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WVSU Celebrates 11th PASUC-NCAF 2024 Victories with Pride

Story by Shianne Michael Dela Peña
Photos by Hazel P. Villa
 
West Visayas State University acknowledged the resounding success of its delegates at the 11th Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges National Culture and the Arts Festival (PASUC-NCAF) 2024 during a flag ceremony held in front of the Administration Building on April 29, 2024.
 
The College of PESCAR proudly presented its champion performance of Sala Ti Alat during the ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the university’s cultural journey. Sala Ti Alat clinched the championship title in the Philippine Folkdance category at the PASUC-NCAF last April 24.
 
Moreover, the administration of West Visayas State University took the opportunity to extend well-deserved recognition to the entire university delegation for their outstanding performances in various competitions during the event. Notably, Jon Athan Maypa, a second-year BCAED student, secured second place in Instrumental Piano (Solo). Likewise, the Short and Sweet Play-Musical, and Short and Sweet Play-Dialogue bagged the second place. The Indigenous Dance (Tarektek) placed third.
 
WVSU-COP also showcased diverse talents in other fields, including Lynden John Tajolosa in Pencil Drawing, Jenny Rose Balboa in the Kundiman category, Lovely Delos Reyes in Vocal Pop (Solo), and the WVSU Panayana Cultural Group for the Standard Chorale Competition.
 
Recognized during the flag ceremony were Professor-Trainers from the College of PESCAR, namely Professor Liberty R. Porras, Professor Jon Kristoffer E. Deguma, Professor Noel P. Mondejar, Dr. Jemuel Garcia Jr., Professor Ryan Puljanan, Professor Rocky Penuela, Professor Rus Will Ledesma, Professor Ronie Libutaque, Professor Nenitte Bajador, Professor Hennel Rhee Funtecha, Professor Sheila Ann Montero, Ms. Febrah Mae Tacorda, and Mr. Leonard Catedrilla.
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TO BOOST OUTPUTS: WVSU profs attend research writing workshop with top researcher

To enhance research-related outputs, such as commentaries, essays, opinion pieces, notes, and longer articles, approximately 40 WVSU professors participated in a Writeshop focused on Varied Article Types for Journal Publication.

The 2-day workshop, held on April 29-30, 2024, was led by Prof. Don Prisno III, editor-in-chief of Public Health Challenges (Wiley) and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of BMC Global Health Research and Policy.

 

Prof. Prisno, a medical doctor and global health scientist specializing in health equity, covered the following topics on the first day: Landscape of WVSU Research, Types of Articles, and Journal Selection.

 

On April 30, Prof. Prisno will guide WVSU professors in a workshop on Developing a Topic and Writing the Manuscript.

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Greta Gabinete, WVSU Vice President for Research and Extension, stated in her opening remarks that the workshop “aims to maximize scholarly impact by exploring key insights and strategies for enhancing research visibility and influence.”

 

Hosted on the 4th floor of the Research and Extension Building of WVSU, participants are expected to produce five outputs each within five days for submission to Dr. Prisno, who leads a global initiative, “Achieving University Excellence through Research,” addressing global research inequity.

 

Prof. Prisno teaches Economics of Global Health Policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and International Health at the University of the Philippines (Open University).  He was a Visiting Scientist at Harvard Medical School and currently holds Adjunct and Visiting Professorship at various universities in Asia.

(Text and photos by Dr. Hazel P. Villa)

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WVSU’s Foreign Languages program with a major in Korean highlighted in 9th Phippine Korean Studies Symposium-Special Workshop

Faculty member Arizza Julia A. Inocencio, of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literary Studies (DEFLLS) of West Visayas State University, participated in the 9th Philippine Korean Studies Symposium-Special Workshop for Filipino KFL Educators where she presented and discussed the Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages Program offered by West Visayas State University.

 

The symposium, held under the theme “A Decade of Korean Studies in the Philippines: A Glance at the Past, a Gaze at the Present, a Glimpse of the Future,” aimed to disseminate the latest academic outcomes of renowned scholars in and outside of the Philippines.

 

Additionally, it sought to mobilize Philippine-based Koreanists to extend their knowledge in Korea from various disciplines.

During the three-day symposium, Ms. Inocencio highlighted the unique aspects of  the program, particularly the four-year Bachelor’s degree program in Foreign Languages, with a major in Korean—the first and only program of its kind in the Philippines.

 

As discussed during the workshop, the UP Department of Linguistics and UPKRC, supported by the Korea Foundation, are always open to inquiries and partnership suggestions for Korean language training and classes.

The above-mentioned institutions are eager to explore potential collaborations and welcome any opportunities for mutual growth and development.

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CONGRATULATION TO WVSU for ranking 46th/303 in the HE Higher Education Ranking Project

Overall points for the ranking: 7180 Short Description:

 

West Visayas State University (WVSU, referred to colloquially by locals as West; Filipino: Pamantasang Pampamahalaan ng Kanlurang Bisayas) is a public normal research university located in La Paz, Iloilo City, Western Visayas region of the Philippines. The university is one of the accredited Philippine Universities of the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific and one of the most prominent institutions in the Philippines in the field of Teacher Education, Nursing and Medicine. 

 

“The HE Higher Education Ranking Project is a scientific, academic, and research ranking institution that ranks higher education institutions according to specific criteria, and performance indicators that contribute to improving the operation and performance of higher education institutions. “The ranking approach is based on supporting academic transparency and freedom, access to information and data, achieving the cultural, social, and scientific impact of higher education institutions, promoting social equity and equality, and eliminating all forms of discrimination in higher education institutions. The ranking is based on measuring the university’s level of performance at all levels according to 25 criteria and 138 performance indicators, and thus, ensures the development and improvement of the university and its achievement of added value.”

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Director of the WVSU Center for Peace Education presents award to President Villaruz

Dr. Rejie F. Palmos, a 2015 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipino Teacher, was recently honored with the Award for Continuing Excellence & Service (ACES) by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. He  presented and shared his notable award to WVSU President Joselito Villaruz on March 7, 2024 during a courtesy call.

 

The actual award ceremony took place on February 29, 2024, in Taguig City. Dr. Palmos’ unwavering commitment to peace education and excellence has had a profound and lasting impact in Western Visayas.

 

The ACES recognition program by Metrobank Foundation acknowledges exceptional individuals who have previously received awards from various Metrobank programs. These awardees continue to make significant contributions in their respective fields and communities.

 

Dr. Palmos, in addition to his teaching excellence, has dedicated himself to guidance and counseling, advocating for peace education, and raising awareness about mental health.

 

Currently, he serves as the Coordinator of the University Center for Peace Education and the Department of Guidance and Values Formation Chairperson at WVSU-College of Education.

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Language Festival attracts WVSU students

In a vibrant display of linguistic diversity and cultural celebration, the Foreign Languages Students’ Society (FLSS) kicked off the annual two-day 2024 Language Festival at WVSU’s Jubilee Park on February 21-22, 2024.

The event, organized by the FLSS, primarily comprises undergraduate AB Foreign Languages students from WVSU. Day 1 saw the lively opening of a colorful parade featuring national costumes from South Korea, Japan, and China, as well as a portrayal of characters in cosplay costumes. Various booths and contests added to the lively atmosphere, with all events welcoming participants from the Taga-West community.

This year’s activities highlighted the Language Quiz Bowl, KPOP Random Play, and the BAFL Talent Show, all open to Taga-West participants.


Photos by

Foreign Languages Students’ Society 

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Jeju National University ends immersion visit at WVSU

The Jeju National University (JNU) Academic & Cultural Immersion program in partnership with West Visayas State University (WVSU) has concluded with a dynamic Culminating Activity and Closing Program held at the WVSU Research Building on Feb. 15, 2024.

 

The event marked the conclusion of a transformative experience that fostered cultural exchange and collaborative research initiatives between JNU and WVSU.

 

The morning session kicked off with welcome remarks from Head Coordinator Dr. Eleonora Padilla and ILLO Director Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka. The audience was then treated to insights from Korean delegates who shared their enriching cultural experiences in Iloilo and Western Visayas.

 

The afternoon segment, spearheaded by Dr. Joel T. De Castro, Head of BINHI, centered on research initiatives. Dr. De Castro’s opening remarks set the stage for JNU student teams to present their innovative research projects focused on smart farming initiatives. These collaborative endeavors showcased the power of innovation bridging linguistic and cultural divides, with the projects developed in partnership with counterparts from WVSU’s College of ICT.

 

The event reached its conclusion with closing remarks from Dr. Ma. Beth S. Concepcion, dean of the College of ICT, emphasizing the significance of cross-cultural collaboration in fostering academic and cultural enrichment.

 

The Culminating Activity and Closing Program not only celebrated the achievements of the participants but also highlighted the enduring bonds forged through this academic and cultural exchange program.

 

The success of the Jeju National University Academic & Cultural Immersion program underscores the importance of such initiatives in promoting global understanding, collaboration, and the pursuit of knowledge across borders.

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WVSU participates in 7th CALOHEA General Meeting in Portugal

West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its representatives, participated in the Seventh General Meeting – GM7 of the CALOHEA (Measuring and Comparing Achievements of Learning Outcomes in Higher Education in Asia) last Dec. 13 to 15, 2023, in Porto, Portugal.

Dr. Lynette Alcala of the College of Medicine (COM) and Dr. Hilda Montaño of the College of Education (COE) represented WVSU, one of the 31 Higher Education Institutions across eight ASEAN countries, and five European states engaged in the CALOHEA Project. Dr. Alcala is with the Medicine Subject Area Group while Dr. Montaño is with the Teacher Education Subject Area Group.

The Project measures Competences and Learning Outcomes in Higher Education in Asia, a Project of the Erasmus+ Programme. It is coordinated by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands with the ASEAN University Network (AUN) partner agency. It operates through three Subject Area Groups: Civil Engineering, Medicine, and Teacher Education.

“The initiatives of the University to conduct a system-wide Workload-Based Curriculum Planning and Development as well as the inclusion of authentic assessment and student workload in the Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) and Teacher Integration Program are tangible outcomes of the CALOHEA project,” said Dr. Montaño, former Dean of the COE.
Welcoming the participants on the first day were Dr. Robert Wagenaar of the University of Groningen who is also the Director of the International Tuning Academy, Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti of the ASEAN University Network, and Mervin Bakker of the University of Groningen.

The 3-day event had the participants discussing the following: On Day One, the “Creation and use of Regional Subject-Specific Qualifications and Assessment Reference Frameworks to permit greater comparability of institutional degree programme profiles”, and “Implementation of authentic assessment of internationally comparable learning outcomes in degree programmes.”

On Day Two, the participants discussed “Implementation of authentic assessment of internationally comparable learning outcomes in degree programmes”, and “Instalment of the culture of student workload measurement as an integral part of curriculum design”.

And finally on Day Three, discussions were by country-specific groups were they focused on the “Guidelines for bridging South East Asian Student Workload with other contexts” and “Dissemination and impact in country-specific groups”.
 
Dr. Alcala and Dr. Montaño returned to Iloilo City on December 19, 2023 and in relation to CALOHEA, will work to ensure the dissemination and sustainability of the theee recognition mechanisms.
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WVSU holds groundbreaking rites for new law building

The West Visayas State University (WVSU) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the P800-million twin four-story College of Law (COL) building, each valued at P400 million, near the Alumni Center, January 25.
WVSU President Joselito Villaruz said that the funding for these structures will be derived from the 2024 General Appropriations Act.
 
“For the past years, we have had no capital outlay insertion in the budget… And for the first time, she (the First Lady) facilitated the insertion of P400 million for the COL building with the help of Speaker Martin Romualdez,” said Villaruz.
“And just this year for the 2024 budget we have another 400 million insertion for the package 2 of the building. So, there will be two buildings that will be built for the COL,” he added.
 
The planned four-level structure that is set to increase the intake of students has a total floor area of 3,456 square meters with each floor spanning 864 square meters.
 
Commission on Higher Education Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III revealed that the Legal Education Board (LEB) is mandating law schools to establish a dedicated building, as part of new regulations.
“The WVSU-COL building will do two things. [First], it will start complying with the LEB and [second], it will allow the law school to increase its student population,” said de Vera III.
 
Regional Director Sanny Boy Oropel of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region VI disclosed the key features of the upcoming establishment, which will include fully air-conditioned classrooms.
The new building is also set to house an auditorium, a prayer room, designated faculty areas, a conference space, a library, the Journal for Law Advocacy Office, a legal clinic, an arbitration room, and two moot courts.
The facade of the said building will integrate elements from the Quezon Hall, emphasizing its historical significance.
First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos served as the guest of honor for the event. She is currently a faculty of the COL and is teaching second-year Juris Doctor students.
 
Among the other key officials of the government present at the ceremony were Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Cong. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda, Mayor Jerry Treñas, Uswag Ilonggo Rep. Jojo Ang, WVSU administration officials, and higher figures from the Department of Public Works and Highways.
WVSU is the only state university in Western Visayas that offers a Juris Doctor program.
 
Story by Timothy James Sampang
Photos by Franz Chrysler Marie Delgado and Rogie Ken Villarin
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Oath-taking Ceremony of the 8th WVSU President

Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz formally commenced his second term and took his oath as the 8th President of West Visayas State University (WVSU) during a ceremony at the WVSU Cultural Center on Thursday, Jan. 25.