Category: News

By Unah Angel Gabrielle R. Robante (The Blue Quill)

A steady spirit and a quiet hope. That’s what kept Clark A. Donguines and his mother going as they walked a kilometer side-by-side under the blazing heat of the sun just to borrow money from relatives so he could get his medical exam at West Visayas State University (WVSU) four years ago.

“Wala kami kwarta sang time sang medical exam, pero naglakat lang gid kami ni nanay para makahulam. Gani thankful gid ako sa iya,” Clark recalls. These humble beginnings grounded him early and shaped his belief that education was the only path forward, even if it meant giving up his dream of becoming a doctor.

Born and raised in Sitio Binaobao, Barangay Cali, Dumangas, Iloilo, Clark is the second of six children of a farmer, Elmer Donguines, and a seamstress, Elena Donguines.

Though he initially dreamed of pursuing a medical degree, Clark decided on getting an education degree at West Visayas State University College of Education due to financial constraints. He chose to major in Science not only because of interest, but also to keep open the possibility of pursuing medicine someday. But through tutoring neighbors’ children and classmates alike, Clark found a deeper purpose in teaching. After all he graduated

“If I can’t cure diseases, at least I can cure ignorance,” he said. “Teaching has always been close to my heart—not just as a profession, but as a calling,” said Clark who graduated from Dumangas National High School with honors both in junior and senior high school.

𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵

Clark’s entry to college was paved with miracles. He only managed to afford fare to Iloilo City because he won ₱500 in a family game. Once in WVSU, he was relieved to discover he qualified for the Free Higher Education program. Despite this, day-to-day survival was tough. His weekly allowance of ₱500 had to stretch for food, personal needs, and a fare home to Dumangas.

“Gakaon lang ko Milo powder kag instant noodles. Pero ginatipigan ko gid ang P62 para pamasahe ko pauli,” he shared. Sometimes, he would quietly cry, wondering how long he could endure.

Things changed when he became a TeachSTEM scholar under the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation. With its support, he finally had the resources to buy a laptop and printer. But more than financial support, the scholarship reminded him he wasn’t alone.

“Hindi lang siya scholarship para sa akon. Para siya sang assurance nga may nagatuo sakon,” Clark said.

He also received emotional support from friends and mentors. His best friend Marian Joy Edquila would give him water when he had none. Another friend, Ma. Kristina Larra Brebaño, shared, “He was burnt out, but he never gave up. He sold homemade burgers and tutored just to get by. Clark is the purest, most selfless person I know.”

As a practice teacher in La Paz, Clark faced a different challenge—teaching Physics to students who feared the subject. He introduced creative strategies like the F.O.R.C.E. method to make lessons more relatable.

“Teaching is not easy, but I realized I can save lives through education,” Clark reflected. He credits his co-practice teacher Djan Rhee Mendoza and mentor Elvie Grace for their support.

𝗪𝗩𝗦𝗨’𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿

Clark is one of the many success stories that West Visayas State University takes pride in. From supporting scholars with Free Higher Education and enabling mentorship through organizations like STeMA, to fostering grit and academic growth—WVSU has given Clark not just a degree, but a sense of personhood.

His adviser, Prof. John Ladublan says Clark has perseverance and a positive outlook in life. “Kay kung kaisa di mo sya makita nga ga struggle kay he is smiling and daw sa wala lang. He has a good heart. Very courteous.”

Brebaño added this about Clark, “Clark, or ‘Clarky’ as we fondly call him, is one of the kindest, most selfless, and genuine people we’ve ever known—always willing to help others, even beyond his means. Despite financial hardships, he remained determined to support his family while excelling in his studies. He never took his scholarship for granted, even selling burgers and working for his aunt to earn extra. What sets Clark apart is not just his resilience and resourcefulness, but his sincere heart, making him an exceptional son, student, and friend whose life story teaches us strength, compassion, and quiet heroism.”

Upon knowing he will graduate cum laude with a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science, Clark said, “Nag ask ko self ko—kaya ko ayhan? Tapos sang natapos ko, cum laude pa gid ako. Wala gid ako naghinulsul nga nag-eskwela ako sa West.”

Now 22 years old, Clark plans to take the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers and pursue a master’s degree in Physics. His mother, relatives, and teachers—especially those from WVSU—remain the pillars of his strength.

“The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time,” he repeats, holding on to the quote that kept him going.

#WVSUTransformingGenerations
#WVSUexcels
#WVSU

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By Paolo Jereza

In a college overflowing with valedictorians, student leaders, and overachievers, it comes to no surprise that a student nurse may find themself questioning their uniqueness amidst the company of so many remarkable people.

On a day to day basis, crippling with academic, social, and personal responsibilities, student nurses find themselves battling a course so physically demanding, emotionally challenging, and mentally exhausting that they tell themselves this one simple phrase just to get through the day – take it one step at a time. But what happens when they repeat a step backwards? This is a story of one student nurse who considers herself ”not that different” from anyone else. Meet Marian Ledesma, a girl from Bacolod City, a girl who likes to knit and crochet, simply put- she is the girl who survived.

Marian considers her years at WVSU-CON not that unusual from any other student nurse, except for the fact she started her college journey during admission in 2020 and ended it with her pin in 2025. From Batch Zephyr to Batch Avani, she faced trials and tribulations unlike any other student nurse, a true personification of the question: “Am I really a patient or am I a nurse?” During her first to second years in WVSU-CON, she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Grave’s disease, alongside the comorbities that accompany both illnesses.

Faced with the dilemma of taking care of her health and taking care of her patients, the main responsibility of a student nurse is to put others first and nurse them back to health, hence stems her first internal conflict – prioritizing her health while healing other people. Simple tasks such as waking up, walking under the heat of the sun, working in hot environments, and dealing with shaky hands are all too familiar struggles she faces on a daily basis. Living with two illnesses is not easy feat, but at the expense of also nursing patients with other illnesses takes the heart of a hero.

Just after being capped in 2022, Marian faced her second internal conflict – pursuing the next two years of nursing at WVSU-CON. Like many of its student nurses, people in this college often find themselves pondering their own character, questioning if they have the chops to survive the next few semesters without completely giving up. With lecture days and RLE duty piling up on top of each other, it takes only the best of the best to not crack under the pressure of intense requirements.

This is no different to her, thinking if quitting once and for all is the best option. As someone who has been struggling with her own health for two years since admission, she finds it difficult to let go of the constant thought that she is unfit to help others just because she sees herself as unfit and unhealthy. To many, taking a leave of absence (LOA) is the last thing anyone would ask for, but it was this leap of faith that she took which helped her push through her last two years.

With the fear of being left behind, both socially and academically, anyone who has undergone LOA knows the mental toll it takes to see others, your classmates, batchmates, and most importantly, your friends, move on without you. Taking a step back from school and missing out on the moments when your old batch bonds and becomes closer, overcoming challenges together such as case presentations, exams, quizzes, and researches, while celebrating victories like the Nursing Fun Days, University Week, and University Hinampang stings like an arrow being shot in the heart.

No one likes the feeling of being one step behind while everyone else is one step ahead. The feeling of being trapped in a glass cage as you see the people you went to school with slowly but surely, reach their goals much quicker than you ever can. Despite that, a true testament of a person’s character is the strength it takes to go back, even after a year, and facing it all with grace and perseverance. Marian returned to WVSU-CON in 2023 not as Batch Zephyr, but as Batch Avani, a person reborn.

Emerging as a well-rested and new person, one internal conflict still remains – the question of giving up or pushing through.

Even after the end of her LOA, Marian still faced the dilemma of quitting or staying. With episodes of physical and emotional turmoil, the vision of graduating simply did not sink in to her. Although the finish line was so close in sight, it seemed like eight more hours of duty, six more hours of lecture, four more days of school, two more quizzes or even just one more nursing process was enough to tip her spirit into giving up. We all know that feeling – something is so close, holding out a little more thinking our fingers can finally reach it, yet it seems so far. Just one more day, one more exam, one step at a time we remind ourselves.

Despite being diagnosed with PCOS and Grave’s disease thinking she cannot nurse people back to health when her own health stops her, leaving school for a year and returning to school in a different batch, and the living with the stinging feeling of not being strong, tough, or good enough to finish this intense course, a few weeks ago, she just graduated cum laude with a diploma in hand and a pin in her jacket, smiling through the years of endless struggles that seemed to never-ending, until now.

She never gave up, she never quit, but most importantly she never let her faults get the best of her. She is no longer the girl who survived WVSU-CON, she is now the girl who thrived, overcoming every obstacle life gives her and coming out stronger than ever.

Everyone has their own story, everyone is unique in their own way. At the same time, everyone has their own battles, their own struggles, fears and troubles. But these things do not define a person, they do not define character. Character is something that comes from inside, it is the strength it takes to write our own story despite life trying write a different one. What is important is that in the end, we write the story we want to live in and live the life we work hard for.

“We are all on our own timeline, so don’t compare yourselves to others, as comparison is the thief of joy. Relax, take things easy and always remember, what’s meant to be yours will always be yours. God’s will be done.” – Marian Ledesma.

#WVSUTransformingGenerations
#WVSUexcels
#WVSU

by Kirsten Suropia

KIRAYAN NORTE, MIAGAO, ILOILO – In the quiet town of Kirayan Norte, a story of hope and ambition has blossomed. George Wilson Tan Escordial, the son of a humble laborer and a housewife, has not only become the top graduate in his nursing batch but has done so with a humble heart that truly sets him apart.

For George, being the “top graduate” was never the main goal. “I never aimed to be the top graduate,” he shared. “I simply wanted to finish strong for my family.” This simple yet powerful sentiment truly captures the essence of his journey. In a world often driven by competition, George chose growth and to empathize with the unique circumstances of every individual. With these engraved in his mind, his study routine wasn’t about outperforming others; it was about strategic review, getting enough sleep, and using personalized techniques. He listened carefully in lectures, practiced active recall, and, most importantly, found comfort and strength in prayer. His habits embodied his very own philosophy, “Small consistent progress matters more than perfection.”

However, George’s path to nursing wasn’t always easy. He initially dreamed of civil engineering, a contrast to the wards and bedside care he now excels in. But fate had other plans. He witnessed his beloved family members suffer due to unaffordable healthcare, and the heartbreaking loss of his grandmother in 2019 further solidified his resolve. It was a moment of clarity, a solemn promise to himself to become a nurse who could truly offer help, a hand extended in humanity’s most vulnerable moments. This is the very heart of nursing: not just a profession, but a calling born from empathy and a desire to ease suffering.

He faced another big hurdle in his second year with the demanding Maternal and Child Health course and the jarring shift back to in-person classes, which pushed him to his limits. Financial hardships escalated, threatening to extinguish the flame of his ambition. There were moments when dropping out seemed like the only option. But George, like a mountain, stood unshaken. “Faith, resilience, and external support kept me going,” he affirmed. His family, especially his parents and half-siblings, were his unwavering pillars, their support a lifeline amidst financial struggles. And then there were his mentors who offered not just advice, but wisdom, love, and personal care. This truly shows that no one is an island: you’re not alone. Lean on your support system and seek out mentors, for their wisdom is a treasure that will light your way.

Despite the hardships, George remained committed to his education and determined to succeed. He received multiple honors, including the President’s Medal for Academic Excellence across several years, Best in Related Learning Experience, and Honorable Mention. He was part of the team that won Overall Champion in the 2nd Anastacia Giron-Tupas Nursing Olympics and 3rd Place in the Battle of the Nightingales Quiz Bowl. Most recently, he was awarded Best in Clinical Performance and named Most Outstanding Student Nurse of the Year—clear reflections of his perseverance and dedication to the nursing profession.

The sacrifices were immense: personal time, precious sleep, and social life. The weight of responsibility and the guilt of being a financial burden were heavy companions. But driving him forward was a singular purpose: to uplift his family and to serve others. And through it all, he learned the deepest lessons, the power of faith, resilience, and compassion. He realized that true success isn’t measured in accolades but in the quiet transformation of becoming a better, kinder, and more grounded person.

Let his words serve as a powerful reminder: academic excellence is a deeply personal odyssey, not a race against others. It’s about nurturing your own growth, embracing challenges as stepping stones, and finding a sustainable rhythm that supports both your studies and your well-being. Ultimately, whether in nursing or any chosen path, true fulfillment stems from aligning your efforts with a genuine desire to serve, tempered by compassion, resilience, and unwavering trust in God. As George himself embodies, trust in your journey, put your faith in the center, and know that your dedication will ascend like a mountain, culminating in a future that is not only successful but truly meaningful.

#WVSUTransformingGenerations
#WVSUexcels
#WVSU

𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 2025 𝘞𝘝𝘚𝘜 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘌𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘌𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦

Interviews by Forum-Dimensions

Growing up in Cabatuan, Iloilo, Feb Anthony G. Rizano found his foundation in a household shaped by love and service. His late mother, Fe Rizano, a teacher, and his father, Ruben Rizano, a former jeepney driver, instilled in him values that quietly anchored his life: faith, diligence, and resilience. He would carry those values into the halls of West Visayas State University, where he would later rise to become its 2025 Most Outstanding Graduate in Academics and University Valedictorian with a GWA of 1.09 with a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics.

“I am proud of how much you have grown,” Feb writes in a letter to his younger self, recalling the beginning of his college journey. “From your knowledge and skills to your character and resilience… even though you still struggle with mouth sores and pronouncing the letter ‘s,’ know that these small hurdles will not stop you.”

Finding Grace in the Grind

Feb’s academic record sparkles with achievement, but his path was never smooth. He often questioned if he was enough, especially during daunting challenges like his mathematical modeling project. “It challenged not just what I knew, but who I was as a learner,” he shared. But it was in those moments of near-surrender that he learned the most vital lesson: you don’t have to face challenges alone.

He credits his groupmates, mentors, and friends for helping him push through. “College teaches you many things,” he said, “but one of the most important lessons is that you do not have to face challenges alone.”

For Feb, growth meant learning how to navigate the tension between joy and responsibility. Even while juggling a demanding academic load, he allowed himself space for the things he loved—like attending K-pop concerts. “Those concerts weren’t escapes,” he said. “They reminded me that growth does not have to mean giving up the things you love.”

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲

Ironically, Feb didn’t always love mathematics. “In elementary, I used to dread it,” he confessed. But a Grade 7 teacher helped transform that fear into fascination. He began to see math as more than numbers—it became a language of patterns, a tool for beauty and insight. “There’s something meaningful in those raw, unfiltered moments when logic meets intuition.”

To those who struggle with the subject, Feb offers this reassurance: “Struggling in math doesn’t mean you’re incapable. It means you’re learning something meaningful. Practice makes permanence—not perfection.”

Throughout college, Feb served as classroom chairperson for four years. But as his close friend Kaye Ann Etabag shared, “He wasn’t just a leader in name—he was the kind who carried not just responsibilities, but our trust.”

She adds, “Feb has never been the friend and leader who simply hands you the answers. Instead, he’s the kind who calls you out when you’re slacking, reminds you what you’re capable of, and challenges you to rise.”

𝗔𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲

According to his friends, Feb’s “lifeblood is coffee” and his demeanor walks the line between serious achiever and unexpected comic. His classmate Julie Ann Dela Cruz described him as “extraordinary… not just because of his intelligence, but because of the way he carries himself with kindness, humility, and heart.”

Even Feb’s juniors, like Vince Elumba, were moved by his example. “He never made us feel inferior. He remained humble and approachable, treating everyone with respect,” Vince said. “We were able to become good seniors ourselves because we had your leadership to look up to.”

On June 9, 2025, during the University Recognition Program, Feb Rizano was honored with multiple distinctions that celebrated his academic excellence, leadership, and global engagement. He received the Senator Manuel B. Villar Academic Excellence Award, recognition as Champion of the CBRC Teacher Education Quiz Bee 2025, and a Service Award for his role as Vice Chairperson of the University Senior Curriculum Council. Feb was also conferred the President’s Recognition for International/National Awardees for representing West Visayas State University in the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia Batch 10, held at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from January 30 to February 2026.

𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳

Feb’s story is not one of perfection, but of persistence. “Inspiration,” he said, “is not something I wait for. It is something I choose to nurture within myself every day.” He reminds us that even the best students are not immune to self-doubt—but what sets them apart is how they respond.

West Visayas State University, with its culture of excellence and support, provided Feb with more than academic tools—it nurtured his identity. “Choosing WVSU-COE BSEd Mathematics out of all the opportunities you had was the best decision you could have made,” Feb says to his freshman self. “Trust that this path will shape you in ways you never imagined.”

His class adviser, Dr. Roberto Sagge says this of this year’s class valedictorian, “As Feb’s adviser, I can confidently say he is an exceptional student—diligent, respectful, and intellectually sharp. He consistently submits high-quality work, engages actively in class, and approaches learning with genuine passion. Feb’s integrity, humility, and strong problem-solving skills make him both a joy to teach and a standout in academics and character.”

And shape him WVSU did. Into a mathematician. A leader. A friend. A future educator who sees numbers not just as calculations—but as windows into the wonder of the world.

#WVSUTransformingGenerations
#WVSUexcels
#WVSU

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In celebration of its 123rd Founding Anniversary, West Visayas State University (WVSU) conducted a University Health Outreach Program for residents of Barangay Magsaysay, La Paz, on June 11, 2025. The event was held at the College of Medicine-Annex Building and the College of Dentistry Building. 

The outreach, spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Medical & Allied Sciences together with the College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, College of Nursing, University Health Services, WVSU Medical Center and in collaboration with the WVSU Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, offered free medical consultations, dental procedures, laboratory tests, and medicines to the local community. Dr. Celina Gellada, Vice President for Medical and Allied Services, emphasized that the program reflects WVSU’s dedication to public service. 

“We are a state university with excellent health and science programs,” she said. “So, it is our social responsibility that we should help our nearby communities, one of which is Brgy. Magsaysay, La Paz.” More than 200 beneficiaries were expected, with separate groups availing of medical and dental services. Doctors and postgraduate interns from the WVSU Medical Center conducted both adult and pediatric consultations while laboratory staff collected specimens for CBC. 

The initiative was supported by several partners, including Iloilo-Acacia Masonic Lodge No. 11, Pediatrica Inc., Cathay YSS Distributors Co., Inc., PAMET-Iloilo, and the Philippine Dental Association Iloilo Chapter. These organizations contributed free services, medicines, snacks, and meals for both patients and volunteers. Student leaders from the Nursing Student Council, interns from the WVSU, and university staff also volunteered to ensure the smooth flow of activities. Dr. Ronalyn Gallinero, the university Physician, was also present to attend to the medical needs of WVSU employees. 

Earlier this year, WVSU held a similar outreach program during the University Days, catering to university employees and their families. This latest initiative underscores the university’s enduring commitment to community health and public service. 

#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels
#WVSU #TransformingGenerations 

By: DO Callosa/PAMCO

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Tokyo, Japan — Tucked in the quiet suburbs of Japan, Carolyn Hopperton — a Filipino author, crafter, and poet — just accomplished something few would ever guess she had to fight so hard for: graduating on time with a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Early Childhood Education from West Visayas State University (WVSU) through its University Distance Education (UDE) program.

Behind the cheerful posts on her blog and the handmade clay trinkets she sells to friends is a woman who wrestled with emotional hurdles, personal upheavals, and cultural transitions — and still made it through with grace.

“It’s the fact that she triumphed over personal adversity,” shares Dr. Ditas Ligue, one of Carolyn’s professors at WVSU. “She turned in her work on time. She was actively engaged in class. She didn’t use her emotional issues as an excuse. For me, it was her honesty, her sincerity, and the way she communicated those problems in an appropriate venue.”

Carolyn, born and raised in Iloilo — “The Food Haven of the Philippines” as she fondly calls it — has called Japan home for the past eight years. She lives with her American husband, a rabbit, and a cat. Between writing novels, crafting accessories, and working odd jobs, she managed to stay on track with her academic goals, even when life got heavy.

“I think what saved me was the structure and support that WVSU’s UDE gave me,” Carolyn says. “They didn’t just give us readings and assignments. Our professors, like Dr. Ligue, really connected with us. She treated me like a real learner — not just another name in the class list.”

The University Distance Education (UDE) program at WVSU was designed to cater to Filipino learners abroad — working professionals, homemakers, and dreamers like Carolyn. It’s a flexible, tech-driven approach to higher education, offering the same academic rigor as the university’s on-campus programs while bridging geographical and digital gaps.

“She kept me informed of her situation which effectively bridged the digital divide,” adds Dr. Ligue. “She really treated me as her class tutor and facilitator of learning.”

For Carolyn, those weekly check-ins and feedback sessions became lifelines — grounding moments that reminded her she wasn’t walking alone.

Beyond her academic achievements, Carolyn is also a contributing author for Metropolis, Japan’s No. 1 English magazine covering the nation’s culture, art, fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle for both local residents and aficionados abroad. She also writes for Jobs in Japan, a key resource for expats working in Japan and those hoping to build a career there, reflecting her deepening ties to the community she now calls home.

Now, as she prepares to don her graduation gown, Carolyn reflects on her journey not just as an academic milestone but a personal triumph. “This diploma isn’t just paper. It’s proof that you can be far from home, face your worst days, and still make it through. WVSU didn’t just educate me — they believed in me.”

Next on her list? A plan to travel the world, one country and one story at a time — this time, armed with an education that began in Iloilo and bloomed in Japan.

#WVSUTransformingGenerations
#WVSUexcels
#WVSU
#TransformingGenerations

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This distinguished degree will be formally conferred by Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, WVSU President on June 10, 2025, in accordance with CHED Resolution No. 464-2025. The honor recognizes Dr. Baylen’s outstanding career in education and instructional media, as well as his significant contributions that have made a lasting impact both locally and globally. 

Additionally, the WVSU Board of Regents approved this honor under Resolution No. 48-2025, describing Dr. Baylen as a respected scholar and a supporter of instructional technology, literacy, and global education. 

Congratulations, Dr. Baylen! The entire WVSU community celebrates this well-deserved recognition with great pride. 

#WVSUexcels
#WVSUTransformingGenerations

BANGKOK, THAILAND — When Genevieve Sarcon first set foot in Thailand in 2013, she was a licensed nurse on a short-term mission trip. Teaching wasn’t part of the plan, until a Christian school in Bangkok asked for help. They needed a Science teacher, and she fit the bill on paper. But in the classroom, Sarcon felt out of her depth.

“Knowing something doesn’t mean you can teach it too,” she says, recalling the steep learning curve of teaching grades 7 to 12 for four years. “I was not confident enough to teach. I didn’t have the theoretical knowledge.”

It was a season of uncertainty. Married to a Thai national and adjusting to life abroad, Sarcon turned to family for support, specifically her younger sister, a graduate of West Visayas State University (WVSU) and a licensed teacher. “She coached me on classroom management,” Sarcon shares. “I needed guidance even with the basics.”

But Sarcon’s desire to teach grew stronger with every challenge. “I fell in love with teaching more than in nursing,” she says. That realization led her to WVSU’s University Distance Education (UDE) program—specifically, the Diploma in Teaching (DIT) track, designed for non-education professionals looking to make the shift into teaching.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐕𝐒𝐔 𝐔𝐃𝐄 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: 𝐀 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝

The UDE program is a pioneering effort by WVSU to make quality teacher education accessible to Filipino professionals, wherever they are in the world. Through online modules, flexible schedules, and on-the-ground practicum, the program empowers learners to pursue teaching credentials while balancing their work and personal lives.

For Sarcon, it was a perfect match. “This program helped me be confident in teaching by understanding the needs of my students, being more compassionate, and managing my classes better,” she says. “More importantly, it gave me peace, knowing I’d be able to teach professionally, anywhere in the world.”

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐝𝐝𝐬

Balancing her studies with work and family life in Thailand was never easy. Internet issues, time differences, and parenting duties often collided with deadlines. Still, Sarcon stayed the course.

Her most transformative experience? A practicum teaching persons deprived of liberty at Iloilo City District Jail, done online, with students facing unique limitations. “It was a heartwarming and unforgettable experience,” she says. “It was more than just teaching theories. It was about giving hope.”

In May 2025, Sarcon graduated, on time, against all odds, with a Diploma in Teaching from WVSU. It marked the end of one journey and the beginning of a new chapter as a professional educator.

“I’m grateful for the WVSU DIT program,” she says, smiling. “It didn’t just train me to teach. It taught me to teach with heart.”

Genevieve Sarcon is one of many overseas Filipinos empowered by West Visayas State University’s University Distance Education program—proof that education, when guided with compassion and vision, knows no borders.

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At the heart of West Visayas State University’s University Distance Education (WVSU-UDE) program lies a quiet but powerful mission: to make quality education accessible to Filipinos wherever they are in the world. For Janice Lamahang Ablao in the UAE and Kenneth John Prudente in Thailand, this mission became their lifeline. Both recently graduated from the Master of Arts in Education major in Language Teaching – English, with High Distinction and Highest Distinction respectively. Their journeys—marked by long nights, personal sacrifices, and unwavering faith—are stories of resilience and purpose, shaped by WVSU’s commitment to flexible, learner-centered education.

𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐨: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐉𝐚𝐫𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐢, 𝐚 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝

Janice Ablao had always dreamed of graduating from West Visayas State University. Raised in Jaro, Iloilo City and educated at Colegio de San Jose, she now lives a world away in Dubai, working full-time as an Operations Assistant in a bustling multicultural office. When she discovered WVSU-UDE, she knew it was her chance to chase that long-held dream.

“I decided to enroll in WVSU’s Distance Education program because of its flexibility, which suited my work schedule,” she said. “I was also drawn to the university’s strong academic reputation and the opportunity to pursue quality education even while working overseas.”

But the journey was anything but easy. Juggling work and studies meant that time management became both her biggest challenge and greatest triumph. “Studying independently also required a lot of discipline and motivation, especially with the time difference and the lack of direct peer interaction,” she shared.

Through perseverance and prayer, Janice finished with High Distinction—proof that purpose can push you past borders. She now plans to explore advanced opportunities in education while continuing to thrive in her current role.

𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞: 𝐀 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐀 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Hailing from the highland town of Don Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental, Kenneth John Prudente built a career teaching English to students from various Asian countries. For nearly seven years, he has lived in Thailand, where he balances a demanding teaching schedule with his aspirations for personal growth.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Kenneth saw a rare chance to turn crisis into opportunity. “I began searching for flexible yet reputable graduate programs and discovered the WVSU-UDE,” he recalled. “Upon further research and hearing strong recommendations from friends, I was impressed by the university’s commitment to academic excellence.”

He enrolled in September 2021 and faced the usual challenges of time management, but what helped him carry on was the support from colleagues and the consistent guidance of his professors. “Fortunately, I was supported by an encouraging group of classmates, the understanding of my School Director, and the consistent guidance of my professors.”

Graduating with the highest honors, Kenneth now looks forward to doctoral studies and a more dynamic teaching career. “Continuous learning is essential to becoming a more effective and impactful educator,” he emphasized.

𝐖𝐕𝐒𝐔-𝐔𝐃𝐄: 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

Founded in 2002 through BOR Resolution No. 118, WVSU’s University Distance Education program was designed to address the growing needs of students and professionals who could not attend regular classes. Rooted in the principles of guided independent study, the UDE uses both synchronous and asynchronous learning strategies, supported by advanced online platforms in collaboration with SEAMEO-Innotech.

Its goal: to offer flexible, high-quality education that meets the unique circumstances of learners, whether they are in Iloilo or across continents. On top of reaching this goal for its students is the current director, Dr. Daisy Rosano — herself no stranger to the challenges of getting quality education.

For Janice and Kenneth—two of only nine students graduating from the MAEd Language Teaching – English program this year—WVSU-UDE was more than just a school. It was a beacon of hope, a community of support, and a homegrown university that nurtured their ambitions even from a distance.

Their stories remind us that no dream is too distant when backed by dedication, and no learner is ever truly alone when guided by a university that believes in their potential.

𝐵𝑦 𝐻𝑎𝑧𝑒𝑙 𝑃. 𝑉𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎, 𝑃𝐴𝑀𝐶𝑂 𝐷𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟

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