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STUDENT IUIS (Main Campus)

Category: News

  • WVSU hosts French Ambassador to expand educational partnerships, highlights student programs

    WVSU hosts French Ambassador to expand educational partnerships, highlights student programs

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) deepened its global engagement as it hosted French Ambassador Her Excellency Marie Fontanel on May 23, 2025, at the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), paving the way for new academic partnerships and collaborative initiatives in education, sustainability, and international exchange.

    Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the strong support the French Embassy has continuously provided to WVSU’s internationalization efforts.

    ” West Visayas State University has always believed in the power of education not only to uplift communities but also to connect them across borders. We continue to take another step toward that vision. By joining hands with the French Embassy, we open new doors for our students, faculty, and researchers to engage with a culture and academic tradition that has long been known for its depth, creativity, and global influence”, he said.

    During the visit, Ambassador Fontanel presented a comprehensive overview of the diverse educational opportunities available in France, ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate programs. The presentation aimed to encourage WVSU students and faculty to explore scholarships and exchange programs that foster academic growth and cultural exchange abroad.

    Johnric Vargas, Special Projects Coordinator of the Sanctuarium Maris initiative, also discussed the ongoing sea turtle nest conservation project. Located in Barangay Atabayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo, the project is a key environmental effort by WVSU’s internationalization student arm, the DagYoung Student Ambassadors.

    Barangay Chairman Edison Camiña, representing the local community hosting the conservation site, expressed his gratitude for the project’s positive impact on both environmental preservation and community awareness.

    Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), underscored the importance of the partnership with the French Embassy in advancing WVSU’s goals for global engagement and sustainability.

    “This is not just a partnership on paper or in words-it is a living, breathing collaboration built on shared values: excellence, mutual respect, and a belief in education as a force for good. As we deepen our ties, we also recognize the importance of cultural appreciation and understanding”, she said, recalling key initiatives including funding through the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) for student mobility training and educational trips to France; backing the Sanctuarium Maris project led by the DagYoung Student Ambassadors; and sponsoring the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) delegation trip to France, in which WVSU participated.

    The event was further enriched by the active participation of students from various colleges who engaged with Ambassador Fontanel in meaningful dialogue.

    The visit further solidifies the close ties between WVSU and the Embassy of France, highlighting the shared commitment to educational development and environmental stewardship.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • 3 WVSU student journalists honored as 2025 IWAG awardees

    3 WVSU student journalists honored as 2025 IWAG awardees

    Three outstanding student journalists from West Visayas State University have brought honor to the University after being named among the 13 recipients of the prestigious 2025 IWAG Awards by the Philippine Information Agency on May 19.

    Recognized for their leadership, journalistic excellence, and dedication to development communication were Nove Joy Losbañes, Editor-in-Chief, and Cybelle Rio Jhane Hembra, Associate Editor of Forum-Dimensions, the official university publication; and Roger Sibag Jr., Senior Editorial Consultant and former Editor-in-Chief of Silak, the official publication of the College of Education.

    Now in its 48th year, the IWAG Awards continue to celebrate campus journalists whose work fosters community engagement, civic awareness, and responsible reporting. Established in 1977, the program aligns with PIA’s commitment to nation-building by recognizing young communicators who serve as agents of positive change.

    WVSU beams with pride as these taga-West awardees exemplify the excellence and spirit of service that define the University—Basta Taga-West, the Best!

    #WVSUexcels#WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #IWAGAwards2025#PIAWesternVisayas

    Text by DO Callosa/PAMCO
    Publication materials from PIA Western Visayas/Facebook

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  • WVSU delegates met Coventry University Officials in collaborative talks

    WVSU delegates met Coventry University Officials in collaborative talks

    A delegation from West Visayas State University (WVSU) met with officials from Coventry University, United Kingdom on May 21, 2025, for a series of collaborative talks centered on advancing research, fostering innovation, and strengthening academic partnerships.

    Led by Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, the WVSU delegation includes Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, Campus Administrator of Calinog Campus, and Dr. Elias C. Olapane, Head of Research, Innovation and Development and Internationalization Coordinator.

    The team discussed with Prof. Elena Gaura, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Academic Engagement, for a courtesy visit and dialogue on strengthening institutional collaboration. In-depth discussions were also held with Prof. Moya Kneafsey, Director of the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, alongside other key professors and researchers to explore joint initiatives in sustainable development and agroecology.

    Another highlight of the day was the engagement with Prof. Marina Orsini-Jones, Lead of the Equity and Equality in Education theme at the Research Centre for Global Learning. The WVSU delegation also interacted with professors, PhD students, research assistants, and scholars focused on global learning, equity, and inclusive education.

    This ongoing visit aims to solidify academic partnerships, promote collaborative research, and foster mutual capacity-building between WVSU and Coventry University, in line with WVSU’s internationalization goals and commitment to innovation-driven education.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Hospitality students explore culture, cuisine, and collaboration in Vietnam tour

    Hospitality students explore culture, cuisine, and collaboration in Vietnam tour

    Third-year Hospitality Management students from the West Visayas State University College of Business and Management explored the sights, flavors, and traditions of Vietnam during their international educational tour and cultural immersion from May 4 to 9.

    The weeklong trip brought the students to Hanoi and Sapa, where they marveled at the scenic landscapes of Halong Bay and ascended the famed Fansipan, also known as the “Roof of Indochina.” The tour also featured hands-on activities, including a Vietnamese culinary and coffee-making class, where students learned the craft behind local cuisine and beverage preparation.

    More than just sightseeing, the tour served as a cultural bridge. The WVSU students met with Hospitality and Tourism majors from Hanoi University of Culture, exchanging insights on tourism, tradition, and academic life. A cultural exchange event hosted by the Vietnamese university featured music, dance, and messages of friendship that strengthened ties between the two institutions.

    Accompanying the students were CBM faculty members Dr. Cristy M. Pagente, associate dean; Dr. Ma. Flora Collado, division chair for Hospitality Management; and Sr. Cynthia Miñon, CBM research coordinator.

    The tour highlighted WVSU’s commitment to global learning and industry immersion, helping students develop cultural awareness, professional skills, and a broader global perspective in preparation for careers in the hospitality field.

    Text by Hazel P. Villa/PAMCO
    Photos and sources from the College of Business & Management

    #WVSUExcels#WVSUTransformingGenerations

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  • WVSU celebrates CHED’s 31st founding anniversary, 5th National Higher Education Day

    WVSU celebrates CHED’s 31st founding anniversary, 5th National Higher Education Day

    Officials of West Visayas State University (WVSU) gathered at the WVSU Unity Park earlier today as the university geared up for the grand caravan of colleges and universities, marking the 31st Founding Anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the celebration of the 5th National Higher Education Day with the theme, “Higher Heights in Higher Education”.

    WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz led the delegation, accompanied by Vice Presidents Dr. Celina Cordero-Gellada (Medical and Allied Sciences), Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla (Academic Affairs), and Dr. Peter Ernie Paris (Administration and Finance).

    Adding flair to the WVSU caravan were Mr. and Ms. WVSU 2025 from the College of Nursing, Hyle Daduya and Michelle Anne Juanitas.

    Joining the celebration was the West Maral, the official WVSU mascot, proudly featured on the float. The mascot was designed by Mark Joseph Solidarios, a faculty member from the College of Information and Communications Technology.

    The caravan rolled through Iloilo City, spreading awareness and excitement before culminating at the CHED Regional Office VI with a kickoff program and a mass for the celebration.

    Events marking CHED’s 31st Founding Anniversary and the 5th National Higher Education Day will run from May 19 to 29, 2025.

    Text by JA Temelo/PAMCO
    Photos by JA Temelo, DO Callosa/PAMCO

    #WVSUexcels#WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #CHED31#NHED

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  • WVSU pushes global research network through Coventry University visit

    WVSU pushes global research network through Coventry University visit

    Officials from West Visayas State University (WVSU) are currently visiting Coventry University in the United Kingdom (UK) from May 19 to 22, 2025, to strengthen academic and research partnerships.

    The delegation, led by Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, WVSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, includes Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, Campus Administrator of Calinog Campus, and Dr. Elias C. Olapane, Head of Research, Innovation and Development and Internationalization Coordinator.

    The visit is focused on fostering a robust exchange of knowledge and best practices in areas such as research-led teaching and learning, research commercialization, doctoral supervision, and the development of international linkages.

    Dr. Dimitar Angelov, Coventry University’s focal person for the WVSU partnership and lead of the “Digital Challenges and Opportunities in Education (including AI)” theme at the Research Centre for Global Learning, welcomed the delegates at Coventry University’s Priory Street campus.

    They also engaged in roundtable discussions with Prof. Carolyn Wynne, Director of Coventry University’s Doctoral and Researcher College, and Prof. Marina Orsini-Jones, lead of the “Equity and Equality in Education” theme.

    As part of the program, the WVSU delegation will attend a one-day research conference hosted by GLEA. The conference will allow the visitors to present their ongoing research and strengthen WVSU’s global academic presence. Dr. Olapane will discuss indigenous people and WVSU’s initiatives as an emerging research university in the Philippines. Dr. Gabinete will present research-led initiatives aimed at achieving food security, while Dr. Contreras will share insights on biological agents and financial literacy.

    The delegates toured several Coventry University facilities, including the Research Centre for Global Learning, the Institute for Creative Cultures, and the National Transport Design Centre (NTDC). The team also explored significant educational and cultural sites in the UK, such as the Coventry Transport Museum, Coventry Cathedral, and local art galleries, with additional visits planned in London.

    WVSU and Coventry University formalized their collaboration in 2023 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on research and academic exchange.

    This visit represents a significant step in realizing that partnership, aimed at fostering mutual growth and global academic engagement.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU, recycling company, partner for sustainability

    WVSU, recycling company, partner for sustainability

    West Visayas State University and start-up company Rezbin officially launched their sustainability partnership on campus on May 5, 2025, with the installation of smart recycling bins to promote sustainable practices on campus. 

    Rezbin, a company that envisions making plastic recycling engaging and rewarding, introduced its reward-based mobile application to encourage responsible waste disposal. 

    “To encourage more people to recycle,” said Rezbin co-founder Mari Martirez in an interview with Beyond Innovation TV, “it should be convenient for them, easy for them, rewarding and satisfying. That’s basically the gist of what we do, that’s our philosophy.” 

    Rezbin turns ordinary recycling bins into tools for sustainability by allowing users to scan, upload, and track their recyclable trash through the app and earn points in return. 

    Here’s how it works:
    Rezbin recycling bins can be located using the Rezbin app.

    Once found, scan the QR code on the Rezbin, take a photo of your recyclable trash before dropping it in the Rezbin, and you have now earned yourself points.

    These points can later be redeemed for raffle tickets and rewards from Rezbin’s partner entities. You can find Rezbin recycling hubs near Magsaysay Hall, Quezon Hall, Rizal Hall, the MPC Building, and across the Administration Building. 

    This partnership highlights the University’s continued pursuit of sustainable practices and healthy collaborations with our partners. 

    Visit Rezbin to know more
    :https://www.rezbin.ph/about 

    Download Rezbin:

    App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/rezbin/id6503254161Google
    Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rezbin… 

    Text by Dan Olsen Callosa/PAMCO
    Photos by Marvin Fernandez/Admin Officer and Claude Calimlim/PAMCO

    #WVSUExcels #WVSUTransformingGenerations

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  • DevCom faculty, students presents K-pop research at 10PKSS in UP Diliman

    DevCom faculty, students presents K-pop research at 10PKSS in UP Diliman

    Analyzing the intersectionality of Korean pop and youth civic engagement, a research team from the Development Communication Division of the WVSU College of Communication presented their research “From stans to active citizens: Spaces and motivations for civic (re)engagement in K-pop fandoms in the Philippines” at the 10th Philippine Korean Studies Symposium (10PKSS) last April 28-29, 2025 at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

    Joesyl Marie D. Aranas, faculty of DevCom Division, worked with third-year development communication students, Lyann Marie S. Española and Sarah Margaret G. Gavile, to make sense of the growing youth civic disengagement and apathy among the current generation. The study posits that today’s young people didn’t lose their civic sensibilities; it merely shifted to new modes.

    The research team, all fans of Korean pop music and culture, looked into one of the most novel and emerging spaces where young people practice their active citizenship, “fandom-driven civic engagements.” This is where members of K-pop fandoms launched donation drives during national emergencies, volunteered in environmental and education causes, and supported advocacies for social change.

    The study identified the type and level of civic engagement conducted by Philippine fandoms, focusing on initiatives of Philippine-based BTS ARMYs, and mapped these efforts into the existing civic engagement space. They also explored what motivates fandoms to conduct these civic actions. Furthermore, the study supports the recommendations of various existing literature that calls for the redefining and reconceptualizing of youth civic engagement and active citizenship.

    This study is a product of a research mentoring program fostered by the College of Communication’s Development Communication Division and the WVSU Development Communicators’ Society.

    “These collaborative research efforts of our faculty and students have demonstrated the impact that comes when students are empowered to explore the topics that genuinely matter to them. We plan on harnessing and exploring more of that, given how multidisciplinary communication research can be,” said Dr. Rona Dhel Alingasa, dean of the College of Communication.

    This international symposium was organized by the UP Korean Research Center and sponsored by the Korean Foundation.

    Text by Joesyl Marie Aranas
    Photo by UP Korean Research Center and UP Department of Linguistics

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  • WVSU employees enjoy pampering services in Labor Day celebration

    WVSU employees enjoy pampering services in Labor Day celebration

    Employees of West Visayas State University (WVSU) took a well-deserved break from their daily routines as they enjoyed a variety of wellness and self-care services during the “Araw ng Pagpapahalaga sa mga Empleyado ng WVSU”, held on May 2, 2025, at Room 102 of the College of Medicine. 

    In celebration of Labor Day, non-teaching staff indulged in free pampering services including massages, foot spas, manicures, pedicures, and haircuts. A total of 27 employees availed themselves of massage services, 64 received manicure and pedicure treatments, and 19 opted for haircuts.

    In addition to these services, 57 lucky employees were awarded cash prizes during raffle draws as part of the celebration.

    Adding to the festive atmosphere was a talent show that brought energy and excitement to the venue. The activity was part of WVSU’s continuing commitment to employee well-being and appreciation, in line with the nationwide observance of Labor Day. 

    Text by JA Temelo/PAMCO
    Photos by OVPAF 

    #WVSUexcels #WVSUTransformingGenerations

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  • WVSU, NCIP, LGU Calinog sign MOA to advance Indigenous Peoples Education

    WVSU, NCIP, LGU Calinog sign MOA to advance Indigenous Peoples Education

    In a historic move to promote Indigenous Peoples (IP) education and cultural preservation, West Visayas State University (WVSU) Calinog Campus, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region VI, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Calinog officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today, May 6, 2025.

    The MOA signing ceremony was led by WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, NCIP Regional Director for Regions VI and VII Princess May Alcarde-Oral, and Mr. Renato Casinao, Indigenous Peoples Focal Person and Executive Assistant, who represented the LGU of Calinog.

    Under the agreement, WVSU Calinog Campus, NCIP Region VI, and LGU Calinog will collaboratively design academic programs that reflect the cultural identities and traditional wisdom of indigenous communities. The integration of indigenous perspectives into the curriculum is seen as a transformative step toward a more inclusive and contextually relevant education system. A specialized program for Indigenous Peoples Education is also planned to further institutionalize this approach.

    The partnership also emphasizes the importance of research and documentation, with the three parties committing to joint studies focusing on indigenous traditions, environmental practices, and sustainable development. NCIP will play a key role in providing cultural oversight and legal guidance to ensure respect for IP rights and heritage throughout the process.

    In line with community extension services, the agreement outlines the organization of cultural events, festivals, and workshops aimed at celebrating and preserving indigenous cultures. The establishment of community-based Sarantes, mobile education services, and an IP Village as a cultural and educational hub is also part of the long-term vision of the partnership.

    Capacity building and professional development will also be central to the collaboration. Educators, researchers, and community leaders will benefit from targeted training and workshops to enhance their skills in indigenous education and engagement. Resource-sharing mechanisms will be developed to support sustainable and collaborative project implementation.

    Also present during the signing were Dr. Rosario Clarabel Contreras-Leda, WVSU Calinog Campus Administrator; Dr. Marie L. Candy Celeste, Director of Academic Affairs; Dr. Elias A. Olapane, Calinog Research Head and Internationalization Coordinator; and Miss Dinna Joy P. Otayde, Peace Coordinator of Calinog Campus.

    This partnership reflects a strong commitment to equity in education, cultural empowerment, and sustainable community development, marking a new chapter in the recognition and integration of Indigenous Peoples’ heritage within academic and local governance frameworks.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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