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STUDENT IUIS (Main Campus)

Category: News

  • Student journalism forum puts community voices at the center

    Student journalism forum puts community voices at the center

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) underscored the role of student journalists as storytellers for and with communities during the forum “From Campus to Communities: Student Journalism for the People,” held Jan. 24, 2026, at the D.N.D. Co-Working Space in Iloilo City.

    Organized by The Mediator, the official student publication of the WVSU College of Communication (COC), in partnership with Panay Times and with support from PAMCO and the COC Student Council, the forum aimed to equip campus journalists with practical skills in emerging storytelling forms, promote ethical community-based reporting, and foster collaboration among student publications in Iloilo City.

    Katrina Isabel Gadong, PAMCO Information Officer, opened the program and welcomed the participants as she highlighted journalism as a form of public service that calls for accuracy, responsibility, and respect for community narratives.

    Renowned Filipino journalists Atom Araullo and Voltaire Tupaz served as resource speakers, sharing insights on visual storytelling and community journalism. Araullo emphasized the role of visual narratives in shaping public understanding and empathy, while Tupaz underscored the importance of responsible reporting that prioritizes community voices, ethical considerations, and meaningful impact.

    The program also featured Jun Bandaryel, managing editor of CoverStory PH and owner of Panay Times, who discussed the role of digital magazines in providing platforms for young journalists and amplifying underrepresented stories. He also introduced plans for a localized Panay-based digital magazine that will be open to student and community contributors.

    The forum gathered campus journalists from WVSU student publications, along with participants from Iloilo Science and Technology University and the University of the Philippines Visayas, encouraging knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and network-building among student journalists in the region.

    Through interactive discussions and open forums, participants gained practical insights into visual reporting, ethical journalism, and community-based storytelling, reinforcing the role of campus journalism in informing, engaging, and empowering communities.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels

  • Tribu Adlaw, Tribu Haliya secure spots in 2026 Banggianay finals

    Tribu Adlaw, Tribu Haliya secure spots in 2026 Banggianay finals

    Narrowing the field to two teams, the 2026 Banggianay semifinals concluded with Tribu Adlaw of the College of Arts and Sciences and Tribu Haliya of the College of Nursing advancing to the championship round.

    The semifinals featured two debate matches under the Modified Oxford-Oregon format, each determining which team would advance to the finals.

    Match 1: Tribu Adlaw outargues Tribu Dalikmata in a decisive showdown

    Amid a contested exchange, Tribu Adlaw of the College of Arts and Sciences prevailed against Tribu Dalikmata of the College of PESCAR during the first match of the semifinals.

    The teams debated around the motion “Let it be resolved that the Philippine Department of Education should implement mandatory reproductive health education.”

    Opening for the affirmative, necessity speaker Joe Allen Marañon argued that mandatory reproductive health education (RHE) is a constitutional obligation, asserting that “we should not protect children from information, but protect children through information.”

    The affirmative asserted that making reproductive health education mandatory ensures equal access to accurate information, protecting students from stigma and misinformation.

    The negative side, Tribu Dalikmata, countered that mandating RHE fails to address deeper structural issues such as poverty, weak public services, and uneven implementation.

    In rebuttal, the affirmative maintained that institutionalizing RHE enables accountability, regulation, and consistent delivery nationwide.

    Match 2: Tribu Haliya outlasts Tribu Hanan in fiery clash of minds

    In a heated round marked by sharp interpellations and repeated appeals for decorum, Tribu Haliya of the College of Nursing (CON) edged Tribu Hanan of the College of Education (COE) in the second match of the round.

    The teams debated the motion, “Let it be resolved that government employees be allowed to directly engage in partisan election campaigns.”

    Opening for the affirmative, necessity speaker Angelie Marie C. Garrido argued that existing civil service restrictions are overly broad, silencing rank-and-file government employees who possess no coercive power yet hold critical institutional knowledge.

    The negative side, Tribu Hanan, warned that allowing partisan campaigning undermines state neutrality, politicizes public service delivery, and erodes the constitutional merit and fitness system.

    In rebuttal, the affirmative argued that narrowly tailored regulations better protect against abuse while preserving political participation.

    After clinching their semifinal win, Tribu Adlaw and Tribu Haliya will face off in the Championship round of this year’s iteration of Banggianay on January 30, where the champion will be determined.

    #BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

    2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

    Write-up by Tracy Anne Freires, The Courier

    Photos by Cassandra Alexa Ciasico and April Diesmartis Macantan, The Courier

  • WVSU College of Law Moot Court Team pays a visit to the University President

    WVSU College of Law Moot Court Team pays a visit to the University President

    The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Law Vox Populi Moot Court Team paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the President on January 28, 2026, following their First Runner-Up finish at the 30th Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition – Southeast Asian Regional Rounds.

    Team 1219, composed of Yan Germinanda, Patrick Palquiran, and Emilio Combatir, clinched the First Runner-Up title, earning the team a spot at the International Rounds to be held in Florida, USA, later this year.

    Together with the team are WVSU College of Law Dean Ian Thomas M. Besana, REB, LLM, Atty. Regina Johanna V. Gustilo, and Atty. Larry Pestaño.

    West Visayas State University congratulates the College of Law and extends its best wishes as it prepares for its next competition.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels

  • Ambassador of South Korea to the PH Lee Sang-hwa meets KSI Iloilo and WVSU officials to strengthen academic and cultural ties

    Ambassador of South Korea to the PH Lee Sang-hwa meets KSI Iloilo and WVSU officials to strengthen academic and cultural ties

    His Excellency Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to the Philippines, met with officials of West Visayas State University (WVSU) and the King Sejong Institute Iloilo (KSI Iloilo) today, strengthening academic and cultural ties between South Korea and the Philippines.

    The meeting was attended by Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Joy H. Pantino, Director of KSI Iloilo; Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Prof. Saturnino Luke A. Sobrevega, Associate Dean of CAS; Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office; Ms. Arizza Julia Inocencio, faculty member from the WVSU–Department of Language Studies; Ms. Krizza S. Cañete, Project Manager of KSI Iloilo, along with other faculty members and staff from CAS and KSI Iloilo.

    Discussions focused on KSI Iloilo, formally established in 2025 through a Memorandum of Agreement between WVSU and the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF). Professor Ree Ran Park played a key role in helping bring the Institute to life after a six-month trial program in 2024 that drew strong participation from students, professionals, and cultural enthusiasts. Since then, the Institute has offered Korean language and culture classes, as well as activities such as Chuseok celebrations, Korean speech contests, and traditional craft workshops.

    The meeting also emphasized strengthening academic collaboration, expanding Korean language education, and promoting cultural exchange programs between South Korea and the Philippines, including joint activities, faculty engagement, and student-centered initiatives. It further highlighted WVSU’s role in advancing Korean language and cultural education in the region.

    To note, last November 25, 2024, Kim Hyon Du, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of South Korea to the Philippines, delivered a special lecture at WVSU in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Philippines.

    The visit of Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa reflects the enduring friendship between South Korea and the Philippines and reinforces a shared commitment to academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and the continued strengthening of bilateral relations.

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  • Three-day Erasmus+ Introductory Training In Romania advances WVSU’s sustainable finance expertise

    Three-day Erasmus+ Introductory Training In Romania advances WVSU’s sustainable finance expertise

    Reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainable finance, West Visayas State University (WVSU) completed the three-day introductory training held from January 23 to 25 2026 under Work Package 2 of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) Project Green Finance: Advancing Higher Education for Sustainable Growth in Southeast Asia, at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania.

    On Day 1, President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, Legal Entity Appointed Representative (LEAR), presented the Philippine country and institutional report, outlining WVSU’s preparedness and strategic direction in implementing micro-credentials aligned with European Union (EU) frameworks. His presentation emphasized the university’s capacity to adopt innovative credentialing systems that respond to evolving academic and industry demands.

    Building on this, Dr. Maria Corazon M. Samorin, Project Manager from the College of Business and Management, examined the Green Finance landscape in the Philippines, outlining key national policies, regulatory developments, and emerging market needs that shape the country’s sustainable finance ecosystem.

    The training concluded with insights from Ms. Mia Guartilla, Junior Expert from the CBM, who shared WVSU’s experience in higher education–industry collaboration. Her presentation highlighted practical approaches to developing partnerships, internship programs, and co-designed academic initiatives that strengthen workforce relevance and foster industry engagement.

    The three-day training reinforced WVSU’s role in advancing outcomes-based, industry-responsive green finance micro-credentials, while strengthening institutional capacity in sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration under the Erasmus+ framework.

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  • WVSU marks global role in Erasmus+ Green Finance kick-off in Romania

    WVSU marks global role in Erasmus+ Green Finance kick-off in Romania

    Advancing global efforts in sustainable finance, West Visayas State University (WVSU) took part in the 1st Transnational Project Meeting of the Erasmus+ CBHE project Green Finance: Advancing Higher Education for Sustainable Growth in Southeast Asia, held on January 22, 2026 at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania.

    President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, Legal Entity Appointed Representative (LEAR), led the team alongside Dr. Maria Corazon M. Samorin, Project Manager, and Ms. Mia Guartilla, Junior Expert from the College of Business and Management.

    The meeting marked the official launch of the project and served as a critical platform for aligning international partners on the project’s strategic direction. Key discussions focused on the project background and rationale, work breakdown structure, project management framework, and dissemination strategies.

    Partners also reviewed first-year activities and deliverables, mobility implementation plans, and financial and reporting requirements, ensuring a coordinated and effective execution of project goals.

    This milestone gathering brought together academic institutions and experts from the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Romania, Poland, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

    Highlights of the event included an institutional welcome session, in-depth planning of the project roadmap, a workshop on mobility and collaboration opportunities, and a cultural immersion tour of historic downtown Sibiu, fostering stronger cross-cultural and institutional partnerships.

    Through its participation in this Erasmus+ initiative, WVSU reaffirms its commitment to outcomes-based education and sustainability-driven academic innovation under the Erasmus+ framework.

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  • WVSU strengthens international Teacher Education with 12th SEA-Teacher batch from UAD

    WVSU strengthens international Teacher Education with 12th SEA-Teacher batch from UAD

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed the 12th batch of pre-service student teachers under the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia (SEA-Teacher) Project during a welcome ceremony held today at the university board room.

    The ceremony introduced two practice teachers from Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), Indonesia—Qurrota A’yun and Najwa Lelya Mawarda—who will complete their teaching internship at the WVSU Integrated Laboratory School from January 14 to February 10, 2026.

    In his welcome message, Dr. Ricky M. Magno, Dean of the College of Education, highlighted the value of international collaboration in teacher education.

    “This collaboration stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when institutions come together with a shared vision for excellence in teacher education. To our pre-service teachers, you are not merely participants in a program; you are ambassadors of your country, bringing with you hope, culture, and compassion,” he said.

    Prof. Mary June Pineda, Director of the Integrated Laboratory School, expressed her support for the visiting practice teachers and underscored the school’s commitment to providing a nurturing learning environment.

    An overview of the internship program was presented by Dr. Cheryl Lyn Delgado, Chair of the Division of Secondary Teacher Training, who outlined the academic and teaching components of the SEA-Teacher engagement.

    Messages of welcome were also delivered by student leaders Jesrael G. Amor, Chairperson of the English Majors’ Organization, and Arnel F. Gubatanga Jr., Chairperson of the Circle of Mathematicians, emphasizing student involvement and cultural exchange.

    The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, who reaffirmed WVSU’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and promoting global competence among future educators.

    The SEA-Teacher Project continues to serve as a platform for cross-cultural learning and professional growth, reinforcing WVSU’s dedication to internationalization in teacher education.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Scholars, Students explore Japanese studies at WVSU forum

    Scholars, Students explore Japanese studies at WVSU forum

    West Visayas State University hosted a Lecture Forum and Information Session on Japanese Studies in the Philippines on Jan. 13, bringing together students, faculty members and partner institutions to deepen discussions on history, diplomacy and contemporary issues linking Japan and the Philippines.

    Held at the Research and Extension Building, the forum engaged the WVSU academic community alongside participants from PHINMA University of Iloilo, the University of San Agustin, the University of the Philippines Diliman and the University of the Philippines Visayas. The activity highlighted WVSU’s continuing role as a venue for academic exchange and interdisciplinary learning in Western Visayas.

    The forum featured lectures and information sessions led by experts from the University of the Philippines Asian Center and the Japan Foundation Manila. It was organized in partnership with the WVSU College of Arts and Sciences, the Social Science Department and the Political Science Students’ Organization.

    Japan Foundation Manila program coordinator Jasmine Latina opened the program with an overview of Japanese Studies initiatives and global partnership opportunities, providing students and faculty with information on academic pathways, research support and international collaboration. An open forum followed, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers.

    UP Asian Center Assistant Professor Karl Ian Cheng Chua led the academic discussions with a lecture on peace literature and wartime memory, examining how narratives of victimhood influence public understanding of the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines.

    The program also included a lecture by UP Asian Center Assistant Professor Alexander Michael Palma, who discussed Japan-assisted flood control projects in the Philippines and shared lessons drawn from ex-post audits, linking historical cooperation with present-day development concerns.

    In the afternoon session, education research assistant Michelle Deloria presented academic and research opportunities available at the UP Asian Center, particularly for students and faculty interested in Japanese and Asian studies.

    The forum concluded with a lecture by UP Asian Center Associate Professor Ariel Lopez, who revisited Philippine diplomatic history through Jawi letters from Mindanao, Sulu and the wider Malay world, challenging long-held assumptions about the origins of Filipino diplomacy.

    The activity aimed to strengthen academic engagement, promote Japanese Studies and expand historical and cultural understanding among WVSU students, faculty and staff, reinforcing the university’s commitment to relevant, globally connected scholarship.

  • WVSU-CICT presents disaster, health tech research at international conference in Taiwan

    WVSU-CICT presents disaster, health tech research at international conference in Taiwan

    The West Visayas State University–College of Information and Communications Technology (WVSU-CICT) strengthened the University’s international research presence after presenting three studies on disaster communication and healthcare access at the 2025 International Conference on Convergence Content (ICCC), held Dec. 18-20 at the National Taipei University of Technology in Taipei, Taiwan.

    The papers were selected from 239 accepted research presentations representing more than 10 countries, highlighting WVSU-CICT’s growing contribution to community-centered and globally relevant technological innovation.

    Now in its 25th year, ICCC is an annual international conference organized by the Korea Contents Association that convenes researchers, engineers and students to exchange ideas on emerging trends in technology, digital applications, and content production and use. The 2025 conference was co-hosted by the National Taipei University of Technology and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information.

    WVSU-CICT presented the following research studies at the conference:

    📄 Secure disaster messaging using VHF radio technology

    A study on a secure disaster messaging application that addresses communication breakdowns during emergencies by utilizing very high frequency (VHF) ham radio technology with block-based message transmission. The research was authored by Jose Occeña III, Regin Cabacas, Hyung-Jin Kim and In-Ho Ra, and presented by Occeña and Dr. Regin Cabacas.

    📄 Blockchain-based outpatient records management

    A blockchain-enabled system designed to provide secure, tamper-resistant sharing of outpatient department records through smart contract–based access control and encryption. The study was authored by Genine Lynelle Cabantug, Doane Marie Horlador, Kristel Mae Lim, Jhules Loren Maquiran, Ram Wisdom Nacis and Regin Cabacas, and presented by Cabantug, Lim and Maquiran.

    📄 Near-infrared vein detection mobile application

    A mobile application that assists healthcare workers in locating veins using near-infrared spectroscopy, aimed at addressing challenges in venipuncture procedures. The research was conducted by Trixie De la Cruz, Alyanna Lois Geonanga, Regin Cabacas, Augustine Seve Kang Bacale, Edrianne Luise Parales and In-Ho Ra, and was presented by De la Cruz, Geonanga, Bacale and Parales.

    WVSU-CICT’s participation in ICCC 2025 underscores the University’s commitment to research excellence, international collaboration and the development of technologies that respond to real-world needs, particularly in healthcare delivery and disaster preparedness.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUExcels#WVSUCICT#ICCCC2025

  • WVSU Panayana Cultural Group places second in regional Christmas choral tilt

    WVSU Panayana Cultural Group places second in regional Christmas choral tilt

    The WVSU Panayana Cultural Group clinched second place at the Ambahanon sa Pototan 2025 (Season 3) Chorale Competition on Dec. 19, showcasing musical excellence in a regional Christmas choral festival held in front of the Pototan Municipal Hall.

    Conducted by Ronnie A. Libutaque, the university choir stood out among four competing ensembles with a repertoire that blended traditional holiday themes and socially reflective music. Their performance featured “Diwa ng Pasko” by Ramon Tapales, arranged by Lucio San Pedro; “Bahay” by Gary Granada; and “Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko” by Andrei Dionisio.

    The Ambahanon sa Pototan is a community-based choral competition organized by the local government of Pototan as part of its Christmas festivities. The event brings together school, church, and community choirs from across Western Visayas and neighboring regions to celebrate music, culture, and the spirit of the season.

    The Panayana Cultural Group’s strong showing underscored WVSU’s continuing commitment to cultural artistry and performance excellence, reinforcing the university’s presence in regional artistic platforms while fostering community engagement through music.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels