Category: News

West Visayas State University (WVSU) conducted its Commission on Audit (COA) exit conference on April 7, 2026, at the WVSU Boardroom, giving University officials the opportunity to review audit findings and align on next steps before the release of the final audit report.

University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, together with COA Supervising Auditor V Ms. Ma. Rebecca C. Tamba and the COA WVSU Audit Team, led the discussion on audit observations, recommendations and proposed actions. The exit conference serves as the final stage of the audit process, where agencies can clarify findings and respond to concerns.

Villaruz emphasized that the process goes beyond compliance and contributes to strengthening University systems. He noted that engaging with audit findings helps improve financial management, reinforce accountability and ensure the responsible use of public funds.

He also thanked COA for its guidance and professionalism, adding that the exchange of insights supports WVSU’s efforts to enhance transparency and uphold public trust.

The conference allowed University management to formally respond to audit observations, helping ensure that identified issues are addressed and that operations remain aligned with national accounting standards, internal controls and good governance practices.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) has partnered with the Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) to roll out a health-focused initiative in legal education, with the WVSU College of Law designated as the pilot institution in Western Visayas.

The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the Healthy Learning Institution – Legal Education Institution (HLI-LEI) initiative, which aims to promote student well-being by integrating health standards into school systems.

Under the program, the College of Law will incorporate health literacy, mental health support, and physical safety measures into its policies and curriculum. The initiative also seeks to strengthen awareness of health rights among law students while fostering a safer and more supportive learning environment.

The HLI framework, established through Joint Administrative Order No. 2022-0001 and anchored on the Universal Health Care Act, brings together national agencies, including the Legal Education Board, to promote health and well-being in educational institutions.

As part of the rollout, the DOH Health Promotion Bureau will conduct onboarding workshops to guide WVSU faculty and administrators in integrating HLI principles into academic and institutional practices.

WVSU President Joselito F. Villaruz emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying, “By signing this MOU, West Visayas State University officially accepts the responsibility of serving as the pilot Legal Education Institution for HLI-LEI in Western Visayas.”

He added that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to “fostering a law school environment that promotes health, safety, and community engagement,” underscoring the university’s role in advancing both legal education and public health outcomes in the region.

Seven student journalists from West Visayas State University have brought pride to the University after being named among the 25 recipients of the prestigious 2026 IWAG Awards conferred by the Philippine Information Agency Region 6.

Recognized for their excellence in campus journalism, development communication, and academic performance were LJ Orpheus Soriano and Jericho Francesco C. Jandongan of The Lifeline (College of Nursing); Gierson F. Bordon of The Mediator (College of Communication); Josef Henri S. Tumbagahan of Forum-Dimensions (Main Campus); Sean Lerry Jim Claud and Franco Miguel M. Nodado of Vital Signs (College of Medicine); and Fritz Jaime L. Sumbo of SILAK Media (College of Education).

The 2026 PIA IWAG College Awardees recognize graduating campus editors across Western Visayas who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting national development through responsible and impactful journalism. Awardees are selected from among participants of PIA-6’s campus journalism initiatives, including seminar-workshops and press conferences.

Now on its 49th year since its establishment in 1977, the IWAG Awards remain the region’s premier recognition program for student writers who champion truth, civic engagement, and community development through media.

WVSU continues to take pride in its student communicators whose work reflects the University’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and service—Basta Taga-West, the Best!

Photos from Philippine Information Agency Region VI

West Visayas State University (WVSU) recognized the achievements of young learners during the Drop-In Center Recognition Program 2026 held on March 30 at the University’s Rehearsal Room.

A total of 22 Drop-In Center children, accompanied by their parents, were honored in a ceremony attended by teachers, Gender and Development (GAD) Office focal persons, and student assistants. The program celebrated the children’s perseverance as they prepared to transition to the next stage of their educational journey.

The activity featured the awarding of ribbons and certificates, along with an inspirational message from guest speaker Prof. May Buenafe-Dela Cruz, who emphasized the importance of holistic growth among children. She highlighted that development should not only focus on academic achievement but also on values formation, emotional well-being, and social skills, underscoring the vital role of parents in nurturing and supporting their children’s growth.

The recognition program aimed to honor the challenges the children had overcome while motivating both learners and their families as they embark on the next phase of their education. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks and a shared meal, reinforcing a sense of community among participants.

The initiative reflects WVSU’s commitment to inclusive development for young learners through programs that promote both educational advancement and personal growth.

West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its College of Business and Management (CBM), hosted the 3rd BIZCON on Mar. 27-28 at the WVSU Cultural Center, with the second day focusing on innovation talks that highlighted Ilonggo gastronomy as a driver of enterprise and creative development.

Carrying the theme “Taste, Tradition, Transformation: Gastronomy Driving Ilonggo Innovation,” the convention gathered students, faculty, and industry practitioners to explore how local cuisine can shape sustainable businesses and strengthen regional identity.

Industry experts led discussions on topics such as sustainable SME financing, culinary branding, and food tourism. Invited speakers included Prof. Ts. Dr. Shafinaz Binti Ismail, Chef Tibong Jardeleza, Ms. Natalie Lim, Chef Cidj Jalandoni, and Mr. Daniel Agan, who shared insights on scaling local enterprises and positioning Ilonggo products in competitive markets.

The talks provided participants with practical perspectives on bridging academic knowledge with industry demands, encouraging innovation rooted in local culture and resources. The program concluded with engagement activities and an awarding ceremony recognizing outstanding participants.

The innovation talks followed a series of competitions held on the first day of the convention, including the Ilonggo Cuisine Innovation Showdown, business pitching, table skirting with centerpiece making, and food itinerary development.

Through BIZCON 2026, WVSU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural appreciation, equipping students and stakeholders to develop sustainable, homegrown solutions for regional growth.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) ranked highest among state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Region VI in the latest Department of Budget and Management (DBM) performance review, alongside key recognitions in research and quality assurance, University officials announced during a flag-raising ceremony led by the University Extension and Development Center (UEDC).

Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie Paris said WVSU earned a 4.75 rating based on physical targets and fiscal management indicators, placing it at the top among SUCs in the region, including those in the Negros Island Region. He noted that the result may positively influence the University’s future budget allocation.

Paris also announced a temporary adjustment in duty hours from Monday to Wednesday in observance of Holy Week, with personnel reverting to a regular eight-hour work schedule. He encouraged faculty and staff to use the break for reflection and prayer, including intentions for global peace and security.

Meanwhile, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Greta G. Gabinete reported that WVSU’s Intellectual Property and Technology Support Office (ITSO) was recognized as a Platinum Awardee at the IPOPHL ITSO Cluster Awards 2026, held in Iloilo City. The recognition marks the University’s second platinum award for sustained efforts in technology commercialization, with five consecutive awards required to achieve the highest distinction, the Palladium Award.

In academic leadership, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla announced that WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz received the Manuel T. Corpus Outstanding Quality Champion Award 2026 from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines. The award, conferred on Mar. 24 at the Century Park Hotel, recognizes his contributions to advancing quality assurance in higher education.

The updates highlight WVSU’s continued gains in institutional performance, research innovation, and academic quality—developments that directly support improved programs, resources, and opportunities for the University community. The program concluded with a Women’s Month trivia game facilitated by the UEDC, engaging participants with fun facts on women’s history and achievements.