Category: News

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.

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.

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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.

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The West Visayas State University Federated Alumni Association, Inc. (WVSUFAAI) officially kicked off activities for the 2026 Grand Alumni Homecoming with the launching and opening of an art exhibit at SM City Iloilo on Dec. 16, 2025.

Dubbed a prelude activity to the Grand Jubilarian Alumni Homecoming set in January 2026, the exhibit runs until Dec. 20 and features works by alumni artists Joel Senina Adrias (WVSU–College of Education Batch 1976) and Joel Eugenio E. Ferraris (WVSU High School Batch 1976).

The opening program included the National Anthem, opening prayer, and the WVSU Hymn, followed by words of welcome from Dr. Jonathan C. Glorial, director of WVSU Alumni Affairs. Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, WVSU president, delivered the keynote message, underscoring the role of alumni engagement in sustaining the university’s legacy. A message was also delivered by Faculty Regent Shim Lester de Pio, president of the Federated Faculty Association.

Ribbon-cutting rites were led by Mr. Jeremias Adrias, brother of artist Joel Adrias; Inesitas Lacson-Palermo, Former Alumni Queen 2023 (WVSU-COE Batch 1971); Dr. Ricky Magno, dean of the College of Education; and Shim Lester de Pio.

Adrias presented a series of 20 circular-themed works, while Ferraris showcased one large acrylic piece alongside several other artworks. Ferraris also enhanced the exhibit with a multimedia component—a video loop featuring his artworks and artist interviews—displayed on a flat-screen monitor installed at the venue.

Alumni from various jubilarian batches, including WVSU-COE Classes of 1971, 1976, 1991 and 1992, WVSU-CAS-1981, WVSU-CAF 1981 and 1986 attended the opening, reflecting strong intergenerational support for the homecoming buildup.

The exhibit not only celebrates alumni creativity but also supports creative entrepreneurship, with selected artworks available for viewing. Serving as the event’s emcee was Prof. Bonifacio P. Gaverza.

WVSUFAAI said the launching and exhibit set the tone for the 2026 Grand Alumni Homecoming, highlighting unity, creativity, and sustained alumni involvement as the university prepares for its major alumni gathering early next year.

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West Visayas State University (WVSU) reinforced its commitment to accountable and efficient records management with the successful conduct of a two-day Seminar-Workshop on Records Disposition Administration on Dec. 11-12, 2025, at the Research and Extension Building.

The first day of the workshop was led by Mr. Terence Michael Tablizo, NAP Supervising Records Management Analyst. Tablizo discussed the foundations of records disposition, emphasizing the importance of proper records evaluation, retention scheduling, and compliance with national standards. He highlighted the legal mandate of Republic Act No. 9470, also known as the NAP Act of 2007, which requires government agencies to systematically manage, preserve, and dispose of records in accordance with approved retention and disposal authorities.

On the second day, Mr. Kevin Barrientos, NAP Records Management Analyst II, guided participants through advanced and practical applications of records disposition administration. His sessions focused on the correct accomplishment of records disposition forms, ensuring that participants not only understood the policy framework but were also equipped to implement it in their respective offices.

Hands-on workshops were conducted on both days to allow participants to actively complete records disposition forms, simulate evaluation processes, and apply retention and disposal procedures based on actual office records. This practical component aimed to bridge theory and practice, reinforcing accuracy, compliance, and confidence in handling institutional records.

The seminar-workshop underscored WVSU’s continued efforts to elevate its records management standards, ensure adherence to national archival policies, and strengthen institutional practices that promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability in administrative operations.

#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

West Visayas State University opened its Wellness Park on Dec. 17, 2025, providing students with a new on-campus space for recreation, sports and wellness activities.

Also known as the Physical Education, Sports, Culture, Arts and Recreation (PESCAR) Court, the park was inaugurated with a prayer and blessing led by Rev. Fr. Jose Rex Jiloca, chaplain of the WVSU Medical Center.

University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz delivered a message highlighting the university’s commitment to promoting student well-being and active lifestyles through accessible and inclusive campus facilities.

Following the message, Dr. Villaruz led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the Wellness Park in the presence of key university officials, PESCAR faculty and staff. Intermission performances by the WVSU TeatroTayo, Irong-irong Dance Cultural Group and the PESCAR Sports and Wellness Club followed the ceremony.

A tree-planting activity was held after the program, with university officials, faculty representatives, officers of the Board of Regents, and alumni leaders participating to replace trees removed during the construction of the facility.

The Wellness Park features two basketball courts convertible into volleyball courts and two sepak takraw courts, which will serve as sports venues and outdoor activity spaces for students, faculty and staff, reflecting WVSU’s continuing efforts to provide more inclusive and improved campus facilities that support student welfare and overall well-being.

#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels