Category: News

From first impressions to full performance, candidates of Mr. and Ms. PASUC 2026 are now undergoing a series of rigorous public engagements as the competition enters a decisive phase.

Following their formal introduction during the Sashing Ceremony and Press Conference on April 6, the candidates stepped into a more demanding spotlight on April 9 through the Talent Showcase and Regional Attire Competition held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Robinsons Place Iloilo, Main Branch along Quezon Street.

The daytime event required candidates to demonstrate not only stage presence and creativity, but also cultural interpretation through performance and attire, further testing their readiness for the national stage.

Earlier in the week, the candidates were ceremonially presented at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Medicine Auditorium, where they faced their first public evaluation through a press conference that assessed their articulation, composure, and advocacy.

In her message, Local Contest Head Master Dr. Bonna S. Palma emphasized the shared purpose that binds the candidates despite regional differences.

“Despite the different regions we actually come from, we can move forward together with the same purpose: to honor, to understand, and to belong,” she said.

Candidates have since carried that message into subsequent events, where they continue to articulate their roles as cultural representatives. Kevin Angelo Mijares, Mr. PASUC CARAGA Region, earlier underscored the importance of preserving heritage while inspiring future generations.

“I stand firm that we are the bridge between the past and the future; if we preserve our
heritage, we protect our stories and inspire future generations,” he said.

As part of final preparations, candidates are set to return to the WVSU Cultural Center on the evening of April 9 for a technical rehearsal scheduled from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., ensuring that staging, production flow, and performances are aligned for the culminating event.

With each activity raising the level of expectation, the competition now moves toward its most anticipated moment. The Mr. and Ms. PASUC 2026 Pageant Proper and Coronation Night will take place on April 10 at the WVSU Cultural Center, where candidates will present the full measure of their talent, intellect, and cultural identity before a national audience.

(by Andrei Jan Tono, Alvine Cornelia Faciolan, Riego Jon Alcallaga, Gerritz Jay Celestre, DC Mae Divino, Doreen Mae Garalda, Ma. Erenica Gina Laraya, and Darl Syde Napatang)

West Visayas State University (WVSU) conducted its Commission on Audit (COA) exit conference on April 7, 2026, at the WVSU Boardroom, giving University officials the opportunity to review audit findings and align on next steps before the release of the final audit report.

University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, together with COA Supervising Auditor V Ms. Ma. Rebecca C. Tamba and the COA WVSU Audit Team, led the discussion on audit observations, recommendations and proposed actions. The exit conference serves as the final stage of the audit process, where agencies can clarify findings and respond to concerns.

Villaruz emphasized that the process goes beyond compliance and contributes to strengthening University systems. He noted that engaging with audit findings helps improve financial management, reinforce accountability and ensure the responsible use of public funds.

He also thanked COA for its guidance and professionalism, adding that the exchange of insights supports WVSU’s efforts to enhance transparency and uphold public trust.

The conference allowed University management to formally respond to audit observations, helping ensure that identified issues are addressed and that operations remain aligned with national accounting standards, internal controls and good governance practices.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) has partnered with the Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) to roll out a health-focused initiative in legal education, with the WVSU College of Law designated as the pilot institution in Western Visayas.

The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the implementation of the Healthy Learning Institution – Legal Education Institution (HLI-LEI) initiative, which aims to promote student well-being by integrating health standards into school systems.

Under the program, the College of Law will incorporate health literacy, mental health support, and physical safety measures into its policies and curriculum. The initiative also seeks to strengthen awareness of health rights among law students while fostering a safer and more supportive learning environment.

The HLI framework, established through Joint Administrative Order No. 2022-0001 and anchored on the Universal Health Care Act, brings together national agencies, including the Legal Education Board, to promote health and well-being in educational institutions.

As part of the rollout, the DOH Health Promotion Bureau will conduct onboarding workshops to guide WVSU faculty and administrators in integrating HLI principles into academic and institutional practices.

WVSU President Joselito F. Villaruz emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying, “By signing this MOU, West Visayas State University officially accepts the responsibility of serving as the pilot Legal Education Institution for HLI-LEI in Western Visayas.”

He added that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to “fostering a law school environment that promotes health, safety, and community engagement,” underscoring the university’s role in advancing both legal education and public health outcomes in the region.

Seven student journalists from West Visayas State University have brought pride to the University after being named among the 25 recipients of the prestigious 2026 IWAG Awards conferred by the Philippine Information Agency Region 6.

Recognized for their excellence in campus journalism, development communication, and academic performance were LJ Orpheus Soriano and Jericho Francesco C. Jandongan of The Lifeline (College of Nursing); Gierson F. Bordon of The Mediator (College of Communication); Josef Henri S. Tumbagahan of Forum-Dimensions (Main Campus); Sean Lerry Jim Claud and Franco Miguel M. Nodado of Vital Signs (College of Medicine); and Fritz Jaime L. Sumbo of SILAK Media (College of Education).

The 2026 PIA IWAG College Awardees recognize graduating campus editors across Western Visayas who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting national development through responsible and impactful journalism. Awardees are selected from among participants of PIA-6’s campus journalism initiatives, including seminar-workshops and press conferences.

Now on its 49th year since its establishment in 1977, the IWAG Awards remain the region’s premier recognition program for student writers who champion truth, civic engagement, and community development through media.

WVSU continues to take pride in its student communicators whose work reflects the University’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and service—Basta Taga-West, the Best!

Photos from Philippine Information Agency Region VI