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Grateful Alums Come Home to WVSU

by: Ma. Antonette D. Aguilar
This school year is undeniably one of the happiest for students, faculty, and staff of West Visayas State University. The raucous chants and cheers from different colleges filled the campus during the parade on the first day of University Week last January 24.
After more than two years, WVSU opened its doors to celebrate one of its beloved traditions, the alumni homecoming. WVSU alumni returned home to their alma mater filled with joy shining through their eyes and smiles.
During the parade, different batches flaunted their banners and floats, led by muses of different ages, wearing vibrant gowns and crowns, marching around the university grounds. Alums from as far back as Batch 1967 joined the festivities, some on their wheelchairs yet still beaming with youthful exuberance.
One alumnus of batch 1972, Mrs. Cynthia Villanueva-Alejaga who graduated Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE), taught for 42 years in San Enrique Cultural School. She shared how challenging it was to gather information during their time. “We had to spend so much time at the library looking for answers for our assignments because that was the only means of getting information at that time”.
Each alum felt at home upon their return to their alma mater, that’s why Mr. Renaldo Gacho Segumpan of batch 1992 flew for eight hours and a half from Masta to Abu Dhabi to Manila to Iloilo just to attend the event.

According to him: “Special ini nga okasyon, indi gid mabaydan sang material nga bagay. Proud alumnus ako nga Taga-West gid”. He is currently a professor in the College of Economics and Business Administration in the University of Collegie & Applied Sciences in Oman.
Another graduate from 1983, Mrs. Adora Monana-Allado who graduated under Integrated Teacher Education curriculum, shared how she struggled during their time due to curriculum change where she finished her degree for 4 years and a half instead of only 4. She taught in her hometown for 32 years at Banate Central Elementary School.
Furthermore, Miss Rosemarie Guazin of batch 1991, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and finished her Master’s degree at WVSU, ventured into the corporate world after teaching in the academe for fourteen years. She was grateful for the university because she quoted, “WVSU was so welcoming to indigents yet deserving students like me. This had given an opportunity to some indigent students who had a right to earn a degree”.
The interview with different alumni showed how grateful and delighted they are to their institution. University week allowed them to return their alma mater and reconnect to their friends and classmates after many years.

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Laro ng Lahi Brings Back Childhood Years

by Dienzel Aguirre and Geenel Bandojo

Amidst the grey, wet morning, teaching and non-teaching personnel from the main and external campuses revived the traditional game “Laro ng Lahi” to jump-start the third day of the U- Week celebration at the campus ground last January 26.
Personnel from WVSU-main, Pototan, Janiuay, and Lambunao Campus participated in games of tiyakad, luksong lubid, sipa bilangan, piko, tumbang preso, patintero, luksong sako, and palo sebo. Participants enjoyed playing these traditional games that brought back childhood memories.
In addition, organizers modified the games to fit a one-day event with eight-game stations. Laro ng Lahi was opened to all WVSU personnel that can form a group of eight. To add fun, the teams that reached the last station must shout: “Ang Pahampang sa West: The Best! Basta Laro ng Lahi wala sang gina pili!”.
The College of PESCAR from the main campus facilitated the said event and they will announce the “Laro ng Lahi” winners on January 27.

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Novi Guazo: WVSU Prepared Me for Real World Battles

by Krisa Marisse Provido and Jim Carrell De Los Reyes

As part of the University Week celebration, West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed their alums during the homecoming. WVSU graduates from as far back as the 1960s walked down memory lane with a sense of jubilation and pride.
An alumnus from the College of Communication expressed the excitement of reconnecting with his former classmates. Mr. Novie Guazo, a 45-year-old graduate of Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication Major in Broadcasting Batch ’98, expressed the excitement of reconnecting with his former classmates.
According to him, he felt happy and nostalgic when he first heard about the upcoming alum homecoming and saw his classmates and friends after 25 years. He stated that this was a milestone for them.
“Happy and Nostalgic. Makita namon liwat ang amon classmate and friends,” said Guazo. “And knowing nga in the next 25 years kay 25th year kami subong and we will be 70 years old already. So this is a milestone for all of us. Kay base at that time may edad na kami tanan so importante gid nga dapat present gid kami subong”.

Going back to WVSU made him feel like his younger self, an ordinary student going through the challenges of college life. He thought that his batchmates did not age and was glad to know that most of them are healthy and doing well.
Guazo shared that they were the first batch under the College of Arts and Sciences when it became a separate unit. He fondly recalled that it was during his student days when DYWV Radio West Visayas acquired their first mixer, television, audio visual equipment, and chair.
Now a successful and popular broadcaster, he said that WVSU has taught him lessons that helped him strive in the real world. He mentioned that there was a disparity between classroom lessons and real ‘battles’ that happen in the media. WVSU somehow bridged that gap with the right balance of theory and practice.
“Dako gid ang desparties sang ginatudlo sa eskwelahan kaysa sa actual nga battle field sa media practice,” said Guazo. “May mga bagay kong kaisa nga ginatudlo di in theory nga pag abot mo sa real world its totally a different world, pero ang imo theory di amo na sya ang mangin back up mo sa paminsaron mo nga kun daw mejo strange nga lain ang real world, ma guiding light mo sya nga maka adjust kalang nga amo ni ang baseline sang imo media practice nga gintudlo diri sa aton sa west”.

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WVSU Always Stands Tall

by Geenel Bandojo and Dienzel Aguirre

The enthusiasm and excitement of guests and delegates from WVSU’s colleges, external campuses, faculty, and alumni sizzled the opening salvo in this year’s University Week and Alumni Homecoming with the theme, “WVSU Now and Beyond: Transcending Excellence through Creativity, Talent, and Innovation” held at WVSU Main Campus- Lapaz, Iloilo City last January 24, 2023.
WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz said the celebration is “a testament to our strength and resilience as an academic community” in his welcome address. Amidst changing tides of the education sector, “West Visayas State University will always stand tall,” he added.
The opening program escalated from a colorful Taga-West parade to the loud and dynamic cheers by different colleges, followed by the introduction of other alumni and candidates for this year’s Mr. and Ms. West.
WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz and VPAA Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla led the unveiling of the University Week logo. Other guests in attendance were VPAF Dr. Porforio J. Barlas, VPRIE Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Dean of the Office of the Student Affairs Dr. Nancy S. Surmieda, Dean of WVSU College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Ma Elfleda Ecube, and USC Chairperson Hershey Geline Sumpay.
Later in the afternoon until the evening, student participants competed in literary contests, oration and extemporaneous speaking, radio drama, newscasting, and the battle of the bands.

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WVSU Celebrates U-Week with the theme: “WVSU Now and Beyond: Transcending Excellence through Creativity, Talent, and Innovation.”

by Ma. Antonette D. Aguilar

WVSU takes time off from its academic schedule to celebrate University Week from January 24 to 27, 2023. The administration, faculty, staff, and students from the main and satellite campuses will participate in the activities to showcase their “excellence through creativity, talent, and innovation.”

The celebration will start on Tuesday, January 24, and will be set in motion by the participants parading around the campus. Talented WVSU students will flaunt their prowess at Literary and Musical Contests in various venues on the university grounds. Among the expected crowd drawers is the Talents’ Night of Mr. & Miss WVSU. The Outstanding Alumni and Alumni Gala Night awarding will take place on January 25.

Students will surely experience an adrenaline rush on the third day, January 26, where participants compete in the Laro ng Lahi and different sports. Later that day, the university will honor its outstanding researchers, extensionists, teachers, retirees, and employees during the WVSU Praise Awards 2023 at District Hotel, Iloilo City.

The Literary and Musical Awards is scheduled on the last day, January 27, at the Cultural Center. On the same day, students and faculty from each college are expected to cheer and support their candidates for Mr. & Miss WVSU pageant.

 

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WVSU-Mohawk meet to activate collab priorities for 2023

Mohawk College, Canada, has recently visited West Visayas State University to discuss the specific priorities of their partnership. Represented by Nathan (Nam) Tran-Business Development Manager for China, East Asia, Southeast Asia; Katie Burrows-Vice President for Students, International and Alumni; Thea Laidman-Director for International Recruitment; and, Jelson Sales – in-market recruiter for the Philippines, Mohawk also toured the main campus and had a taste of Filipino hospitality with treats of Ilonggo delicacies and glimpses of Iloilo City.
 
WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz acknowledged the sincerity of Mohawk College for they constantly kept contact through the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) of the University after ILLO Director Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka attended the EduCanada Networking Session in mid-2021. Dr. Villaruz also stressed that WVSU is in full support of the activities with Mohawk College, which will commence in the first quarter of 2023.
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WVSU Yields 19 NLE Topnotchers, 100% Passing Rate

By Leo G. Almonte, MDC

 West Visayas State University lives up to its “tradition of excellence” as 19 nursing graduates excelled in the 2022 Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE). WVSU has high expectations for the College of Nursing graduates since the university is known as the “Home of Topnotchers,” with a consistently high NLE passing rate.

The outstanding feat brought pride and joy to the WVSU community, further validating their culture of excellence that drives students to deliver the best possible results with a can-do attitude when facing academic challenges.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), 19 schools achieved a 100% passing rate. The 134 examinees from Batch 2022 – Siklab took the NLE from November 12 to 13, 2022. 

The list of the WVSU 2022 NLE Topnotchers:

  • Rank 2 – Jezrel Cabasis Alijid – 89.90%
  • Rank 3 – Emmanuel John Dorado Aggabao – 89.60%
  • Rank 4 – Carlos Jose Estacio Cerrada, Pauline Marie Robide Haro, Terese Angel Mispeñas Lee, and Emielle Salinas Ong – 89.40%
  • Rank 6 – Pauline Catong Castro, Sarah Joy Cabaluna Demetillo and Mark Aron Tomedo Martirez – 89%
  • Rank 7 – Francis John Patricio Gargarita and Ernesto Tabobo Gargaritano III – 88.80%
  • Rank 8 – Chelsy Sophia Besario Acain, Mary Therese Condag Jambaro, Mary Bless Gentuya Debuque, Steffi Marie Sy Lao, and Aquiuz Enero Salcedo – 88.60%
  • Rank 10 – Ma. Katrina Izabylle Capulot Alegario, John Earl Albert Alvarez Luces and Ma. Luisa Villarias Pelayo – 88.20%.

Photo courtesy of Lifeline

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Civil Service Commission Recognizes WVSU’s Pandemic Response

by Leo G. Almonte, MDC

The Civil Service Commission presented a Certificate of Recognition to West Visayas State University for its contribution and role in the government’s effort to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Certificate of Appreciation reads: The Certificate of Recognition is hereby given to West Visayas State University – Region VI for its delivery of exemplary service, through the tireless commitment, resiliency, and priceless contributions of its government frontliners and workers, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Given this 28th day of September 2022 at the CSC Central Office, Constitution Hills, Diliman, Quezon City.

 CSC Chairperson Atty. Karlo A.B. Nograles, Commissioner Atty. Lourdes A. Lizada, and Commissioner Atty. Ryan Alvin R. Acosta signed the certificate.

WVSU became a venue of several vaccination roll-outs where hundreds of residents from the Iloilo Province receive their inoculation. The West Visayas State University Medical Center went above and beyond its duty during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in responding to the health crisis.

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WVSU Researchers Shine in 1st Idlab Regional Research and Development Awards

by Leo G. Almonte, MDC

Three researchers from West Visayas State University garnered recognition in the recent Idlab Awards, the first-ever Regional Research and Development Awards created through the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region VI’s Resolution No. 80 Series of 2020.

RDC officially launched the 2022 Idlab Awards last August 17, 2022. They received a total of twenty-one (21) researchers from various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the region and selected nominees under the fields of (1) Basic Research; (2) Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Natural Resources; (3) Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technologies, and; (4) Health Research.

The awardees from WVSU were Dr. Patricio P. Palmares (Outstanding Researcher, Health Research Category), Dr. Marie Grace Dawn T. Isidro (3rd Placer, Health Research Category), and Dr. Joel T. de Castro (2nd Place, Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research Category).

The Idlab Award aims to inspire more research and innovations in the region by recognizing outstanding researchers, engineers, and innovators in Western Visayas. It also intends to create an avenue for government and private partnerships to generate resources to support research and development.

WVSU WESVAARRDEC supported the establishment of RRDIC’s Idlab Awards as a member of the Technical Working Group in the AANR category. The Regional Research Development and Innovation Center (RRDIC) handed out the awards during a ceremony at the Iloilo Convention Center last November 19, 2022.

 

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WVSU Joins Simulation Based-Education Training in Singapore

by Leo G. Almonte, MDC

West Visayas State University, a Higher Education Institution collaborator in the  Commission on Higher Education (CHED) LAKAS 2022-001 Project, sent Dr. Celina Gellada, Dr. Carol Joy Quimpo, and Dr. Helmar Soldevilla, as representatives to a two-day training activity entitled  “Optimizing Simulation-Based- Education (SBE), Training, Collaboration & Research- a focus on Technology- Driven Teaching & Learning Strategies,” held in Singapore from November 21 to 2022, 2022.

WVSU contingent attended the IMS Simulation Educators Training in Singapore’s Academia and other educators from  UP – Manila and MSU General Santos.

The course goals are 1.) Establishing and maintaining role clarity 2.) Communicating effectively with a team 3.) Optimizing personnel support 4. Utilizing available resources, and 5.) Maintaining appropriate focus while assessing the big picture.

The lecture topics include Adult Learner and Simulation-based Learning, Orientation to Manikin & Equipment, Scenario Design, and Familiarization Scenario. Breakout Group Discussions highlighted the training where participants shared their insights on respective topics assigned to them.