Category: News

Toulouse, France, 16 September 2024 – Professor Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of West Visayas State University- International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) explored collaboration opportunities with Sciences Po Toulouse, in a bid to advance internationalization objectives and collaborative avenues between the institutions.

During the visit, Prof. Edel, together with selected International Relations Officers in the Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) had the opportunity to talk with Lucile Seguin, International Relations Office Head, Sciences Po, and held promises of forging new paths in academe.

Prof. Edel expressed her keen interest in seeking collaboration opportunities with Sciences Po Toulouse in multiple domains related to political science, social sciences, law, and journalism. Also, she is looking at partnership opportunities in areas like exchange of faculty and students; joint degree programmes; and organized workshop.

After the meeting, there was a tour around the campus.

Sciences Po Toulouse is one of the ten Institutes of Political Studies (IEP) in France and recognized for its academic excellence in the fields of political science, economics, law and sociology.

This visit marked a significant step towards strengthening educational and cultural ties between the Philippines and France, thanks to the benevolence of the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia for granting funds to 9 institutions from the Philippines, including WVSU.

As part of a significant initiative to foster international educational partnerships, West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed a delegation from the Embassy of Israel, led by the Deputy Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines, Ms. Ester Buzgan, on September 11, 2024, at the WVSU main campus.

The engagement commenced with a courtesy meeting led by Professor Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of WVSU International and Local Linkages Office; Dr. Celina Gellada, Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences; Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, VP for Research, Innovation and Extension; Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF); Campus Administrators; Deans; IZN Coordinators from different colleges and campuses and the DagYoung Student Ambassadors.

Accompanying the Deputy Ambassador was MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Officer, Ms. Gladys Baniqued, along with members of the Embassy’s Office.

Prof. Edel highlighted the strong ties of Israel and the Philippines, resulting in strong collaborations in agriculture and education, among other sectors.

“Culturally, the bond is enriched by people-to-people connections. Israel has been a key partner in the Philippines’ development efforts, providing expertise in agriculture, technology, and education”, she said.

The meeting was marked by a flow of productive and spontaneous ideas from Deputy Ambassador Buzgan, who aimed to advance Ambassador Ilan Fluss’s vision of strengthening the connection between Israel and Manila.

Additionally, administrative officials and students DagYoung Ambassador exchanged views with the Deputy Ambassador regarding partnerships and future collaborative projects in the areas of culture, academics, communication, research, health, learning efficiency and development.

This meeting offered a wide array of resources for students, faculty, and researchers in WVSU that transcend geographical boundaries.

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.

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.