Category: News

With forecasts indicating a high probability of El Niño developing in the coming months, West Visayas State University (WVSU) has begun crafting a university-wide adaptation plan to help protect students, personnel, campus operations, and critical resources from the anticipated effects of prolonged dry conditions.

The University conducted its El Niño Readiness and Adaptation Forum and Planning on July 7 at the Research and Extension Building Conference Room, bringing together disaster risk reduction and management officers and planning officers from the Main Campus, satellite campuses, and the WVSU Medical Center.

Spearheaded by the Environmental Resource Management Office (ERMO) under the leadership of Director Dr. Maria Lea Escantilla-Lebuna, the activity aimed to prepare a coordinated, risk-informed response to the anticipated impacts of El Niño across the University.

To help guide institutional planning, participants first received updates from Jan Hermo Baron, weather specialist of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Visayas Regional Services, who presented the latest climate outlook for July to December 2026. Raul E. Fernandez, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VI, together with Janice Ragus, chief of the OCD Rehabilitation and Recovery Section, also discussed strategies for preparing WVSU through a risk-informed, whole-of-university approach.

Following the forum, representatives from each campus and unit identified vulnerabilities specific to their respective areas and developed initial adaptation strategies. The workshop focused on four key risk sectors: water security, health and well-being, food security, and institutional operations.

Among the concerns discussed were water supply and storage, hospital and laboratory water requirements, heat stress among students and personnel, campus food resources, power and generator readiness, infrastructure maintenance, and possible adjustments to academic and work schedules.

Each campus and unit developed proposed action plans identifying priority interventions, implementation timelines, and responsible offices. These recommendations will be consolidated and refined into a comprehensive University El Niño adaptation plan for implementation.

The forum forms part of WVSU’s continuing commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and institutional resilience through proactive planning, scientific information, and collaborative action across the University community.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Kasetsart University (KU) in Thailand formally established an international academic partnership through the virtual ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on July 2, strengthening collaboration in agricultural communication, research, and higher education.

The five-year agreement aims to enhance opportunities in higher education, strengthen scientific and technological development, and promote cross-border cooperation and cultural understanding between the two institutions. It also opens opportunities for faculty and student exchanges, joint research and teaching programs, academic conferences, short-term academic programs, and the exchange of academic resources and expertise.

The partnership brings together WVSU’s College of Communication’s Development Communication Division and Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen’s Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, united by a shared commitment to advancing communication-driven approaches to sustainable agriculture and rural development in Southeast Asia.

In her overview of the partnership, WVSU Development Communication Division Chair Joesyl Marie Aranas emphasized that the collaboration goes beyond a formal agreement and is anchored on a common goal of connecting agricultural knowledge with the communities it serves.

To launch the partnership, both institutions plan to conduct a virtual research symposium where faculty members and students will present their research, identify shared interests, and explore future collaborative projects.

Aranas also noted that the partnership seeks to combine agricultural expertise with development communication to make research more accessible and useful for farmers and rural communities through knowledge-sharing initiatives and communication campaigns promoting food security and sustainable farming.

“Science discovers, but communication delivers. With this collaboration, we will ensure that the knowledge generated in our classrooms and laboratories directly enriches the fields and lives of the people we serve,” she said.

In his message of support, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz described the agreement as a significant step in advancing the University’s internationalization efforts.

“This piece of document that we are about to sign is a manifestation with promising partnerships set to inspire learning and expected to create opportunities beyond borders,” Villaruz said.

He added that the partnership creates new opportunities for faculty and student mobility, collaborative research, capacity-building activities, and the meaningful exchange of knowledge, expertise, and culture.

“We look forward to turning this agreement into meaningful programs that advance education and research to benefit our communities,” he said.

Also delivering messages during the ceremony were WVSU College of Communication Dean Dr. Rona Dhel Alingasa and Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen Associate Dean for Research and Academic Services for Internationalization Dr. Chanate Malumpong. The program was hosted by Louis Placido Lachica, faculty member and extension coordinator of the WVSU Development Communication Division, who also delivered the closing remarks.

The collaboration reflects WVSU’s continuing commitment to internationalization and to building partnerships that advance research, education, and sustainable development across borders.

The West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC) officially launched its 40th Foundation Day celebration Monday, June 29, ushering in a 40-week countdown to commemorate four decades of providing quality healthcare, medical education, and public service.

With the theme “Healing, Compassion, Excellence… 40 Years and Beyond,” the celebration recognizes the Medical Center’s legacy while setting the stage for a series of activities leading to its 40th anniversary.

The opening program featured morning dance exercises led by the Clinical Clerks, promoting wellness and camaraderie among hospital personnel, officials, and guests.

In his message, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz highlighted the institution’s role as one of the region’s trusted healthcare providers and a center for developing future health professionals.

“WVSU Medical Center has stood as a trusted institution providing quality healthcare to the people of Western Visayas and beyond. It has likewise served as a center for teaching, training, research, and innovation, helping shape healthcare professionals who continue to make significant contributions to society,” he said.

The University President also paid tribute to the people behind the Medical Center’s success.

“These 40 years of achievement provide us with an opportunity to honor the visionary leaders, healthcare workers, non-medical staff, and partners whose dedication and sacrifices have enabled the Medical Center to grow and thrive through the years. Your collective efforts have built a legacy that continues to inspire excellence and service,” he added.

Melanie T. Salameña, WVSUMC Administrative Officer IV, shared a testimony reflecting on her years of service and the institution’s impact on her professional journey. This is followed by a ceremonial ribbon-wrapping activity, led by University and hospital officials along with guests, which formally marked the start of the anniversary countdown. 

The Medical Center has lined up 40 weeks of activities leading to its milestone celebration, highlighting its continuing commitment to compassionate patient care, innovation, research, and service to communities across Western Visayas and beyond.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) recognized its performance in the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) and honored faculty proponents behind its globally recognized initiatives during the University’s final flag-raising ceremony for June held Monday at Jubilee Park, led by the Quality Assurance Office under Concurrent Director Dr. Alona M. Belarga.

The University was recognized for placing 137th among 500 universities worldwide in the 2026 WURI, highlighted by four projects that ranked among the Top 100 globally. Certificates of recognition were presented to available faculty proponents during the ceremony, while those who were unable to attend were likewise acknowledged for their contributions.

Among WVSU’s highest-ranking entries were TUMANDOK: An Inclusive Social Innovation Model Advancing Indigenous Peoples Education, Cultural Empowerment, and Peacebuilding by Dr. Marie Candy L. Celeste, which placed eighth in the Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved category; E-BRIDGE: Intercultural Digital Learning by Dr. Antoniette D. Cortez, which ranked 36th in Student Mobility and Openness; Peace Begins in Me: Nurturing and Empowering Learners as Peacebuilders by Dr. Rodgen M. Jabor, which placed 47th under Future-Oriented Responses to Global Uncertainty and Geopolitical Risk; and Sanctuarium Maris: Sea Turtle Nest Protection Project by Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, which ranked 83rd in the SDG- and ESG-Based Responses to Past and Present Global Challenges category.

The University also acknowledged other WURI project proponents, including Dr. John Ian Moralidad Abolucion for Plastic-free Wednesday; Dr. Ricky P. Becodo for The Darag Native Chicken Production and Marketing Project; Dr. Liza Assumpta M. Jover for Intelligent Systems in Dentistry: AI’s Contribution to Patient Record Management; Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka for Perspectives from the Ground; and Dr. Elias Olapane for ARTeach: An Action Research Training Series for Teachers’ and Students’ Success. Dr. Jover received her certificate during the ceremony on behalf of the recognized proponents.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ma. Pilar Malata, dean of the Office of Student Affairs, introduced the second batch of Global Health Scholars from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine: Lindsay Aluquin, Anton Aluquin, Caitlin Papalia, and Paige Roeschenthaler. Composed of incoming second-year medical students, the scholars will undertake community immersion and engagement activities to gain a deeper understanding of the Philippine healthcare system through collaborations with local government units, physicians and community health centers.

The ceremony concluded with a trivia game organized by the Quality Assurance Office to promote employee engagement, morale and workplace camaraderie.

Students, faculty, and members of the community explored opportunities for international education and cultural exchange during the forum “Spain Today: Culture, Language and Opportunities for Global Education,” held June 25 at West Visayas State University (WVSU).

The session featured Ms. Beatriz Jimeno Ortas, education advisor of the Embassy of Spain in Manila, who shared insights on Spain’s geography, languages, education system, and pathways for Filipinos interested in studying or working in the country.

Organized by the WVSU Center for Foreign Languages (CFL) in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Department of Language Studies (DELS), the forum forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international engagement and promote Spanish language and culture within the University community.

Ms. Ortas also discussed programs and opportunities available to Filipino students and graduates, highlighting the benefits of language learning and international exposure in an increasingly interconnected world.

The forum was joined by six former participants of Spain’s Language and Culture Assistants Program, who shared their experiences living and working in Spain. WVSU helps facilitate the program for qualified students and alumni interested in pursuing the opportunity abroad.

Prior to the forum, Ms. Ortas met with CAS Associate Dean Dr. Saturnino Luke Sobrevega, DELS Chair Dr. Joy H. Pantino, and Señora Lourdes Nocera-Villanueva, Spanish teacher at the WVSU Center for Foreign Languages.

During the meeting, discussions focused on Spanish language offerings at WVSU and possible areas for continued collaboration between the University and the Education Office of the Embassy of Spain. Ms. Ortas also noted the strong Spanish influence on Iloilo’s heritage architecture and highlighted the province’s tourism potential. Visiting Iloilo for the first time, she likewise expressed appreciation for the city’s open spaces and the University’s campus environment.

The visit reflects WVSU’s continuing commitment to internationalization by providing students and faculty with opportunities for global learning, cultural exchange, and academic engagement beyond national borders.

One hundred ten graduates of the West Visayas State University College of Medicine (WVSU COM) completed their medical education as they received their Doctor of Medicine degrees during the college’s 48th Commencement Exercises on June 25 at the WVSU Cultural Center.

The ceremony marked the completion of the Doctor of Medicine program for the members of the Class of 2026, who were recognized for their academic performance, leadership and service throughout their medical education.

Leading the graduating class was Kathleen Mae V. Donoso, who was named class valedictorian and received the Angel R. De Leon, MD Award as the Most Outstanding Medical Graduate. Jenny Mae S. Macabenta was named class salutatorian, while Kathryne Louise E. Catoto received first honorable mention. The three were among the recipients of the Academic Excellence Awards, which recognized the top 10 graduates of the class.

Awards for outstanding performance were likewise conferred during the ceremony. Sean Lerry Jim V. Claud received the Juana G. Jardiolin, MD Award as the Most Outstanding Clinical Clerk. Franco Miguel M. Nodado was recognized with the Alumni Leadership Award, while Ma. Charlene S. Jereos received the Medicine Student Council Service Award.

The college also recognized the achievements of its alumni in the Physician Licensure Examination. Citations were presented to Dr. Judah Elijah M. Cagas, who placed seventh in the October 2025 Physician Licensure Examination, and Dr. Marie Francene R. Aquines, who placed eighth in the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination.

The graduates were formally presented by Dean Celina Cordero-Gellada in her first commencement exercises as dean. University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz conferred the degree of Doctor of Medicine, followed by the investiture of academic hoods and awarding of diplomas.

Dr. Evangeline C. Cua, a member of the WVSU COM Batch 2000, delivered the commencement message.

Following the conferral of degrees, the graduates were inducted into the COM Alumni Association by its president, Dr. Jofel I. Isidro, and into the WVSU Federated Alumni Association by its president, Dr. Bonifacio P. Gaverza.

Macabenta led the graduates’ prayer, while Donoso led the Physician’s Prayer.

With the completion of their Doctor of Medicine program, the graduates now move on to post-graduate internships, a required step in their training before taking the Physician Licensure Examination.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed newly hired and promoted non-academic personnel during its weekly flag-raising ceremony held Monday, June 22, at Jubilee Park, led by the Finance Division headed by Ms. Jasmin Vargas.

The ceremony featured the introduction of newly hired and promoted members of the University’s non-academic workforce, led by Human Resource Management Office Head Ms. Doullie Lotilla. The recognition forms part of the University’s continuing efforts to strengthen its administrative and support services through professional development and workforce enhancement.

The personnel were formally presented to the University community and were joined by members of the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board, University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, and Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie Paris for a commemorative photo-taking following the presentation.

Meanwhile, Ms. Christine Jaspe, Supervising Administrative Officer of the Administrative Division, announced the visit of Lingkod Pag-IBIG on Wheels, which will be stationed at the Administration Building lobby from June 22 to 23.

Faculty, staff and other stakeholders were encouraged to avail themselves of the mobile service’s various membership, records and benefits-related transactions. The flag-raising ceremony served as a venue for personnel updates and institutional announcements, reinforcing the University’s commitment to responsive public service and employee engagement.