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Academic News News

Student editors of WVSU Journal for Law Advocacy immerse in journal essentials workshop

Nine student editors of the West Visayas State University College of Law (WVSU COL) Journal for Law Advocacy (JLA) attended a skills enhancement training entitled, “Journal Essentials: A Workshop on Scholarly Writing” last September 9, 2024 from 01:30 to 05:30 p.m.
 
Held at the WVSU COL Moot Court, the workshop served as a transformative journey for new JLA student editors in improving their expertise in the field of legal research, scholarly writing, and journal editing.
 
Dr. Hazel P. Villa, director of the Public Affairs and Marketing Communications Office (PAMCO) of WVSU and the first resource speaker, covered the topic on journal fundamentals with focus on scholarly writing and mindful use of the Bluebook system of citation as well as the journal review process.
 
Aside from lectures, Dr. Villa also facilitated writing exercises for the student editors to put their newly learned skills into practice.
 
Atty. Regina Johanna V. Gustilo, a faculty member of WVSU COL, also discussed the relevance of refining academic writing skills to improve the quality and output of works towards research and analysis in examining the law and the legal system. Her discussion focused on the theme, “Enhancing Environmental Laws in the Philippines: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Reforms towards a Balanced and Healthful Ecology.”
 
The JLA is the official student publication of WVSU COL devoted to the development of legal scholarship for the Visayan Region.
 
One of their goals is to provide opportunities for law students to enhance their legal writing, research, and analytic skills in exercising their academic and free expression.
 
𝘛𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢 𝘛𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘰, 𝘗𝘈𝘔𝘊𝘖
𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵-𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘺 𝘑𝘦𝘧𝘧 𝘗𝘳𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦, 𝘗𝘈𝘔𝘊𝘖 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯
Categories
Linkages News President Corner

WVSU College of Dentistry signs MOA with Philippine Association of Functional Jaw Orthopedics

The West Visayas State University College of Dentistry (WVSU-COD) signed a partnership with the Philippine Association of Functional Jaw Orthopedics – TMJ Inc. (PAFJO-TMJ) on September 6, 2024, at the West Visayas State University ILLO Conference Room.
 
This agreement establishes a collaboration between PAFJO-TMJ and WVSU-COD to enhance academic support, advance the professional treatment of patients with orofacial pain, and strengthen comprehensive care across regions and cities nationwide.
 
Dr. Joselito Villaruz, president of WVSU, and Dr. Liza Assumpta M. Jover, dean of WVSU-COD, signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Dr. Isabel Allyn Mendoza, president of PAFJO-TMJ, along with other officers and the Council of Presidents.
 
In addition to the MOA signing, PAFJO-TMJ and WVSU-COD hosted the 2nd Scientific Seminar Workshop at the College of Medicine Auditorium with the theme, “Orofacial Pain Bridges the Gap Between Medicine and Dentistry: A Collaborative Approach,” which was attended by physicians and dentists from across the country.
 
Text and photos by Wina May De la Cruz, PAMCO
Categories
International News News

King Sejong Institute Iloilo marks a milestone-filled August 2024

Iloilo City, Philippines – The King Sejong Institute (KSI) Iloilo, a newly established cultural and educational hub under the West Visayas State University (WVSU), has achieved significant milestones in its first month of operation. Following the successful Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) on August 1, 2024, KSI Iloilo has swiftly made its mark as a center for Korean language and cultural education.

 

The King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) aims to promote the Korean language and culture globally, fostering deeper cultural ties and mutual understanding between Korea and other nations. With this mission in mind, KSI Iloilo has embarked on an active and fruitful journey, highlighted by the following key events in August 2024:

 

  • August 5, 2024: Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, represented WVSU at the World Korean Educator Conference 2024 in South Korea. At this prestigious event, WVSU received its official designation as King Sejong Institute Iloilo, solidifying its role as a key player in the promotion of Korean culture and language in the Philippines.
  • August 24, 2024: KSI-Iloilo held its Opening Ceremony for the First Semester of 2024. This event marked the formal commencement of the institute’s academic offerings, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative experience for its students.
  • August 25, 2024: The first day of classes for KSI-Iloilo began with Level 4B (intermediate level). Notably, KSI Iloilo is the only King Sejong Institute out of eight in the Philippines to offer an intermediate-level class, reflecting its commitment to providing advanced educational opportunities for its students.
  • August 27, 2024: KSI-Iloilo successfully launched its classes for Level 1B and 2A, catering to beginner and intermediate learners. These classes are part of the institute’s broad curriculum designed to accommodate various proficiency levels.
  • August 28, 2024: The first day of classes for Level 1A was conducted, further expanding the institute’s educational reach to students eager to begin their journey in learning the Korean language.

In addition to its academic offerings, KSI Iloilo was actively involved in several on-campus events. On August 16, 2024, during the University Freshmen Orientation, and on August 30, 2024, at CAS Akwe, where KSI Iloilo promoted its programs and surveyed interested students for the next semester. These outreach efforts were instrumental in raising awareness of KSI’s offerings and attracting a diverse group of learners.

 

Moreover, KSI Iloilo was invited by the Iloilo Korean United Association to participate in the 4th Iloilo-Korea Friendship Day on August 31, 2024. This event celebrated the strong bond between the Ilonggo and Korean communities, providing a platform for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.

 

Currently, KSI Iloilo is conducting classes for Level 1A, 1B, 2A, and 4B, with plans to introduce more exciting cultural activities and educational programs in the near future. The success of these initiatives is largely attributed to the dedication of the institute’s faculty and staff, including Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo (Dean, CAS), Dr. Joy H. Pantino (Chair, DEFLLS/Director, KSI Iloilo), Ms. Reeran Park (Korean Project Manager), Ms. Krizza S. Cañete (Filipino Project Manager), Ms. Jungja Han (Instructor), and Ms. Arizza Julia A. Inocencio (Instructor).

 

Their efforts were further supported by various WVSU offices, including the Office of the President, VPAA, VPAF, Finance Division, ILLO, and PAMCO. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the entire WVSU community to the success of KSI Iloilo.

 

As KSI Iloilo continues to grow, the community is encouraged to follow its official channels for updates on upcoming classes, cultural activities, and other exciting developments.

 

Text by Krizza S. Cañete, KSI Iloilo

Categories
International News News

CHED unveils Simulation-Based Education Marker

In a testament to the pursuit of innovation and quality education, the Secretary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” E. De Vera III visits West Visayas State University (WVSU) today, August 30, to officially unveil the marker for Simulation-Based Education Laboratory.

 

During the press conference, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz shares heartfelt remarks about CHED’s commitment for its continual support to the University in its endeavors for the College of Medicine program.

 

The ceremony includes unveiling of a brass marker, and a tour of the facility, showcasing advanced equipment and innovative training module for medicine students.

 

The new laboratory includes a control room, patient rooms with state-of-the-art software and technology-enabled high-fidelity mannequins with human-like features, enables students to hone their skills and expand their knowledge in a simulated, real-world environment. Equipped with the latest technology and realistic medical scenarios.

 

Present during the ceremony were Dr. Victor Amantillo, Dean College of Medicine (COM); Dr. Celina Gellada, Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences; Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Dr. Peter Ernie Paris; Dr. Madonna Palmes, Dean, College of Nursing (CON); Dr. Raul Alvarez Regional Director, CHED 6; Media Friends; Faculties and students from the WVSU-COM.

 

Furthermore, this project propels the internationalization initiatives of the University.

 

This initiative aligns with CHED and WVSU’s Optimizing Simulation-based Education (SBE), Training, Collaboration and Research -A Focus on Technology-driven Teaching and Learning Strategies.

Categories
News President Corner

CHED, WVSU unveil simulation-based tech; new programs across fields in progress

Manifesting its commitment to enhancing medical education, West Visayas State University, with the support of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), unveiled the WVSU Simulation-Based Education Laboratory Marker at the College of Medicine on August 30, 2024.
 
CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III and WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz led the activity, which is part of the LAKAS (Leading the Advancement of Knowledge in Agriculture and Sciences) Program. This program focuses on improving educational and training methodologies through advancements in simulation technology.
 
The program has enabled the university to invest in and procure high-quality manikins and task trainers, which serve as essential tools for simulation-based education.
 
“It provides a safe and secure training environment for students and patients before they enter clinical areas or gain actual experience,” Villaruz said in an interview.
 
The university president also noted that WVSU has received a grant from CHED amounting to approximately Php86 million for simulation-based education, as well as an additional Php24 million from the Seed Fund Project, also known as the “Programang Punla para sa Medisina.”
 
CHED Chairman De Vera III shared the program’s direction in employing technology in education, slowly adopting it to public universities and selected private schools in the country starting with WVSU.
 
“We selected the top medical schools to be the anchor of our use of technology-mediated learning and simulation-based kasi sila yung magaling. I don’t think you will question the competence of West Visayas… sa passing rate pa lang, wala nang debate,” De Vera said.
 
𝐖𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐞𝐝
 
During the interview, Dr. Villaruz also underscored WVSU’s stride towards implementing the WVSU Expedited Select Track for Medicine or WESTMed program, akin to the accelerated medical program that would allow students to graduate medical school within just seven years which contrasts with the current 9-year program.
 
The university will implement the program in academic year 2025-2026, expanding its number of enrollees from 120 students to 160. The accepted students will “join the program straight from Senior High School.”
 
According to Chairman De Vera, the said accelerated program has already been established in other universities and has made successful outcomes, prompting the said program to also be applied in WVSU.
 
“I think this is a breakthrough in the medical program because we will be able to produce quality doctors faster,” De Vera said.
 
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝𝐬
 
In its ongoing effort to modernize instruction, Dr. Villaruz announced that West Visayas State University (WVSU) will be establishing an augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) Laboratory for the College of Medicine. This new facility will allow students to explore procedures such as dissection using virtual reality technology.
 
Additionally, WVSU has received a four-million peso grant to modernize the communications equipment for the College of Communication in which Dr. Villaruz shared that the administration is settling the “final home” of the said college.
 
Dr. Villaruz also highlighted that WVSU is a recipient of the Sustainable Tourism Education Program Upgrading Project (STEP UP) from CHED, which will support the enhancement of equipment for the Hospitality Management program.
 
Furthermore, he revealed that in the coming years, WVSU will introduce new programs in allied health sciences like Medical Technology and Psychology.
 
Text by Keven Rizzo Sitjar, PAMCO
Photos by Wina May Dela Cruz, PAMCO
Categories
International News News

ILLO Director teams up with PHEIs for PAEF comprehensive IZN training

Out of 271 applicants, the Director of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) International and Local Linkages Office, Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka was chosen to be one of the 30 international relations officers in the Philippines to be trained in the US-PH Global Partnership Workshop on August 28-29, 2024 at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas in Pasig City, Metro Manila.

 

Anchored on the theme, “Advancing Internationalization and Continuing Engagements Between the US and Philippine Higher Education Institutions”. The said workshop is centered in strengthening internationalization engagements between and among Philippine Higher Education Institutions in the country and the United States.

 

The workshop was organized by the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (Fulbright Commission in the Philippines) in collaboration with the US Department of State’s USA Study Abroad and the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

 

Attended by educators, policymakers, prominent individuals from the government and private sectors. This workshop provided the representatives an understanding of how Philippine higher education institutions can strategize their capacity in developing international education and exchange initiatives, and how both sectors can make full use of internationalization resources for both the US and Filipino students and scholars.

 

Prof. Edel’s participation to the workshop is a testament to the university’s development trajectory in positioning WVSU as a premier university in the region and in the country.

Categories
News

BayanAnihan Summit 2024 Visayas leg kicks off at WVSU

The BayanAnihan Summit Visayas leg kicked off today at West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City, with the theme “Building a Culture of Productivity.”
 
The opening program was held at the WVSU Cultural Center, followed by insightful plenary sessions facilitated by various partners and organizations from the fisheries sector.
 
Throughout the afternoon, breakout sessions and roundtable discussions with industry leaders are scheduled to take place, alongside competitions, networking activities, and an all-day countryside fair.
 
Aside from stalls for meals and snacks, planting materials, breeding stocks, and souvenir items, the event sponsors and partners also prepared information materials, games, prizes, and growth opportunities for guests who stopped by their booths.
 
The countryside fair aims to showcase and promote local food products and agriculture merchandise, and to encourage public and private partnerships in supporting and investing in young agri-leaders.
 
Running from August 29 to 31, 2024, the summit aims to provide young fishers, farmers, and foresters opportunities to connect with agriculture industries, invest in training, and share knowledge to help them implement entrepreneurial strategies in their communities.
Categories
International News News

ILLO Director selected to join US-PH Global Partnership Workshop

Fullbright Philippines selected Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the WVSU International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) as one of the 30 International Affairs Officers (IROs) in the country to be trained at the US-PH Global Partnership Workshop: Advancing Internationalization and Continuing Engagements between the US and the Philippine Higher Education Institutions set to happen on August 28-29, 2024 at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas in Pasig City, Metro Manila.

 

The Philippine-American Educational Foundation (Fulbright Commission in the Philippines) is organizing this workshop in collaboration with the US Department of State’s USA Study Abroad and the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

 

The aim of this workshop is to improve the capacity of Philippine Higher Education Institutions in developing two-way academic exchanges and study abroad planning while advancing institutional long-term partnerships with US universities and colleges. Also, to provide advanced knowledge and skills on internationalization, building connections and partnerships with the US institutions for higher education.

 

This demonstrates WVSU ILLO’s dedication to connecting institutions, forging bilateral academic alliances and cooperation, and strengthening global linkages.

Categories
International News News

1st ASEAN Agriculture and Forestry Summit continues on its second day

The first ASEAN Agriculture and Forestry Summit continued on its second day in West Visayas State University-College of Agriculture and Forestry (WVSU-CAF) on August 28, 2024. It was marked by discussions filled with knowledge-sharing and cultural exchange.

 

The second day kicked off with a research forum, with selected students from the WVSU-CAF presenting their proposals in forestry, animal science, and crop science. The proposals were evaluated by the esteemed guest, Dr. Donludee Jaisut, Associate Dean- International Relations of the Faculty of Agriculture of Kasetsart University, who shared her expertise and insights on the importance of research and international collaboration.

 

Today’s activities highlighted the essence of “Tabo, Tiraw, and Tungkad.” These themes represent the foundation of this summit, connecting people (“Tabo”) with shared knowledge, savoring the cultural identity (“Tiraw”) through traditional flavors and local delicacies, and rising to new heights (“Tungkad”) to collectively aim to uplift the fields of agriculture and forestry.

 

The day also featured a campus tour to the Mariit Wildlife and Conservation Park, which is under the care of WVSU CAF. The tour was guided by experts Dr. JB Ian Bullo- Campus Veterinarian, and Forester Rod Reynan L. Laspinas. This allowed both WVSU and Kasetsart University to appreciate the conservation efforts and expertise in fostering innovation and sustainability.

 

This summit is made possible through the collaborative efforts of West Visayas State University (WVSU) led by president Dr. Joselito Villaruz; Kasetsart University of Thailand represented by Dr. Donludee Jaisut, Associate Dean International Relations, Faculty of Agriculture Kasetsart University, Thailand; Prof. Edel Subong-Csoka, Director, International and Local Linkages Office; Dr. Joel Araquil, Campus administrator WVSU-CAF, with the assistance of Prof Michael Victor Gonzales, CAF IZN Coordinator, the CAF faculty and staff, and the DagYoung Student Ambassadors.

Categories
News

Former DOST director, world-class science educator is now WVSU prof in COE-Graduate School

Renowned scientist and former director of the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST -SEI), Dr. Josette T. Biyo, officially began her faculty work at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) last August 24, 2024.
 
The renowned educator recently joined the faculty roster of the College of Education – Graduate School for the first semester of the academic year 2024-2025, teaching Advanced Marine Ecology for the Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education program, Major in Biology.
 
Among her first engagements as a professor at WVSU, Dr. Biyo supervised a recently conducted in-depth field study, focused on community structure of seagrass ecosystems and mangrove assessment at Brgy. Dangula-an, Anilao, Iloilo.
 
Dr. Biyo is a celebrated scientist for being a recipient of the International Excellence in Teaching Award during the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair held in Louisville, Kentucky, USA in 2002, making her the first Asian teacher to clinch the award.
 
An asteroid from the Flora region of the inner asteroid belt called the 13241 Biyo was named after the said former DOST-SEI director for her accomplishment in the said fair.
 
Dr. Biyo spent most of her life in the academe where she used her knowledge in biology to serve rural communities in Iloilo and has developed her educational philosophy of fostering a “culture of science.”
 
Text by Keven Rizzo Sitjar, PAMCO
Photos collected by Patrick John Paniza