Category: News

  • WVSU COD conducts second-level screening for dentistry applicants

    WVSU COD conducts second-level screening for dentistry applicants

    West Visayas State University – College of Dentistry held the second-level screening for eligible applicants to its Doctor of Dental Medicine program on May 5, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Academic Building 2.

    The screening gathered aspiring dental students in a series of assessments designed to evaluate their readiness for the program. The screening was administered by faculty and staff, led by College of Dentistry Dean Dr. Liza Assumpta M. Jover and Admissions Committee Chair Dr. Eva Marie V. Gustilo. It consisted of three components: an essay and a dexterity examination in the morning, followed by panel interviews in the afternoon, conducted across various stations and rooms within the college.

    The process aims to assess applicants’ competencies, particularly critical thinking, communication, and manual skills essential to dental practice, before admission into the program.

    The screening reflects WVSU’s commitment to maintaining high standards in dental education by selecting candidates who demonstrate both academic potential and clinical aptitude.

  • WVSU NSTP students lead outreach for rescued dogs through ‘Project Pawsitive’

    WVSU NSTP students lead outreach for rescued dogs through ‘Project Pawsitive’

    Students under the National Service Training Program–Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS) of West Visayas State University conducted an outreach activity for rescued dogs on May 1, 2026, at the Ilonggo Aspin Shelter, promoting compassion, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

    Dubbed Project Pawsitive, the initiative was carried out by CWTS Class G, facilitated by Ms. Feanna B. Vito, with student volunteers from Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting (BAB 1A), Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BAJ 1A) and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM 1A).

    As part of their community engagement, the students donated dog food, eggs and other essential supplies to support the shelter’s daily operations. They also spent time interacting with and caring for the rescued aspins, giving the animals attention and socialization.

    The activity aimed to deepen students’ understanding of animal welfare while encouraging empathy and kindness toward animals. Shelter representatives also emphasized responsible pet ownership and promoted the advocacy “Adopt, don’t shop” among participants.

    Project Pawsitive highlights WVSU’s continued efforts to engage students in community-based initiatives that extend care not only to people but also to animals.

  • WVSU recognizes law moot team’s international win in first May flag ceremony

    WVSU recognizes law moot team’s international win in first May flag ceremony

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) highlighted the international achievement of its College of Law (COL) during the first flag-raising ceremony for May held earlier today, May 4, at Jubilee Park, led by the College of Physical Education, Sports, Culture, Arts and Recreation (COP).

    The WVSU COL Vox Populi Moot Team was recognized for securing first runner-up honors in the 30th Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition in Gulfport, Florida, USA. Representing the University were Therese Diane Germinanda, Jose Emilio Luis Combatir, and John Patrick Palquiran.

    Germinanda was named third best speaker in the preliminary rounds and best speaker in the final round, while Palquiran placed ninth best speaker in the preliminary rounds.

    COL Dean Atty. Ian Thomas Besana described the achievement as a milestone for the University.
    “This is the first time that WVSU Law joined an international competition, and in our debut performance, we emerged as the first runner-up, beating several teams around the world,” he said. “Thank you for making our trip to Florida possible in representing not only WVSU, but the entire country.”

    In his message, Palquiran emphasized the collective effort behind the team’s success.

    “Standing here today, we are reminded that while our achievements may bear our names, they are written in the ink of collective sacrifice,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to University officials, particularly highlighting University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz and Dr. Ma. Pilar Malata, for their support.

    “To the WVSU community, look around you. This achievement is a mosaic of all your efforts. Whatever you gave us—a word of encouragement, administrative support—this is for you,” Palquiran added. “We are, and we will always be taga-West.”

    He also acknowledged the contributions of administrators, faculty, staff, sponsors and support units who assisted the team throughout their preparation.

    The team’s success was guided by its coaches, Judge Lowell Fredrick Madrileño, Atty. Regina Johanna Gustilo and Prof. Frederic Loise Regencia, with the support of COL Dean Atty. Ian Thomas Besana.

    The ceremony concluded with Dr. Jemuel Garcia Jr., COP faculty member, encouraging the community to sustain its commitment to excellence.

    “As we begin another week in WVSU, may we continue to honor our roots, uplift our community, and contribute meaningfully to the future we are building together,” Garcia said.

  • WVSU College of Medicine earns multiple honors at 9th APMC-SN National Convention

    WVSU College of Medicine earns multiple honors at 9th APMC-SN National Convention

    The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Medicine garnered multiple national awards and recognitions during the 9th Association of Philippine Medical Colleges – Student Network (APMC-SN) National Convention held from Apr. 9 to 11, 2026 at the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

    Celebrating its 25th year, the APMC-SN marked its silver milestone through the convention themed “Iridescence: Through the Silver Years of APMC-SN,” highlighting unity, leadership, and service among medical students nationwide. The organization is recognized as one of the largest alliances of Filipino medical students and student councils across the country.

    The WVSU College of Medicine received the following awards and recognitions:

    Seal of Good Governance – Gold Awardee

    Ten Outstanding Medical Student Organizations
    ➤ Order of Asclepius – 1st Place
    ➤ AMSA WVSU – 2nd Place
    ➤ Vital Signs – 3rd Place

    Mga Natatanging Mag-aaral ng Medisina ng Pilipinas
    ➤ Franco Miguel M. Nodado – 3rd Place
    ➤ Kathleen Mae V. Donoso – 5th Place
    ➤ Ma. Charlene S. Jereos – 7th Place

    • National Medical Quiz Bee Competition – 7th Place

    • National Clinico-Pathologic Case Competition – 1st Runner-Up
    ➤ Best Presentation – 1st Place
    ➤ Best Presenter – 1st Place: Carlos Jose E. Cerrada

    National Interscholastic Medical Debate Competition – 5th Place
    Top 5 Best Speakers:
    ➤ Earl Cedric T. Lagapa
    ➤ Richard D. Olano, Jr.

    National Healthcare Innovations Competition – National Qualifier

    These achievements reflect the WVSU College of Medicine’s commitment to excellence in academics, leadership, research, and service, reinforcing its role in shaping competent and globally competitive future medical professionals.

  • CBM students soar in the 4th Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business (PCDEB) National Business Plan Competition

    CBM students soar in the 4th Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business (PCDEB) National Business Plan Competition

    Students from the College of Business and Management taking Business Administration won 1st Runner-up in the 4th Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business (PCDEB) National Business Plan Competition, held via Google Meet during its 25th Annual National Conference, April 23-25.

    The team showcased “Campus Errun’, “ an innovation geared towards addressing student needs. This earned them the award in the Service category. 

    The team is composed of Alicia Amor A. Cerrudo, Carla Faye C. Araneta, Ma. Raevel G. Elarmo, Kristhel Angelique E. Dalton, and Kristine J. B. Beliver, under the guidance of coaches Dr. Christine Gamba and Dr. Rosemarie Dichosa.

    The recognition underscores the students’ innovation and competitiveness on the national stage while reaffirming the College of Business and Management’s commitment to excellence in entrepreneurship education.

  • WVSU CICT faculty member joins TESDA Iloilo advisory council

    WVSU CICT faculty member joins TESDA Iloilo advisory council

    Dr. Lea M. Gabawa, a faculty member of the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) of West Visayas State University (WVSU), took her oath as an appointed member of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Technology Institutions (TTI) Advisory Council of the Regional Training Center (RTC) Iloilo on Apr. 27, 2026.

    The oath-taking ceremony and first council meeting were held at the RTC Iloilo in Zamora-Melliza, Iloilo City, marking the start of her three-year term from 2026 to 2029. She represents WVSU in the academe sector.

    The council is mandated to provide policy advice and strategic guidance and to strengthen networks for RTC Iloilo. It also adopts a holistic approach to sectoral needs to help address and prevent skills mismatch in local industries.

    During the meeting, members proceeded with the oath-taking, approved the 2026 TTI Advisory Council annual plan, received updates on the TESDA Innovation Center, and provided inputs on various TESDA directives.

    Gabawa’s appointment highlights her leadership in research and innovation. She is the president of the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines – Western Visayas Chapter, where she advances initiatives in innovation, automation and mechatronics—areas aligned with the direction of the newly launched regional TESDA Innovation Center.

    She also serves as the CICT Gender and Development Focal Person representing in WVSU, contributing to the integration of gender-responsive approaches in university programs and initiatives.

    Her role in the advisory council reinforces collaboration between the academe and industry in developing a more responsive and future-ready workforce in Western Visayas.

  • WVSU CAF alumna Joy Cardinal Saban wins 3rd place in Young Farmers Challenge national tilt

    WVSU CAF alumna Joy Cardinal Saban wins 3rd place in Young Farmers Challenge national tilt

    Joy Cardinal Saban, an alumna of the West Visayas State University College of Agriculture and Forestry, placed third in the Department of Agriculture’s Young Farmers Challenge National Business Pitch Competition Food Processing Category, held at the Iloilo Convention Center, for her agribusiness, Banana Kingdom Food Products.

    Saban, who graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Crop Science, was recognized for her innovative value-added banana enterprise that supports Indigenous livelihoods in Lambunao, Iloilo. She received ₱300,000 in prize money under the program’s Start-Up Component.

    Organized by the Department of Agriculture through its Young Farmers Challenge Program in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program, the competition highlights youth-led agribusiness ventures that promote innovation and sustainability in the agriculture sector.

    Through Banana Kingdom Food Products, Saban transforms locally grown bananas into marketable products, creating economic opportunities for her Indigenous community while promoting inclusive growth in agriculture.

    The program provides training and mentorship to strengthen long-term resilience and sustainability among young agripreneurs, supporting the continued development of enterprises like Saban’s.

    Her achievement underscores the role of WVSU’s College of Agriculture and Forestry in producing graduates who contribute to agricultural innovation and community empowerment, in line with the university’s commitment to excellence, creativity, and service.

  • WVSU administers UNPO oath, celebrates NCAF 2026 success in flag ceremony

    WVSU administers UNPO oath, celebrates NCAF 2026 success in flag ceremony

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) administered the oath of office for the new set of officers of the University Non-Teaching Personnel Organization (UNPO) Inc., and recognized the successful hosting of the National Culture and the Arts Festival (NCAF) 2026 during its flag-raising ceremony held on Apr. 20, at Jubilee Park, led by the University Research and Development Center headed by Dr. Ryan Michael Oducado.

    The newly elected UNPO officers for 2026-2028, led by President Ms. Elsie Retotar, registrar of the College of Medicine, formally took their oath before Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie Paris.

    University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz expressed his gratitude to the WVSU community for the successful hosting of NCAF 2026, noting positive feedback from state university and college presidents and members of the NCAF national technical secretariat. He also congratulated participating students and awardees, encouraging them to take pride in their achievements.

    Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs, likewise acknowledged the collective effort of faculty, staff and students who contributed to the success of the national event.

    Members of the organizing committees were also recognized during the program. Dr. Jon Kristoffer Deguma commended the working committees, while Dr. Jemuel Garcia Jr. acknowledged the technical teams and emphasized their continued commitment to excellence.

    Meanwhile, Prof. Liberty Porras highlighted the achievements of student artists, noting that Region VI placed first runner-up with 171 points, of which 103 points, or 60 percent, were contributed by WVSU delegates.

    The ceremony concluded with performances from NCAF champions in Storytelling and Vocal Solo (Kundiman), as well as winning groups in Folk Dance, Indigenous Dance, and Street Dance.

  • 6 WVSU students named Outstanding Students of Iloilo for 2026

    6 WVSU students named Outstanding Students of Iloilo for 2026

    Six students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) have been named awardees in the 2026 Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA), recognizing their achievements in academics, leadership and service.

    For the tertiary level, awardees include Fritz Jaime Sumbo and Romavil Abelarde of the College of Education, Arcel Vinz Agudo of the College of Communication, and Jan Michael Alayon of the College of Arts and Sciences. From the WVSU Integrated Laboratory School, Zoe Alexandria Lanceta and Unah Angel Gabrielle Robante were recognized in the high school category.

    Organizers announced the awardees April 11, 2026, following a selection process that included bid screening, essay writing and panel interviews.

    Organized by JCI Regatta in partnership with the Department of Education divisions of Iloilo, Iloilo City and Passi City, as well as the Commission on Higher Education Region VI, TOSIA recognizes students who demonstrate strong character, resilience and social responsibility.

    The 2026 awards, guided by the symbol of the firefly, highlight students whose perseverance and commitment to excellence continue to make an impact in their schools and communities.

    The recognition adds to WVSU’s growing roster of student leaders who bring honor to the University through excellence, innovation and service.

    Publication materials by: TOSIA – The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards 

  • Candidates Face Full-Day Test as PASUC 2026 Events Intensify Ahead of Coronation Night

    Candidates Face Full-Day Test as PASUC 2026 Events Intensify Ahead of Coronation Night

    From first impressions to full performance, candidates of Mr. and Ms. PASUC 2026 are now undergoing a series of rigorous public engagements as the competition enters a decisive phase.

    Following their formal introduction during the Sashing Ceremony and Press Conference on April 6, the candidates stepped into a more demanding spotlight on April 9 through the Talent Showcase and Regional Attire Competition held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Robinsons Place Iloilo, Main Branch along Quezon Street.

    The daytime event required candidates to demonstrate not only stage presence and creativity, but also cultural interpretation through performance and attire, further testing their readiness for the national stage.

    Earlier in the week, the candidates were ceremonially presented at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Medicine Auditorium, where they faced their first public evaluation through a press conference that assessed their articulation, composure, and advocacy.

    In her message, Local Contest Head Master Dr. Bonna S. Palma emphasized the shared purpose that binds the candidates despite regional differences.

    “Despite the different regions we actually come from, we can move forward together with the same purpose: to honor, to understand, and to belong,” she said.

    Candidates have since carried that message into subsequent events, where they continue to articulate their roles as cultural representatives. Kevin Angelo Mijares, Mr. PASUC CARAGA Region, earlier underscored the importance of preserving heritage while inspiring future generations.

    “I stand firm that we are the bridge between the past and the future; if we preserve our
    heritage, we protect our stories and inspire future generations,” he said.

    As part of final preparations, candidates are set to return to the WVSU Cultural Center on the evening of April 9 for a technical rehearsal scheduled from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., ensuring that staging, production flow, and performances are aligned for the culminating event.

    With each activity raising the level of expectation, the competition now moves toward its most anticipated moment. The Mr. and Ms. PASUC 2026 Pageant Proper and Coronation Night will take place on April 10 at the WVSU Cultural Center, where candidates will present the full measure of their talent, intellect, and cultural identity before a national audience.

    (by Andrei Jan Tono, Alvine Cornelia Faciolan, Riego Jon Alcallaga, Gerritz Jay Celestre, DC Mae Divino, Doreen Mae Garalda, Ma. Erenica Gina Laraya, and Darl Syde Napatang)