Category: News

The WVSU Socio-Behavioral Science Research Ethics Review Committee (SBSRERC) is granted Level 1 accreditation by Philippine Health Research Ethics Board Committee on Standards and Accreditation (PHREB CSA), effective June 30, 2023-December 29, 2023. During this period, the SBSRERC shall comply with the 2020 PHREB Policies and Requirements for Accreditation of Research Ethics Committee and the National Ethical Guidelines for Research Involving Human Participants (NEGRIHP).

Dr. Hilda C. Montaño serves as the REC Chair and Dr. Venus Papilota-Diaz is the REC Member Secretary. Both serve as panel chairs in two of the five panels in SBSRERC, while Dr. Jeannemar Genevive Y. Figueras, Dr. Catherine O. Roces, and Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata serve in the other three panels. Each panel is composed of institutional and non-institutional members coming from various fields of socio-behavioral sciences.

As per Memorandum No. 22-268, the Committee is given the authority to operate as an independent body to review socio-behavioral science research protocols of students, faculty, staff, and other researchers within and outside the University. It approves and disapproves protocols, and requires modifications to protocols and related documents. Most importantly, it has the responsibility to protect the rights, safety, and well-being of human participants involved in socio-behavioral science research and to provide public assurance of such protection.

The WVSU SBSRERC now accepts research protocols to review. For inquiries, look for Ms. Cherry Ann C. Castigador, at the 3rd Floor of the Research and Extension Building or call 320-08-70 Loc. 1127, or email to [email protected], or visit their FB page for events, list of requirements, and forms.

by Leo G. Almonte, MDC

Merely three years after a royal decree from the Spanish government elevated the status of Iloilo from a town to a city in 1902, the Queen City of the South found itself at a crossroads.

Caught in the turbulent aftermath of the Philippine Revolution (1896-1898), the Spanish-American War (1898), and the Philippine-American War (1899-1902), Iloilo began to carve out a fresh start under a new progressive regime.

Unlike the Spanish, who arrived in peace bearing a cross but later seized the land with their arms, the hostile Americans came  with blazing cannons, conquered the domain, and then slew centuries of ignorance with their books.

The Thomasites landed in Iloilo with the determination of the US government to establish a public educational system. Unlike Spain, which aimed to imbue Filipinos with holiness, the Americans aspired to ignite their minds with knowledge.

 On a stretch of hallowed land along a road that would later become Luna Street, the Thomasites established the Iloilo Normal School in 1902. One hundred twenty-one years later, this humble roadside school with wooden walls and squeaking floors has grown and evolved into the West Visayas State University (WVSU).

WVSU’s milestones and achievements are widely recognized, and it has built a reputation for academic excellence, topnotchers, exceptional acuity in cultural and performing arts, and outstanding alums. What else can WVSU tout as its achievement, and what is its relevance to its 121st anniversary?

Aside from the external influences that impact its growth, the internal dynamics stemming from politicking, weaknesses, shortcomings, conflicts, intrigues, and controversies also pose threats to its development and growth.

Every president, from Mr. Jose B. Ledesma (1958 to 1978) to the incumbent, Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, has faced unique challenges shaped by the cultural and social environments of their respective periods. Yet, each generation of leaders and administrators has managed to turn the tide in the university’s favor, guiding it to safer shores.

The complex burden of leading and managing a public educational institution under stringent policies and compliance requirements has consequential effects, often pushing individuals to their limits. Administrators, directors, deans, staff, and students all share the common load according to their respective capabilities, roles, and responsibilities.

WVSU is not perfect – no institution is. Amid its limitations and shortcomings, the pressure from delivering desired results and expected outcomes, the university still manages to grasp the silver linings and transform them into sunshine.

What is WVSU celebrating in its 121^st year?

Voices from WVSU’s past and present answer in chorus :

In the face of every tumble, we rise taller still.

Each boundary met ignites innovation.

From our doubts, wisdom is distilled.

Conflict, though chaotic, births harmony.

In the wake of our failures, excellence shines after.

We are our greatest achievement.

 Congratulations and Happy 121^st  Foundation Day, WVSU.

By: Franco Miguel Nodado

Photos: Dr. Ruth Mary Pada

West Visayas State University Medical Center’s (WVSU-MC) Department of Family and Community Medicine (FCM) Residency training program has been recognized as the 5th top-performing institution among 132 institutions in the Philippines.

The program’s outstanding performance was gauged based on the combined scores of Levels II and III examinees in the Family Medicine In-Service Training Examination (FITE), administered by the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Inc., on January 29, 2023.

In addition to the program’s overall success, Dr. John Kevin Arrivas, a Level I resident of the program, secured an impressive 10th place in the national ranking. Dr. Lurence Anne Pañer, a Level III resident, also bagged 10th place among her peers in the country.

Dr. Arrivas was “surprised” as he “did not expect to belong in the top 10 for this year’s FITE.” On other hand, Dr. Pañer “couldn’t believe it” since she was not included in the initial announcement of PAFP. However, she felt “ecstatic” as this proved that she has “chosen the right career.”

Dr. Pañer shared that upon seeing the exam blueprint, she felt “overwhelmed.”

She then downloaded all the reading materials and encouraged her co-residents to share the burden of reading all these and highlight the “must-knows.”

Dr. Pañer added that the monthly exams prepared them for the oral and written national exams.

By: Ma. Antonette D. Aguilar

Photos by: Joseph Henry Nebres

The West Visayas State University Gender and Development Office (GAD) organized a study visit and benchmarking activity for representatives from the University of the Philippines-Los Banos (UPLB) today, June 7, 2023.

The team had an ocular visit to the Art Therapy Room, University Drop-in Center, Breastfeeding Room, Anti-Sexual Harassment Room, Center for Law Advocacy Room, Moot Court, and Woman and Children Protection Unit.