Category: News

  • WVSU shares best practices to strengthen PSU-PCAT’s accreditation prep

    WVSU shares best practices to strengthen PSU-PCAT’s accreditation prep

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed officials from Palawan State University – Palawan College of Arts and Trades (PSU-PCAT) on August 11, 2025, for a benchmarking visit aimed at strengthening PSU-PCAT’s preparations for program accreditation as well as the review of its organizational structure and fiscal management as an integrated campus.

    The visit began with a session at the College of Education, where WVSU shared its processes for addressing academic concerns, syllabus preparation, and curriculum review. The discussion also included the Search for Most Outstanding Pre-Service Teachers and the rubrics used for evaluating internship performance, providing valuable insights into internship coordination and academic excellence.

    This was followed by discussions with the Quality Assurance office, focusing on accreditation documents, manuals, and institutional best practices that help maintain high standards in academic programs.

    Administrative offices also shared their expertise during the visit. The Human Resource Management Office presented WVSU’s hiring process and faculty clearance procedures, while the Budget and Accounting Office explained their protocols for budget preparation, utilization, and liquidation. Other key units, including the HM Laboratories, University Library, and Registrar’s Office, showcased their manuals, operational procedures, and credential issuance processes.

    The visit also highlighted WVSU’s role as a leading institution dedicated to promoting collaboration and academic excellence in the region.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU Holds Faculty General Assembly 2025

    WVSU Holds Faculty General Assembly 2025

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) conducted the Faculty General Assembly at the Cultural Center today, August 8, 2025. Faculty members from all colleges and campuses were in attendance at the venue, along with those participating online. 

    The assembly aimed to set the direction for the Academic Year by aligning the WVSU community, its administrators, faculty, staff, and students around shared goals for institutional growth, academic excellence, and community impact. Newly hired educators and those with Doctorate degrees were also introduced during the program. In his opening address, University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz welcomed educators from the entire WVSU system, highlighting the support of the University for the faculty in academics, research, and administrative matters, and most importantly, their personal well-being and professional career. He reminded teachers of their role in the University, saying, “Let’s continue not just as educators, but as agents of change who will transform generations.” 

    Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla underscored that the success of students is greatly influenced by the quality of teaching provided to them. Faculty members were reminded to guide students through flexible learning, integrated collaborative instruction, authentic assessment, and an industry-driven approach in their curriculum.

    Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris emphasized the importance of following existing school policies. He also stressed proper compliance with the required forms when transacting with the Administrative and Finance Division. 

    Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences Dr. Celina C. Gellada presented their Strategic Thrusts for 2025, which are Advancing Interdisciplinary and Global Research in Medical and Allied Health Sciences, Transformative Health Education for Lifelong Learners, Sustainability and Resilience in Health Systems, and Compassionate and Inclusive Healthcare Services. 

    Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Greta G. Gabinete also shared their Strategic Thrusts for 2025. These include enhancing research capability and output, strengthening extension services and community engagement, promoting innovation and technology transfer, and advancing institutional development and policy. 

    Dr. Alona M. Belarga of the Office of the Director of Instruction reiterated the standardized academic and administrative instructions that educators must follow. 

    Closing the assembly, Dr. Shim Lester G. de Pio of the Federated Faculty Association summarized the milestones of the faculty members and the association. He commended their heroic passion for teaching and acknowledged the unwavering support of the University administration for the well-being of the faculty. 

    WVSU continues to serve not just the youth who will transform the nation but the teachers who shape the younger generation. 

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels

  • WVSU alum among 100 youth leaders in National Peace Initiative, champions Peacebuilding and SDGs

    WVSU alum among 100 youth leaders in National Peace Initiative, champions Peacebuilding and SDGs

    One of only 100 youth leaders nationwide, JV Tentativa, a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages from West Visayas State University (WVSU), participated in the “POWER WITH YOUth: 2025 Champions for Peace Training on Resilience and Social Cohesion” held August 8–10, 2025, in Zamboanga City.

    The three-day program was organized by the Kofi Annan Foundation and KRIS for Peace, in partnership with the Temasek Foundation, Nagulendran Philanthropy Alliance, and the Diana Koh Fund. It brought together youth leaders from across Southeast Asia to address pressing social and environmental challenges through collaboration, dialogue, and action.

    Participants joined immersion activities, visiting cultural and community hubs including the Zamboanga Museum, Kids Who Farm, and the Yakan Village to gain a deeper understanding of local heritage and community-driven initiatives.

    The program focused on strengthening youth-led peacebuilding initiatives, promoting intercultural understanding, advocating for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhancing regional collaboration, and building leadership capacity.

    “This was more than just a training—it was a life-changing experience,” Tentativa said. “Meeting passionate youth leaders from different regions reminded me that peacebuilding is not just an idea, but an active choice we make every day. No matter your religion, advocacy, roots, or region, these are never a hindrance to promoting peace and creating a movement.”

    Tentativa expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Western Visayas and WVSU, vowing to apply the lessons learned to foster a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable future in their community.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU open 58th ASEAN Month Celebration with attire showcase, message of unity

    WVSU open 58th ASEAN Month Celebration with attire showcase, message of unity

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) officially opened its ASEAN Month 2025 celebration today, August 4, with a Flag Raising Ceremony held at the Jubilee Park.

    The event marked the start of a month-long celebration of the 58th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Organized by the College of Business and Management (CBM) in partnership with the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), the ceremony was conducted in support of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and joined by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) nationwide.

    CBM’s Sinagtala Ensemble led the singing of Lupang Hinirang, the WVSU Hymn, and the ASEAN Hymn under the direction of Dr. Rosemarie Dichosa. A cultural performance by the Irong-Trong Dance Troupe added color to the program, followed by a special message from Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka highlighting the importance of ASEAN values and unity.

    A key highlight of the event was the ASEAN Attire Showcase, where faculty, staff, and students wore traditional ASEAN-inspired outfits.

    Winners were announced in three categories:

    • Faculty: Dr. Ricky Abaleña III (College of Communication) and Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla (Vice President for Academic Affairs)
    • Staff: Vince Calambro and Janette Aguilar (University Research and Development Center)
    • Students: Lance Alexander Ibata (College of Nursing) and Gerson Gambito (College of Communication)


    In his message, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz welcomed the opening of the academic year 2025–2026 and highlighted the significance of ASEAN Month in cultivating global perspectives and intercultural understanding among students and educators.

    With the theme “ASEAN 58: Towards Inclusive and Sustainable ASEAN Future,” this year’s celebration aims to raise awareness on the role of regional cooperation in solving current global issues such as climate change, education, and economic development.

    Declared through Presidential Proclamation No. 282, s. 2017, ASEAN Month is celebrated every August across the Philippines to encourage Filipinos—especially the youth—to engage with ASEAN’s vision and goals.

    Throughout August, WVSU will host various activities that promote cultural understanding, regional solidarity, and international collaboration.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU BAFL student heads to South Korea for YCAFE 2025

    WVSU BAFL student heads to South Korea for YCAFE 2025

    Ric Jan Gabales, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages (BAFL) student from the College of Arts and Sciences at West Visayas State University (WVSU), has been selected as one of the official Philippine delegates to the Youth Camp for ASEAN and Friends’ Engagement (YCAFE) 2025, held from August 3 to 8 in Seoul, South Korea.

    The camp, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, gathers outstanding youth leaders from ASEAN Member States and South Korea to promote cultural exchange, deepen regional cooperation, and strengthen ASEAN-Korea relations.

    This year’s camp is themed “ASEAN in Talk with K-Culture”, highlighting the role of cultural dialogue in building mutual understanding across borders. Over the course of the week-long program, delegates participate in policy forums, lectures, field visits, and youth exchange activities designed to foster regional dialogue and collaboration.

    One of the culminating activities of the camp is a TED Talk-style final presentation, where participants share their reflections and key insights. These presentations are evaluated by Korean government officials, university professors, and media professionals.

    Gabales expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying,

    “I feel incredibly grateful and excited to represent WVSU and the Philippines in YCAFE 2025, as I see this not solely as a personal endeavor, but as an avenue to showcase what WVSU has to offer—especially in promoting our growing Korean language program and the potential of our BAFL students to take part in international exchanges. I am also deeply honored to have been given this opportunity by the Korean Embassy in the Philippines, whose support made it possible for me to join this transformative camp.”

    His selection marks a significant milestone not only in his personal journey but also in the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its internationalization agenda.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • Sen. Bam Aquino engages WVSU Community in Stakeholders Consultation

    Sen. Bam Aquino engages WVSU Community in Stakeholders Consultation

    Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV visited West Visayas State University (WVSU) on July 31, 2025, for a stakeholders consultation held at the WVSU Board Room. The visit formed part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen dialogue with the education sector following his recent election as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education in the 20th Congress. 

    The consultation brought together key members of the WVSU community, including university officials, vice presidents, campus administrators, deans, and student leaders from various student councils. Also in attendance were Dr. Clement Camposano, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Visayas, and Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog, an advocate for youth and education in Iloilo City. 

    Presided by WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, discussions revolved around the current challenges and opportunities within the university, especially in relation to infrastructure, academic resources, and student welfare. 

    Dr. Dave Endel R. Gelito III, Chief of the WVSU Medical Center, emphasized the need for continued investment in the university’s medical and allied health programs, particularly in upgrading facilities and expanding support for the WVSU Medical Center—one of the relatively few state university-operated hospitals in the country. 

    Student leaders present raised concerns about outdated classrooms, limited laboratory resources, and the urgent need for improvements in athletic and learning facilities. They stressed that increased investment in student development and academic support services would significantly impact the university’s ability to nurture competent, future-ready graduates. 

    Similar concerns were echoed by Dr. Rosario Clarabel Contreras-Leda, Campus Administrator of WVSU Calinog Campus. She pointed out the disparity in available resources across campuses, noting that if the main campus is experiencing gaps in equipment and facilities, external campuses face even greater constraints. 

    Leadership voices from the colleges also underscored sector-specific needs. Dr. Liza Assumpta Jover, Dean of the College of Dentistry, advocated for expanded scholarship opportunities for students of dental medicine, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. Meanwhile, Dr. Madonna Palmes, Dean of the College of Nursing, highlighted the general and financial burdens faced by students and faculty during their Related Learning Experiences (RLEs), which are vital components of nursing education. 

    Senator Aquino’s visit reflects a broader initiative to gather firsthand insights from the ground and explore legislative pathways to strengthen support for public universities. The dialogue at WVSU underscored the importance of collaborative governance in shaping a more responsive, inclusive, and future-oriented higher education system. 

    By JA Temelo/PAMCO 

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels

  • WVSU alumna, CAS-KSI Iloilo Project Manager selected for Korea-Philippines Next Gen Koreanists Program to advance Korean studies in the Philippines

    WVSU alumna, CAS-KSI Iloilo Project Manager selected for Korea-Philippines Next Gen Koreanists Program to advance Korean studies in the Philippines

    Ms. Krizza S. Cañete, alumna of West Visayas State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages (BAFL) program and current Project Manager of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) – King Sejong Institute Iloilo, is currently participating in the 2025 Korea-Philippines Next Generation Koreanists Exchanges, Collaborations & Trainings (KONECT), which runs from July 27 to August 7.

    Ms. Cañete was chosen from various Philippine universities for this international initiative for academic and cultural immersion in South Korea. Organized by the University of the Philippines Korea Research Center (UP KRC) and supported by the Korea Foundation, KONECT is designed to equip young scholars and early-career professionals with deeper insights into Korea’s society, history, diplomacy, and multiculturalism through lectures, academic forums, institutional visits, and collaborative research.

    During the initial leg of the program, KONECT delegates have already engaged in rich academic exchanges. At Inha University, participants attended a colloquium hosted by the Center for International Studies (CIS), featuring a lecture by Dr. Wondong Lee titled “From Cold War to Culture War,” which traced South Korea’s sociopolitical development and the role of ideology and religion in shaping its modern identity. Delegates were also introduced to INHA K-Academy and its K-MOOC online platforms before touring the campus with the assistance of student volunteers.

    The group also visited the Dongguk University Institute of Multicultural Integration (IMI), where they took part in an academic forum led by Dr. Migyoung Kwon, who delivered a lecture on “Multiculturalism in Korea: Its Development, Trends, and Education.” The session highlighted Korea’s evolving cultural landscape and IMI’s efforts in promoting diversity, inclusion, and educational reform.

    Participants are expected to produce scholarly essays, group research papers, and public talks after returning to the Philippines. These outputs will contribute to the ongoing discourse on Korea-Philippines relations and the growth of Korean Studies in the country.

    The KONECT program serves as a key platform for developing a network of young Filipino scholars dedicated to Korean Studies. Ms. Cañete’s involvement reflects WVSU’s commitment to global engagement and the advancement of intercultural academic excellence.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • Emerging trends in Korean language education explored by WVSU at 2025 World Korean Educators Conference

    Emerging trends in Korean language education explored by WVSU at 2025 World Korean Educators Conference

    Continuing its streak of global recognition, West Visayas State University (WVSU) marked another milestone as two of its faculty members represented the university and the King Sejong Institute Iloilo at the 2025 World Korean Educators Conference (세계한국어교육자대회) held from July 21 to 24 at The Shilla Seoul, South Korea.

    Professor Ree Ran Park and Ms. Arizza Julia Inocencio, both Korean language instructors under the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), joined over 300 Korean language educators from 49 countries in the annual international gathering hosted by the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea. The conference aimed to promote excellence and innovation in Korean language education and strengthen international collaboration across King Sejong Institutes worldwide.

    At the opening ceremony, South Korea’s First Lady Kim Hea Kyung delivered a video message emphasizing the growing global impact of Korean language and culture.

    “Thanks to the dedication and hard work of King Sejong Institute teachers, the seeds of the Korean language and culture have spread across the globe,” she said, recognizing the educators’ role in fostering cross-cultural understanding.

    Now on its 17th year, the conference featured specialized training sessions on Korean language pedagogy, including updates on the Sejong Korean Assessment (SKA), adaptive i-SKA tools, and effective strategies for classroom instruction and cultural engagement.

    Participants also shared model teaching cases and explored emerging technologies and trends in language education.

    Ms. Inocencio, a graduate of WVSU’s BA in Foreign Languages, and Professor Park are at the forefront of the university’s efforts to strengthen Korean language education in the region through the King Sejong Institute Iloilo, which was officially designated in 2024.

    This is not the first time WVSU has made its mark at the World Korean Educators Conference. In 2024, Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs, represented the university at the same global event.

    By continuously engaging in international academic and cultural platforms, WVSU strengthens its role as a center of global learning in Western Visayas, advancing both language education and cultural appreciation through the strong support of its faculty and international partners.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU commits to improve quality education in Southeast Asia through the AUAN-QA

    WVSU commits to improve quality education in Southeast Asia through the AUAN-QA

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) continues to strengthen its commitment to deliver quality education by actively participating in the 19th ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Tier 2 Training held from July 17 to 23, 2025, at the Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.

    Representing WVSU were Dr. Dolly Rose F. Temelo, faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Madonna S. Palmes, Dean of the College of Nursing. Their participation was further supported by Dr. Alona M. Belarga, Director of Instruction, underscoring WVSU’s strong collaboration with the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP).

    The Tier 2 training provided participants with a unique opportunity to observe a live AUN-QA assessment process and engage in the development of a Self-Assessment Report (SAR) alongside delegates from other ASEAN universities. This experience was especially valuable for those who had previously completed the Tier 1 training, further deepening their understanding and application of quality assurance principles in higher education.

    Key highlights of the training included:

    • In-depth review of AUN-QA Programme Assessment Version 4.0
    • Overview of Higher Education and Quality Assurance frameworks in key ASEAN countries
    • Exploration of AUN-QA Assessor Competencies, focusing on ethics and cultural sensitivity through case studies
    • Application of the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach to AUN-QA assessment
    • Guidance on Desktop and Site Assessment procedures, including reporting mechanisms


    More than just a training program, the event served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and networking among quality assurance practitioners in Southeast Asia. It successfully met participants’ expectations by fostering a supportive environment where best practices were exchanged and shared values were reinforced—paving the way for continuous quality improvement across ASEAN higher education institutions.

    Through sustained engagement with international quality assurance initiatives like AUN-QA, WVSU reaffirms its dedication to academic excellence and its active role in advancing educational standards across Southeast Asia.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU-CTE launches digital Multilingual Compendium with 2 Spanish interns and WVSU-COE student volunteers

    WVSU-CTE launches digital Multilingual Compendium with 2 Spanish interns and WVSU-COE student volunteers

    To strengthen cultural diversity and global education, West Visayas State University-Center for Teaching Excellence (WVSU-CTE) officially launched its first Multilingual Compendium at CTE Main Hall on July 15, 2025.

    With the theme, “Education Without Borders: A Global Exchange of Basque and Filipino Insights” and “Bridging Cultures: Presentation of the Multilingual Compendium,” the event aimed to foster international collaboration by connecting diverse communities through education.

    “Here in West Visayas State University, our pursuit of internalization is not merely about exchanging knowledge or gaining global prestige. It is driven by a deeper purpose to discover ourselves through fresh and different ties, to see what we have become and what we might get to be. It is about expanding perspectives to understand not only others but our place in this world,” said Dr. Joselito Villaruz, WVSU president.

    The project was led by WVSU-CTE under the supervision of the CTE Director, Dr. Antoniette Cortez, in partnership with two Spanish interns, Mertxe Mendibe Lazaro and Maria Pilar Arraiz Torre, who stayed in the university for six months, conducting research, joining community immersions, and developing a multilingual compendium.

    “I think in a globalized world, it is important to have this multilingual compendium to build bridges between different cultures, so we can communicate and get close with each other,” said Lazaro emphasizing the significance of the project.

    “Aside from having the difficulty in translating the things that don’t exist in our language, it would be working online. I like meeting new people and maybe it would have been better to meet them in person, work alongside [them], and get to know them. Maybe it would be productive and enriching,” said Torre.

    Assisting the project were fourth year Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English students and third year Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) students, who helped the interns with translation and layouting.

    “It is overwhelming and satisfying that what I created will be a part of a big project, helping the users to easily understand the content of the compendium,” said Yoj Chiva, BEED student and the illustrator of the compendium.

    The multilingual compendium is a collection of different categories such as Alphabet, numbers, plants, fruits, basic greetings, songs, etc, — presented in five languages: Basque, Spanish, Hiligaynon, Filipino, and English.

    The project highlights WVSU-CTE’s goal of advancing education and promoting linguistic diversity and global citizenship across the classrooms. Copies will be made available online and will be announced through the WVSU-CTE page.

    By Yehlette B. Martin/SILAK MEDIA