gabawa underscored the need to empower women and girls in STEM.
 
“I hope my leadership will inspire other women and girls in Western Visayas to pursue their passions in STEM without hesitation, contributing to a more balanced and representative workforce that benefits the entire nation,” she said.
 
𝘼𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮
 
The Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines is a professional organization that promotes technological advancement in mechatronics and robotics through research, innovation, and the exchange of expertise. The formation of its Western Visayas chapter marks a significant step toward regional development in these fields.
 
Text and photos by JA Temelo, PAMCO
 
 
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WVSU nursing students mark milestone in capping, pinning, candle lighting rites

West Visayas State University proudly honored 161 Level II student nurses from the College of Nursing Class of 2027 in a heartfelt Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremony held last April 8 at the WVSU Cultural Center.
 
This cherished tradition marks the students’ transition from academic preparation to hands-on clinical training in the healthcare field.
 
WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz delivered a virtual message, reminding the student nurses to carry commitment, compassion, and respect as they move forward in their journey.
 
The ceremony’s guest speaker, Dr. Rey John Latap—a proud CON alumnus and now a cardiothoracic surgery nurse practitioner in California—shared his inspiring story and words of encouragement.
 
Adding meaning to the event, Dr. Liza Marie Ramirez explained the symbols behind the cap, pin, and lamp, followed by the formal presentation of the students by Prof. Marie Vic Cañonaso.
 
With pride and unity, Batch Alanza recited the Nurse’s Prayer and took the Nightingale Pledge, capping the evening with an emotional performance of their original batch song, As One.
 
The Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremony remains a beloved tradition at WVSU CON—signifying service, identity, and the light student nurses will bring into the lives of those they care for.
 
By Dr. Hazel P. Villa & JA Temelo/PAMCO
 
Photos by Wina dela Cruz & JA Temelo/PAMCO
 
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WVSU Innovation and Technology Support Office earns platinum, special citation awards

PARAÑAQUE CITY — The Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) of West Visayas State University received the prestigious Platinum Award and a Special Citation during the 2025 ITSO Presidents’ Summit and General Assembly held on April 10.
 
The awards recognize institutions that have demonstrated exceptional performance and progress in advancing intellectual property (IP) protection in the Philippines.
 
In addition to the Platinum Award, WVSU ITSO earned a Special Citation for successfully meeting the requirement of filing at least 10 patent applications in 2024—underscoring the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and protecting IP assets.
 
The ITSO Presidents’ Summit and General Assembly, organized by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, aims to strengthen the national ITSO network and promote IP creation as a driver of innovation across higher education and research institutions.
 
Representing WVSU at the awards ceremony were Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, vice president for research, innovation and extension; Dr. Arnel N. Secondes, director of the Knowledge and Technology Transfer and Business Development Center and current ITSO manager; Dr. Ma. Gerlia Blanza, ITSO technical expert; and Jeanette P. Aguilar, ITSO staff.
 
These recognitions affirm the university’s continued efforts in advancing research and contributing high-value innovations that support national development through intellectual property generation and protection.
 
By Wina dela Cruz/PAMCO
 
 
 
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WVSU College of Education redesignated as Center of Excellence for Teacher Education

The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Education has been redesignated as a Center of Excellence (COE) for Teacher Education by the Department of Education’s Teacher Education Council (TEC).
 
This year-long recognition, which ends on November 2025, underscores WVSU’s ongoing commitment to producing high-quality educators equipped with innovative teaching practices and methodologies.
 
Under Republic Act No. 11713, known as the Excellence in Teacher Education Act, the TEC is authorized to identify and designate COEs among public and private Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs).
 
These centers play a pivotal role in advancing teacher education by providing technical support for curriculum development and contributing to strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of teacher training nationwide.
 
WVSU’s redesignation as a COE reflects its dedication to excellence in instruction, research, and community engagement within the field of teacher education. The university continues to serve as a leader in shaping the future of education by preparing competent and compassionate educators ready to meet the evolving challenges of the educational landscape.
 
By Dr. Hazel Villa & JA Temelo/PAMCO
 
Photos from the Department of Education
 
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WVSU receives dual EQUATE Awards from CHED for Excellence in Teacher Education

West Visayas State University (WVSU) Main Campus and Himamaylan City Campus (HCC) were recognized as awardees by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the prestigious Excellence in Quality Assurance in Teacher Education (EQUATE) last April 2, 2025, at The Manila Hotel, 1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila.
 
The awards were personally received by Dr. Joselito Villaruz, president of West Visayas State University; Dr. Genesis Camarista, campus administrator of WVSU Himamaylan City Campus; Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Ricky Magno, dean of the College of Education; and Dr. Jonalyn B. Duhaylungsod, director of the School of Education at WVSU Himamaylan City Campus.
 
With over 1,553 Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) nationwide, WVSU emerged as one of select 110 awardees recognized for excellence in both the elementary and secondary levels. With both the Main Campus and Himamaylan City Campus each receiving dual recognitions, WVSU stands as one of few select institutions in the country to hold this rare and prestigious dual distinction.
 
 
Photos by Dr. Ricky Magno/WVSU COE, Dr. Genesis Camarista/WVSU HCC
 
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WVSU lauds COE, COP, HCC as EQUATE awardees during the flag-raising ceremony

West Visayas State University (WVSU) proudly celebrated the recognition of its Main Campus, through the College of Education (COE) and the College of PESCAR (COP), alongside the Himamaylan City Campus (HCC), as outstanding institutions in teacher education during the Excellence in Quality Assurance in Teacher Education (EQUATE) Awards.
 
The awarding ceremony was held on April 2, 2025, at The Manila Hotel, 1 Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila.
This achievement was officially acknowledged and celebrated during WVSU’s first flag-raising ceremony of the month held on April 8, 2025.
 
Conferred by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the EQUATE Awards honored institutions that significantly contributed to achieving national education development goals through the delivery of high-quality pre-service teacher education, upholding the highest standards of quality assurance.
 
Dr. Ricky Magno, COE dean, highlighted that both the WVSU Main Campus and the Himamaylan City Campus were recognized for their outstanding performance in the elementary and secondary levels of the September 2024 Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT), making WVSU the only institution in the country to receive dual EQUATE awards in both categories.
 
Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, vice president for Academic Affairs, extended her heartfelt congratulations to both campuses for their remarkable achievement, as WVSU ranked among the top 3% of institutions in the elementary level and top 6% in the secondary level qualifiers.
 
“Ang budlay [was to] sustain, pero kakayanin,” jested Dr. Dequilla.
In the September 2024 BLEPT, the WVSU Main Campus produced six topnotchers, clinched the top spot nationwide in the elementary level with a 96.4% passing rate, and placed second in the secondary level with 96.77%.
 
Meanwhile, the Himamaylan City Campus (HCC) ranked 10th nationwide in the secondary level with a 90.00% passing rate, making it the first WVSU satellite campus to break into the top 10 of a national licensure examination.
 
By Dr. Hazel P. Villa & JA Temelo/PAMCO
 
 
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WVSU holds campus gender sensitivity talks for freshies

Aiming to foster inclusivity and awareness among its students, West Visayas State University (WVSU) held a campus-wide Gender Sensitivity Orientation at the COM Gym last March 28, bringing together first-year students from various colleges.
 
The initiative aimed to equip students with a deeper understanding of gender-related issues and their impact on various sectors of society. The discussions also covered key topics such as the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics or the SOGIESC Equality Bill and the Safe Spaces Act, emphasizing the importance of gender equality and protection from discrimination.
 
Organized by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office in collaboration with GAD focal persons from different colleges and offices, the event carried the theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
Renowned educators and gender advocates facilitated the discussions, tailoring their sessions to specific academic disciplines.
 
Prof. Moniq Muyargas from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and former Director of Ugsad or the Regional Gender Resource Network, opened the series with a session for students from the College of PESCAR and the College of Information and Communication Technology. She emphasized the importance of inclusivity and respect to people of various SOGIE to achieve inclusivity within the society.
 
Dr. Agnes Segunda Gerasmo, a faculty member and GAD focal person of the College of Medicine, led the discussion for students from the colleges of Arts and Sciences and Dentistry. She tackled key gender sensitivity concepts through visual models like the Genderbread Person.
 
University Student Council (USC) Vice Chairperson Gerard Paul Gallo took the stage to introduce and advocate for Project Kanlungan: WVSU Safe Spaces Monitoring Operation jointly managed by GAD, USC, and the Management Information System Office. He also introduced the project in between the succeeding sessions.
 
This initiative serves as a digital platform designed to monitor and report incidents of sexual and gender-based violence on campus, reinforcing WVSU’s commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
 
Meanwhile, Dr. Emily Dela Cruz, director of the Office of Student Affairs at Iloilo Science and Technology University, facilitated the orientation for students from the College of Education. She highlighted the crucial role of educators in promoting awareness and understanding of inclusivity and Safe Spaces, emphasizing their responsibility in fostering a more inclusive learning environment.
 
Closing the series, Dr. Barby Badayos-Jover, another esteemed professor from UPV, and formerly an Ugsad Director delivered the session for students from the colleges of Nursing and Business Management. She presented data and research on the societal status of women, highlighting best practices to promote women’s rights, inclusivity, and the protection of women and girls.
 
The Gender Sensitivity Orientation served as a platform for students to engage in meaningful discussions on gender equality, social inclusion, and the role of education in fostering a more equitable and safer society. By integrating these discussions early in their academic journey, WVSU aims to cultivate a more informed and socially responsible student body and gender-sensitive professionals.
 
Written by WVSU GAD, JA Temelo/PAMCO
Photos by JA Temelo/PAMCO
 
 
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Director Anton Juan proposes migrant-themed musical at WVSU

International theater and film director Anton Juan visited West Visayas State University on March 28 to propose a musical focusing on Filipino migrants, to be performed by the College of PESCAR’s, TeatroTayo.
 
During his meeting with WVSU President Joselito F. Villaruz, Juan expressed appreciation for the leadership of TeatroTayo directors Jemuel Garcia and Ryan Puljanan, both faculty members of the College of PESCAR, under the guidance of Dean Porferio J. Barlas.
 
The proposed musical aims to highlight the experiences of Filipino migrants, furthering TeatroTayo’s commitment to producing socially relevant performances.
 
This initiative follows the company’s recent adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Titus Andronicus,” titled “Titus Tan,” which received acclaim for its innovative approach.
 
Juan’s collaboration with WVSU seeks to enrich the university’s cultural offerings and provide students with opportunities to engage in meaningful theatrical productions.
 
By Wina De la Cruz/PAMCO
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Film icon Nick Deocampo graces WVSU

Filmmaker and Film Historian Prof. Nick Deocampo visits West Visayas State University, together with representatives from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) on March 28, 2025.
 
During a meeting with the WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and WVSU College of Communication (COC) Dean Dr. Rona Dhel C. Alingasa, Prof. Deocampo shared the sociocultural and educational importance of film archiving and preservation.
 
He also emphasized that the collaborative work he is doing with Ms. Mary Kareen Gancio, faculty of WVSU-COC Broadcasting Division, and FDCP in film and media archiving requires complete institutional support.
 
Representatives from FDCP were also present during the meeting, including Korina Dela Cruz, Lemor Sobrevega, and COC alumni Sonnet Llaguno.
 
The partnership between WVSU College of Communication and FDCP, with the guidance of Prof.
 
Deocampo aims to strengthen the promotion and appreciation of local films as well as develop the skills of students in purposive storytelling.
 
Prof. Deocampo arrived in WVSU fresh from his talk, “Pagtahal: Talk on Film Historiography and Archiving” with Ms. Julie Nealaga, an audiovisual archivist and the head of Probe Archives, at Cinematheque Iloilo last March 27, 2025.
 
Text by Prof. Joesyl D. Aranas, College of Communication
 
Photos by Wina De la Cruz, PAMCO
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Global competence strengthened at WVSU Janiuay Campus Through French Language and Culture Crash Course

On March 28, 2025, the West Visayas State University (WVSU)-Janiuay Campus hosted a French Language and Culture Crash Course, led by Mr. Enzo Muñoz, from the MEEF Master’s Degree program in Teaching Abroad at INSPÉ de Toulouse, Université Toulouse II.

 

The program was part of WVSU’s ongoing efforts through the International and Local Linkages Office to provide an immersive learning experience in French language and culture,particularly tailored for students pursuing Hotel and Management degrees.

 

Dr. Guiller Pendon, Campus Administrator of WVSU Janiuay, officially welcomed the participants, stressing the significance of foreign exchange programs in fostering cultural diversity. He pointed out that such initiatives offer fresh perspectives and innovative teaching methods that contribute to enriching classroom experiences.

 

During the session, Mr. Muñoz engaged students in learning fundamental French vocabulary, greetings, and provided valuable insights into French culture. His interactive, hands-on teaching style encouraged students to actively participate, creating a dynamic environment that blended language acquisition with practical understanding of French customs, fine dining etiquette, and tongue twisters.

 

The course not only enhanced their language proficiency but also deepened their appreciation of French traditions and societal norms, preparing them for an increasingly interconnected world.

 

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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