Category: News

  • Taga-West stir excitement for 2025 University Days Opening Parade

    Taga-West stir excitement for 2025 University Days Opening Parade

    Taga-West from various colleges and campuses stirred excitement for the 2025 University Days as they marched onto campus grounds with passion and enthusiasm for the Opening Parade on January 27.

    The parade celebrated the unique identities of each college and campus, symbolized by the “dapog,” a Hiligaynon term for “fireplace,” representing each kitchen as a source of warmth and unity. This was expressed through creative displays, chants, and cheers, showcasing the spirit of the WVSU community.

    Adding to the vibrancy of the celebration, alumni from various batches joined the festivities, proudly representing their alma mater and reconnecting with fellow members of the WVSU community.

    This year’s theme, DIGAMO sa West: Discovery and Innovation for Meaningful Growth and Opportunities, reflects the core values of West Visayas State University (WVSU). The university fosters holistic development, guiding students through a transformative journey. Just as preparing a meal requires careful attention and creativity, WVSU nurtures its students through academic rigor, extracurricular engagement, and professional growth.

    The 2025 University Days will showcase diverse talents and provide opportunities to celebrate the achievements and diversity of the WVSU community.

    Story by Shianne Michael Dela Peña/Dynamics Publication
    Photos by LINK.exe

  • WVSU opens U-Days with Eucharistic celebration

    WVSU opens U-Days with Eucharistic celebration

    To kick off University Days 2025, students, faculty, staff, and alumni of West Visayas State University (WVSU) gathered for a Eucharistic celebration on Jan. 27 at the University Cultural Center.

    The Mass was officiated by the Rev. Fr. Jose Rex Jiloca and the Rev. Fr. Vicente Duron, as the university emphasized spirituality alongside its dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

    This year’s theme, “DIGAMO sa West: Discovery and Innovation for Growth and Meaningful Opportunities,” reflects the university’s commitment to fostering growth and creating impactful opportunities.

    “I look forward to celebrating this anniversary with my fellow alumni after four years of missing the past alumni homecoming,” said Esther B. Babalo, a member of WVSU-College of Education Batch 1985.

    University Days is an annual tradition that showcases the talents and intellect of students from the colleges on the main campus and external campuses of the WVSU system through various activities and competitions.

    Story by Rochel Dorothy Rafael/SILAK Media
    Photo/s by SILAK Media

  • Alumni’s ‘Kilitaay sa West’ features Ilonggo music festival

    Alumni’s ‘Kilitaay sa West’ features Ilonggo music festival

    As part of “Kilitaay sa West”, an event organized by the WVSU Federated Alumni Association Inc., alumni, retirees, faculty, and staff participated in an Ilonggo music fest celebrating the community’s rich cultural heritage and creativity at 3 p.m. on Jan. 27 at the New Academic Building Quadrangle.

    With the theme “Digamo sa West: Discovery and Innovation for Growth and Meaningful Opportunities,” the same as 2025 University Days, this year’s celebration highlights the university’s commitment to fostering growth and creating impactful opportunities.

    The event featured a binalaybay competition, traditional music performances, and fine dining, aiming to foster community spirit, showcase talent and innovation, and celebrate the institution’s cultural and academic heritage.

    “This event and the significant performances provide us with an experience we can share,” said Rixfel Aperong, this year’s U-Days chairperson.

    “It’s more about being the lens of a teacher, not just an audience. We absorb these experiences so we can pass them on to our future students,” added Aperong.

    The festival also underscored the importance of cultural preservation, offering attendees a deeper appreciation of Ilonggo culture and its relevance in contemporary times.

    “I’m thankful that West Visayas State University showcased traditional culture, which needs to be preserved,” said Brytch Ampania from the Calinog Campus. “I was able to see the diverse musical traditions of Iloilo.”

    Story by Joella Nicole C. Faeldonea/SILAK Media
    Photos by SILAK Media

  • WVSU college publication unite for historic University Days coverage

    WVSU college publication unite for historic University Days coverage

    West Visayas State University’s college publications have joined forces to provide unified and dedicated coverage of the 2025 University Days celebration on Jan. 27 to 31, marking a milestone in the university’s history.

    On Jan. 23, 2025, editors, student journalists, and a representative from a journalism class on Specialized Beat Reporting gathered at 2:30 p.m. in the University Library’s Reference Section to coordinate reporting assignments. Joining them were representatives from the Circle of Mathematicians, the student organization in charge of tabulating and validating competition results.

    The meeting was facilitated by the Public Affairs and Marketing Communications Office (PAMCO), led by its director, Dr. Hazel Villa.

    “We are excited because this is the first time in the university’s history that we have a unified documentation team from all the college publications,” Villa said.

    “It is a great way for the publications to get to know each other better and, at the same time, ensure that WVSU’s stakeholders are informed of the daily activities. We aim to make WVSU more accessible through dedicated and accurate coverage of the U-Days, considering that aside from student competitions, we also have fairs, exhibits, and extension activities,” said Villa who is also the adviser of SILAK Media of the College of Education.

    This year’s University Days, organized by the University Student Council, the Federated Student Council, and the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, promises a dynamic lineup of events.

    LINK.exe, the official documentation partner from the College of Information and Communications Technology, will spearhead the initiative, working closely with the newly formed unified documentation team.

    The collaboration highlights the university’s commitment to fostering community engagement and amplifying its celebrations through comprehensive and professional reporting.

    By Dr. Hazel P. Villa/PAMCO

    Photos by PAMCO

  • WVSU explores Nursing Education partnership with Chang Gung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan

    WVSU explores Nursing Education partnership with Chang Gung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan

    In a significant step towards international academic collaboration, West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Chang Gung University of Science and Technology (CGUST) Taiwan, met today, January 23, 2025, for discussions on specific areas in the nursing education.

    Representing WVSU, Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), was warmly received by Dr. Chia-Ling Wu, RN, PhD, Chief of the Office of International Affairs, and Dr. Chueh-Fen Lu, Associate Professor at the Nursing School of CGUST.

    The visit focused on discussing collaborative opportunities in nursing programs, academic exchanges, and joint research initiatives, setting the stage for a fruitful partnership aimed at enhancing nursing education in both institutions.

    This meeting marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in international cooperation for WVSU as it seeks to further elevate its academic standing in the nursing bachelor and graduate programs on the global stage.

    Story by Gladwyn Gustilo/ILLO

    word press watermarks
  • Flag ceremony marking second sem welcomes foreign exchange students to WVSU

    Flag ceremony marking second sem welcomes foreign exchange students to WVSU

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) officially welcomed foreign exchange students from Spain and South Korea during the flag ceremony on Monday, marking the opening of the second semester.

    The Spanish interns, Mertxe Mendibe Lazaro and Maria Pilar Arraiz Torre, will undergo a six-month internship at WVSU from January 22 to July 21, 2025. They are recipients of the Basque Government’s Global Training Grant Programme, a collaboration between WVSU, Mondragon University, and the University of Deusto in Spain.

    Dr. Antoniette Cortez, director of WVSU’s Center for Teaching Excellence, will oversee their internship. The interns will participate in cultural immersion activities across Western Visayas, study Philippine history with BCAED students, serve as teaching assistants in the Integrated Laboratory School Kindergarten, the College of PESCAR, and the College of Arts and Sciences, and collaborate with College of Education students on a multilingual compendium project.

    At the same time, WVSU also welcomed 20 students from Jeju National University (JNU), South Korea, for a month-long academic and cultural immersion program.

    The delegation, led by Prof. Yung-Cheol Byun, director of the Center for High Intelligence Service at JNU, will collaborate with Dr. Ma. Beth Concepcion, dean of the College of ICT, to facilitate various academic activities. The students will study English through the WVSU Center for Foreign Languages and engage in academic programs under the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) from January 17 to February 17, 2025.

    This initiative is part of WVSU’s internationalization efforts, aimed at fostering cross-cultural learning and global partnerships, under the guidance of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO).

    The flag ceremony was hosted by the Office of the WVSU President.

    Text and photos by Hazel P. Villa, PAMCO Director (With reports from Gladwyn Gustilo and Dr. Anne Cortez)

    #WVSUexcels

  • WVSU collabs with RASUC 6 chief information officers

    WVSU collabs with RASUC 6 chief information officers

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) participated in the first face-to-face meeting of chief information officers (CIOs) from various Region 6 state colleges and universities (SUCs) at the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) Board Room on January 17, 2025.

    Mr. Louie Cervantes, director of the WVSU Management Information Office (MIS), presided over the meeting and delivered the welcoming remarks, outlining the outcomes and expectations for the discussions.

    The collaboration among participating SUC information officers provided a platform for exchanging innovative ideas, establishing organizational structures and governance, and optimizing resources through networking and strategic planning.

    Representatives from Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, University of Antique, Capiz State University, State University of Northern Negros, Guimaras State University, Central Philippine State University, Aklan State University, Northern Iloilo State University, and the host school, ISAT U, attended the meeting.

    The Regional Association of State Colleges and Universities (RASUC) VI, Inc. is an organization of 11 SUCs in Western Visayas led by Chairperson Dr. Bobby D. Gerardo, president of Northern Iloilo State University.

    Written by JA Temelo, PAMCO

    #WVSUexcels

  • WVSU expands global outreach with arrival of two Spanish Interns

    WVSU expands global outreach with arrival of two Spanish Interns

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) has officially welcomed two Spanish interns, Mertxe Mendibe Lazaro and Maria Pilar Arraiz Torre, who will participate in a six-month internship from January 22 to July 21, 2025. The interns are recipients of the Basque Government’s Global Training Grant Programme, part of a collaborative effort between WVSU, Mondragon University, and the University of Deusto in Spain.

    Dr. Antoniette Cortez, Director of WVSU’s Center for Teaching Excellence, expressed her enthusiasm upon their arrival, saying, “We’re looking forward to having them. We have already prepared a Program of Activities for the duration of their stay, such as going on cultural immersion activities in varied challenged areas in Western Visayas, learn more about Philippine History since they will be attending a class with BCAED students, do teaching assistantships in the ILS Kindergarten, College of Pescar, and College of Arts and Sciences. They will also be collaborating with College of Education students in creating a multilingual compendium. All in all, we’re excited to spend these six, productive and meaningful months with them.”

    WVSU will take the lead in guiding the interns through a carefully designed six-month program aimed at enhancing their professional skills. The university is committed to providing a structured work plan that aligns with the interns’ individual profiles, helping them gain valuable hands-on experience while also contributing to WVSU’s academic community.

    This collaboration will also offer significant opportunities for cultural immersion, allowing the interns to experience Filipino traditions, values, and work environments in Iloilo and the surrounding provinces. These interactions will enrich their understanding of local culture and provide a well-rounded, practical learning experience.

    For WVSU, the arrival of Mendibe Lazaro and Arraiz Torre is an exciting opportunity to strengthen international ties and bring fresh global perspectives to its campus. The program is designed to benefit not only the interns but also the university community, as it fosters collaboration, cultural exchange, and professional growth across borders.

    Story by Gladwyn Gustilo/ILLO

  • Three WVSU students step into teaching roles at Taiwan’s Leading English Immersion Camp

    Three WVSU students step into teaching roles at Taiwan’s Leading English Immersion Camp

    Three students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) are set to join the American Language Village (ALV) Immersion Program in Taiwan from January 18 to 27, 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in the university’s international outreach. This immersive camp will be the first major initiative under the newly established Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WVSU and the ALV.

    The selected students will act as teacher assistants, playing a pivotal role in facilitating group activities, supporting language instruction, and assisting with cultural programs integral to the camp’s curriculum. Maria Fe Tianes is a student from the WVSU Himamaylan Campus, enrolled in the School of Education, while Zoe Marie Baaya and Le Gerlaine Mondejar are both 4th-year Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) English students from the Main Campus, College of Education (COE).

    Accompanying them will be Prof. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, and Prof. Esperval Cezhar H. Cadiao, College Secretary of the College of Education. Together, this group of students and faculty members will represent WVSU at the renowned camp in Taiwan, which was established in 1992 as the country’s first and only English immersion camp.

    For the WVSU delegation, this opportunity goes beyond the teaching skills they will acquire; it is an invaluable experience that will deepen their understanding of global perspectives and prepare them to become more effective educators. As future teachers, the skills and insights they gain at the ALV will be instrumental in helping them teach their students not only English but also important values of global citizenship, cultural awareness, and environmental stewardship.

    This immersion program aligns perfectly with WVSU’s commitment to fostering global learning opportunities for its students. By exposing them to international teaching environments and cross-cultural experiences, WVSU is preparing its future educators to take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to the ever-changing educational landscape.

    Story by Gladwyn Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU PAMCO participates in Career Fair at Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus

    WVSU PAMCO participates in Career Fair at Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus

    The West Visayas State University (WVSU) Public Affairs and Marketing Communications Office (PAMCO) took part in the Developmental Career Guidance Week Celebration 2025 of the Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus (CSCJ) from January 15-16, 2025.

    With the theme, “Vincentian Pilgrims: Navigating and Growing Careers in Hope and Prayer”, the event kicked off with a series of talks from invited guests during the Career and Vocation Campaign to Senior High School Students at the CSCJ Our Lady’s Hall during the first day.

    Jessa Temelo, information officer of PAMCO, delivered a talk that highlighted WVSU’s wide selection of academic programs, while emphasizing nursing, education, and management programs as requested by the CSCJ Guidance Center.

    In addition, the WVSU Expedited Select Track for Medicine (WEST Med) program overview and admission were also discussed, which left STEM students buzzed and encouraged to take the opportunity of a 7-year medicine program.

    On the second day, WVSU participated in the Career Exhibit, which provided an interactive experience among students and representatives of various colleges and universities present.

    Attendees who dropped by the booth were given media kits containing brochures and information about the university. Also included in the kits were tabloids and newsletters, which were generously provided by WVSU student publications such as Vital Signs Publication, SILAK Media, and The Innovator.

    The two-day event was joined by students and representatives from John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Molo Campus, Western Institute of Technology, University of Iloilo, University of San Agustin, Iloilo Doctors’ College, Central Philippine University, St. Therese MTC Colleges – Magdalo Site, and the host school’s college department.

    Organized by the CSCJ Guidance Center, the Career Fair aims to assist students as they navigate and nurture in their desired careers while embodying Vincentian values of integrating faith and action through lifting communities from living in poverty.

    Written by JA Temelo, PAMCO
    Photos taken by Wina May dela Cruz, PAMCO