Category: President Corner

Dr. Joselito Villaruz attended the formal installation of Dr. Joel Araquil Sr. as the new Campus Administrator of West Visayas State University-College of Agriculture and Forestry, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history. Held on August 19, 2025, the ceremony also marked the transition of leadership from Dr. Dominador Lisao, who recently retired, to Dr. Araquil, who has taken on the new role. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗩𝗦𝗨, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗼!

Dr. Joselito Villaruz expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture (DAR) Region 6 for their generous donation of chemical equipment to the university on August 16, 2024 at the WVSU Board Room. This milestone partnership will enhance the university’s research capabilities and provide students with valuable resources for academic growth.

Here’s an excerpt from Dr. Villaruz’s welcome message: 

In the footsteps of our two-time gold medalist gymnast Carlos Yulo, who has triumphed over countries with vast resources, Carlos brought with him dedication, resilience, grit, hard work, and focus—non-negotiable attributes for survival and success. 

Like him, you will perform your own series of full twists and split leaps before you can stick your landing and strive for achievements others have yet to attain. Let not the scarcity of resources or financial constraints hold you back. There is no secret formula, no extraordinary recipe.

We simply create an academic environment where students thrive through nurturance, allowing learners to surpass their potential and experience the best education possible. 

You, our students, create the magic. Your extraordinary commitment and dedication are what make the difference. It is with great pride that I welcome you to this institution. I cannot promise that your journey will be smooth, but embrace the rough ride and learn from it. 

𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙒𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮.

Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz attended the exit report presentation of Dr. Souvenir D. Tachado, recipient of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Balik Scientist Program, on August 13, 2024 at Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City. Dr. Villaruz expressed the University’s gratitude to Dr. Tachado for his contributions to the program and hailed the DOST initiative for empowering Filipino scientists through knowledge sharing, which is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing science and technology in the country.

𝘿𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙏𝙖𝙜𝙖-𝙒𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you back to a new academic year at our esteemed university. As we embark on this new chapter, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the incredible experiences that lie ahead.

As your University President, it is my honor to lead this vibrant and dynamic community of students, faculty, and staff. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge, innovation, and discovery.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for being a part of our Taga-WEST family. Your dedication, hard work, and passion are what make our community so strong and resilient.

As we begin this new year, I encourage you to explore new opportunities, challenge yourselves, and support one another. Remember that our university is a place where you can grow, learn, and thrive.

𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗮𝗴𝗮-𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧! 𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱.

Sincerely,
𝐃𝐑. 𝐉𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐎 𝐅. 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐔𝐙
𝐒𝐔𝐂 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐕

Dr. Joselito Villaruz welcomed 160 first year students of West Visayas State University (WVSU) Nursing program for the academic year 2024-2025 of  at the WVSU Cultural Center. Held on August 12, 2024, the event set the mood for students of WVSU College of Nursing, the Philippines’ top-performing nursing school and home to board topnotchers.

Here’s an excerpt from Dr. Villaruz’s message: 

As we embark on the academic year 2024-2025, it is essential for us to reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past year. Have we met our goals and targets? If so, congratulations on the successes of the previous year. If not, it is an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and renew our commitment to our roles as educators.

As we strive to nurture the minds of future leaders, let us remember the profound impact we have on our students’ growth and academic success. I challenge each of you to approach the academic year 2024-2025 with conviction and purpose.

Let us build upon past achievements to create a more impactful and transformative educational experience for our students and communities. You, the esteemed faculty, are the driving force behind the success of our school.

Through our collective efforts and shared vision, we can achieve great things in the coming year. Let us begin this school year with positivity and productivity in this meaningful assembly!

President Joselito F. Villaruz welcomed the academic and administrative units, campuses, and the University Medical Center to the commencement of the Budget Hearing at the WVSU Board Room. The hearing runs from August 7 t0 9, 2024, with its goal of setting the stage for a critical review and discussion of the proposed budget for the University for fiscal year 2025.

Dr. Joselito Villaruz joined the ASEAN Day Celebration kick-off activity organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – Regional Office VI, with the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience” on August 5, 2024. The event aimed to foster greater understanding and cooperation among educational institutions, promoting a stronger and more resilient ASEAN community.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region VI paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Joselito Villaruz on July 30, 2024. The discussion tackled a possible collaboration on BJMP’s 3P’s (Pagbulig, Pagpabakod, Pag-Uswag) Project, aiming to enhance literacy, numeracy, and entrepreneurial skills of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).