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WVSU Pototan Represents the University during Hospitality Skills Expo

Abegail G. Lapating and Ciarra Mae Imbang

ILOILO CITY– West Visayas State University Pototan Campus joined the bartending competition during the ASEAN Exhibit and Hospitality Skills Expo at Robinsons Place, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Antonio Lampa Jr., a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management student represented WVSU in the competition, last Friday, September 30, 2022.

He introduced his concoction, Asian Hurricane Cocktail, with an entertaining bartending performance. 

In an interview, Mr. Lampa talked about his preparations for the competition. “Nag trial and error kami para mabuo namon ang damil [taste] nga ginapangita namon.” – Mr. Lampa said.

Mr. Lampa also added that there were some difficulties throughout the preparations, but despite the challenges, he was able to successfully finish his performance.

“May mga tools kami nga wala [and] kulang sa equipment pero gin try namon ang amon nga best para ma comply gid namon ang amon nga gusto.” he added.

His bartending coach, Mr. Lous Ninos Deocos, along with his schoolmates and friends, showed him their full support throughout the competition.

Aside from West Visayas State University-Pototan Campus, various colleges and universities also participated in the competition:  BMA Global College, Central Philippine State University, Central Philippine University, Iloilo Science and Technology University-Barotac Nuevo Campus, Filamir Christian University, Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, La Consolacion College, STI West Negros University, and Iloilo Science and Technology University-Main Campus.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VI ASEAN Exhibit successfully wrapped on September 30. A short program was held during the afternoon to recognize the participating colleges and universities. 

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Visitors Enjoy Food-Tasting During ASEAN Exhibit

By Ciarra Mae G. Imbang and Mary Angel Lou S. Tribiano

To fully showcase the countries they represented, participating colleges and universities prepared free food for their booth visitors, during the ASEAN Exhibit at Robinsons Mall, Jaro, Iloilo City.

West Visayas State University, representing Indonesia, prepared Indonesian delicacies such as chicken satay and pandan sponge.

Capiz State University, representing Malaysia, served kakanins such as aripahol or puto-lanson, cassava cake, and baye-baye. Aside from the kakanins, they also prepared native darag chicken, bamboo shoot, and lemongrass tea.

Iloilo Science and Technology University, representing Cambodia, gave away Palawan chips.

Central Philippine University, representing the Philippines, transported visitors to their childhood days as they offered classic pinoy snacks like Happy, Haw-haw, and Nips.

Aklan State University, representing Laos, gave out pasalubong knick-knacks such as biscocho, galletas, and ugoy-ugoy.

Aside from the colorful spectacles and lively performances, the visitors also enjoyed the savory delicacies of various Southeast Asian cultures that surely gave them a memorable yet well informed tour on ASEAN countries, without leaving the country.

The five-day exhibit was spearheaded by the Commission on Higher Education.

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ASEAN EXHIBIT GALLERY FEATURING ASEAN CULTURES AND HERITAGE

By Ciarra Mae G. Imbang and Mary Angel Lou S. Tribiano

Various universities and colleges from Panay and Guimaras Island, participated in the ASEAN Exhibit featuring the culture, cuisine, and tradition of the ASEAN countries at Robinsons Mall, Jaro, Iloilo City, September 26-30, 2022.

The event was the product of the collaboration of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VI and the Western Visayas Association of Higher Education Institutions (WVAHEI), that was in line with the 55th ASEAN Founding Anniversary. 

The gallery shows the participating schools’ booths that represent the ASEAN countries.

West Visayas State University - INDONESIA

Salam pembuka!

Indonesians believe in the concept of gotong royong (mutual assistance) and mufakat (consensus), along with their national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in diversity). Jam Karet (rubber time) highlights the cultural attitude that life should not be rushed, everything has its time and place.

Central Philippine University – PHILIPPINES

Maligayang Bati!

The Philippine culture comprises a blend of Filipino and Spanish Catholic traditions, with influences of America and other parts of Asia. One thing that makes the Philippine culture unique is their use of the terms “po” and “opo”, as a sign of respect for the elders. Filipinos nurture the community spirit and camaraderie through “bayanihan”, a tradition of helping others without expecting something in return.

Iloilo Science and Technology University - CAMBODIA

Svakom!

Cambodians exude national pride. It is the home of Angkor Wat, and the birthplace of the great Angkor Empire, which ruled over many parts of Southeast Asia, during its peak from the 11th to 13th century. Cambodia is dubbed the Kingdom of Wonder, as a rich culture and heritage run through the veins of its people. From magical apsara dancers and traditional music, to elaborate ceremonies and stage shows, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant local scene.

Iloilo State College of Fisheries - VIETNAM

Lời chào hỏi!

Vietnamese culture includes ancestor veneration and worship, respect for community and family values, manual labor, and religious belief. The spiritual life of Vietnamese is influenced by three main religions: Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Their important cultural symbols include 4 holy animals: Dragon, Turtle, Phoenix, and Unicorn.

Colegio de San Jose- MYANMAR

Haallo!

Myanmar’s tradition is an amalgam of folk and royal cultures. Buddhism has been a part of Myanmar’s culture since the 1st century AD, and blended with non-Buddhist beliefs. Most people in Myanmar adhere to a uniquely Burmese religion, based on the worship of nature spirits, or ‘Nats’. There are 36 Nats, representing human flaws or vices, in the officially sanctioned pantheon.

Northern Iloilo State University - SINGAPORE

Ni hao!

Singapore is a cosmopolitan society where people live harmoniously, and interaction among different races are commonly seen. The pattern of Singapore stems from the inherent cultural diversity of the island. The immigrants of the past gave the place a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences.

Capiz State University- MALAYSIA

Salaam!

Malaysia is a multicultural society. The main ethnic groups are the native Malays, the large population of Chinese, and Indians. The ethnicities retain their religions, customs, and way of life. The most important festivals for each group are their public holidays.

University of Antique- BRUNEI

Apa abarnya!

The Malay culture and the Islam are the great influences in Brunei.  It has diverse demographics, with Malays comprising more than two-thirds of the population. The remainder consists of Chinese, Indians, and indigenous groups such as Muruts, Dusuns, and Kedayans.

Aklan State University- LAOS

Somsoeny!

The Lao government divides the population into three main ethnic categories, according to the altitude at which they live: Lao Soung (higher mountain), Lao Theung (lower mountain), and Lao Loum (lowland). Laos developed its culture and customs, as the inland crossroads of trade and migration, in Southeast Asia over millennia. In Southeast Asia, traditional Lao culture is considered one of the Indic cultures, along with those of Burma, Thailand, and Cambodia

Guimaras State University - THAILAND

Thạkthāy!

Often referred to as ‘The Land of Smiles’, Thailand is renowned for the welcoming and warm disposition of its culture and people. Rice plantations and ornate temples are interspersed in and around busy cosmopolitan cities, reflecting the diversity of landscapes and lifestyles.

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WVSU Panayana Cultural Group, Irong-Irong Dance Company Perform During ASEAN Exhibit

By Abegail G. Lapating, Elyn Joy B. Estimada, and Mary Angel Lou S. Tribiano

ILOILO CITY–West Visayas State University (WVSU) Panayana Cultural Group and Irong-Irong Dance Company showcased the talent of Taga-West, during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Exhibit, spearheaded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VI.

The Panayana Cultural Group rendered the Opening Prayer, Philippine National Anthem, ASEAN Hymn, Iloilo City Hymn, and CHED Hymn. The Irong-Irong Dance Company performed an Indonesian cultural dance.

The exhibit unveiled the ASEAN countries’ cultural clothing and native foods, in celebration of the association’s 55th Founding Anniversary.

With the theme, A Showcase of ASEAN Culture and Education, colleges and universities represented the ASEAN countries, through dance and costumes.

Aklan State University – Laos

Capiz State University – Malaysia

Central Philippine University – Philippines

Guimaras State University – Thailand

Iloilo Science and Technology University – Cambodia

Iloilo State College of Fisheries – Vietnam

University of Antique – Brunei

Colegio de San Jose – Myanmar

Northern Iloilo State University – Singapore

West Visayas State University – Indonesia

The ASEAN Exhibit commenced on September 26 and concluded on September 30, at Robinsons Mall, Jaro, Iloilo City.

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WVSU President, COM Faculty Receive Outstanding Alumni Award from UPAA Iloilo Chapter

Photo Caption: The awardees at the Iloilo Convention Center during the Alumni and Faculty Homecoming Dinner and Awards night. Photo source from UPV Office of Alumni Relations FB post.

by Abegail Lapating, Elyn Joy Estimada, Mary Angel Lou Tribiano

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) Iloilo Chapter recognized its outstanding alumni during the homecoming dinner last August 21, 2022 at the Iloilo Convention Centre. Among the seven awardees were the West Visayas State University (WVSU) President, Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and College of Medicine (COM) faculty, Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata.

WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz (BS Biology 1987, MA in Public Management 2004) was honoured for his work in the field of Governance, Public Administration, and Public Service.

With 25 years of public service, Dr. Villaruz was recognized as a 2022 UPV Jubilarian by the UP Alumni Association, an acknowledgment of his dedication and hard work.  The WVSU President established the Juris Doctor program, Doctor of Dental Medicine program, and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Dr. Villaruz is also dedicated to making WVSU a premier research institution.

In an interview with the Forum Dimensions, the UPV Jubilarian Awardee said that “the recent award given by the UPV Alumni [Association] as an outstanding professional in the field of governance and public service is an affirmation and is proof of the acknowledgment of the efforts and services that I have given in the public sector.”

Another pride of WVSU and a mental health advocate, Dr. Ma. Pilar Servigon-Malata (UPHSI 1982) from WVSU College of Medicine, spoke on behalf of the awardees during the event.   UPAA Iloilo Chapter recognized her with an award for achievements and contributions in the field of education.

The recipients had to comply with the necessary documents to be validated by the association and were selected through a strict screening process.

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WVSU Represents Indonesia at the ASEAN 55th Founding Anniversary Exhibit

By Leo Almonte

West Visayas State University (WVSU) represents Indonesia during the week-long ASEAN Exhibit: A Showcase of ASEAN Culture and Education that started last September 26, 2022, at Robinsons Mall, Jaro, Iloilo City. 

ASEAN, a regional body, composed of 10 member states founded in 1967, is committed to promoting intergovernmental cooperation in economic development, security, military, politics, and education. 

CHED Region VI and Western Visayas Association of Higher Education Institutions (WVAHEI) organized the event in collaboration with WVAHEI members to celebrate the 55th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Higher Education Institutions participating in the event stand-in for an ASEAN member state through booths showcasing its culture. Assigned to represent Indonesia, WVSU’s International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) booth featured its culture through Indonesian-inspired decorations, visuals, and symbols. 

WVSU’s Janiuay and Lambunao Campuses put their culinary skills into high gear by preparing Indonesian cuisines like Beef Rendang, Ayam Goreng, Chicken Satay, Cilor, and Klepon. Mall goers swarmed the booths for free food tasting and a closer look at the display. ILLO staff and interns manning the booth donned  Indonesian-themed outfits. 

The ASEAN Exhibit became an opportunity for the different WVSU campuses to work as a team and contribute to the event’s success. The other units that contributed to cultural production, logistics, booth set-up, concept development, theme, design and promotion were the Dance Cultural Affairs Office, College of Business and Management, Pototan Campus, MIS, PAMCO, WVSU Artist Guild, ILLO and PAMCO interns, and the General Service Office.  

Like in all the booths, WVSU’s corner garnered visitors for selfies, food-tasting, and small talks with staff about their “adopted” country. The ASEAN Exhibit is open to the public until September 30, 2022 at  Robinsons Mall, Jaro, Iloilo City. 

 

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WVSU Joins the 55th ASEAN Founding Anniversary Celebration

By Abegail G. Lapating, Elyn Joy B. Estimada, Mary Angel Lou S. Tribiano 

ILOILO CITY– In celebration of the 55th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Founding Anniversary and collaboration with the Western Visayas Association of Higher Education Institutions (WVAHEI), CHED Region VI launched the ASEAN Exhibit: A Showcase of ASEAN Culture and Education, a week-long celebration, last September 26, 2022, at Robinsons Mall Jaro, Iloilo City.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) showcased the culture of Indonesia together with nine other private and government higher educational institutions around Panay and Guimaras, representing the ten ASEAN members.

 Various Colleges and universities exhibited the rich culture and heritage of ASEAN nations through their well-designed, thematic, and festive booths with the University of Antique representing Brunei, Iloilo Science and Technology University (Cambodia), West Visayas State University (Indonesia), Aklan State University (Laos), Capiz State University (Malaysia), Colegio de San Jose (Myanmar), Northern Iloilo State University (Singapore), Guimaras State University (Thailand), Iloilo State College of Fisheries (Vietnam), Central Philippine University (Philippines).

 Dr. Raul C. Alvarez (Regional Director, CHEDRO VI), Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño (Guimaras State University President), and Dr. Raul F. Muyong (Iloilo Science and Technology University and WVAHEI President) opened the exhibit with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla,  VP for Academic Affairs, represented WVSU in the event.

Representatives from different colleges and universities joined the parade of flags in their respective traditional attires. The cultural group from WVSU, Panayana, sang the opening prayer, followed by their soulful renditions of the Philippine National Anthem, ASEAN Hymn, Iloilo City Hymn, and CHED Hymn.

Dr. Raul Muyong delivered the welcome message, while  Dr. Raul C. Alvarez declared the ASEAN Exhibit open after his keynote speech. Day One of the Celebration commenced with successive cultural presentations of groups from each university and college.

The ASEAN Exhibit is open to the public from September 26 to 30, 2022, at the Robinsons Mall, Jaro, Iloilo City.

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Journal for Law Advocacy – Clinical Legal Education Program and Revised Model Law Curriculum

The WVSU Journal for Law Advocacy (JLA) is an academic journal committed to the development of legal scholarship for and from the Visayas Region and Southern Philippines. The student-run editorial board adheres to a double-blind peer review process as its editorial policy to determine the quality of submission both from law students and legal practitioners. JLA’s inaugural issue carries the theme “Electoral Laws and the 2022 Philippine Election” and contains seven carefully selected chapters that provide important legal analyses of electoral issues that limit, if not hostage, the conduct of free and fair elections in the Philippines. In preparation of the journal’s official launch by October 1st of 2022, online versions of the seven stand-alone chapters will be shared to the reading public. For this week, JLA is featuring its maiden commentary contributed by Judge Enrique Trespeces of the WVSU College of Law.
(Click the image to access the full article)
The inaugural issue concludes with a commentary on the Clinical Legal Education Program (CLEP) and its relation to ethical-driven lawyering – an important pedagogical improvement in law school curricula that can help bridge the gap between the study of law and practice of law that can help address some of the systemic electoral issues discussed in earlier chapters of the first issue of the Journal. Entitled “Clinical Legal Education Program and Revised Model Law Curriculum: Championing Law Advocacy and Ethical-driven Lawyering”, Judge Trespeces notes that Revised Model Law Curriculum launched in the last quarter of 2021 now zeroes in on the pressing need for lawyers not only to be practice-ready but ethically-driven as well. He cites his own survey that from 2017 to 2021, 430 bar discipline cases docketed at the Supreme Court, which reflected the “dark side” of lawyering, spread throughout the legal profession. The author argues that the integration of a clinical component of legal and judicial ethics in procedural subjects like criminal procedure, civil procedure in dispute resolution, and evidence rules is a significant enhancement of achieving ethical-driven lawyering. To illustrate, the editors take note that WVSU College of Law recently integrated its CLEP learning activities into the teaching of the course Administrative Law, Law on Public Officers, and Election Law. This timely integration of CLEP activities to relevant subjects, such as Election Law, coincided with the recently concluded 2022 National Elections. Without a doubt, strategies like this are in accord with CLEP’s goal to inculcate in students’ values of ethical lawyering and public service. Judge Trespeces in his conclusion notes that these initiatives require the concerted efforts of all stakeholders to set the CLEP in motion in order for its objectives to come to fruition.

The student editors, as well as contributing authors of this inaugural issue, hope that readers arrive at a more complete picture of the interplay of law, jurisprudence, and electoral reform in the Philippines. The different chapters of this volume earnestly put together provide at the very least, a diagnosis of each of the key areas of reform in the Philippine electoral system. The official date of the Inaugural Launching of the Journal for Law Advocacy is on October 1st of 2022, 3:30pm onward at the Moot Court, Quezon Hall Building. If you wish to attend the said event and if you have inquiries on how to submit your original legal manuscripts or on how to subscribe to our Journal, please email the Journal’s Executive Editor – Clyde Gacayan at [email protected]

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Journal for Law Advocacy – The Rules on Substitution of Candidates in the Philippine Electoral System

WVSU Journal for Law Advocacy’s featured article for this week is written by Philipp Centenni Ruel, a student of WVSU College of Law. As with the first five papers we have released over the last four weeks which discussed about the interplay of electoral laws and jurisprudence, Ruel provides a sharp analysis as to how some politicians have exploited the rules on the substitution of candidates within our electoral laws.

(Click the image to access the full article)

In the sixth chapter entitled “Exploiting Electoral Exchanges: The Rules on Substitution of Candidates in the Philippine Electoral System”, Ruel examines the recent trend of politicians using and abusing the legal option allowing candidates to give up his/her candidacy to other candidates as a mechanism for emergency circumstances where a candidate is incapacitated or for some other serious reasons, compelled to withdraw his/her candidacy. Ruel, however, observes that there are numerous instances where substitution has been put in the national spotlight which he calls an electoral fiasco. Citing the 2016 substitution of then presidential candidate and now former President Rodrigo Duterte replacing Martin Diño, and Sarah Duterte as a substitute Vice-Presidential candidate replacing Lyle Fernando Uy, the author notes that the substitution card has been mainly a game plan not only for national politicians but has been replicated in congressional and party-list seats, as well.

Ruel cites COMELEC’s leniency towards the matter at hand as one of the reasons that explain why the substitution mechanism has been abused and utilized by politicians. The author argues that the exploitation of the rules on substitution empowers, rather than limit political dynasties. He calls the apparent abuse of substitution mechanisms not only a political gimmick but warns that it has become an electoral norm that coincides with the flawed system of Philippine elections. Ruel provides that the apparent abuse of the rules on substitution is a sham and mockery of the election process, and if taken for granted, would pave the way for the erosion of the spirit of democratic selection processes.

The WVSU Journal for Law Advocacy (JLA) is an academic journal committed to the development of legal scholarship for and from the Visayas Region and Southern Philippines. In preparation of the journal’s official launch by September 23rd 2022, online versions of the seven stand-alone chapters will be shared to the reading public every week. For inquiries and to submit your original manuscript for publication, please email the Journal’s Executive Editor – Clyde Gacayan at [email protected].

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WVSU Sees Increase in Enrolment this S.Y. 2022-2023

By Abegail G. Lapating and Ciarra Mae Imbang with PAMCO.

West Visayas State University has 21,640 enrollees on all campuses in the first semester of the school year 2022-2023, which is higher than the 20,576 enrollees during the first semester of the previous school year.

In an interview with Ms. Mardy A. Ledesma, director of office of the admission and records/registrar, the general number of enrollees in WVSU for S.Y. 2022-2023 reached a total of 9, 286 for the main campus only.

The Baccalaureate Programs have a total of 6,608 enrollees. The College of Education tops the number of enrollees with 1,631, followed by the College of Business and Management (1,049) College of Arts and Sciences (1,044),  College of Information and Communication Technology (840), College of Communication (510), College of Nursing (487), College of PESCAR (487), College of College of Medicine (476) and College of Dentistry (84).

The Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) has a total of 595 enrollees while the Post-Baccalaureate Programs have a total of 212 (136 in Distance Education, and 76 in College of Law). .

In Graduate School Program, there are a total of 1,871 enrollees: 262 in College of Arts and Sciences, 151 in College of Business and Management, 15 in College of Communication, 1134 in College of Education, 82 in Distance Education, 46 in College of Information and Communications Technology, 51 in College of Nursing, 130 in College of PESCAR.

This data includes the number of enrollees per college in WVSU main campus only.

“There are barely any  issues in the system”, Ms. Ledesma said that.  “The students are already familiar with the university’s IUIS. The office, together with the MIS, conducted an orientation to new students on the process of online registration as well as the college secretaries and advisors. Although there were glitches in the system, the issues were addressed immediately.  Aside from orientation, infographics were also posted in various Facebook pages of WVSU.” 

According to Ms. Ledesma, WVSU extended the enrollment for one week because the accounting office introduced a payment gateway. Students have options to settle their enrollment fees at payment centers like 7/11 and banks.

“As of now, there are just minimal enrollment  challenges like connectivity and Internet disruptions, Ms. Ledesma said.

The demand for credentials and other documents from continuing and newly graduated students has been keeping the office of admissions and records/registrar  busy. Among the documents that students have been requesting are the Certificate of Registration for DSWD educational cash assistance and the Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID).

Ms. Ledesma is assuring the student body  that their office is  on track in upgrading the system with the help of MIS office technical team to minimize the glitches as well as concerns regarding the enrolment process.