Category: News

  • WVSUMC hosts 2-day surgical workshop and postgraduate course

    WVSUMC hosts 2-day surgical workshop and postgraduate course

    The West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC), through its Department of Surgery and in cooperation with the Philippine Society of General Surgeons, Inc. – Panay Chapter, successfully mounted a two-day medical training event focused on advancing surgical knowledge and clinical skills among healthcare professionals.

    Held on May 14 to 15, 2026, the activity featured a pre-convention clinical workshop on the first day and the 3rd Postgraduate Course on Surgical Emergencies 2.0 on the second day.

    Day 1, held at the 5th Floor Conference Room of WVSUMC, focused on a clinical workshop on suturing techniques, wound care, and stoma practice primarily designed for nurses and physicians working in district hospitals.

    Originally intended for only 60 participants, the workshop exceeded expectations with 97 registrants, reflecting strong interest among healthcare workers in continuing medical education and hands-on surgical training.

    Dr. E. Wilfredo Sombong Jr., chairman of the Department of Surgery of WVSUMC, delivered the welcome remarks during the opening program.

    For Session 1 on the Science of Tissue Management: Suturing Techniques and Suturing Workshop, Dr. Pamela-Di Traya introduced the speaker, while Dr. Ryan Ed Comuelo discussed “Science of Tissue Management” and “Suturing Techniques.” Dr. Comuelo also facilitated the skills workshop and practical stations on simple interrupted suturing.

    Meanwhile, Session 2 focused on the Holistic Approach on Wound Care Management and Stoma Care. Dr. Pamela-Di Traya again served as introducer of the speaker. Dr. Kutch Yasa and Ms. Fia Pabiona delivered lectures on wound and stoma care, while Dr. Yasa facilitated the afternoon skills workshop.

    The closing remarks for the first day were delivered by Dr. Victorino Salcedo III, chair of the Scientific Committee for the Postgraduate Course.

    On May 15, the second day of the event featured the 3rd Postgraduate Course on Surgical Emergencies 2.0 at the Ann Margaret Ballroom of Diversion 21 Hotel. The convention gathered medical professionals, nurses, students, and interns for discussions and updates on surgical emergency management and related healthcare practices.

    The two-day event highlighted WVSUMC’s continuing commitment to strengthening medical education, professional development, and quality healthcare service in Western Visayas through specialized training and collaborative learning initiatives.

  • WVSU concludes Teacher Education Council evaluation visit

    WVSU concludes Teacher Education Council evaluation visit

    West Visayas State University concluded the second day of the 2026 Teacher Education Centers of Excellence (COE) Identification and Designation Field Visit on May 13, with forums involving students, alumni, and extension stakeholders as part of the evaluation process led by the Teacher Education Council.

    Selected students from various undergraduate teacher education programs shared their experiences on academic instruction, student support, and campus services during the student consultation forum. Alumni representatives from various educational institutions and leadership positions also participated in discussions validating graduate outcomes and professional engagement among graduates of the university’s teacher education programs.

    Extension coordinators and partner stakeholders also presented collaborative initiatives and community-based programs implemented by the university to demonstrate the sustainability and impact of its extension services.

    Following the consultation sessions, the TEC Field Visit Team proceeded with deliberations and report writing at the WVSU Board Room to consolidate findings from the two-day assessment.

    During the closing program, TEC Secretariat Lead Mariz Geraldine A. Jose emphasized that the university’s final evaluation would still undergo a comprehensive review. “The final recommendation will be based on the comprehensive evaluation of your institution’s performance against the established criteria,” Jose said after presenting the team’s general observations.

    Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, meanwhile, underscored the university’s commitment to continuous improvement and service through teacher education. “We leave today with renewed clarity about where we stand and, more importantly, renewed resolve about where we are going,” Dequilla said.

    “This professional courage is not small; it is, in fact, exactly the spirit we hope to cultivate in every teacher we send out from this institution. Carry this forward. West Visayas State University continues as it always has, doing things para sa Bayan, para sa Guro, para sa Bata,” she added.

  • WVSU undergoes Day 1 of TEC evaluation for excellence in teacher education

    WVSU undergoes Day 1 of TEC evaluation for excellence in teacher education

    West Visayas State University commenced the first day of the 2026 Teacher Education Centers of Excellence (COE) Identification and Designation Field Visit on May 12 at the university’s main campus as part of the national assessment process under Republic Act No. 11713, or the “Excellence in Teacher Education Act.”

    The evaluation, conducted by the Teacher Education Council, seeks to determine whether teacher education institutions continue to satisfy the standards for Centers of Excellence in instruction, research, extension services, faculty qualifications, student support, and graduate outcomes.

    The activity opened with a team huddle, courtesy meeting, and opening program attended by WVSU President Joselito Villaruz, university officials, College of Education administrators, and members of the TEC Field Visit Team.

    In his message, Villaruz reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing teacher education and sustaining academic excellence. “At West Visayas State University, our vision is to remain a premier institution that produces educators of the highest caliber. For us, the pursuit of the Teacher Education Center of Excellence is a legacy of service to the nation and our pursuit of innovation in pedagogy,” Villaruz said.

    TEC Secretariat Lead Mariz Geraldine A. Jose likewise underscored the purpose of the on-site evaluation during the opening activities. “The purpose of this field visit is to validate and further assess your institution’s submission in relation to Teacher Education COE criteria,” Jose said.

    “We would also like to emphasize that this process is evaluative and developmental. While we are guided by the established criteria and scoring requirements, we also aim to surface institutional strengths and identify areas for further improvement,” she added.

    In accordance with the provisions of RA 11713, the assessment included the validation of institutional practices and resources supporting quality teacher education and the professional preparation of future educators. Assessors reviewed documentary exhibits and institutional records presented by the university to verify compliance with COE criteria established by the Teacher Education Council.

    Classroom observations involving Bachelor of Elementary Education and Bachelor of Secondary Education classes were also conducted to evaluate curriculum implementation, instructional delivery, and student engagement.

    The TEC assessment team likewise inspected major university facilities, including the Smart Classrooms in Quezon Hall and the College of Information and Communications Technology, the University Learning Resource Center (ULRC), the Central Science Laboratories, the University Research and Development Center, the Integrated Laboratory School, and College of Education facilities to assess the adequacy and utilization of academic and research resources.

    The first day of the evaluation concluded with separate meetings involving university administrators and faculty members to validate governance structures, academic management, teaching practices, and faculty participation in program delivery and development.

  • WVSU, Allenco Iloilo Realty partner to expand student internships and industry training

    WVSU, Allenco Iloilo Realty partner to expand student internships and industry training

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Allenco Iloilo Realty Corporation (AIRC) formalized a partnership through a memorandum of agreement aimed at expanding student exposure to industry practice and strengthening academic alignment with workforce needs.

    Signing the agreement were Kristin G. Hortelano, regional manager of AIRC, and Ivan Mark Arendaje, marketing manager of AIRC, together with Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, WVSU president, and Dr. Ma. Pilar Malata, Office of Student Affairs dean.

    The agreement establishes collaboration on internship and apprenticeship programs, recruitment activities, career symposia, and curriculum enhancement initiatives designed to ensure students are better prepared for professional practice. It also provides avenues for direct engagement between students and industry partners.

    WVSU committed to integrating industry expertise into its academic programs while ensuring students uphold professionalism, confidentiality, and due diligence during immersion activities. The university also expressed support for joint community initiatives, including participation in national learning camps and environmental programs such as coastal clean-ups and Earth Hour activities.

    Officials said the partnership reflects a shared goal of producing graduates who are both academically prepared and industry-ready, while strengthening the local talent pipeline through sustained academe-industry collaboration.

  • WVSU Opens Summer Training Program for Multigrade Teachers Across Visayas and NIR

    WVSU Opens Summer Training Program for Multigrade Teachers Across Visayas and NIR

    West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its College of Education, officially opened today, May 11, the Institution-Based Summer Training Program for Multigrade Teachers with an opening program and enrollment held at the WVSU AV Hall.

    Implemented in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Summer 2026 program gathered 144 teacher-participants from Regions VI, VII, VIII, and the Negros Island Region (NIR), highlighting the University’s expanding role in advancing multigrade education across the Visayas.

    Participants came from various divisions in Western Visayas, including Iloilo, Antique, Guimaras, Capiz, Aklan, and Negros Occidental; from Central Visayas, including Bohol, Cebu Province, Naga City, Danao City, and Talisay City; and from Eastern Visayas, including Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Borongan City, Biliran, Baybay, Maasin City, Catbalogan, and Calbayog.

    Representatives from the Negros Island Region also joined the training, including participants from Sipalay, Silay, Escalante City, Siquijor, Kabankalan City, Canlaon City, Cadiz City, La Carlota City, Negros Oriental, Guihulngan City, Bayawan City, and Tanjay City.

    To accommodate the large number of participants, the scholars were divided into two groups, with Class A holding sessions at the WVSU AV Hall and Class B at the WVSU Center of Teaching Excellence (CTE).

    The month-long training program is designed to strengthen the competencies of teachers handling multigrade classes through practical, research-informed, and learner-centered approaches tailored to diverse classroom settings.

    The intensive professional development initiative features a six-unit training track focused on multigrade pedagogy, curriculum mapping, integrated instruction, differentiated learning, and reflective teaching practice.

    According to the program description, the training aims to help educators transition from a traditional “grade-separated” teaching approach toward a more flexible multilevel learning model that encourages collaboration, peer teaching, and integrated lesson planning across grade levels.

    Featured courses include MG 401: The Multigrade Specialist: Pedagogy, Philosophy, and Learner Profiling, MG 402: The Spiral Lens: Advanced Curriculum Mapping and Vertical Synthesis, and MG 403: The Learning Architect: Mastering Integrated Instruction and Tiered Design.

    The training will run until May 30, 2026.

    WVSU also noted that grades earned in the program may be credited toward equivalency in the Master of Arts in Education major in Teaching in Challenged Areas offered by the University.

    The initiative reflects the University’s continuing commitment to advancing quality teacher education and supporting educators in delivering inclusive, responsive, and transformative learning experiences across underserved and geographically challenged communities.

  • WVSU highlights WURI ranking, upcoming COE validation during weekly flag ceremony

    WVSU highlights WURI ranking, upcoming COE validation during weekly flag ceremony

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) shared updates on the University’s recent achievements and upcoming institutional activities during its weekly flag-raising ceremony held May 11 at Jubilee Park.

    During the ceremony, Dr. Villaruz announced that WVSU once again secured a place in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), ranking 137th this year and surpassing its previous placement of 178th. He also shared that the University entered the top 100 in several categories, highlighting WVSU’s continuing efforts to strengthen innovation and quality assurance initiatives.

    Dr. Villaruz expressed hope that the University would sustain its quality assurance achievements for future international recognitions, noting that the administration aims to see WVSU included in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings within the next five years.

    Meanwhile, College of Education Dean Dr. Ricky M. Magno announced the successful submission of requirements for the Center of Excellence in Education evaluation, qualifying the University for the field validation phase.

    Dr. Magno shared that evaluators are expected to visit the campus this week for assessment activities, including campus tours and visits to various University offices as part of the validation process.

    This week’s flag-raising ceremony was led by the University executive officers, with Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Julius B. Undar serving as master of ceremonies.

  • WVSU rises to Rank 137 in WURI 2026

    WVSU rises to Rank 137 in WURI 2026

    West Visayas State University continues to gain global recognition for innovation and social impact after rising to Rank 137 in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026, placing the University among the Global Top 500 Innovative Universities.

    From advancing inclusive and socially responsive programs to strengthening internationalization and student engagement, this achievement reflects the collective efforts of the entire WVSU community in pushing boundaries and creating meaningful impact beyond the classroom.

    WVSU also earned spots in several WURI Top 100 categories, including:

    Rank 8 Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved (C6)

    Rank 36 Student Mobility and Openness (A2)

    Rank 47 Future-Oriented Responses to Global Uncertainty and Geopolitical Risk (A7)

    Rank 83 SDG- and ESG-Based Responses to Past and Present Global Challenges (A8)

    As WVSU continues to expand its global footprint, this recognition affirms the University’s commitment to transformative education, innovation, and service for communities here and beyond.

  • WVSU, Silla University conclude global innovation series; CON team tops final pitch

    WVSU, Silla University conclude global innovation series; CON team tops final pitch

    Bridging the 2,500-mile distance between Iloilo and Busan, West Visayas State University (WVSU) successfully concluded its intensive three-session international series, conducted online, “Global Education Innovation for Sustainable Cities: Busan-Iloilo Collaboration,” on April 28, 2026. The program, a landmark collaboration with South Korea’s Silla University, culminated in a high-stakes pitch competition where the College of Nursing (CON) emerged as the grand champion. The activity was facilitated by the Offices of the Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, University Extension and Development Center, and the Directors of Academic Affairs.

    A Vision of Internationalization

    The series opened in February with a powerful message from University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, who underscored WVSU’s commitment to elevating the university to global academic standards. Under the guidance of the Office of Instruction led by Dr. Alona M. Belarga, the program immersed university faculty in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on Quality Education (SDG 4), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

    The Road to Innovation: From Busan to Iloilo

    The collaboration was structured as a three-session intensive series spanning February to April 2026. Keynote lectures from Wootak Jung (Former Director, UNESCO Asia-Pacific), Hyunkyu Oh (Former Busan City Councilor) and Dr. Ricky Becodo (Director of WVSU Extension and Development Center) provided the strategic foundation. Teams were later trained in “Storytelling-Based Approaches’ and & Living Lab”; methodologies by Silla University’s Prof. Eunhwa Lee and Prof. Hayoung Shin, turning theoretical global concepts into practical solutions tailored for the Ilonggo context.

    The Final Pitch: A Battle of Specialized Brilliance

    The final session served as the “moment of truth,” where seven teams from the Main and Satellite campuses defended their visions. The results showcased the diverse expertise of the “Taga-West community:

    1st Place: College of Nursing (CON) – Represented by Prof. Sheila Beliran, Dr. Madonna Palmes, and Prof. Febray Lapidante, the team took the top spot with their proposal, “Project CON-CARE: Clinical Outreach and Nursing-Led Community Assessment for Resilience Empowerment” Their project masterfully integrated public health strategies with urban resilience.

    2nd Place: College of Communication (COC) – Presented by Dr. Rona Dhel Alingasa, Dr. Louis Placido Lachica, Prof. Joesyl Marie Aranas, Dr. Ricky Abaleña III, and Dr. Shiela Mae Quero), the project “MAGSAYSAY PREPARADO: A Communication-Driven Behavior Change Intervention for Enhancing Disaster Preparedness in Barangay Magsaysay Village, La Paz, Iloilo City”; stood out for its focus on communication-driven behavior change, creating a critical bridge between awareness and survival in flood-prone urban barangays.

    3rd Place: College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) – Led by Dr. Michael Victor Gonzales, Dr. Belinda Leonida, Dr. Anthony Leal, and Mr. Nico Mambusadathe, the team’s initiative “Optimizing Residential Waste Valorization Pathways: A WVSU-CAF Initiative Based on Community Waste Profiling and Food Security Needs,” offered a vital solution for community waste management while simultaneously addressing local food security.

    The “One WVSU” spirit was further solidified by the participation of WVSU-Calinog, Himamaylan City, Janiuay, and Pototan. These campuses brought vital provincial perspectives to the global stage, ensuring that the innovation dialogue reached every corner of the region.

    Further, the activity became more meaningful due to the special participation of the College of Communication – Graduate School Students.

    Global Scrutiny and Academic Excellence

    The proposals were scrutinized by a distinguished panel that bridged academic theory and government policy:
    • Prof. Lee Eun Hwa: Dean of the Graduate School at Silla University
    • Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla: WVSU Vice President for Academic Affairs
    • Dr. Greta G. Gabinete: WVSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension
    • Ms. Febie S. Ibojos: Vice Chair of the Iloilo Provincial Social Development Committee

    The Path Forward

    In the closing ceremony, the university leadership signaled that these proposals are not merely academic exercises but blueprints for the future of the region. As WVSU continues to expand its global footprint, this partnership with Silla University serves as a testament to what can be achieved when local ingenuity meets international collaboration.

    For the winners and participants, the Busan-Iloilo journey has set a new benchmark for excellence, proving that the ‘Taga-West’ community is ready to lead the world in sustainable urban innovation.

  • WVSU BSHM students lead PMS training to strengthen front office skills

    WVSU BSHM students lead PMS training to strengthen front office skills

    Second-year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students of West Visayas State University (WVSU) conducted and participated in an advanced training on front office operations and service excellence on April 27–28, 2026, at the WVSU BINHI Building.

    Titled “Optimizing Front Office Operations through PMS for Quality Service Excellence,” the activity was held under the courses Front Office Operations and Management and Quality Service in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, under the guidance of faculty member Ms. Feanna B. Vito.

    The students not only attended the program but also took the lead in organizing, facilitating and managing the activity as part of their course requirements. The hands-on approach allowed them to experience the full process of event management while strengthening their practical skills in the hospitality field.

    A key component of the program was the use of Property Management Systems (PMS), commonly used in hotels to manage reservations, guest information and daily operations. Through the workshop, students gained practical exposure to industry-standard tools, helping them better understand real-time front office procedures, improve service efficiency and enhance their leadership and communication skills.

    Resource speaker Mr. Peter Paul Dayanan of Paul Kaldi Coffee shared insights on real-world front office operations, providing students with industry-based perspectives that complemented their classroom learning.

    The activity forms part of WVSU’s continued efforts to equip hospitality management students with hands-on, industry-relevant skills and prepare them for future careers in the field.

  • WVSU advances academic excellence through lecture series on Outcome-Based and Competency-Based Education

    WVSU advances academic excellence through lecture series on Outcome-Based and Competency-Based Education

    West Visayas State University (WVSU), through the Office of the Director of Instruction and the Director of Academic Affairs, successfully conducted a three-part Faculty Lecture Series on “Curriculum Mapping and Learning Outcomes Evaluation of Competency-Based Education” on March 27, March 31, and April 24, 2026 via Zoom, engaging faculty members across campuses in a unified effort to enhance instructional quality and academic excellence.

    The lecture series featured Dr. Lee Eun Hwa, Dean of the Graduate School of Education of Silla University, Busan, South Korea, who delivered three interconnected sessions that collectively strengthened faculty understanding of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and Competency-Based Education (CBE).

    The first session, held on March 27, 2026, focused on the “Paradigm Shift for Higher Education with OBE and CBE,” where participants examined the transition from traditional, content- centered instruction toward learner-centered and outcome-driven education. Emphasis was placed on defining clear learning outcomes as the integration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and recognizing that these outcomes serve as the foundation for curriculum design, instruction, and assessment.

    The second session, conducted on March 31, 2026, centered on “Mapping the Curriculum of Competency-Based Education,” where Prof. Lee guided participants through the systematic alignment of institutional vision, program goals, and course outcomes. The discussion highlighted the importance of developing a coherent curriculum framework anchored in core, professional, and leadership competencies, ensuring that learning experiences are purposeful and responsive to real-world demands.

    Faculty members were introduced to practical approaches in designing curriculum maps that link intended outcomes with instructional strategies and assessment methods, thereby reinforcing the principle that outcomes determine the educational process.

    The third and final session, held on April 24, 2026, focused on the “Evaluation of Learning Outcomes of Competency-Based Education,” emphasizing the critical role of assessment and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in sustaining academic excellence. Participants explored a comprehensive cycle that includes defining outcomes, implementing aligned instruction, assessing student performance, and utilizing data for continuous program enhancement. This evidence-based approach ensures that academic programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of learners and society, while fostering a culture of accountability and innovation within the institution.

    The successful implementation of this lecture series demonstrates WVSU’s strong commitment to advancing quality assurance, fostering innovative teaching practices, and strengthening outcomes-based education across its campuses. By deepening faculty understanding of OBE and CBE principles, the University continues to uphold its mission of developing competent, reflective, and globally responsive graduates who are capable of addressing the challenges of a dynamic and super complex world, thereby reaffirming its role as a leading institution in transformative and learner-centered education.