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STUDENT IUIS (Main Campus)

Category: International News

  • WVSU rises to Rank 137 in WURI 2026

    WVSU rises to Rank 137 in WURI 2026

    West Visayas State University continues to gain global recognition for innovation and social impact after rising to Rank 137 in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026, placing the University among the Global Top 500 Innovative Universities.

    From advancing inclusive and socially responsive programs to strengthening internationalization and student engagement, this achievement reflects the collective efforts of the entire WVSU community in pushing boundaries and creating meaningful impact beyond the classroom.

    WVSU also earned spots in several WURI Top 100 categories, including:

    Rank 8 Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved (C6)

    Rank 36 Student Mobility and Openness (A2)

    Rank 47 Future-Oriented Responses to Global Uncertainty and Geopolitical Risk (A7)

    Rank 83 SDG- and ESG-Based Responses to Past and Present Global Challenges (A8)

    As WVSU continues to expand its global footprint, this recognition affirms the University’s commitment to transformative education, innovation, and service for communities here and beyond.

  • WVSU, Silla University conclude global innovation series; CON team tops final pitch

    WVSU, Silla University conclude global innovation series; CON team tops final pitch

    Bridging the 2,500-mile distance between Iloilo and Busan, West Visayas State University (WVSU) successfully concluded its intensive three-session international series, conducted online, “Global Education Innovation for Sustainable Cities: Busan-Iloilo Collaboration,” on April 28, 2026. The program, a landmark collaboration with South Korea’s Silla University, culminated in a high-stakes pitch competition where the College of Nursing (CON) emerged as the grand champion. The activity was facilitated by the Offices of the Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, University Extension and Development Center, and the Directors of Academic Affairs.

    A Vision of Internationalization

    The series opened in February with a powerful message from University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, who underscored WVSU’s commitment to elevating the university to global academic standards. Under the guidance of the Office of Instruction led by Dr. Alona M. Belarga, the program immersed university faculty in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on Quality Education (SDG 4), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

    The Road to Innovation: From Busan to Iloilo

    The collaboration was structured as a three-session intensive series spanning February to April 2026. Keynote lectures from Wootak Jung (Former Director, UNESCO Asia-Pacific), Hyunkyu Oh (Former Busan City Councilor) and Dr. Ricky Becodo (Director of WVSU Extension and Development Center) provided the strategic foundation. Teams were later trained in “Storytelling-Based Approaches’ and & Living Lab”; methodologies by Silla University’s Prof. Eunhwa Lee and Prof. Hayoung Shin, turning theoretical global concepts into practical solutions tailored for the Ilonggo context.

    The Final Pitch: A Battle of Specialized Brilliance

    The final session served as the “moment of truth,” where seven teams from the Main and Satellite campuses defended their visions. The results showcased the diverse expertise of the “Taga-West community:

    • 1st Place: College of Nursing (CON) – Represented by Prof. Sheila Beliran, Dr. Madonna Palmes, and Prof. Febray Lapidante, the team took the top spot with their proposal, “Project CON-CARE: Clinical Outreach and Nursing-Led Community Assessment for Resilience Empowerment” Their project masterfully integrated public health strategies with urban resilience.

    • 2nd Place: College of Communication (COC) – Presented by Dr. Rona Dhel Alingasa, Dr. Louis Placido Lachica, Prof. Joesyl Marie Aranas, Dr. Ricky Abaleña III, and Dr. Shiela Mae Quero), the project “MAGSAYSAY PREPARADO: A Communication-Driven Behavior Change Intervention for Enhancing Disaster Preparedness in Barangay Magsaysay Village, La Paz, Iloilo City”; stood out for its focus on communication-driven behavior change, creating a critical bridge between awareness and survival in flood-prone urban barangays.

    • 3rd Place: College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) – Led by Dr. Michael Victor Gonzales, Dr. Belinda Leonida, Dr. Anthony Leal, and Mr. Nico Mambusadathe, the team’s initiative “Optimizing Residential Waste Valorization Pathways: A WVSU-CAF Initiative Based on Community Waste Profiling and Food Security Needs,” offered a vital solution for community waste management while simultaneously addressing local food security.

    The “One WVSU” spirit was further solidified by the participation of WVSU-Calinog, Himamaylan City, Janiuay, and Pototan. These campuses brought vital provincial perspectives to the global stage, ensuring that the innovation dialogue reached every corner of the region.

    Further, the activity became more meaningful due to the special participation of the College of Communication – Graduate School Students.

    Global Scrutiny and Academic Excellence

    The proposals were scrutinized by a distinguished panel that bridged academic theory and government policy:
    • Prof. Lee Eun Hwa: Dean of the Graduate School at Silla University
    • Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla: WVSU Vice President for Academic Affairs
    • Dr. Greta G. Gabinete: WVSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension
    • Ms. Febie S. Ibojos: Vice Chair of the Iloilo Provincial Social Development Committee

    The Path Forward

    In the closing ceremony, the university leadership signaled that these proposals are not merely academic exercises but blueprints for the future of the region. As WVSU continues to expand its global footprint, this partnership with Silla University serves as a testament to what can be achieved when local ingenuity meets international collaboration.

    For the winners and participants, the Busan-Iloilo journey has set a new benchmark for excellence, proving that the ‘Taga-West’ community is ready to lead the world in sustainable urban innovation.

  • 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 fosters International learning through SEA-Teacher Batch 11 at UAD Indonesia

    WVSU fosters International learning through SEA-Teacher Batch 11 at UAD Indonesia

    In line with its commitment to internationalization, the College of Education of West Visayas State University (WVSU) continues to expand its global academic engagement as two of its students participate in the 11th batch of the Southeast Asian Teacher (SEA-Teacher) Project at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from March 31 to April 25, 2026.

    Representing the university are Mhegan Lois Valerio, a fourth-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student, and Romavil Abelarde, a fourth-year Bachelor of Special Needs Education major in Elementary School Teaching.

    The SEA-Teacher Project provides pre-service teachers with opportunities to gain international classroom experience, enhance pedagogical competence, and foster cross-cultural understanding among future educators across Southeast Asia.

    Accompanying the students as faculty advisor is Dr. Micron Rey Fuego, faculty member of the Division of Special Needs Education, COE. During the visit, Dr. Fuego also presented a lecture titled “Inclusive Learning: Assessment and Classroom Management Strategies,” as part of the academic collaboration between the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education of UAD and WVSU.

    Through its continued participation in the SEA-Teacher Project, WVSU reaffirms its commitment to developing globally competent educators equipped with international perspectives and professional excellence.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Global opportunities grow as WVSU enters Fullbright Study Abroad Consortium

    Global opportunities grow as WVSU enters Fullbright Study Abroad Consortium

    Strengthening international academic partnerships and expanding global learning opportunities, West Visayas State University (WVSU) joined the Philippine-American Educational Foundation’s (PAEF) Higher Education partnership ceremony held on March 24 at SPACE at One Ayala, Makati City.

    The event marked the ceremonial launch of the Consortium for Study Abroad in the Philippines (CSAP) and the formal signing of partnerships between Fulbright Philippines and participating higher education institutions nationwide.

    As one of the 22 selected member institutions, WVSU is now eligible to host American students and faculty through exchange and collaborative academic programs.

    Leading the university’s participation in the event were Dr. Victorino Salcedo III, Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences (VPMAS); Dr. Madonna S. Palmes, Dean of the College of Nursing; and Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office.

    The program featured messages from education and government leaders, including PAEF Executive Director Julio Amador III, U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Jessica Simon, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis, and Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Christine Joy Cari.

    The event also commemorated the 78th anniversary of Fulbright Philippines, highlighted by a reception attended by distinguished Guests of Honor, including First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Y. Robert Ewing.

    WVSU’s participation in CSAP strengthens its global engagement and international learning opportunities.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • French and Thai students inspire global learning conversations at WVSU

    French and Thai students inspire global learning conversations at WVSU

    Cultures, classrooms, and conversations came together at West Visayas State University as the International and Local Linkages Office, in partnership with the College of Education, hosted ‘Voices Across Cultures: Eurasian Thoughts and Practices on Student Exchange and Mobility’ on March 23, 2026.

    Meanwhile, practice teachers from Walailak University, Thailand—Patcharapon Jitprapai, Ranchida Saengsri, Apinya Meednui, and Prompond Yoma—discussed their experiences as exchange student teachers under the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia (SEA-Teacher) Project, highlighting teaching practices and student life in Thailand and at their host institution.

    The event was graced by Dr. Ma. Pilar Malata, Dean of the Office of Student Affairs, who expressed support for initiatives that promote global collaboration and intercultural learning within the university community.

    COE and COC students joined the discussion virtually, contributing their perspectives to the intercultural dialogue.

    Through initiatives like this, WVSU strengthens international partnerships and promotes intercultural learning.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • EU Ambassador visits WVSU, keynotes WVMUN 2026

    EU Ambassador visits WVSU, keynotes WVMUN 2026

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed His Excellency Mariomassimo Santoro, Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines, during a courtesy visit with President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, together with Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance.

    Anchored on the theme “Transcending Borders Toward Global Harmony,” WVMUN 2026 aims to inspire dialogue, inclusivity, and collaboration among student delegates through simulations of international diplomacy.

    Ambassador Santoro delivered the keynote address during the opening plenary, sharing insights from his extensive experience in diplomacy and international relations, including his previous role as Head of Office of the Secretary General of the European External Action Service and Head of Division for Policy Coordination from 2021 to 2024.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU provides internship opportunities to second batch of Japanese students

    WVSU provides internship opportunities to second batch of Japanese students

    Strengthening its commitment to international academic collaboration and cultural exchange, West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed the second batch of Japanese student interns from universities in Japan for a short-term educational internship program this February.

    The visiting interns include Tanaka Hiroto from Surugadai University, Harata Kotarou and Kawamura Miko from Nagoya Gakuin University. Their internship placements across various offices and academic units aim to provide them with meaningful exposure to the Philippine educational system while fostering intercultural engagement with the WVSU community.

    Tanaka began his internship from February 19 to 25, 2026, under the WVSU Guidance Office, where he observed office operations and assisted with various administrative tasks.

    Meanwhile, Harata and Kawamura, completed their internship from February 20 to March 5, 2026. Harata was assigned to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and the College of PESCAR, while Kawamura was assigned to the Office of the University President.

    During their internship, they assisted in various academic and administrative activities and gained valuable insights into university operations and student services.

    To note, this is the second year that WVSU has hosted Japanese interns.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Academic exchange strengthens WVSU-PNU partnership through student mobility program

    Academic exchange strengthens WVSU-PNU partnership through student mobility program

    Three Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Filipino students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) Janiuay Campus participated in the one-month local Students Exchange and Mobility Program hosted by Philippine Normal University (PNU) from February 26 to March 26, 2026.

    The participants — Ma. Ela P. Alido, Dharilyn C. Camarista, and Aira Jane C. Carnaje — were provided opportunities to deepen their engagement in Filipino linguistics, literature, and pedagogy through advanced teaching practices and academic exchanges within PNU.

    To ensure the students’ academic progress and welfare throughout the program, the participants were accompanied during an official visit to the university by Prof. Leryvie Shyn S. Gregori, faculty member and program coordinator, and Prof. Eleanor L. Cornal, Chair of the Filipino Department and academic adviser.

    The exchange allowed the students to experience the academic and linguistic environment of Manila, enriching their preparation as future Filipino educators.

    Meanwhile, WVSU also welcomed student interns from PNU–North Luzon as part of the same exchange initiative.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • International academic immersion in Thailand elevates WVSU CON faculty expertise

    International academic immersion in Thailand elevates WVSU CON faculty expertise

    Advancing global collaboration in nursing and public health education, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) – College of Nursing participated in a Faculty Development and Academic Immersion Program at the Mahidol University of Public Health, Thailand, from March 11 to 17, 2026.

    The 16-member CON faculty delegation, led by Dean Dr. Madonna S. Palmes, participated in academic exchanges and activities to strengthen their teaching, research, and knowledge of global best practices in nursing and public health.

    Through initiatives like this, WVSU continues to promote globally responsive education and reinforce its commitment to excellence in nursing and health sciences.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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