Category: News

West Visayas State University (WVSU) convened its vice presidents, college deans, unit heads, student representatives, and invited industry partners for a Stakeholders Orientation on the WVSU Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2026-2035 on Mar. 10, outlining the University’s long-term direction for strengthening instruction, research, extension, and institutional development.

The 10-year strategic plan, developed over two years through consultations and collaborative planning with key stakeholders, sets the framework that will guide the University’s programs, initiatives, and resource priorities in the coming decade.

The orientation was led by the University Planning and Development Office (UPDO), headed by Director Dr. Reymund Flores, who presented the plan’s strategic framework and key goals.

Central to the plan is WVSU’s vision of becoming “a global research university that shapes generations,” supported by its mission to empower lifelong learners as agents of value while delivering impactful research, responsive extension programs, and compassionate healthcare services.

During the orientation, WVSU also officially launched its new institutional tagline, “Transforming Generations,” which will guide the University’s direction moving forward. The tagline reflects WVSU’s continuing commitment to ensure that its tradition of excellence leads to meaningful impact by shaping individuals, communities, and future generations.

Among the plan’s key directions is strengthening the University’s internationalization efforts by expanding institutional partnerships and enhancing global visibility. The plan also prioritizes improving teaching and learning, advancing knowledge generation through research, strengthening extension and healthcare services, supporting mission-driven institutional operations, diversifying resource generation, and reinforcing quality assurance systems.

UPDO Planning Officer Michael Gervero presented the strategic roadmap and Gantt chart outlining how the University will operationalize the plan from 2026 to 2035, translating strategic goals into concrete initiatives and timelines across campuses, colleges, and administrative units.

Unlike planning cycles aligned with administrative terms, the Strategic Development Plan spans a full decade to ensure continuity in institutional priorities and sustained progress regardless of leadership transitions.

Through the SDP 2026-2035, WVSU seeks to align its policies, programs, and resources toward strengthening its role as a research-driven university while continuing to serve students, communities, and partner institutions.

A total of 20,944 applicants took the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Admission Examination on Mar. 8, as the University administered the test simultaneously across its campuses for prospective first-year students for Academic Year 2026-2027.

Most examinees took the test at the WVSU Main Campus in La Paz, Iloilo City, which hosted 14,044 applicants. The campus also has the largest projected intake, with 1,575 slots for incoming first-year students.

Across the University, WVSU expects to admit about 4,401 first-year students based on available program slots in its campuses.

Applicants were also distributed among WVSU’s satellite campuses. The College of Agriculture and Forestry recorded 420 applicants competing for 190 slots. Calinog Campus had 715 applicants for 336 available slots, while Himamaylan Campus accommodated 1,175 examinees for 295 projected enrollees.

Janiuay Campus recorded 1,440 applicants for 615 slots, Lambunao Campus had 1,600 applicants for 805 slots, and Pototan Campus hosted 1,550 applicants vying for 585 available slots.

The examinees came from different parts of the country, reflecting the University’s growing reach and reputation as a preferred institution for quality higher education beyond Western Visayas.

University officials expect to begin releasing examination results to applicants in April 2026.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) continues to expand its international footprint by deepening its collaborative relationship with Silla University, South Korea. The latest milestone, the “Busan-Iloilo Collaboration,” seeks to bridge local academic expertise with global sustainable solutions.

Guided by the mission to develop life-long learners who serve as agents of community transformation, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz officially opened the landmark program, “Global Education Innovation for Sustainable Cities: Busan-Iloilo Collaboration.”

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Villaruz emphasized the University’s critical role in fostering global engagement and transformative education to address the evolving needs of modern society.

The initiative, conceptualized by Dr. Alona M. Belarga (WVSU Director of Instruction) and Prof. Eunhwa Lee (Dean of Silla University Graduate School of Education), establishes a high-level academic linkage with Busan, South Korea—a metropolitan leader renowned for progressive educational systems and sustainable urban development.

Phase 1: Knowledge Exchange and Global Resilience (February 23-24, 2026)

The first phase featured an intensive series of virtual lectures designed to strengthen the global competencies of WVSU faculty from both the Main and Satellite Campuses.

The sessions opened with former UNESCO Director Mr. Wootak Jung, who advocated for Global Citizenship Education (GCED) as the linchpin for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Hyunkyu Oh, former Busan City Councilor, provided a deep dive into Busan’s 2040 Master Plan, illustrating how the city balances urban expansion with green conservation.

To localize these perspectives, Dr. Ricky P. Becodo (WVSU Director for Extension) identified practical pathways for the community, including mobility as learning access and disaster resilience research.

The second day focused on innovative pedagogy, with Prof. Eunhwa Lee introducing “Narrative Science” to empower students through storytelling, and Prof. Hayoung Shin exploring the “Living Lab” model.

This framework marks a paradigm shift championed by the university leadership, transitioning WVSU from a traditional “Ivory Tower” to a Regional Innovation Hub that actively engages with regional urban challenges.

Phase 2: From Theory to Implementation (April 28, 2026)

The collaboration reaches its peak on April 28, 2026, with a faculty-led competitive showcase.

Moving beyond theory, faculty members will present high-impact innovation proposals for quality instruction and engaged extension programs tailored to the needs of the community and its various sectors. These proposals will be evaluated by a panel of experts based on their potential to address urban sustainability.

The top three presenters will be recognized with Certificates of Recognition during a formal Closing Ceremony, marking a milestone in the University’s effort to translate international academic theory into actionable local solutions.

Strategic Alignment with the UN SDGs

The Busan-Iloilo partnership—jointly organized by the Office of the Director of Instruction (DI), the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA), and the University Extension Office—serves as a practical manifestation of WVSU’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Building institutional capacity and faculty expertise through international knowledge exchange.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Adapting global best practices in urban planning to enhance local resilience.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Establishing sustainable cooperation networks for future faculty and student exchange.

By fostering these global connections under the leadership of Dr. Villaruz, WVSU continues to lead the way in transformative education, ensuring the University remains at the forefront of global innovation while staying deeply rooted in the service of the community.

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West Visayas State University (WVSU) disposed of 3,330 kilograms of valueless records on March 4, 2026, in a university-wide activity that, for the first time, included its satellite campuses. 

The disposal was led by the WVSU Records Office headed by Ms. Jeany Garque and forms part of the University’s continuing efforts to strengthen records management and ensure compliance with national government regulations.

Records personnel from the main campus and members of the Records Management Improvement Committee from satellite campuses participated in the activity.

Supervising the disposal was National Archives of the Philippines (NAP) representative Mr. Jhonley Joseph Item, Records Management Analyst II, who ensured that the activity followed national guidelines on the disposition of government records.

Prior to disposal, the records were evaluated and identified as valueless or non-current documents that had already exceeded their prescribed retention periods under government records management guidelines. In government agencies, such records may be disposed of only after proper inventory, evaluation and authorization to safeguard accountability and transparency.

The disposal was carried out through sale to NAP-accredited buyer D’Lacoste Enterprise, following standard procedures. 

University officials said the joint participation of satellite campuses marks a milestone in institutionalizing uniform records management practices across WVSU.

Through the initiative, WVSU aims to improve office efficiency, free up storage space, and reinforce responsible records lifecycle management while promoting good governance and compliance with national standards on public records administration.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) has begun its 2026 National Women’s Month celebration, with activities lined up across campuses to engage students, faculty and staff throughout March.

The university formally launched the observance during the first flag-raising ceremony of the month at Jubilee Park. Prof. Rosalea Cornelia Araneta-de Leon, director of the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, encouraged the WVSU community to take part in the monthlong activities organized by GAD focal persons.

National Women’s Month is observed every March in the Philippines under the Philippine Commission on Women. The 2023-2028 theme, “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society,” continues this year with the subtheme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”—a call to recognize and strengthen women’s leadership in communities and institutions.

At WVSU, the GAD Office will roll out interactive and educational initiatives designed to spark conversation and awareness on gender issues. These include an interactive photobooth frame wall and a bulletin board exhibit featuring notable women in history. The exhibit will be updated weekly to highlight women’s contributions across various fields.

Satellite campuses and the WVSU Medical Center will also host activities, such as booth set-ups, unity dances, and gender-sensitivity training sessions, to deepen understanding of gender and development principles within their respective communities.

Through these events, the university joins the nationwide campaign to promote gender equality, recognize women’s role in nation-building and strengthen inclusivity across the academic community.

The full schedule of activities for the university’s National Women’s Month celebration is available on the WVSU GAD Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17EF4m26YJ/.

West Visayas State University marked a leadership transition at the College of Medicine (COM), announced key March activities and shared campus updates during its first Monday flag ceremony in March at Jubilee Park.

Dr. Celina Cordero-Gellada officially assumed office as dean of the COM on March 2, succeeding Dr. Victor Amantillo Jr., who completed a four-year term.

The WVSU community formally sent off and honored Amantillo for his service. In his farewell message, he acknowledged the challenges faced during his tenure, particularly amid the pandemic, and thanked faculty, staff and students for their collective efforts in strengthening the college.

“The last four years have not been very easy. It was not always pleasant, but it is very satisfying,” Amantillo said, emphasizing that COM exists primarily to serve its students and the Filipino people.

WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz commended Amantillo’s leadership, noting his role in advancing innovations within the College and steering the COM through the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities accreditation process toward the end of his term.

Villaruz then introduced Cordero-Gellada as the new COM dean. In her acceptance message, she described the appointment as both a responsibility and a public trust.

“To lead the College of Medicine is not just an appointment; it is a public trust. It is a commitment to the Filipino people, especially to the communities we are sworn to serve,” she said, adding that COM continues to shape physicians who bring both competence and compassion to the practice of medicine.

The flag ceremony also served as a platform for campus-wide announcements relevant to students and employees.
University Registrar Ms. Mardy Ledesma reminded the community that the WVSU Admission Examination will be held March 8, 2026, in three batches: 8 to 10 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m., and 4 to 6 p.m. Students and offices concerned were advised to prepare for possible adjustments in campus traffic and venue use.

The Gender and Development Office formally launched WVSU’s observance of National Women’s Month. Prof. Rosalea Cornelia Araneta-de Leon announced that activities will run throughout March, including Purple Wednesdays and gender sensitivity trainings for freshmen on March 27.

Updates on international engagement were also shared. Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, director of the International and Local Linkages Office, introduced Maëlys Bourdin, a French intern who will stay at WVSU until April for an academic and cultural exchange engagement.

The program concluded with performances by WVSU cultural dance groups, who recently won first place in contemporary, indigenous, folk and street dance categories at the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges VI Culture and the Arts Festival held at the University of Antique from Feb. 20 to 24, 2026.

The flag ceremony was led by faculty and staff of the College of Medicine.