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STUDENT IUIS (Main Campus)

Category: News

  • 4th Year in a Row: WVSU receives CHED ICONS Award in global rankings

    4th Year in a Row: WVSU receives CHED ICONS Award in global rankings

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) receives recognition today at the Commission on Higher Education’s Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. The university marks its fourth consecutive year being honored for outstanding achievements in internationalization and contributions to global higher education.

    Dr. Elizabeth Magallanes, Director of the Quality Assurance Office, and Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, receive the award on behalf of the university.

    WVSU stands out as one of the leading Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) for strong performance in major global ranking platforms, including the 2025 THE Impact Rankings, 2026 QS World University Rankings–Asia, and the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).

    2025 THE Impact Rankings

    WVSU earns a spot in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings, placing in the 1501+ overall bracket. The university gains recognition for contributions to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

     • SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being (1001–1500)

     • SDG 4 – Quality Education (1501+)

     • SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (1001+)

     • SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals (1501+)

    2026 QS Asia Rankings

    WVSU strengthens its regional presence, placing 185th in Southeast Asia and within the 1201–1300 bracket in Asia in the 2026 QS World University Rankings–Asia.

    2025 WURI Rankings

    WVSU demonstrates a culture of innovation, climbing to Rank 187 in the 2025 WURI, rising from 210th in 2024. The university also secures top spots in three WURI Top 100 categories:

     • Rank 20 – Student Mobility & Openness (A2)

     • Rank 36 – Student Support & Engagement (A1)

     • Rank 91 – Culture/Values (B4)

    In addition to its global recognition, WVSU advanced its commitment to quality education through a new partnership with CHED. Earlier today, President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CHED Secretary Shirley C. Agrupis to implement the Diploma in Teaching Program, reinforcing the university’s role in shaping competent educators for the nation.

    Through these achievements and partnerships, WVSU continues to strengthen its international profile while advancing its mission of excellence, innovation, and sustainable development in higher education.

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  • WVSU marks major milestone with Topping-Off of College of Law Building 2

    WVSU marks major milestone with Topping-Off of College of Law Building 2

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) reached a key milestone in its campus development with the topping-off of the College of Law (COL) Building 2 on Dec. 9, 2025. The ceremony marked the completion of the structure’s highest point, moving the project into its next construction phase.

    The facility forms part of the University’s efforts to expand academic spaces and meet the needs of its growing student community. The construction is being carried out in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office 6 (DPWH RO6) and Nationstar Development Corporation.

    COL Dean Atty. Pauline Grace Alfuente opened the program by underscoring the building’s role in strengthening legal education and expanding learning spaces for future law students. Associate Dean Atty. Ian Thomas Besana followed with an overview of the project’s planning, objectives and development since its groundbreaking.

    WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz and DPWH Region 6 OIC Regional Director Engr. Jose Al Fruto also delivered messages during the program. Dr. Villaruz highlighted the long-term impact of the project, saying, “They are the future prosecutors, judges, public servants, advocates, and community leaders of Western Visayas, and they deserve a home worthy of their aspirations.”

    Dr. Villaruz, Engr. Fruto, and Sandro Tengco of Nationstar Development Corporation led the ceremonial topping-off, formally marking the structural completion of the building. Rev. Fr. Jose Rex Jiloca followed with a prayer of blessing and thanksgiving.

    The College of Law’s expansion began with its groundbreaking on Jan. 25, 2024. Upon completion, the new four-storey facility is expected to accommodate more than 100 law students and further advance the University’s commitment to providing modern, student-centered spaces that support professional preparation and public service.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

  • WVSU Dagyoung Student Ambassador drives global youth policy at the 13th NYP

    WVSU Dagyoung Student Ambassador drives global youth policy at the 13th NYP

    Showcasing West Visayas State University’s commitment to youth leadership and internationalization, Johnric G. Vargas—DagYoung Student Ambassador and Political Science student—represented Iloilo City and the entire Region VI as its lone delegate to the 13th National Youth Parliament (NYP) National Assembly held in Vigan City from November 18–20, 2025.

    The National Youth Parliament, a biennial policy-making convention mandated by Republic Act 8044 or the Youth in Nation-Building Act, brings together exceptional young leaders from across the Philippines to craft informed, future-oriented policy recommendations. Echoing WVSU’s global outlook, the NYP fosters a culture of international cooperation, policy innovation, and youth engagement aligned with global development agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international mobility frameworks.

    Throughout the assembly, delegates examined youth issues through a global lens—economic empowerment, good governance, digital innovation, and greater mobility across cultures and borders—reflecting the increasingly interconnected role of youth in nation-building.

    Vargas took on major leadership responsibilities that highlight his capacity to engage in both national and international youth development work. He served as the National Cluster Chairperson on Economic Empowerment and Global Mobility, Regional Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Governance, and was elected Regional Convener for the 13th NYP. He likewise contributed to the Philippine Youth Development Plan – Regional Inter-Agency Committee (PYDP-RIAC), ensuring that Western Visayas’ priorities resonate with broader cross-regional and global youth development perspectives.

    Following the deliberations of the National Assembly, the 13th National Youth Parliament successfully passed key resolutions aligned with the 10 Centers of Youth Participation—selected from hundreds of proposals submitted by regional clusters nationwide. These recommendations strengthen youth involvement in governance, economic mobility, and strategic partnerships, echoing international best practices in policy-driven youth development.

    These resolutions will be formally transmitted to the Philippine Congress and the Executive Branch for appropriate legislative and executive action, reinforcing NYP’s role as a national platform contributing to policy systems comparable to youth parliaments and councils across Asia and beyond.

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  • Academic and industry immersion connects WVSU-CBM to global learning and research opportunities at UiTM Malaysia

    Academic and industry immersion connects WVSU-CBM to global learning and research opportunities at UiTM Malaysia

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Business and Management (CBM) advances its global engagement initiatives as it embarks on an academic and industry immersion program with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia from December 7 to 11, 2025.

    CBM Dean Dr. Raymund Moreno, along with six faculty members and 11 students, was welcomed by UiTM Deputy Dean for Industry Linkages Prof. Dr. Chemah Tamby Chik.

    A series of academic engagements follow as WVSU-CBM meets with UiTM’s Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management (FHTM). Faculty members from both institutions participate in collaborative sharing sessions that highlight ongoing research, best practices, and academic insights. These sessions are complemented by a cultural showcase and networking lunch, providing avenues for deeper interaction. The delegation also tours the faculty facilities and library, gaining firsthand exposure to UiTM’s academic environment.

    The delegation then proceeds with activities under the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), which include a courtesy meeting with the dean, a guided tour of the FBM campus, and an international seminar hosted by the Institute of Business Excellence (IBE). Selected WVSU faculty members deliver 10-minute research presentations, featuring diverse academic disciplines and research outputs. Dr. Ma. Flora C. Collado serves as the keynote speaker, emphasizing the importance of academic collaboration and global knowledge exchange.

    UiTM highlights that the Malaysia Immersion Program aims to build stronger international collaborations, enrich research linkages, and provide meaningful global exposure to participating faculty members and students. The initiative also reflects the shared vision of both universities to promote academic excellence through cross-cultural learning and institutional partnerships.

    Through this program, WVSU-CBM continues to expand its global footprint, strengthening its internationalization efforts and fostering impactful academic relationships beyond the Philippines.

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  • WVSU sets regional benchmark in UI GreenMetric 2025

    WVSU sets regional benchmark in UI GreenMetric 2025

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) has climbed to World Rank 521 in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2025, placing 1st in Region VI, 18th in the Philippines, and 294th in Asia, solidifying its standing as one of the country’s leading sustainable universities.

    Now on its 15th edition, the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings assessed 1,745 institutions from 105 countries, making it the world’s largest university ranking focused on sustainability performance. This year introduces the theme “Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: Stories from Our Institutions and Communities,” highlighting how universities integrate sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement.

    WVSU’s performance reflects its efforts across all six dimensions measured by UI GreenMetric—setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste management, water conservation, transportation systems, and sustainability-focused education and research. These criteria, composed of 39 indicators, evaluate how universities manage their physical environment, implement green policies, conserve resources, reduce emissions, and embed sustainability into academic and community programs.

    As WVSU continues to participate in the global UI GreenMetric network, its achievements contribute to broader national and international efforts to promote clean energy, climate action, sustainable development, and green innovation. The 2025 ranking offers both recognition and motivation for the university to enhance its programs and deepen its integration of sustainability within all aspects of institutional life.

  • WVSU celebrates innovation as CICTzens triumph at PSC X as National Champion

    WVSU celebrates innovation as CICTzens triumph at PSC X as National Champion

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) proudly honors the remarkable achievement of its student innovators from the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) who clinched the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 title at the 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 (𝗣𝗦𝗖) 𝗫 with their startup, 𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧—an AI-driven platform that predicts the risk of Diabetic Retinopathy using routine lab biomarkers.

    The DIASIGHT team, composed of Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) students 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗗𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗼 (𝗖𝗘𝗢), 𝗝𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 (𝗖𝗧𝗢), and 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 (𝗖𝗠𝗢), delivered an exceptional performance that earned them not only the championship title but also two major distinctions:

    🏆𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮
    🏆𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹

    Guided by their mentor, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝗮. 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝗰𝗶𝗼𝗻, the team’s achievement exemplifies the university’s mission as a research-driven institution committed to excellence, innovation, and service to society. Their success reaffirms WVSU’s dedication to nurturing future-ready innovators capable of creating meaningful impact through technology.

    𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧! Your dedication and ingenuity stand as an inspiring example of what it means to be taga-West.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

    By: WVSU – College of Information and Communications Technology

  • WVSU DagYoung Student Ambassadors elevate youth leadership in climate action at France-PH Blue Nations and Youth & Oceans event

    WVSU DagYoung Student Ambassadors elevate youth leadership in climate action at France-PH Blue Nations and Youth & Oceans event

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) strengthened its international environmental engagement as its DagYoung Student Ambassadors (DSA) took part in the high-level celebration of the Blue Nations Initiative and Youth & Oceans Program on December 3, 2025, at Makati Diamond Residences.

    The event marked the culmination of a two-year partnership between France and the Philippines dedicated to advancing marine conservation and climate action. Held in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement (COP21), the gathering highlighted the achievements of both the Blue Nations Initiative and the Youth & Oceans Program, which has supported eleven civil society projects across the country in mobilizing grassroots environmental action.

    Representing WVSU were DSA Chairperson Aihrich M. Toreres, Special Projects Coordinator Johnric G. Vargas, and Education and Training Coordinator Amabela Fiona Le B. Benid, who showcased the university’s flagship marine conservation program, Sanctuarium Maris. Funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, the project positions WVSU’s student ambassadors, the internationalization arm of the university’s International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO).

    During the program, Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines, reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Philippine government, emphasizing new opportunities for collaboration in strategic sectors ahead of France’s assumption of the G7 Chairmanship in 2026. The WVSU delegation also met His Excellency Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura, Ambassador of Brazil to the Philippines, who expressed support for youth-led conservation initiatives and coastal protection efforts.

    Since its launch in January 2025, the Sanctuarium Maris project has conducted a series of capacity-building activities for the Tigbauan coastal community. These include training on sea turtle biology, conservation and rescue protocols, artificial nest net-making, and simulations for nest protection. The project also held a workshop on drafting environmental ordinances aimed at institutionalizing local conservation efforts.

    A significant outcome of this initiative is the passage of Barangay Atabayan Ordinance No. 2025-004, titled “An Ordinance Creating a Sea Turtle Nest Protection Program, Providing Guidelines for Conservation and Appropriating Funds Thereof.” With guidance from the WVSU College of Law, the ordinance established a legal framework that now strengthens sea turtle conservation efforts in the Tigbauan coastline.

    The event concluded with a Cocktail and Civil Society Networking Session, where WVSU presented visibility materials and project outputs, highlighting the university’s growing role in youth-driven climate action and marine conservation. Through its continued participation in global environmental initiatives, WVSU reaffirms its commitment to building resilient communities, empowering local leaders, and fostering globally engaged student advocates for sustainable development.

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  • WVSU achieves 219th spot in AppliedHE ALL ASIA 2026 Public University Rankings

    WVSU achieves 219th spot in AppliedHE ALL ASIA 2026 Public University Rankings

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) strengthens its regional and international presence, placing 219th with a score of 31.56 in the 2026 ALL ASIA Public University Rankings by AppliedHE, signaling its drive to meet global academic standards.

    Since its inception in 2021, Singapore-based AppliedHE has been producing university rankings to assess and compare institutions across Asia. The rankings are based on a comprehensive methodology that evaluates institutions using institutional data, bibliometric indicators, student surveys, and peer-nomination surveys.

    Six key criteria guide the assessment: Teaching and Learning (40%), Employability (15% for public universities), Research (15% for public universities), Community Engagement (10%), Internationalization (10%), and Institutional Reputation (10%). A log-normalization process is applied to certain metrics, and all data are validated to ensure accuracy.

    WVSU’s inclusion in the Public University Ranking – ALL ASIA 2026 highlights its compliance with these high standards, reflecting accredited degree programs, active faculty and student engagement, research excellence, strong employability outcomes, and international collaboration.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU DevcomSoc shines light on eco-anxietis among youth, calls for climate action

    WVSU DevcomSoc shines light on eco-anxietis among youth, calls for climate action

    WVSU Development Communicators’ Society (WVSU-DCS), the official student organization of the BSDC program, joined the UNICEF Philippines, Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), and other climate-interest groups in a unified call for urgent climate action during the national launch of the Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) held on November 25, 2025, at Park Inn by Radisons in Quezon City.

    Representing the organization, Chairperson Mr. Jan Andrew A. Gelera participated as one of the youth delegates for during the event with the theme “Power of We: Kumilos Para sa Bata, Klima, at Kinabukasan.” He presented the eco-anxiety experienced by young people in Iloilo and Negros, particularly the position of children and youth in the current climate insecurities that happened in the regions due to typhoons. He connected these local experiences to the global climate context and explain how these threats are felt their everyday lives.

    “It has come to a point where the climate crisis has been so desensitized that we feel numb, questioning our position, not knowing what to do first, clouding what’s supposed to be a navigation of self-discovery. My generation faces triggers hearing the sound of strong winds and lighting strikes; triggers imprinted by typhoons of the past,” Gelera said in his speech.

    The presence of WVSU DCS in the event underscores its commitment to youth empowerment, environmental communication, and push for climate justice.

    CLAC is a report by UNICEF Philippines which highlights how climate-related hazards directly affects children’s lives in the Philippines. Access the report here: https://situationofchildren.org/ph/CLAC2025.

    Text by: WVSU College of Communication
    Photo from: UNICEF Philippines Facebook Page

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels

  • WVSU-CICT showcases innovative research at the 26th International Symposium on Advanced Intelligent Systems in South Korea

    WVSU-CICT showcases innovative research at the 26th International Symposium on Advanced Intelligent Systems in South Korea

    The West Visayas State University–College of Information and Communications Technology (WVSU–CICT) strengthened the University’s global research standing with the acceptance of three innovative papers at the 26th International Symposium on Advanced Intelligent Systems (ISIS 2025). The conference, a premier gathering of artificial intelligence and intelligent systems researchers, was held Nov. 6–9, 2025 at Chungbuk National University in Cheongju, Republic of Korea.

    ISIS is recognized as one of the world’s leading forums for advancements in AI, bringing together scholars, industry experts and practitioners to exchange knowledge and explore emerging technologies.

    WVSU–CICT’s three accepted papers reflect impactful innovations in AI and technology:

    ✅: Digital Maturity Assessment and Profiling System with Training Recommendations for Service-Based MSMEs
    ✍🏽: Regin A. Cabacas, Ma. Beth S. Concepcion, Shem Elijah B. Sandig, Frank I. Elijorde, Stephen B. Alayon, and In-Ho Ra
    📄: This university-approved research developed a systematic tool for assessing the digital maturity of MSMEs, providing targeted recommendations to facilitate effective and successful digital transformation strategies. The paper was presented by Dr. Ma. Beth S. Concepcion and Prof. Stephen B. Alayon.

    ✅: Non-Invasive Diabetic Retinopathy Risk Stratification with XAI-Enabled Ensemble Machine Learning on Augmented EHRs”
    ✍🏽: James Andrew Dorado, Gio Anthony Callos, Lance Gabriel Masigon, Jemmar Padernal, Mary Shanley Sencil, and Ma. Beth Concepcion
    📄: The project applies AI to predict diabetic retinopathy risk from electronic health records, supporting early diagnosis and clinical decision-making. James Andrew Dorado, Mary Shanley Sencil, and Dr. Ma. Beth Concepcion presented the paper.

    ✅: An Offline Communication and Flood Rescue System Utilizing LoRaWAN Technology
    ✍🏽: John Achilles Colon, BJ Louis Marcellana, Paulo Saballa, Joshua Anthony Sasi, Sergei Benjamin Tabañar, and Regin Cabacas
    📄: LoRaWAN-based rescue communication system functions without internet connectivity, ensuring continuity of response during disasters. The presenters were Sergei Benjamin S. Tabañar and Paulo C. Saballa.

    WVSU–CICT’s strong presence in this international forum underscores the University’s expanding role in digital innovation, AI research and global academic collaboration.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

    Text and photos from WVSU CICT