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Category: International News

  • WVSU leads regional internationalization as Dir. Edel Subong-Csoka elected IRO Council President

    WVSU leads regional internationalization as Dir. Edel Subong-Csoka elected IRO Council President

    A new chapter in internationalization for Western Visayas’ higher education institutions unfolded as Director Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka of the International and Local Linkages Office, West Visayas State University (WVSU) was elected President of the Region VI International Relations Officers (IRO) Council during the event “Activating Linkages: International Relations Officers Convergence” held at the Research and Extension Hub of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) in Tiwi, Barotac Nuevo on May 27, 2025.

    The event gathered International Relations Officers from public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Region VI to align their Internationalization (IZN) efforts with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) IZN Pillars, which focus on building global partnerships, international mobility, and academic excellence through international engagement.

    Twelve HEIs, including WVSU, presented their 2025 IZN initiatives, showcasing their strategies for global collaboration, faculty and student exchange, and cross-border academic linkages.

    In her presentation, Director Edel highlighted WVSU’s ongoing and upcoming IZN programs, including active linkages with international universities, faculty mobility projects, and research collaborations aimed at fostering global competencies.

    The convergence also marked the formal establishment of the Region VI IRO Council, culminating in the election of its first set of officers. As newly elected president, Director Edel is expected to lead the council in strengthening regional cooperation, sharing best practices, and creating joint initiatives to elevate the international profile of Region VI’s academic institutions.

    The event was held in celebration of CHED’s 31st Anniversary and 5th Higher Education Day, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to promoting global standards and innovation in Philippine higher education.

    With the formation of the Region VI IRO Council, and under Director Edel’s leadership, Western Visayas is poised to build stronger international linkages, support capacity-building among IROs, and promote a more globally engaged academic community.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • French ambassador impressed with La Maison du Leganes dining experience

    French ambassador impressed with La Maison du Leganes dining experience

    No less than Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Republic of the Philippines was impressed with her dining experience at La Maison Du Leganes-French Bistro and Café located in the municipality of Leganes, Iloilo.

    The ambassador and Claire Châles, Higher Education and Scientific Cooperation officer – Cooperation and Cultural Affairs Department, had dinner at La Maison on May 23, 2025, arranged by the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) of the West Visayas State University (WVSU).

    “What an incredible experience to have dinner in France… in Iloilo!” wrote Ambassador Fontanel in La Maison’s guest book.

    She also wrote that “Iloilo deserves the title of gastronomic capital of the Philippines but La Maison deserves the title of best French restaurant. I am impressed!”

    The Ambassador and Ms. Châles, together with WVSU representatives Edel Carmela Csoka, ILLO director; and Hazel Villa, director of Public Affairs, Marketing and Communications Office were served the following:

    𝘊𝘖𝘓𝘋 𝘈𝘗𝘗𝘌𝘛𝘐𝘡𝘌𝘙
    𝘗𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤, 𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘳𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘴

    𝘚𝘈𝘓𝘈𝘋𝘌
    𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘯
    𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢, 𝘵𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘴, 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦

    𝘗𝘓𝘈𝘛 𝘐𝘕𝘛𝘌𝘙𝘔𝘌𝘋𝘐𝘈𝘐𝘙𝘌
    𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘗𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘰, 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦

    𝘗𝘓𝘈𝘛 𝘗𝘙𝘐𝘕𝘊𝘐𝘗𝘈𝘓
    𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘯-𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘪𝘴𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘶𝘤𝘦
    𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘢

    𝘋𝘌𝘚𝘚𝘌𝘙𝘛
    𝘓𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯’𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘭é
    𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘯

    On hand to explain how La Maison came to be were dinner hosts of La Maison — Dr. Anjuli May Jaen, CEO and President; Leah Gonzaludo, Operations Officer; and Ms. Geline Jaen-Gurrea, Finance Officer.

    Ambassador Fontanel was so pleased with her experience and said she will share the experience with the French Community and invited La Maison to join the Goût de France / Good France this end of May 2025 – the biggest dinner in the world to celebrate French gastronomy which is organized by French diplomatic missions in their host countries as a tribute to the excellence of French cuisine.

    #WVSUInternationalization #WVSUILLO
    #WVSUTransformingGenerations

    Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia

    Text: 𝘋𝘳. 𝘏𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘭 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢, 𝘗𝘈𝘔𝘊𝘖 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳
    Photos: 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘮𝘢

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  • E-Bridge phase 6 culminates in volunteers’ appreciation day celebration

    E-Bridge phase 6 culminates in volunteers’ appreciation day celebration

    In a celebration of dedication, service, and intercultural learning, Education for an Interdependent World (EDIW) and West Visayas State University (WVSU) held the e-BRIDGE Volunteers’ Appreciation Day on May 26, 2025, at the Center for Teaching Excellence Hall.

    The event marked the successful completion of Phase 6 of the e-BRIDGE International Digital Learning Program, and honored the student-teacher volunteers who contributed their time, talents, and compassion to promote digital education across cultural and regional boundaries.

    The program opened with a message from Andrei Jan Tono, Lead Student Volunteer, who shared heartfelt reflections on the significance of the volunteers’ work. “Through each virtual classroom, we planted seeds of hope, knowledge, and unity,” Tono said.

    Messages from key figures followed, including Dr. Emma Melgarejo, Project Coordinator for Asia and North America, who praised the volunteers for their selfless service and dedication to promoting digital education across diverse communities. “You are proof that education can transcend limitations and bring people together,” she said.

    Dr. Julia Maria Gonzales Ferreras, President of EDIW, emphasized the deeper mission of the organization: “Our goal is to develop young people who are globally aware and locally responsive. You have shown exactly what that looks like.”

    Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs, expressed pride in the university’s continued partnership with EDIW. “This program exemplifies the kind of engaged, transformative learning WVSU stands for,” she said.

    Volunteers were formally recognized during the certificate awarding ceremony, honoring their commitment to teaching literacy, English, and science to young learners in diverse communities. The event also featured personal reflections from three student volunteers, who spoke about the impact of their work and the meaningful connections they built throughout the program.

    Athria Vidiot, Assistant Lead Student Volunteer, delivered the closing remarks, calling on her fellow volunteers to carry the experience forward. “Phase 6 may be over, but our journey as educators and bridge-builders continues. Let’s keep making a difference—wherever we go,” she said.

    Dr. Antoniette Cortez, Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence and International Program Coordinator, was also present to lend her support. A champion of the initiative since its inception, Dr. Cortez reaffirmed the program’s transformative impact and announced that Phase 7 will be launched in October 2025. Notably, the upcoming phase will welcome student volunteers from WVSU Himamaylan Campus and the College of Communication (COC), expanding the program’s reach and inclusivity.

    The-BRIDGE program has expanded its reach, fostering literacy, language proficiency, and scientific knowledge through digital platforms. Phase 6 further strengthened these efforts, bringing together volunteers and learners from different regions to build bridges through education.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU hosts French Ambassador to expand educational partnerships, highlights student programs

    WVSU hosts French Ambassador to expand educational partnerships, highlights student programs

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) deepened its global engagement as it hosted French Ambassador Her Excellency Marie Fontanel on May 23, 2025, at the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), paving the way for new academic partnerships and collaborative initiatives in education, sustainability, and international exchange.

    Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the strong support the French Embassy has continuously provided to WVSU’s internationalization efforts.

    ” West Visayas State University has always believed in the power of education not only to uplift communities but also to connect them across borders. We continue to take another step toward that vision. By joining hands with the French Embassy, we open new doors for our students, faculty, and researchers to engage with a culture and academic tradition that has long been known for its depth, creativity, and global influence”, he said.

    During the visit, Ambassador Fontanel presented a comprehensive overview of the diverse educational opportunities available in France, ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate programs. The presentation aimed to encourage WVSU students and faculty to explore scholarships and exchange programs that foster academic growth and cultural exchange abroad.

    Johnric Vargas, Special Projects Coordinator of the Sanctuarium Maris initiative, also discussed the ongoing sea turtle nest conservation project. Located in Barangay Atabayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo, the project is a key environmental effort by WVSU’s internationalization student arm, the DagYoung Student Ambassadors.

    Barangay Chairman Edison Camiña, representing the local community hosting the conservation site, expressed his gratitude for the project’s positive impact on both environmental preservation and community awareness.

    Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), underscored the importance of the partnership with the French Embassy in advancing WVSU’s goals for global engagement and sustainability.

    “This is not just a partnership on paper or in words-it is a living, breathing collaboration built on shared values: excellence, mutual respect, and a belief in education as a force for good. As we deepen our ties, we also recognize the importance of cultural appreciation and understanding”, she said, recalling key initiatives including funding through the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) for student mobility training and educational trips to France; backing the Sanctuarium Maris project led by the DagYoung Student Ambassadors; and sponsoring the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) delegation trip to France, in which WVSU participated.

    The event was further enriched by the active participation of students from various colleges who engaged with Ambassador Fontanel in meaningful dialogue.

    The visit further solidifies the close ties between WVSU and the Embassy of France, highlighting the shared commitment to educational development and environmental stewardship.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU delegates met Coventry University Officials in collaborative talks

    WVSU delegates met Coventry University Officials in collaborative talks

    A delegation from West Visayas State University (WVSU) met with officials from Coventry University, United Kingdom on May 21, 2025, for a series of collaborative talks centered on advancing research, fostering innovation, and strengthening academic partnerships.

    Led by Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, the WVSU delegation includes Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, Campus Administrator of Calinog Campus, and Dr. Elias C. Olapane, Head of Research, Innovation and Development and Internationalization Coordinator.

    The team discussed with Prof. Elena Gaura, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Academic Engagement, for a courtesy visit and dialogue on strengthening institutional collaboration. In-depth discussions were also held with Prof. Moya Kneafsey, Director of the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, alongside other key professors and researchers to explore joint initiatives in sustainable development and agroecology.

    Another highlight of the day was the engagement with Prof. Marina Orsini-Jones, Lead of the Equity and Equality in Education theme at the Research Centre for Global Learning. The WVSU delegation also interacted with professors, PhD students, research assistants, and scholars focused on global learning, equity, and inclusive education.

    This ongoing visit aims to solidify academic partnerships, promote collaborative research, and foster mutual capacity-building between WVSU and Coventry University, in line with WVSU’s internationalization goals and commitment to innovation-driven education.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU pushes global research network through Coventry University visit

    WVSU pushes global research network through Coventry University visit

    Officials from West Visayas State University (WVSU) are currently visiting Coventry University in the United Kingdom (UK) from May 19 to 22, 2025, to strengthen academic and research partnerships.

    The delegation, led by Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, WVSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, includes Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, Campus Administrator of Calinog Campus, and Dr. Elias C. Olapane, Head of Research, Innovation and Development and Internationalization Coordinator.

    The visit is focused on fostering a robust exchange of knowledge and best practices in areas such as research-led teaching and learning, research commercialization, doctoral supervision, and the development of international linkages.

    Dr. Dimitar Angelov, Coventry University’s focal person for the WVSU partnership and lead of the “Digital Challenges and Opportunities in Education (including AI)” theme at the Research Centre for Global Learning, welcomed the delegates at Coventry University’s Priory Street campus.

    They also engaged in roundtable discussions with Prof. Carolyn Wynne, Director of Coventry University’s Doctoral and Researcher College, and Prof. Marina Orsini-Jones, lead of the “Equity and Equality in Education” theme.

    As part of the program, the WVSU delegation will attend a one-day research conference hosted by GLEA. The conference will allow the visitors to present their ongoing research and strengthen WVSU’s global academic presence. Dr. Olapane will discuss indigenous people and WVSU’s initiatives as an emerging research university in the Philippines. Dr. Gabinete will present research-led initiatives aimed at achieving food security, while Dr. Contreras will share insights on biological agents and financial literacy.

    The delegates toured several Coventry University facilities, including the Research Centre for Global Learning, the Institute for Creative Cultures, and the National Transport Design Centre (NTDC). The team also explored significant educational and cultural sites in the UK, such as the Coventry Transport Museum, Coventry Cathedral, and local art galleries, with additional visits planned in London.

    WVSU and Coventry University formalized their collaboration in 2023 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on research and academic exchange.

    This visit represents a significant step in realizing that partnership, aimed at fostering mutual growth and global academic engagement.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU, NCIP, LGU Calinog sign MOA to advance Indigenous Peoples Education

    WVSU, NCIP, LGU Calinog sign MOA to advance Indigenous Peoples Education

    In a historic move to promote Indigenous Peoples (IP) education and cultural preservation, West Visayas State University (WVSU) Calinog Campus, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region VI, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Calinog officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today, May 6, 2025.

    The MOA signing ceremony was led by WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, NCIP Regional Director for Regions VI and VII Princess May Alcarde-Oral, and Mr. Renato Casinao, Indigenous Peoples Focal Person and Executive Assistant, who represented the LGU of Calinog.

    Under the agreement, WVSU Calinog Campus, NCIP Region VI, and LGU Calinog will collaboratively design academic programs that reflect the cultural identities and traditional wisdom of indigenous communities. The integration of indigenous perspectives into the curriculum is seen as a transformative step toward a more inclusive and contextually relevant education system. A specialized program for Indigenous Peoples Education is also planned to further institutionalize this approach.

    The partnership also emphasizes the importance of research and documentation, with the three parties committing to joint studies focusing on indigenous traditions, environmental practices, and sustainable development. NCIP will play a key role in providing cultural oversight and legal guidance to ensure respect for IP rights and heritage throughout the process.

    In line with community extension services, the agreement outlines the organization of cultural events, festivals, and workshops aimed at celebrating and preserving indigenous cultures. The establishment of community-based Sarantes, mobile education services, and an IP Village as a cultural and educational hub is also part of the long-term vision of the partnership.

    Capacity building and professional development will also be central to the collaboration. Educators, researchers, and community leaders will benefit from targeted training and workshops to enhance their skills in indigenous education and engagement. Resource-sharing mechanisms will be developed to support sustainable and collaborative project implementation.

    Also present during the signing were Dr. Rosario Clarabel Contreras-Leda, WVSU Calinog Campus Administrator; Dr. Marie L. Candy Celeste, Director of Academic Affairs; Dr. Elias A. Olapane, Calinog Research Head and Internationalization Coordinator; and Miss Dinna Joy P. Otayde, Peace Coordinator of Calinog Campus.

    This partnership reflects a strong commitment to equity in education, cultural empowerment, and sustainable community development, marking a new chapter in the recognition and integration of Indigenous Peoples’ heritage within academic and local governance frameworks.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU Calinog Students wrap up UTM exchange with presentations and performances

    WVSU Calinog Students wrap up UTM exchange with presentations and performances

    Johor Bahru, Malaysia – May 2, 2026 — Two fourth-year education students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) – Calinog Campus, Nessie Pañada and Benjamin Copita, Jr., marked the culmination of their student exchange program at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) with a presentations and performances during the official closing ceremony held today.

    Pañada, a Bachelor of Elementary Education student, and Copita, a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, shared what they learned during the program in their presentation on “Teaching Strategies and Methodologies,” where they discussed how they created comfortable and inclusive classroom environments, integrated digital tools such as Kahoot, My Line, and 2D/3D animations in instruction, and utilized QR codes for both attendance and student activities. They also reflected on their experience observing feedback sessions with student researchers, which enriched their perspective on educational practices.

    Their experience extended beyond the classroom. Pañada and Copita engaged in Malaysian cultural activities including the Malam Kebudayaan Pesta Tanglung 2025, Language Academy’s Hari Raya Celebration, and various events organized by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. These activities allowed them to interact closely with UTM students, fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.

    As part of their lesson planning and teaching practice, both students designed and delivered lessons that were responsive to student needs. They leveraged technology throughout the instructional process—from warm-up activities to lesson conclusions—demonstrating innovation and adaptability in their approach.

    They also participated in international seminars and research presentations, where they gained deeper insight into emerging trends in global education, including Participatory Action Research and the role of Artificial Intelligence in teaching. Observing graduate students’ research further broadened their understanding of academic standards and research practices in both Malaysia and the Philippines.

    This exchange program is a result of the university’s expanding internationalization efforts. It is recalled that in July 2024, a delegation from WVSU—led by University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Calinog Campus Administrator Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, International and Local Linkages Director Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, and Calinog Research Head Dr. Elias Olapane—visited UTM to strengthen institutional collaboration.

    The program affirms WVSU’s commitment to fostering international linkages and providing students with global learning opportunities that enhance both their academic and cultural perspectives.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • The French Connection: Enzo Muñoz wraps up Teaching and Cultural Internship at WVSU

    The French Connection: Enzo Muñoz wraps up Teaching and Cultural Internship at WVSU

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) continues to pave the way for global collaboration and cultural exchange through its international internship program, as it honored Mr. Enzo Muñoz during the closing ceremony of his internship at the university.

    Mr. Muñoz, a French education intern from the Master Métiers de l’Enseignement, de l’Éducation et de la Formation (MEEF) program at INSPÉ de Toulouse, Université Toulouse II, France, spent two months under the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) of WVSU.

    Throughout his stay, Mr. Muñoz conducted French classes for journalism students, led crash courses on French language and culture across external campuses, and actively engaged with the university’s internationalization projects.

    “I was given this opportunity to do my internship here at West, specifically under ILLO, I taught French to journalism students, handled crash courses, and was exposed to internationalization projects. I’d like to thank Ma’am Edel for trusting me and giving me complete pedagogical freedom. I was able to share my knowledge and culture with the students—and they also taught me about theirs. It was truly an enriching experience”, he said.

    Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of ILLO, warmly welcomed attendees and extended her heartfelt thanks to Mr. Muñoz for his passion, dedication, and the international perspective he brought to the university.

    Faculty members who worked closely with Mr. Muñoz also shared their experiences. Dr. Joyce Colon, faculty from College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) commended his insightful contributions during her Reading in Philippine History class. Prof. Raffy Galan, faculty member from College of Communication (COC) praised Enzo’s openness to learning and cultural immersion as he participated in a Hiligaynon class, demonstrating his eagerness to connect with the local community.

    The ceremony also featured messages from ILLO staff, as well as fellow international interns Mertxe and Pilar from the Basque Country, Spain. Both shared their experiences collaborating with Enzo, reflecting on the cross-cultural connections they formed during their time at WVSU.

    Students of the French language courses expressed deep appreciation for Mr. Muñoz’s creative, interactive teaching style. Members of the DagYoung Student Ambassadors acknowledged how the internship helped strengthen cultural bridges and fostered international understanding.

    With programs like this, WVSU continues to make opportunities for intercultural learning and solidify its commitment to becoming a globally engaged institution—truly living up to its promise of building “The French Connection” and beyond.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Perspective from the Ground: WVSU forum highlights responsible reporting and resilience

    Perspective from the Ground: WVSU forum highlights responsible reporting and resilience

    West Visayas State University is currently holding a forum titled “Perspectives from the Ground: Building Resilience, Positive Responses through Responsible Reporting” at the WVSU Board Room today, April 30, 2025.

    Organized by the International and Local Linkages Office, in partnership with the third-year Bachelor of Arts in Journalism students of the College of Communication (COC) and the Center for Peace Education, the forum features speakers from diverse fields sharing real-world experiences and insights on ethical journalism, peacebuilding, and community resilience.

    Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office and a professor of Peace Journalism, welcomed the participants by highlighting the crucial role of media in shaping public perception and advancing peace, especially in times of crisis. She stressed the need for future journalists to ground their reporting in empathy, accuracy, and social responsibility.

    “In a world increasingly marked by conflict, division, and misinformation, the role of peace journalism has never been more critical. This approach challenges us to go beyond headlines, to explore the deeper causes of conflict, and to give voice to those often left unheard. It reminds us that journalism is not just about reporting events—it is also about how we report them, and the impact our words have on peace, understanding, and unity”, she said.

    The forum features a diverse panel of speakers with expertise grounded in real-world experience. Among them are Ms. Alexia Galera, a Bachelor of Secondary Education student from WVSU-Janiuay Campus; Atty. Ariel I. Ballega, Information Technology Officer I at the Department of Education in Negros Occidental; PMAJ Shiela Mae A. Sangrines, spokesperson for the Iloilo City Police Office; and Mr. Moshe Jobel Aranas, a videographer, editor, and documentarist.

    An open floor discussion provides participants the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, deepening the conversation on the role of journalism in addressing conflict, promoting understanding, and responding to crises with accuracy and empathy. Mr. Ramon Belleno III, faculty member of WVSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, and Mr. Gierson Bordon, BAJ Student, serves as the reactor for the event, offering reflections and insights on the themes discussed.

    The forum underscores WVSU’s continued commitment to peace education and journalistic integrity, empowering future communicators to become responsible storytellers and agents of positive change.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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