Category: News

Students, faculty, and members of the community explored opportunities for international education and cultural exchange during the forum “Spain Today: Culture, Language and Opportunities for Global Education,” held June 25 at West Visayas State University (WVSU).

The session featured Ms. Beatriz Jimeno Ortas, education advisor of the Embassy of Spain in Manila, who shared insights on Spain’s geography, languages, education system, and pathways for Filipinos interested in studying or working in the country.

Organized by the WVSU Center for Foreign Languages (CFL) in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Department of Language Studies (DELS), the forum forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international engagement and promote Spanish language and culture within the University community.

Ms. Ortas also discussed programs and opportunities available to Filipino students and graduates, highlighting the benefits of language learning and international exposure in an increasingly interconnected world.

The forum was joined by six former participants of Spain’s Language and Culture Assistants Program, who shared their experiences living and working in Spain. WVSU helps facilitate the program for qualified students and alumni interested in pursuing the opportunity abroad.

Prior to the forum, Ms. Ortas met with CAS Associate Dean Dr. Saturnino Luke Sobrevega, DELS Chair Dr. Joy H. Pantino, and Señora Lourdes Nocera-Villanueva, Spanish teacher at the WVSU Center for Foreign Languages.

During the meeting, discussions focused on Spanish language offerings at WVSU and possible areas for continued collaboration between the University and the Education Office of the Embassy of Spain. Ms. Ortas also noted the strong Spanish influence on Iloilo’s heritage architecture and highlighted the province’s tourism potential. Visiting Iloilo for the first time, she likewise expressed appreciation for the city’s open spaces and the University’s campus environment.

The visit reflects WVSU’s continuing commitment to internationalization by providing students and faculty with opportunities for global learning, cultural exchange, and academic engagement beyond national borders.

One hundred ten graduates of the West Visayas State University College of Medicine (WVSU COM) completed their medical education as they received their Doctor of Medicine degrees during the college’s 48th Commencement Exercises on June 25 at the WVSU Cultural Center.

The ceremony marked the completion of the Doctor of Medicine program for the members of the Class of 2026, who were recognized for their academic performance, leadership and service throughout their medical education.

Leading the graduating class was Kathleen Mae V. Donoso, who was named class valedictorian and received the Angel R. De Leon, MD Award as the Most Outstanding Medical Graduate. Jenny Mae S. Macabenta was named class salutatorian, while Kathryne Louise E. Catoto received first honorable mention. The three were among the recipients of the Academic Excellence Awards, which recognized the top 10 graduates of the class.

Awards for outstanding performance were likewise conferred during the ceremony. Sean Lerry Jim V. Claud received the Juana G. Jardiolin, MD Award as the Most Outstanding Clinical Clerk. Franco Miguel M. Nodado was recognized with the Alumni Leadership Award, while Ma. Charlene S. Jereos received the Medicine Student Council Service Award.

The college also recognized the achievements of its alumni in the Physician Licensure Examination. Citations were presented to Dr. Judah Elijah M. Cagas, who placed seventh in the October 2025 Physician Licensure Examination, and Dr. Marie Francene R. Aquines, who placed eighth in the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination.

The graduates were formally presented by Dean Celina Cordero-Gellada in her first commencement exercises as dean. University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz conferred the degree of Doctor of Medicine, followed by the investiture of academic hoods and awarding of diplomas.

Dr. Evangeline C. Cua, a member of the WVSU COM Batch 2000, delivered the commencement message.

Following the conferral of degrees, the graduates were inducted into the COM Alumni Association by its president, Dr. Jofel I. Isidro, and into the WVSU Federated Alumni Association by its president, Dr. Bonifacio P. Gaverza.

Macabenta led the graduates’ prayer, while Donoso led the Physician’s Prayer.

With the completion of their Doctor of Medicine program, the graduates now move on to post-graduate internships, a required step in their training before taking the Physician Licensure Examination.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed newly hired and promoted non-academic personnel during its weekly flag-raising ceremony held Monday, June 22, at Jubilee Park, led by the Finance Division headed by Ms. Jasmin Vargas.

The ceremony featured the introduction of newly hired and promoted members of the University’s non-academic workforce, led by Human Resource Management Office Head Ms. Doullie Lotilla. The recognition forms part of the University’s continuing efforts to strengthen its administrative and support services through professional development and workforce enhancement.

The personnel were formally presented to the University community and were joined by members of the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board, University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, and Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie Paris for a commemorative photo-taking following the presentation.

Meanwhile, Ms. Christine Jaspe, Supervising Administrative Officer of the Administrative Division, announced the visit of Lingkod Pag-IBIG on Wheels, which will be stationed at the Administration Building lobby from June 22 to 23.

Faculty, staff and other stakeholders were encouraged to avail themselves of the mobile service’s various membership, records and benefits-related transactions. The flag-raising ceremony served as a venue for personnel updates and institutional announcements, reinforcing the University’s commitment to responsive public service and employee engagement.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) recognized faculty, staff, administrators, researchers, and retirees from its main campus, satellite campuses, and Medical Center during the WVSU Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) 2026 held June 15 at Sotogrande Hotel at Green Meadows, Iloilo.

Carrying the theme “Taga-WEST Legacy: Standing Strong in Service, Honoring Dedication and Inspiring Excellence,” the annual event celebrated members of the University community whose commitment and contributions have helped advance WVSU’s vision, mission, and goals.

Awards conferred during the ceremony included the Presidential Service Award, Retirement Award, University Service Award, Administrative Service Award, Loyalty Award (Bronze Pin for 10 years, Silver Pin for 20 years, and Gold Ring for 30 years), and Outstanding Researchers Award.

Former Commission on Higher Education Chairperson and WVSU Board of Regents member Dr. Julian Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individuals whose years of service have strengthened the institution.

“Today, through PRAISE, we recognize individuals who have demonstrated loyalty, service, excellence, and outstanding achievement,” de Vera said.

“All of them have devoted the best years of their lives to WVSU. They are the men and women who practice excellence, discipline, and innovation and are committed to quality in their work every day, every week, and every year.”

He also underscored the role of the entire WVSU community in sustaining the University’s legacy and contributing to nation-building.

“Many problems beset our nation, but there is hope. Here in Iloilo City and throughout Region VI, there is hope as long as our awardees today, along with all our administrators, faculty, staff, students, and alumni, work together to build and sustain the Taga WEST legacy—a legacy defined by strong service, dedication, and excellence.”

In his message, University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz paid tribute to the awardees and thanked them for their years of service to the institution.

“Today, we pay tribute to those who have contributed their time, loyalty, and dedication to duties to our beloved institution… For 124 years, we have built a legacy. And this legacy is not seen in its physical structure, medals, or recognitions — it is made up of people like you, who chose every day to show up, to serve, to go the extra mile, and to be part of something bigger than yourselves… Madamo gid nga salamat to each one of you.”

Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris, chairperson of PRAISE 2026, welcomed the awardees and guests, while Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Julius B. Undar delivered the closing remarks.

Representing the honorees, Retirement and Administrative Service Award recipient Dr. Mary Josephine Bautista delivered the response, expressing gratitude on behalf of the awardees for the recognition and the opportunity to serve the University.

The annual PRAISE program recognizes productive, innovative, exemplary, and ethical service among University personnel, reaffirming WVSU’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, dedication, and public service across the institution.