Category: News

  • WVSU Marks World Teachers’ Day With Health Services, Gifts and College Activities

    WVSU Marks World Teachers’ Day With Health Services, Gifts and College Activities

    West Visayas State University marked World Teachers’ Day 2025 with activities across colleges, highlighting gratitude for educators and staff who shape future generations. At the College of Teacher Education Hall, the Asian Medical Students’ Association–WVSU launched its flagship initiative, AMSA TSEK (Tigil Saglit, E-kay), through a special program titled “Caring for the Hands that Shape Minds – A Tribute to Teachers.” About 100 participants, mostly faculty, benefited from free health consultations, blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring, urinalysis, essential medicines, and lectures on stress management and lifestyle diseases. 


    Earlier in the day, the College of Education, through its Education Student Council, distributed gifts and ice cream to teachers starting at 10 a.m. The College of Nursing, meanwhile, is set to hold its own celebration next week. The events underscore WVSU’s collective commitment to honoring teachers and non-teaching staff, recognizing them as vital contributors to education and community service. 

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels 

    By WVSU PAMCO

  • WVSU delegates receive recognition at PASUC VI-Extension Managers’ Council for leadership and innovation in extension papers

    WVSU delegates receive recognition at PASUC VI-Extension Managers’ Council for leadership and innovation in extension papers

    The West Visayas State University faculty extension delegates garnered multiple awards during the14th Philippine Association of State University and Colleges VI – Extension Managers’ Council (PASUC-EMC) Annual Regional Symposium and General Assembly last September 30 – October 2, 2025 at the University of Antique with the theme, “Extension Beyond Boundaries: Strengthening Impact Through Innovation, Inclusion, and Integration”. 

    Among the delegates who presented their paper, Dr. Elias C. Olapane from WVSU Calinog Campus received Best Paper and Best Presenter awards in the Transformative Education, Culture and Social-Behavioral Sciences cluster, with co-project leader Dr. Mary Jean Cataluña in their paper, “UpSKilling DepEd Teachers Research-Led Teaching Through a Capability Training Series”. 

    Similarly, Dr. Maria Corazon M. Samorin from the College of Business and Management, secured 2nd place in the Best Extension Paper category for her work titled “Empowering Transport Cooperatives through Innovative Extension: Insights from Project ITTC” under the Environmental Stewardship, Climate Action, and Circular Economy category. Another notable award is from WVSU Pototan Campus, where Dr. Charlie Domido secured 3rd place for Best Extension Paper in the Environmental Stewardship, Climate Action, and Circular Economy category.

    Additionally, Dr. Virginia B. Parreñas, also from WVSU Pototan Campus, earned 3rd place in the Community-Based Health, Nutrition, and Wellness category. Meanwhile, the documentary Rays of Hope was awarded Best Video Documentary, with Prof. Sheila P. Beliran from the College of Nursing serving as the Project Leader. 

    In addition, research presenters—Dr. Jovie L. Caballero from Calinog Campus, and Dr. Pauline M. Torion along with Prof. Joenarex N. Bautista from Janiuay Campus—presented their respective extension papers. Panel evaluators from the university consists of Prof. Sheila P. Beliran, Dr. Julie Gay B. Quidato, Dr. Alma Jean A. Subong, and Dr. Raymund B. Moreno.

    Also present during the symposium and awarding ceremony was Dr. Ricky P. Becodo, the Director of the University Development Center and Chairman of PASUC VI EMC, Inc., demonstrating strong institutional support.

    This symposium exemplifies the university’s ongoing dedication to fostering innovative projects that benefit and uplift the community. 

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels 

    Photo Courtesy: Cristy Pagente 

    By WVSU PAMCO

  • WVSU-CBM’s Team Dungánan defends Service Category crown at BIDA 2025

    WVSU-CBM’s Team Dungánan defends Service Category crown at BIDA 2025

    Team Dungánan of the West Visayas State University College of Business and Management (WVSU-CBM) once again proved its edge on the national stage, clinching the Service Category championship at the 19th Business Idea and Development Award (BIDA) 2025. 

    The team, which represented CBM with a business paper on preserving heirloom dishes, successfully defended its 2024 title against contenders from Capiz State University and Our Lady of Fatima University.

    The back-to-back win underscores CBM’s commitment to both innovation and cultural preservation. This year’s BIDA drew more than 70 entries nationwide. From the pool, 32 teams advanced to the second level of screening, where participants submitted full business plans and video presentations. Only 15 were chosen as finalists to present on-site in Taguig City, competing in Service, Technology, Food, Non-Food, and Agriculture categories. 

    The Business Idea and Development Award, or BIDA, is an annual competition organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to recognize innovative and sustainable business ideas, products, technologies, and services, primarily from students.

    The program seeks to foster an entrepreneurial culture, support sustainable economic growth in the Philippines, and encourage youth to develop creative solutions for national development. Team Dungánan was composed of Kisha Antoniette Hojilla (BSBA FM), Thomas Edward Segundera (BSHM), Kyle Cabaobao (BSBA FM), Joriel Agustina Marie Alvarez (BSTM), and John Richard Inorino (BSCM).

    Guiding them throughout the competition were coaches Nichol John J. Raymundo and Maria Corazon M. Samorin. The win solidifies CBM’s standing in national competitions, highlighting the college’s drive to develop future leaders who can create socially relevant and sustainable business ideas.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels 

    By WVSU PAMCO

  • Art as Dialogue: WVSU opens “Payapang Daigdig: Arts for Peace” exhibit for international peace month

    Art as Dialogue: WVSU opens “Payapang Daigdig: Arts for Peace” exhibit for international peace month

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) marked its observance of International Peace Month this September through the opening of the “Payapang Daigdig: Arts for Peace Exhibition” today, September 29, at the University Learning Resource Center.

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) marked its observance of International Peace Month this September through the opening of the “Payapang Daigdig: Arts for Peace Exhibition” today, September 29, at the University Learning Resource Center.

    Spearheaded by the WVSU International and Local Linkages Office, the Center for Peace Education, and the University Learning Resource Center, the exhibit brings together artworks from faculty, staff, students, and volunteers across different colleges and external campuses. Featured pieces include paintings, photographs, sculptures, and multimedia works that express unique interpretations of peace and solidarity.

    University Librarian Dr. Elra Di M. Madalogdog delivered the Opening Remarks, highlighting the role of art in inspiring dialogue and nurturing a culture of harmony. This was followed by the Commitment for Peace led by Dr. Regie Palmos, Coordinator of the WVSU Center for Peace Education, who underscored that peace is achieved through both personal responsibility and collective action.

    The exhibit was officially opened through a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Celina C. Gellada, Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences and Officer-in-Charge President, underscoring WVSU’s ongoing commitment to peace education and inclusive engagement through the arts.

    The exhibit is scheduled to run until September 30, 2025, giving the university community ample time to reflect on the artworks and the messages they convey. Tokens of recognition will be awarded to outstanding artworks at the conclusion of the exhibit.

    The initiative was organized in collaboration with the Values Education Majors, COE-GS Peace Class, MMP-Pagkabalaka Extension Project, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).

    Aligned with this year’s United Nations theme—“Act Now for a Peaceful World”—the exhibition reaffirms WVSU’s commitment to championing peace education and fostering creative expressions that inspire a more just and peaceful society.

    #WVSUInternationalizationIZN
    #WVSUExcels
    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #SDG16

  • WVSU shines at 7th International Conference on Automation, Mechatronics and Robotics

    WVSU shines at 7th International Conference on Automation, Mechatronics and Robotics

    Faculty members and students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) participated in the 7th International Conference on Automation, Mechatronics and Robotics, held from Sept. 24–26, 2025 under the theme “Innovating for a Sustainable Future: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Automation, Robotics, and Mechatronics.” The conference was organized by the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines (MRSP) in collaboration with the MRSP Western Visayas Chapter and Advance Central College.

    The MRSP Western Visayas Chapter counts three WVSU faculty members among its officers: Dr. Lea Gabawa of the Main Campus as president, Dr. Rosie Jane P. Siosan of the Pototan Campus as secretary, and Dr. Rose May Cora Lagon of the Calinog Campus as auditor. 

    Her research team — composed of Dr. Josephine R. Lavilla, Dr. Rita L. Jaudian, Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, and Dr. Joel T. De Castro — also secured third place for Best Research Paper, reinforcing their collaboration and contribution to the fields of automation, mechatronics, and robotics. 

    Another highlight was the team project “Guardian Link: Location Tracking and Emergency Support for Persons with Dementia,” which earned both the Best Research Paper Award and Best Presenter honors in the Robotics Engineering and Technology track. The team included students from the College of Information and Communications Technology, namely John Kyle Abad, John Marty Arendian, Jero Diacuna, Simon Troy Eligido, Carl James Tito, with Dr. Gabawa serving as adviser. 

    Further adding to the milestones, Dr. Gabawa was formally recognized by MRSP’s Board of Mechatronics and Automation Engineering as a Certified Mechatronics and Automation Engineer. 

    As WVSU builds upon these achievements, it reaffirms its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research, nurturing academic excellence, and translating innovation into real-world impact.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels

    Photos Courtesy of: Dr. Lea Gabawa, WVSU Pototan Campus/Facebook By WVSU PAMCO

  • WVSU win five awards at the Philippine Commission on Women’s 2024 Top GAD Budget recognition

    WVSU win five awards at the Philippine Commission on Women’s 2024 Top GAD Budget recognition

    West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, received five awards during the Recognition Ceremony for the 2024 Top GAD Budget Agencies held Sept. 25, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. The event was organized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). 

    Representing WVSU were Dr. Jeanette Simpas, former university GAD director, and Dr. Rosalea Cornelia Araneta-de Leon, current GAD director. 

    Out of some 350 government agencies and government-owned or controlled corporations, WVSU was honored in the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) category with the following distinctions: 

    ● Rank 3: SUC with highest organization-focused GAD budget expenditure
    ● Rank 4: SUC with highest attributed GAD expenditure
    ● Rank 7: SUC with highest total GAD budget expenditure
    ● Rank 9: SUC with highest attributed GAD allocation
    ● Rank 10: SUC with highest total GAD budget allocation.

    This milestone marks the first time WVSU has been recognized in the PCW’s Top GAD Budget Awards, signaling a significant step forward in the university’s commitment to gender and development. 

    The ceremony also featured presentations of interventions and best practices from the top three performing government agencies: the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, and the Department of Foreign Affairs. 

    As WVSU celebrates these recognitions, the university reaffirms that these honors are not merely accolades but a renewed call to strengthen gender mainstreaming, ensure accountability in resource use, and translate budget commitments into meaningful outcomes for all members of its academic community.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels

    #GenderAndDevelopment #GADBudget 

    Photos Courtesy of: Dr. Jeanette Simpas/Facebook

    By WVSU PAMCO

  • WVSU’s WIRED++ Repository Proves Effective as Top Research Draws Thousands of Views and Downloads

    WVSU’s WIRED++ Repository Proves Effective as Top Research Draws Thousands of Views and Downloads

    West Visayas State University’s institutional repository, WIRED++, is fast becoming a vital platform for preserving and promoting research. With more than 7,000 visits since its launch, statistics show that the repository is not only operational but actively utilized by researchers, students, and global audiences.

    The numbers reveal a clear trend: WVSU’s works are reaching thousands. The most-viewed study, “The Philippine party-list system and representation of marginalized populations,” has been accessed 27,838 times all time and leads again in 2025 with 20,042 views. The study explores the effectiveness of the party-list system in giving voice to marginalized sectors, a topic that resonates both locally and nationally.

    Other works topping the charts highlight the diversity of WVSU’s scholarship:
    * “Lived experiences of non-education graduate teachers in teaching Mathematics during the pandemic” (19,453 views) captures the struggles and adaptability of teachers who entered classrooms without formal education training.
    * “Music: Effects on students’ achievement, habits of mind, and disposition as bases for the development of music-enhanced mathematics program” (14,832 views) explores how music can enhance learning in math — a novel intersection of arts and sciences.
    * “Floristic composition, diversity of public green spaces in major urban cities in Western Visayas, Philippines” (13,678 views) offers a timely look at biodiversity and urban planning in the region.
    * “Bullying experiences, coping mechanisms, lessons learned and aspirations of high school working students” (13,521 views) sheds light on student resilience amid adversity.

    Downloads, too, show active engagement. Leading all time is “Perceived quality on junior high school sex education and its sexual knowledge and attitudes among senior high school students in a selected private university in the National Capital Region” with 12,729 downloads, and still ahead in 2025 with 3,780 downloads. Its focus on sex education quality has struck a chord with educators and policy advocates.

    Other popular downloads include:
    * “Workload, well-being, coping strategies, and Mathematics performance of Senior High School STEM learners” (1,930 all-time downloads; 1,793 in 2025)
    * “The Philippine party-list system and representation of marginalized populations” (1,955 downloads)
    * “Influence of fermented organic concoction as nutrient supplements in the performance of brooding native chicken” (1,842 downloads)

    Beyond national reach, WIRED++ is gaining an international audience. The Philippines accounts for the majority of visits and downloads, but significant traffic also comes from the United States, China, Singapore, and Poland. Cebu City leads all cities with 550 page views and 290 downloads, while Makati City, Davao, and international hubs such as Fu’an in China and Atlanta in the United States are also frequent sources of activity.

    The repository’s effectiveness is evident: faculty and student works are not only preserved but actively read, cited, and shared. By tracking views, downloads, and shares, alternative metrics that supplement traditional citations, WIRED++ demonstrates its growing impact.

    The platform, formally the WVSU Institutional Repository and Electronic Dissertation and Theses PLUS, houses publications, journals, theses, dissertations, patents, and creative works, with plans to expand into multimedia, performances, lesson plans, software, and raw data. Its development is a collaborative effort of the University Library and Resource Center, the College of Information and Communications Technology, the Bachelor of Library and Information Science program, and the Management Information Systems Office, with support from the Office of the President, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, and Vice President for Administration and Finance.

    WIRED++ also provides faculty with broader visibility. Deposited works appear in Google Scholar profiles, ensuring that WVSU’s contributions are discoverable worldwide. With thousands of views and downloads already recorded, the repository is proving to be more than an archive; it is a dynamic and effective showcase of WVSU’s excellence, creativity, and innovation.

    Visit and explore WIRED++ here:  https://repository.wvsu.edu.ph/

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels

    By WVSU PAMCO

  • WVSU DagYoung Student Ambassadors mark International Coastal Clean-UP with Tigbauan turtle nest protection drive

    WVSU DagYoung Student Ambassadors mark International Coastal Clean-UP with Tigbauan turtle nest protection drive

    TIGBAUAN, Iloilo – The shores of Barangay Atabayan became the center of environmental action today, September 20, as volunteers gathered for a coastal clean-up drive under the Sanctuarium Maris: Sea Turtle Nest Protection Project.

    The initiative was spearheaded by the West Visayas State University (WVSU) DagYoung Student Ambassadors in partnership with the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Young Journalists’ Society (YJS), and the Development Communicators’ Society. They were joined by barangay officials, the Sangguniang Kabataan, women’s groups, 4Ps beneficiaries, and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

    This project, funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, is driven by the student ambassadors, a university-recognized internationalization arm of WVSU International and Local Linkages Office.

    Since its launch in January 2025, the Sanctuarium Maris project has organized training sessions and workshops on sea turtle biology, conservation protocols, and rescue procedures for stranded or injured turtles. Activities also featured artificial nest net-making, a simulation of turtle nest protection, and a workshop on drafting environmental ordinances.

    The WVSU College of Law played a key role in guiding the community in crafting legal measures, which culminated in the passage of Barangay Atabayan Ordinance No. 2025-004, “An Ordinance Creating a Sea Turtle Nest Protection Program, Providing Guidelines for Conservation and Appropriating Funds Thereof.” This ordinance, now legally in force, strengthens local efforts to protect sea turtle nesting grounds in Tigbauan.

    Coinciding with the global observance of International Coastal Clean-Up Day, the activity further reinforced Tigbauan’s commitment to marine conservation and community-driven environmental protection.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU, DOST launch innovation projects to boost science and technology in Western Visayas

    WVSU, DOST launch innovation projects to boost science and technology in Western Visayas

    West Visayas State University (WVSU), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 6, launched a series of DOST-supported innovation projects on September 16, 2025, at the university’s Business Incubator Nurturing Homegrown Innovations (BINHI) Building. 

    The initiative introduces four major projects designed to empower Western Visayas through technological advancement: the Center for Digital Transformation for Governance (CDx), which supports local government units in adopting digital solutions; the Advanced Manufacturing Center, a satellite laboratory that provides access to emerging prototyping and manufacturing technologies; Project SARAI, which offers science-based tools to help farmers adapt to climate change; and Project SENTINEL, a disaster preparedness program that integrates real-time weather data, emergency reporting, and energy-efficient lighting. 

    In his welcome remarks, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz highlighted the collective impact of the projects. “These programs are like elements coming together to form a powerful core—one that will fuel meaningful change across our nation. They are part of our promise to our students, our faculty, our communities, and our future,” he said. 

    DOST Region 6 Director Engr. Rowen Gelonga praised the timeliness of the launch, noting its benefits for startups and industries in the region. “I cannot contain my happiness and excitement that all of us are here, and we are very upbeat of the future of the region because of the partnership with the university,” he said. 

    DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Usec. Sancho Mabborang encouraged industries to maximize the opportunities brought by the new facilities. “I’d like to see that your local industry will benefit from [these] facilities. Salamat po sa inyo, and please continue doing what you are doing, and we hope that more projects can be established here in Region 6,” he added. 

    Support messages were also delivered by regional directors from partner agencies, including Dir. Arceo Casing Jr. of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Region 6, Dir. Juan Jovian Ingeniero of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Region 6, and Engr. Reynaldo Sy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology Region 6. Their messages underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in advancing digital governance, inclusive planning, and regional innovation. 

    After the program, participants were given a short overview of the projects’ background and objectives, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the third floor of the BINHI TBI Building. Guests also toured the facilities and engaged in networking sessions to explore potential collaborations. 

    Among the officials present were Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, WVSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Dr. Ma. Beth Concepcion, Dean of the College of Information and Communications Technology and project lead of CDx; and Dr. Arnel Secondes, Director of the Knowledge, Technology Transfer, and Business Development Center (KTTBDC), along with other university officials, faculty, and students. Representing DOST were Undersecretary Leah Buendia for Research and Development, and Engr. Robert Dizon, Executive Director of the DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center. 

    The launch concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurating the third floor of the BINHI TBI Building as a new hub for science and technology innovation in Western Visayas. 

    With these initiatives, WVSU and DOST aim to establish a stronger innovation ecosystem—empowering industries, supporting farmers, strengthening governance, and enhancing disaster resilience. The projects mark a significant step toward positioning Western Visayas as a model of science-driven growth and innovation in the country. 

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels 

    By WVSU PAMCO

  • WVSU completes ISO surveillance audit, endorsed to maintain certification

    WVSU completes ISO surveillance audit, endorsed to maintain certification

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) has successfully completed its two-day ISO 9001:2015 surveillance audit, with auditors recommending the continued validity of the university’s certification. 

    The audit, conducted Sept. 15–16, assessed WVSU’s quality management system and gave positive feedback, advising that the certification be maintained. 

    Lead auditor Dr. Catherine Talao-Sigua, together with auditors John Joseph Denoga, Gwendolyn Red, and Kevin Castillon, spearheaded the evaluation with the support of university officials. 

    The opening meeting was held at the main campus, followed by site visits to the Lambunao and Janiuay campuses. At Lambunao, Campus Administrator Dr. Cheryll Dawal and unit heads participated in the audit. At Janiuay, Campus Administrator Dr. Guiller P. Pendon, along with deans and officials, facilitated the evaluation of academic programs and support units. 

    Key officials from the main campus also assisted. Dr. Peter Arnie D. Paris, vice president for administration and finance, and Dr. Alona M. Belarga, director of instruction, supported the Lambunao audit. At Janiuay, Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, vice president for research, innovation, and extension; and Dr. Elizabeth M. Magallanes, director of quality assurance, joined the activities. 

    On the second day, the auditors focused on the main campus, reviewing degree programs, offices, and top management. The audit closed with findings and recommendations for improvement. 

    “The university affirms its commitment to institutional excellence, transparency, and accountability by actively addressing the findings of this year’s ISO audit process, including the observations, opportunities for improvement, and non-conformance,” said Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, WVSU president. 

    The auditors issued their final recommendation to maintain certification on Sept. 16.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels 

    By WVSU PAMCO