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STUDENT IUIS (Main Campus)

Category: Student News

  • WVSU chemistry student earns national startup pitching recognition

    WVSU chemistry student earns national startup pitching recognition

    A West Visayas State University student entrepreneur secured national recognition after leading a biotechnology startup to a podium finish in a nationwide innovation competition focused on sustainable technologies.

    Sheenlou Eian M. Bartolome, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Chemistry student from the College of Arts and Sciences, was named First Runner-Up in the College Category of DisruptorX 2026 held May 25 at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.

    Representing CARBNØ Biotech, a student-led startup incubated under the Business Incubator Nurturing Home-Grown Innovations (BINHI) Technology Business Incubator, Bartolome competed against hundreds of student innovators, researchers, and startup founders from across the country.

    The competition, organized by Serial Disruptors in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Oro Trade and Investment Promotion Center, serves as a national platform for technology-driven solutions addressing societal and environmental challenges.

    From 305 applicants nationwide, CARBNØ Biotech advanced to the Top 10 National Finalists before earning the First Runner-Up distinction during the National Demo Day.

    The startup presented a biotechnology-based innovation that utilizes marine-derived biomaterials as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. The technology integrates biodegradable materials into functional systems designed to support environmental sustainability while advancing developments in materials science and applied chemistry.

    Bartolome said the recognition highlights the potential of student-led scientific innovation to address pressing environmental concerns through research and technology.

    The project supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and life below water.

    The achievement underscores WVSU’s continuing commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship by empowering students to transform scientific knowledge into solutions with real-world impact.

    Through initiatives such as BINHI, the University continues to cultivate innovators whose work contributes to sustainable development and strengthens the role of higher education institutions in advancing science-based solutions for local and global challenges.

  • Teen’s bold message to Army chief brings soldier-father home for her big day

    Teen’s bold message to Army chief brings soldier-father home for her big day

    By Hazel P. Villa

    On the eve of her recognition day on June 2, Unah Gabrielle Robante did what many daughters of soldiers quietly wish they could do. She took a chance.

    Knowing that her father, Staff Sergeant Mark Anthony P. Robante, 41, might miss yet another school milestone because of duty, the West Visayas State University Integrated Laboratory School completer sent a Facebook message to no less than the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete.

    Her reason was simple: Lt. Gen. Nafarrete was not only the guest speaker for the June 3 University Recognition Program. He was also an alumnus of the same school and, like her father, a soldier.

    “I just shot my shot,” Unah later said, explaining that she had read posts about Nafarrete being a product of ILS. She told him that her father had been in the service for more than 20 years and that his work often kept him away from family occasions.

    Her message reached the right heart.

    During his speech at the University Recognition Program on June 3, Lt. Gen. Nafarrete shared that he learned of Unah’s situation through Brig. Gen. Von Albert M. Sumergido, a former colleague of Robante. Upon hearing the story, the Army chief said Robante should be allowed to go home and attend his daughter’s awarding.

    So, on a day filled with medals, certificates, and proud parents, Unah received something no plaque could replace: her father’s presence.

    “I would really like to thank Lt. Gen. Nafarrete for giving me the opportunity to spend this special day with my father,” Unah said, her voice breaking. “His duty as a soldier for more than 20 years often keeps him away from us, from his family. But now that he’s here, I’m just really grateful and blessed.”

    For Filipino families, graduation season is never just about awards. It is about sacrifice finally finding a seat in the audience. It is about fathers who come home from assignments, mothers who keep the household steady, and children who carry the weight of absence with grace.

    Robante admitted he had not been sure he could attend. He had just been transferred to a new unit and was still adjusting. He had told his daughter he would come home “if there was a chance,” but he could not promise.

    That chance came through a daughter’s courage.

    At the recognition rites, Unah was honored as Rank 1 with High Honors and A.B. Dofitas Most Outstanding Completer. She was also a recipient of the Rotary Award for Academic Excellence, an Outstanding Students of Iloilo Top Circle Awardee from JCI Regatta, and recipient of awards in language arts, community service, forensics, sports, visual arts, scouting, and student council service.

    But her most emotional achievement that day may have been bringing her father home.

    “I understand that his line of work often requires him to keep others first,” Unah said. “But that doesn’t hinder the fact that he has really been a great part and great influence in my upbringing.” Then, in words many children of uniformed personnel know by heart, she added: “Thank you, Pa, for everything.”

    For his part, Robante thanked his daughter for never neglecting her studies despite his absence. “Bisan less ang time ko sa ila, wala siya gapabaya sa pagtu-on (Even though I don’t have much time for them, she never neglected her studies,” he said.

    This school year, Unah will move on to senior high school at Hua Siong College of Iloilo that offered her both academic and sports scholarships. For college, she hopes to return to WVSU to take up nursing.

    But before the next chapter begins, she will have this story to keep: the night she messaged an Army general, the morning her father came home, and the recognition day that became, above all, a family reunion.

    A FATHER’S PRESENCE. Unah Gabrielle R. Robante, Rank 1 and With High Honors completer of West Visayas State University Integrated Laboratory School in Iloilo City, shares her recognition day with her father, SSG Mark Anthony P. Robante, and younger brother, Mark Angelo Gabriel. Robante was able to come home for the June 3 awarding after Unah boldly messaged the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, hoping her father could witness her milestone.
    A MESSAGE ANSWERED. Unah Gabrielle R. Robante stands with her father, SSG Mark Anthony P. Robante, and Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, after the speech of the General at the WVSU University Recognition Program. Nafarrete, himself an alumnus of WVSU Integrated Laboratory School, helped make it possible for Robante to attend his daughter’s awarding after learning of Unah’s appeal.
    HOME FOR HER BIG DAY. SSG Mark Anthony P. Robante, Ma. Socorro R. Robante, their children Unah Gabrielle and Mark Angelo Gabriel, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, WVSU President Joselito F. Villaruz, and Brig. Gen. Von Albert M. Sumergido gather after the June 3 WVSU University Recognition Program. Sumergido brought Unah’s story to Nafarrete, who said the soldier-father should be allowed to come home and witness his daughter’s achievement.
  • WVSU NSTP students lead outreach for rescued dogs through ‘Project Pawsitive’

    WVSU NSTP students lead outreach for rescued dogs through ‘Project Pawsitive’

    Students under the National Service Training Program–Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS) of West Visayas State University conducted an outreach activity for rescued dogs on May 1, 2026, at the Ilonggo Aspin Shelter, promoting compassion, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

    Dubbed Project Pawsitive, the initiative was carried out by CWTS Class G, facilitated by Ms. Feanna B. Vito, with student volunteers from Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting (BAB 1A), Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BAJ 1A) and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM 1A).

    As part of their community engagement, the students donated dog food, eggs and other essential supplies to support the shelter’s daily operations. They also spent time interacting with and caring for the rescued aspins, giving the animals attention and socialization.

    The activity aimed to deepen students’ understanding of animal welfare while encouraging empathy and kindness toward animals. Shelter representatives also emphasized responsible pet ownership and promoted the advocacy “Adopt, don’t shop” among participants.

    Project Pawsitive highlights WVSU’s continued efforts to engage students in community-based initiatives that extend care not only to people but also to animals.

  • WVSU recognizes law moot team’s international win in first May flag ceremony

    WVSU recognizes law moot team’s international win in first May flag ceremony

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) highlighted the international achievement of its College of Law (COL) during the first flag-raising ceremony for May held earlier today, May 4, at Jubilee Park, led by the College of Physical Education, Sports, Culture, Arts and Recreation (COP).

    The WVSU COL Vox Populi Moot Team was recognized for securing first runner-up honors in the 30th Annual Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition in Gulfport, Florida, USA. Representing the University were Therese Diane Germinanda, Jose Emilio Luis Combatir, and John Patrick Palquiran.

    Germinanda was named third best speaker in the preliminary rounds and best speaker in the final round, while Palquiran placed ninth best speaker in the preliminary rounds.

    COL Dean Atty. Ian Thomas Besana described the achievement as a milestone for the University.
    “This is the first time that WVSU Law joined an international competition, and in our debut performance, we emerged as the first runner-up, beating several teams around the world,” he said. “Thank you for making our trip to Florida possible in representing not only WVSU, but the entire country.”

    In his message, Palquiran emphasized the collective effort behind the team’s success.

    “Standing here today, we are reminded that while our achievements may bear our names, they are written in the ink of collective sacrifice,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to University officials, particularly highlighting University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz and Dr. Ma. Pilar Malata, for their support.

    “To the WVSU community, look around you. This achievement is a mosaic of all your efforts. Whatever you gave us—a word of encouragement, administrative support—this is for you,” Palquiran added. “We are, and we will always be taga-West.”

    He also acknowledged the contributions of administrators, faculty, staff, sponsors and support units who assisted the team throughout their preparation.

    The team’s success was guided by its coaches, Judge Lowell Fredrick Madrileño, Atty. Regina Johanna Gustilo and Prof. Frederic Loise Regencia, with the support of COL Dean Atty. Ian Thomas Besana.

    The ceremony concluded with Dr. Jemuel Garcia Jr., COP faculty member, encouraging the community to sustain its commitment to excellence.

    “As we begin another week in WVSU, may we continue to honor our roots, uplift our community, and contribute meaningfully to the future we are building together,” Garcia said.

  • WVSU College of Medicine earns multiple honors at 9th APMC-SN National Convention

    WVSU College of Medicine earns multiple honors at 9th APMC-SN National Convention

    The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Medicine garnered multiple national awards and recognitions during the 9th Association of Philippine Medical Colleges – Student Network (APMC-SN) National Convention held from Apr. 9 to 11, 2026 at the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

    Celebrating its 25th year, the APMC-SN marked its silver milestone through the convention themed “Iridescence: Through the Silver Years of APMC-SN,” highlighting unity, leadership, and service among medical students nationwide. The organization is recognized as one of the largest alliances of Filipino medical students and student councils across the country.

    The WVSU College of Medicine received the following awards and recognitions:

    • Seal of Good Governance – Gold Awardee

    • Ten Outstanding Medical Student Organizations
    ➤ Order of Asclepius – 1st Place
    ➤ AMSA WVSU – 2nd Place
    ➤ Vital Signs – 3rd Place

    • Mga Natatanging Mag-aaral ng Medisina ng Pilipinas
    ➤ Franco Miguel M. Nodado – 3rd Place
    ➤ Kathleen Mae V. Donoso – 5th Place
    ➤ Ma. Charlene S. Jereos – 7th Place

    • National Medical Quiz Bee Competition – 7th Place

    • National Clinico-Pathologic Case Competition – 1st Runner-Up
    ➤ Best Presentation – 1st Place
    ➤ Best Presenter – 1st Place: Carlos Jose E. Cerrada

    • National Interscholastic Medical Debate Competition – 5th Place
    Top 5 Best Speakers:
    ➤ Earl Cedric T. Lagapa
    ➤ Richard D. Olano, Jr.

    • National Healthcare Innovations Competition – National Qualifier

    These achievements reflect the WVSU College of Medicine’s commitment to excellence in academics, leadership, research, and service, reinforcing its role in shaping competent and globally competitive future medical professionals.

  • CBM students soar in the 4th Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business (PCDEB) National Business Plan Competition

    CBM students soar in the 4th Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business (PCDEB) National Business Plan Competition

    Students from the College of Business and Management taking Business Administration won 1st Runner-up in the 4th Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business (PCDEB) National Business Plan Competition, held via Google Meet during its 25th Annual National Conference, April 23-25.

    The team showcased “Campus Errun’, “ an innovation geared towards addressing student needs. This earned them the award in the Service category. 

    The team is composed of Alicia Amor A. Cerrudo, Carla Faye C. Araneta, Ma. Raevel G. Elarmo, Kristhel Angelique E. Dalton, and Kristine J. B. Beliver, under the guidance of coaches Dr. Christine Gamba and Dr. Rosemarie Dichosa.

    The recognition underscores the students’ innovation and competitiveness on the national stage while reaffirming the College of Business and Management’s commitment to excellence in entrepreneurship education.

  • WVSU opens ‘Pag-amlig’ Peace Art Exhibit on West Philippine Sea

    WVSU opens ‘Pag-amlig’ Peace Art Exhibit on West Philippine Sea

    West Visayas State University opened the weeklong “Pag-amlig” Peace Art Exhibit on Feb. 21 at the Administration Building, featuring student artworks that call for the protection of the West Philippine Sea and affirm the role of the youth in safeguarding national sovereignty.

    The exhibit showcases 13 posters created following a Feb. 14 forum on maritime awareness and national security. Through visual art, students translated dialogue into advocacy, expressing themes of patriotism, unity, environmental stewardship and responsible citizenship.

    The forum gathered students from NSTP–CWTS, ROTC and the College of Education Graduate School for discussions on maritime security, sustainability and the responsibility of Filipino youth to remain informed and engaged in issues that affect the nation’s territorial integrity.

    Organizers said the initiative sought to move conversations beyond the classroom by providing a platform for students to articulate their convictions and participate in nation-building through creative expression.

    The program was organized by the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea in collaboration with the University’s International and Local Linkages Office, Office of the University President, NSTP–CWTS and ROTC, and the Center for Peace Education, underscoring the value of partnership in promoting informed discourse and active citizenship.

    The exhibit runs for one week. Members of the University community are encouraged to visit and reflect on the students’ messages of peace, responsibility and national solidarity.

  • WVSU College of Law Moot Court Team pays a visit to the University President

    WVSU College of Law Moot Court Team pays a visit to the University President

    The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Law Vox Populi Moot Court Team paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the President on January 28, 2026, following their First Runner-Up finish at the 30th Stetson International Environmental Moot Court Competition – Southeast Asian Regional Rounds.

    Team 1219, composed of Yan Germinanda, Patrick Palquiran, and Emilio Combatir, clinched the First Runner-Up title, earning the team a spot at the International Rounds to be held in Florida, USA, later this year.

    Together with the team are WVSU College of Law Dean Ian Thomas M. Besana, REB, LLM, Atty. Regina Johanna V. Gustilo, and Atty. Larry Pestaño.

    West Visayas State University congratulates the College of Law and extends its best wishes as it prepares for its next competition.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels

  • WVSU Hosts Balik Scientist Dr. Bernice Mae Yu Jeco-Espaldon

    WVSU Hosts Balik Scientist Dr. Bernice Mae Yu Jeco-Espaldon

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) has welcomed Dr. Bernice Mae Yu Jeco-Espaldon, a Balik Scientist awardee under the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Dr. Yu Jeco-Espaldon’s engagement with WVSU will take effect in February 2026. The appointment is formalized through a Contract of Award approved by the DOST–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), designating WVSU as the host institution.

    Dr. Espaldon holds a PhD in Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, with a specialization in inorganic high-efficiency solar energy devices, from The University of Tokyo. She has been awarded the Ajinomoto Postgraduate Scholarship, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Research Fellowship, and the University of Tokyo Edge Capital Challenge Support Program, and has held research appointments at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) and the University of Tokyo.

    During her engagement, Dr. Espaldon is expected to contribute to research, curriculum development, and capacity building at the University. Her activities include collaborating on interdisciplinary research initiatives, mentoring faculty members and students, assisting in laboratory enhancement efforts, and conducting capacity-building workshops focused on advanced research methodologies.

    The Center for Research and Innovations in Science, Mathematics, and Education (CRISMEd) will serve as the coordinating unit for Dr. Espaldon’s engagement at the University. The initiative is being advanced through the collaborative efforts of Dr. Geneveve Parreño-Lachica, Director of CRISMEd; Dr. Ryan Michael F. Oducado, Director of the University Research and Development Center; Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Stephen G. Sabinay, Director of the Biotechnology and Biomedical Research Laboratory; and Dr. Aris C. Larroder, Editor-in-Chief of the WVSU Research Journal, with the support of Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation, and Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, WVSU President.

    Institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11035, the Balik Scientist Program aims to strengthen the country’s scientific and human resource capacity by encouraging Filipino scientists abroad to share expertise and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and emerging technologies to Philippine institutions.

    Through this engagement, WVSU continues to expand its research capabilities, strengthen institutional collaboration, and contribute to national development through science and innovation.