Category: News

  • WVSU, US Embassy Explore Opportunities in Internationalization

    By Leo G. Almonte, MDC

    US Embassy Deputy Public Attaché Ms. Pauline Anderson visited West Visayas State University last October 25, 2022. The visit aims to discover opportunities for WVSU in the United States in exchange programs, student mobility, academic research, and partnerships with American educational institutions. Ms. Anderson was accompanied by Ms. Jennifer Anna J. Pascua, American Spaces Program Coordinator, Public Affairs Section.

    WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz headed the representation from the university, together with Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, VP for Academic Affairs; Dr. Porferio J. Barlas Jr., VP for Administration and Finance; Dr. Celina C. Gellada, Vice President of Medical & Allied Sciences; Dr. Wilhelm P. Cerbo, Director of UPDO; Dr. Alona M. Belarga, Director of Instruction; Dr. Dolly Rose F. Temelo, Director of Quality Assurance; Dr. Ryan Michael Oducado, Director of URDC, Prof. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of ILLO; Dr. Ian C. Espada, Dean of the College of Communication; and Mr. Leo G. Almonte, Director of PAMCO.

     In his opening talk, Dr. Villaruz discussed the past and ongoing engagements with academic institutions in the United States. He mentioned the challenges and issues that WVSU experienced in their exchange programs involving US universities. Aside from medicine, the university president stated that agriculture is another area of possible partnership.

    After a video presentation about WVSU, Ms. Andersen gave her response and insight on potential collaborations between the university and the United States. “I am very optimistic about future partnerships,” she said. “There are doors of opportunities in education between the university and United States in the new normal.”

    A group photo-taking and the exchange of tokens between Dr. Villaruz and Ms. Andersen capped the meeting. The WVSU-US Embassy talk was made possible through the coordination of ILLO led by Prof. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka.

  • FAB Project equipment, supplies turned over to CBM

    The supplies and equipment to be used to teach Master of Science in Family Business Management (FAB) were turned over to the College of Business and Management (CBM).
    FAB is a new postgraduate course in 2023 as an output of the FAB project, which is cofunded by the Erasmus+ of the European Union.
     
    CBM was led by Dean, Dr. Ma. Corazon Samorin with WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, Director of Instruction Dr. Alona Belarga, and WVSU International and Local Linkages Office – ILLO Director Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka witnessing the event.
    Dr. Joselito Villaruz, WVSU President, stresses that FAB is one of the University’s contributions to the academe and the community.
  • WVSU joins EduCanada 2022

    West Visayas State University participated in the EduCanada Pathways to Partnership event at the Grand Hyatt, BGC, Taguig.  
    EduCanada Pathways to Partnerships provides a venue for Philippine Higher Educational Institutions to collaborate and create networks with Canadian colleges and universities.
     
    This year’s event was joined by different higher educational institutions from the Philippines and a record-high 66 Canadian institutions.
    WVSU was represented by Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, Ms Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka.
     
  • WVSU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Korea University of Media Arts (KUMA) , represented by Ms. Park Yun-A, Director of International Education.

    Present in the signing ceremony were WVSU’s President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, Vice Presidents Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla and Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, International and Local Linkages Office Director Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Calinog Campus Administrator Dr. Rosario Clarabel Contreras, Calinog Campus KUMA project coordinator Dr. Marie Candy Celeste, Calinog IZN focal person Dr Raymund Moreno, College of Communication Dean Dr. Ian Espada, and College of Information and Communications Technology Dr. Ma. Beth Concepcion.
     
  • Yeungman University Medical Center (YUMC), Korea visits WVSU College of Medicine

    Dr. Ho-woong Yoo (Researcher of YUMC & Visiting Professor of DSSID)and Ms. Young Sook Song (Researcher and Nurse, YUMC) discuss possible collaborations with the College of Medicine team led by Dean Dr. Victor Amantillo. WVSU’s VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla was also present.

  • WVSU’s World Research and Innovation Festival Kicks Off

    by Leo G. Almonte, MDC

    West Visayas State University takes a giant step towards its aspiration to be a research university by hosting the 2022 World Research and Innovation Festival (WRIF) today, October 17, 2022. After months of preparation led by WRIF Lead Convenor Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, WVSU opens the remote conference through Zoom to researchers worldwide.

    With the theme “Connecting the global community through research,” the festival has four main clusters, namely, International Conference in Education and Social Sciences;  International Conference in Pure and Applied Sciences; International Conference in Medical, Health, and Allied Sciences; and International Conference in Business, Hospitality, and Management.

    After the preliminaries, prayer, and the Philippine National Anthem, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz gave an insightful welcome message that set the stage for the conference. He started his remarks with a probing question:  What have we done in this world that you will leave behind when your physical body is no longer around? Dr. Villaruz said that many participants in the conference might already have a long list, while some may have just started, and a number have no legacies yet to leave behind.

    “To those who have started,  carry on, and you will reach your goal,” said the WVSU president. “To those with many on their list, please be a guiding light to others. I posted the question because the World Research and Innovation Festival is a perfect venue for reflection organized by WVSU. This research festival is not just for a show. This three-day event is fulfilling a mission in the world”.

    Honorable Rolando B. Distura, SP Member 4th District of Iloilo, gave an opening message on behalf of Iloilo Province Governor Arthur Defensor, JR. Dr. Greta G. Gabinete took the spotlight to introduce the guests and plenary speakers of the day. Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr. introduced Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III while Dr. Ryan Michael F. Oducado read the CHED chairperson’s message.

    Utah Valley University President  Dr. Astrid Segovia Tuminez capped the morning session with her inspiring story in her keynote speech. A native of Iloilo City, Dr. Tuminez related her humble beginnings as a child from a low-income family living in an impoverished area. “Who would have thought that someone like me would one day become the president of one of America’s biggest universities? Her keynote speech expounded on the theme “Knowledge is Power. Research and Innovation give us the Key”.

    Plenary speakers for the different conference clusters will share their expertise along with papers presenters from October 17 to 12. Dr. Josette Talamera-Biyo, Dr. Achim Dobermann, Dr. Christopher Millora, and Dr. Mary Precy Aguilar-Lego are scheduled to speak on the afternoon sessions of the research festival’s first day.

  • WVSU Co-Hosts Regional Futures Consortium Workshop

    WVSU co-hosted the Regional Futures Consortium Workshop: A High-Level Anticipatory Leadership and Governance Executive Course at the moment at JR HALL Diversion 21, Iloilo City. The Regional Futures is an Initiative of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Innovation, and Future Thinking, chaired by Senator Pia Cayetano.

    The regional workshop aims to train and guide SUCs in future-proofing their programs in instruction, research, and linkages through capacity-building, scenario planning, and Futures Thinking strategies.

     Speakers and facilitators of the Regional Futures Consortium Workshop include Dr. Lizan E. Perante-Calina, Dr. Reginald G. Ugaddan, Dr. Ruperto S. Sangalang, Mr. Emmanuel de Guia, Dr. Olivia Z. Domingo, Ms. Jalaine Joyce Malabanan, Mr. Ramces M. Dili, and Professor Michville A. Rivera.

    After the virtual workshop from October 4 to 6, the series culminated with face-to-face facilitation of modules at Diversion 21 Hotel last October 7, 2022.

    WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz gave the opening remarks while VP of Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla recapitulated the learning from the previous sessions.

    “As academic leaders, we must be able to face future challenges head-on, but we need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills as well as full understanding of what has been, what currently is, and what is yet to come, “ said Dr. Villaruz. “Only then can we prepare and brace ourselves for the impact of the changes and challenges of the future.”

    Representatives from the Aklan State University, Capiz State University, Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, Central Philippines State University, Guimaras State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, Iloilo State College of Fisheries, Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, University of Antique, and West Visayas State University are participating in the ongoing regional consortium workshop.

  • WVSU Inks IZN Partnership with Mohawk College

    by Joseph Henry Nebres

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Mohawk College (MC) – Canada signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize partnerships for internationalization,  research, and program development last September 22, 2022, at the WVSU Teleconference Room.

    President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and Dr. Greta G. Gabinete (VP for Research, Innovation and Extension) represented  WVSU, while Mohawk College Philippine representative Mr. Jelson Sales stood in for the Canada-based college.  Mohawk University’s Dr. Anuraj Bajwa (Dean for International and Partnerships) and Mr. Nathan Tran (Marketing and Development Manager) joined the event via Zoom.

    Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla (VP for Academic Affairs) and  Dr. Wilhelm P. Cerbo (Director for University Planning and Development Office), together with the college deans, witnessed the MOU signing.

     WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz expressed his gratitude to Mohawk College for the fruition of the partnership that would open doors of opportunities for the university.

    “The programs offered by Mohawk College in the business, communication arts, community service, health, technology, graduate studies, and nursing are the best fit for West Visayas State University and its program priorities,” Dr. Villaruz said.

      The terms of collaboration include the participation of both institutions in exploring opportunities to share teaching resources and materials, training pathways, collaboration, faculty development, and exchange programs.

    “We also saw how Mohawk values diversity and supports inclusion in all aspects of academic and non-academic cooperations; therefore, Mohawk and West Visayas State University’s future together is as bright as the sun,” he added.

     

    This partnership was made possible through the leadership and initiative of Prof. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of WVSU International and Local Linkages Office, and Mr. Nathan Tran Marketing and Development Manager Mohawk College (MC), Canada.

  • WVSU’s Panayana, Irong-Irong Grace ASEAN Exhibit Closing Ceremony

    By Mary Angel Lou Salcedo Tribiano

    West Visayas State University Panayana Cultural Group rendered a romantic medley, while Irong-Irong Dance Company graced the stage with its laudable performance to entertain the crowd during the closing ceremony of the 55th ASEAN Founding Anniversary last September 30, 2022, at Robinsons Mall, Jaro, Iloilo City.

    The Panayana Cultural Group also led the opening prayer, Philippine National Anthem, ASEAN Hymn, Iloilo City Hymn, and CHED Hymn during the opening of the program.

    Before the end of the program a Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Dr. Celina C. Gellada, Vice President of Medical & Allied Sciences of West Visayas State University, for the University’s participation in the ASEAN Exhibit.

    The University’s International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) under Director Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, prepared and organized WVSU’s exhibit highlighting Indonesia’s culture, cuisine, and tradition.

    CHEDRO VI Regional Director Dr. Raul C. Alvarez declared the closing of the ASEAN Exhibit and the Hospitality Skills Expo 2022, with a closing message, emphasizing that this experience will surely make the participants “wiser, smarter, and stronger.”

    To conclude the program WVSU Panayana Cultural Group led the crowd with the song “Salamat” by Filipino band, The Dawn, to express gratitude for the labor and efforts exerted by the participating universities, colleges, and organizations to make the week-long celebration a success.

  • WVSU Pototan Represents the University during Hospitality Skills Expo

    Abegail G. Lapating and Ciarra Mae Imbang

    ILOILO CITY– West Visayas State University Pototan Campus joined the bartending competition during the ASEAN Exhibit and Hospitality Skills Expo at Robinsons Place, Jaro, Iloilo City.

    Antonio Lampa Jr., a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management student represented WVSU in the competition, last Friday, September 30, 2022.

    He introduced his concoction, Asian Hurricane Cocktail, with an entertaining bartending performance. 

    In an interview, Mr. Lampa talked about his preparations for the competition. “Nag trial and error kami para mabuo namon ang damil [taste] nga ginapangita namon.” – Mr. Lampa said.

    Mr. Lampa also added that there were some difficulties throughout the preparations, but despite the challenges, he was able to successfully finish his performance.

    “May mga tools kami nga wala [and] kulang sa equipment pero gin try namon ang amon nga best para ma comply gid namon ang amon nga gusto.” he added.

    His bartending coach, Mr. Lous Ninos Deocos, along with his schoolmates and friends, showed him their full support throughout the competition.

    Aside from West Visayas State University-Pototan Campus, various colleges and universities also participated in the competition:  BMA Global College, Central Philippine State University, Central Philippine University, Iloilo Science and Technology University-Barotac Nuevo Campus, Filamir Christian University, Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, La Consolacion College, STI West Negros University, and Iloilo Science and Technology University-Main Campus.

    The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VI ASEAN Exhibit successfully wrapped on September 30. A short program was held during the afternoon to recognize the participating colleges and universities.