Category: News

On March 27, 2025, a delegation from Caraga State University (CSU)-Cabadbaran Campus visited West Visayas State University (WVSU) to explore and gain insights into WVSU’s best practices, innovative strategies, and the processes in place to foster international exchanges and collaborations.

The team, led by Dr. Jona J. Biongcog, Division Chief for Academic Affairs, included key personnel from Caraga State University’s various divisions: Dr. Ritchfildjay L. Mariscal, Division Chief for Admin and Finance; Prof. Maria Annie B. Mortola, Division Chief for Student Affairs and Auxiliary Services; Prof. Ronald A. Monzon, Division Chief for Executive Operations; Dr. Glenn Arthur A. Garcia, Director of the Office of Internationalization and Global Engagements; Prof. Maria Jovita C. Serrano, Head of the Office of Internationalization and Global Engagements; Mr. Carl Vencent M. Niñofranco, CBA IGE Coordinator; Ms. Renissa S. Cosicol, CITTE OIGE Coordinator; and Ms. Hazel P. Tamalla, CTHM IGE Coordinator.

The visitors had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Greta Gabinete, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata, Dean, Office of Student Affairs (OSA); Dr. Raymund Moreno, Dean of College of Business and Management (CBM); Dr. Regin Cabacas, faculty of the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT); and Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO).

Discussions centered on improving the internationalization efforts of both institutions, with a focus on fostering new partnerships in key areas such as education, business management, ICT, and research.

Both universities are committed to advancing their internationalization strategies, with the goal of enhancing academic opportunities and strengthening ties between institutions.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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On March 25, 2025, Two students from Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia, Devi Mayanti Magdalena Manullang and Lutfia Hapsari, have successfully completed their month-long teaching internship at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) under the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia (SEA-Teacher) Project.

Dr. Rosemarie G. Felimon, Associate Dean of the College of Education, welcomed the exchange students and expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are grateful for the opportunity to have partnered with Universitas Negeri Jakarta for us to share our knowledge, expertise, and experiences with Fia and Devi. Your presence has not only enriched our academic community but has also fostered a stronger partnership between our institutions. Today’s Exit Conference marks the culmination of your internship journey with us.”

Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, highlighted the importance of international collaboration in teacher education. “The ongoing participation of WVSU in the SEA-Teacher Project highlights the importance of international cooperation in shaping the future of education in the ASEAN region,” she said.

Both students shared heartfelt reflections on their time at WVSU. Devi Mayanti Magdalena Manullang expressed her gratitude, “The academic training I received here at WVSU has been invaluable. It has not only expanded my knowledge but also enhanced my skills to better serve students back home in Indonesia.” Lutfia Hapsari echoed similar sentiments, adding, “This training was particularly helpful, as it has broadened my horizons and given me new tools to use in my teaching career.”

Beyond academics, the students expressed immense gratitude for the cultural experiences they had throughout their stay. They recalled participating in traditional Filipino culture, food tastings, and visiting cultural landmarks, all of which they found to be highlights of the program.

Dr. John Erwin Pedroso, WVSU College of Education Graduate School Secretary, delivered closing remarks, underscoring the significance of the SEA-Teacher Project in fostering professional development and cross-cultural exchange among educators.

“To our exchange students, you have not only contributed to the academic growth of WVSU but have also helped build stronger connections between our institutions. Your presence has bridged the gap between our cultures, and the lessons we’ve learned from one another will continue to guide us in the years ahead,” he said.

The SEA-Teacher Project, initiated by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), aims to enhance international collaboration and cultural exchange, while also promoting the professional development of future educators across Southeast Asia.

This marks the 10th batch of participants in the SEA-Teacher Project hosted by WVSU, further solidifying the university’s commitment to advancing cross-cultural education and nurturing future educators from across the Southeast Asian region.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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West Visayas State University (WVSU) has secured the 40th spot among universities in the Philippines and earned global recognition, ranking #2659 in Asia and #6884 worldwide, according to the latest EduRank data for March 2025.

EduRank, an independent platform that ranks universities based on research performance, alumni influence, and non-academic prominence, utilizes data from over 115 million scholarly publications and nearly 3 billion citations. This ranking system evaluates institutions across 246 research topics to provide a comprehensive analysis of their global standing.

The university’s position reflects its growing impact in the fields of education and scientific research, and the recognition will further solidify its role as one of the key educational institutions in the Philippines.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

West Visayas State University (WVSU) has earned a prestigious spot in the 2025 HE Higher Education Ranking, securing 176th place out of 422 universities worldwide. This accomplishment reflects the university’s dedication to academic excellence and its ongoing efforts to improve in key areas such as research, internationalization, and community engagement.

The HE Higher Education Ranking, an annual global assessment, evaluates universities based on 25 criteria that cover key aspects of academic and operational performance. These criteria are measured by 177 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which assess institutions across areas such as management, research impact, internationalization, community engagement, and their relationship with the labor market.

WVSU’s strong performance in the rankings highlights its significant contributions to education and its positive influence both locally and internationally.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

A French Language and Culture Crash Course, led by Mr. Enzo Muñoz from the MEEF Master’s Degree program in Teaching Abroad at INSPÉ de Toulouse, Université Toulouse II, took place at the West Visayas State University (WVSU)-Pototan Campus on March 21, 2025.

This crash course is part of WVSU International and Local Linkages Office’s continuing efforts to broaden the horizons of its students. Specifically designed for Hotel and Management students, the program provided participants with an immersive experience in French language and culture.

Dr. Raymund B. Gemora, Campus Administrator of WVSU Pototan, welcomed the participants, highlighting the importance of foreign exchange programs in promoting cultural diversity. He emphasized how such initiatives provide new perspectives, ideas, and teaching approaches, which can lead to innovation in the classroom. “This foreign exchange internship is a significant opportunity for WVSU, allowing us to bring in new perspectives that can help us stay competitive in the globalized educational landscape,” Dr. Gemora said. He also acknowledged the unique skills foreign interns bring, such as language proficiency, global market knowledge, and technical expertise, all of which are valuable assets for the university.

Mr. Muñoz guided the students through basic French vocabulary, greetings, and cultural insights, encouraging a hands-on, interactive learning environment that helped students not only learn the language but also understand the nuances of French customs, etiquette, and traditions.

The skills gained from the crash course, particularly the practical application of the language, will serve as a valuable asset to students pursuing careers in a global industry where multilingualism and cross-cultural competence are key.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), has taken another significant step towards global academic collaboration with its participation in the Fonds Equipe France – Rapide (FEF-R) Students’ Exchange Mobility post-meeting, held on March 18-19, 2025, at the Alliance Française de Manille, Makati City.

Hosted by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, the meeting focused on strengthening educational exchanges between the Philippines and France, and exploring future initiatives to enhance student mobility between the two nations.

Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of ILLO, was part of the Roundtable Discussion on Acquired Competencies and Assets, where she shared insights on student activities organized by the French Embassy and reflected on her experience attending the European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference in Toulouse, France, in September 2024.

She emphasized the importance of international collaborations in higher education, particularly the competencies and connections gained from such partnerships. She also spoke about the FEF-R program’s impact on enriching students’ academic and cultural exchanges, particularly in strengthening educational ties between the Philippines and France.

“My participation at the pre-conference, EAIE, and the post meetings, enriched my knowledge on the French educational system, culture and language. But most importantly, this initiative by the French Embassy opened doors for us to venture into projects for student organizations like the Sanctuarium Maris, and to accept French interns. As a state university, we don’t have the budget to send all students to France, but thru the home-based internationalization initiatives, we can bring them closer to the French”, she said.

WVSU’s inclusion as one of the sixteen colleges and universities selected in the project highlights its commitment to international education and its growing role in fostering global collaboration.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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On March 17, 2025, West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed Dr. Frank Wadsworth, a Professor of Marketing and International Studies from Indiana University, for a courtesy visit with Dr. Greta Gabinete, WVSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, marking a significant step in strengthening the university’s global academic partnerships.

The highlight of Dr. Wadsworth’s visit was a seminar titled “Innovating for the U.S. Market: Strategies for Product Development.” The event, which was organized by the College of Business and Management (CBM) in partnership with the CBM-Graduate School Student Council, offered graduate students’ valuable insights into strategies for entering and succeeding in the competitive U.S. market.

The seminar focused on practical strategies for adapting business models and product development, making it an invaluable learning opportunity for students pursuing Master’s degrees in Business Management and Hospitality Management.

Dr. Wadsworth’s expertise and the knowledge shared during the seminar contribute to the university’s mission to offer world-class education and facilitate meaningful connections with leading global experts.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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March 17, 2025 – West Visayas State University (WVSU) continued its teacher training workshop today, bringing together educators from colleges and external campuses to explore strategies for creating more engaging and inclusive classrooms in the 21st century.

Dr. Alona M. Belarga, Director of Instruction at WVSU, welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of adapting teaching strategies to create more engaging and inclusive classrooms. “In today’s fast-evolving educational landscape, it is essential that we focus on developing student-centered classrooms,” Dr. Belarga said.

“Our goal is to empower educators to not only be the source of knowledge but to engage students as active participants in their learning journey”, she added.

The workshop featured Emily Box, an English Language Fellow from the U.S. Embassy, as the resource speaker. Box highlighted the critical role of collaboration in the classroom, stating, “When teachers engage with students in a dynamic way, they open up opportunities for deeper learning and richer educational experiences.” Box’s insights helped frame the workshop’s focus on practical strategies for improving classroom engagement, with particular attention to personalized instruction and collaborative learning methods.

During the workshop, participants were introduced to a variety of practical strategies for enhancing classroom engagement. They had the opportunity to reflect on how to integrate these strategies into their own teaching practices, ensuring that the learning environment becomes more interactive and responsive to student needs.

A key highlight was the exploration of resources from the “Teacher Toolkit,” a comprehensive online platform offering a variety of materials, including tips on classroom management. Educators were split into small groups to browse the toolkit’s website and select activities aligned with their specific teaching goals. Each group then developed a mini-lesson plan incorporating the tools, demonstrating how they could enhance student engagement.

One of the most innovative aspects of the workshop was the exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Educators learned how AI can support personalized learning by generating custom lesson plans, creating interactive activities, and tailoring materials to suit the unique needs of each student. This technology offers new possibilities for teachers to differentiate instruction and improve student outcomes.

By the end of the session, the participants had gained valuable tools and insights into creating more dynamic, student-centered classrooms, empowering them to foster deeper student engagement and improve learning outcomes.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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In a powerful demonstration of community collaboration and environmental commitment, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) DagYoung Student Ambassadors, in partnership with the Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Federated Student Council (FSC), and the Development Communicators’ Society, held a demo-workshop on turtle nest artificial net making and a simulation of the Sanctuarium Maris: Sea Turtle Nest Protection Project on March 15, 2025, in Barangay Atabayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo.

Funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, this project underscores WVSU’s strong dedication to sustainability, conservation, and volunteerism. The DagYoung Student Ambassadors, under the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), spearheaded the initiative, demonstrating the power of student leadership in driving positive environmental change that benefits both the community and the environment.

Cyndy Sol G. Rodrigo, an Ecosystem Management Specialist II and Regional Alternate Youth Desk Officer of DENR VI, provided the participants with valuable insights into the handling of marine turtles. She emphasized the various situations in which a live marine turtle may need to be handled, including after nesting, during rescue operations, prior to release, or when being rehabilitated.

The workshop also covered the sequential stages of marine turtle nesting, which can take up to six hours to complete. This process involves several steps, such as stranding, crawling from the surf to the nest site, clearing and excavating the nest hole, and laying eggs. Afterward, the nest is filled and camouflaged to ensure the safety of the eggs. In some cases, intervention may be necessary to relocate nests in high-risk areas, particularly when there is a risk of flooding, beach erosion, or predation.

The workshop also included the importance of hatchling emergence, which typically occurs between 45 to 75 days after the eggs are laid. The emergence process, which happens in the late evening, can be slow at first but eventually speeds up as more hatchlings emerge from the nest. To minimize predation risks, it is advised to release the hatchlings in multiple locations, at dusk or dawn, and away from artificial light sources.

Finally, participants learned about citizen science and its role in mapping sea turtle nesting sites. Tools such as smartphones, mobile apps, and paper notes were highlighted as essential resources for gathering data and contributing to the ongoing conservation efforts.

This collaborative effort showcases the power of local communities in protecting marine life and preserving the environment for future generations.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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