Category: News

To learn the best practices of West Visayas State University (WVSU) in the area of physical education, sports, culture and the arts, and recreation, University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao embarked on a benchmarking activity at WVSU’s College of PESCAR on October 29, 2024.

The Department Head of Human Kinetics, Prof. Jezreel M. Abarca together with Prof. Jonathan Cagas, and Professor Erwin Protacio took part in the exchange of knowledge about the academic affairs, review programs, teaching methodologies, best practices implemented, and curriculum under the said college.

Furthermore, UP Mindanao is eyeing to establish its own Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences (BSESS) program and has sought guidance from the WVSU College of PESCAR (COP).

The meeting-discussion was led by Dr. Porferio J. Barlas Jr., Dean of COP; Dr. Paulo Abrico, Department Chair of Physical Education; Dr. Ma. Nenette Bajador, COP Faculty; and Prof. Noel Mondejar, COP Faculty.

This visit demonstrates WVSU’s spirit of mentoring.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) with its stride in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) will be recognized once again in the prestigious Commission on Higher Education’s Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards, set on October 25, 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

The ICONS Awards is a significant platform that celebrates the achievements of higher education institutions for demonstrating excellence in international rankings (QS, THE, and WURI), successfully undergoing the AUN QA Institutional Assessment, and attaining the status of AUN QA Associate Member Universities in 2024.

In 2023, it can be recalled that WVSU broke into the stringent WURI, earning spots in Global Top Innovative Universities (Top 201-300). Having also been recognized for the latter in 2022, gaining three stars in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

WVSU has consistently advanced its performance and visibility in global rankings that measure academic reputation, research and innovation, impact and social values, sustainability and development, and international engagement.

The said award is bestowed to WVSU for championing the global reputation through its commendable performance in international rankings and ratings, trailblazing efforts to advance internationalization, and innovative initiatives to contribute to the country’s economic and societal goals.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) concluded its three-part DagYoung Sessions activity with the topic, Pitching the Institution, via Google Meet, on October 20, 2024, seeking to integrate student ambassadors with concepts in pitching WVSU and build a brand identity around it.

Professor Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of ILLO, emphasized that setting up a series of workshops is not only to teach practical skills but also to inspire and empower student ambassadors for strategic growth.

During the workshop, resource speaker, Mr. Daryl Lasafin, Head of Operations, Dame Digital, highlighted the importance of branding in the University’s marketing plan, especially if that institution is not particularly well-known. Creating a solid identity is the best way to draw more partnerships on a global scale as it helps promote distinctiveness that sets an institution apart from others.

He started the discussion by outlining WVSU’s particular strengths and focusing on what exactly makes it unique. Student ambassadors must begin with gaining a clear understanding of the University’s vision, mission, and core values.

Additionally, he underpinned the branding story framework which pinpoints three specific components: purpose, drive, and culture. These foundational elements served as the guiding principles for branding decisions. Knowing who you are, what you stand for, and who you aim to reach is essential in creating a brand that resonates.

Through these discussions, student ambassadors were reminded of how they can be ‘game changers’, especially with the kind of influence that comes being a branding arm of the university.

After the discussion, a forum session took place and participants posed questions as well as comments to the speaker.

The DagYoung Sessions was conceptualized by the ILLO in an effort to provide student ambassadors with skills necessary for the future and prepare them to become global citizens at the forefront of international education in the years to come.

Delegates from Ateneo de Iloilo-Santa Maria Catholic School visited West Visayas State University (WVSU) on October 17, 2024, aiming to connect with students and staff, introduce them to the university’s academic programs and campus life.

The delegation, including 10 students and two faculty members, was warmly welcomed by Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata, Dean, Office of Student Affairs (OSA); International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) Staff and the DagYoung student ambassadors.

Dr. Malata presented a comprehensive overview of the university, highlighting the academic programs and facilities, and also underlined WVSU as an academic institution that provides quality and practitioner-led training and educational services.

They also heard from Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) who discussed about the college’s academic areas and programs. He provided the students with vital information to assist them in choosing which path to pursue, covering everything from the offered courses to academic guidelines.

Meanwhile, Ella Vila, DagYoung student ambassador, College of Business and Management (CBM) tackled business, finance, and management related courses.

The meeting provided knowledge and engaging learning experience that enhanced students’ capacity for dialogue and academic engagement. A campus tour followed wherein students had the opportunity to visit different colleges and facilities in the university.

This visit served as a platform for exchange and learning to promote WVSU among prospect students.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) International and Local Linkages Office spearheaded a collaborative workshop on ASEAN Citizenship Goals: Initiating Partnerships and IZN projects and Induction among Student Ambassadors on Oct. 11, 2024 at Sam’s 21 Hotel.

The workshop aimed to identify and specify goals, measurable objectives, and activities that will guide the student ambassadors in decision-making and will ensure that everyone will work toward a common goal, ushering the University’s roadmap in IZN.

In her welcome message, Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of WVSU International and Local Linkages Office said that as a student ambassador they are enjoined to serve as exemplars of what WVSU can achieve and contribute in nation building and in the international community, by spreading good word about the culture of honor and excellence in the university.

During the workshop, resource speaker Prof. Bryan Dayuta, Director, International Affairs and Linkages, Philippine Normal University (PNU), discussed the strategic overview and identified the student ambassadors’ strengths, untapped potentials, and opportunities. He also led in creating an academic-centered IZN activity plan to set key directions for the current academic year.

Furthermore, the student ambassadors were divided into three groups. Each group focused on crafting plans and programs based on the six committees: Membership and Recruitment Committee (MRC); Promotion and Documentation Committee (PDC); Finance and Logistics Committee (FLC); Education and Training Committee (ETC); Research and Publication Committee (RPC) and Alumni and Associations Committee (AAC).

The internationalization project proposals of the student ambassadors will undergo the next phase of evaluation. With the next phase of evaluations and deliberations, it is targeted that the implementations of the projects commence the soonest as possible. Prof. Edel together with the IZN Coordinators from different colleges and campuses will take the lead in realizing the ways forward of the internationalization project proposals.

The event was also highlighted by the induction of the new officers. Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) served as the inducting officer for the ceremony.

The workshop marked a significant milestone in WVSU’s ongoing efforts to expand its international presence and prepare its students to become global citizens at the forefront of international education in the years to come.

| Written by Gladwyn Gustilo