Category: International News

After visiting Sciences Po Toulouse on September 16, 2024, Professor Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of West Visayas State University (WVSU) International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) continued her exploratory visit to the esteemed universities in Toulouse, France.

During her visit in Institut Catholique d’arts et Métiers de Lille (Icam), Prof Edel had an opportunity to exchange views with the Professors about the possibility of international academic exchange in the future and specific student exchange programs.

Meanwhile, Prof. Edel also visited the Toulouse University — Université de Toulouse, which is a higher education and research establishment at the service of science and society.

As WVSU continues to foster international partnerships and promote global engagement, the university looks forward to continuing the conversations started during the visit from the esteemed universities in Toulouse, France.

Prof. Edel expressed her excitement for future collaborations to enrich academic and cultural experiences and to strengthen Filipino-French friendship.

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Toulouse, France, 16 September 2024 – Professor Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of West Visayas State University- International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) explored collaboration opportunities with Sciences Po Toulouse, in a bid to advance internationalization objectives and collaborative avenues between the institutions.

During the visit, Prof. Edel, together with selected International Relations Officers in the Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) had the opportunity to talk with Lucile Seguin, International Relations Office Head, Sciences Po, and held promises of forging new paths in academe.

Prof. Edel expressed her keen interest in seeking collaboration opportunities with Sciences Po Toulouse in multiple domains related to political science, social sciences, law, and journalism. Also, she is looking at partnership opportunities in areas like exchange of faculty and students; joint degree programmes; and organized workshop.

After the meeting, there was a tour around the campus.

Sciences Po Toulouse is one of the ten Institutes of Political Studies (IEP) in France and recognized for its academic excellence in the fields of political science, economics, law and sociology.

This visit marked a significant step towards strengthening educational and cultural ties between the Philippines and France, thanks to the benevolence of the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia for granting funds to 9 institutions from the Philippines, including WVSU.

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As part of a significant initiative to foster international educational partnerships, West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed a delegation from the Embassy of Israel, led by the Deputy Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines, Ms. Ester Buzgan, on September 11, 2024, at the WVSU main campus.

The engagement commenced with a courtesy meeting led by Professor Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of WVSU International and Local Linkages Office; Dr. Celina Gellada, Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences; Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, VP for Research, Innovation and Extension; Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF); Campus Administrators; Deans; IZN Coordinators from different colleges and campuses and the DagYoung Student Ambassadors.

Accompanying the Deputy Ambassador was MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Officer, Ms. Gladys Baniqued, along with members of the Embassy’s Office.

Prof. Edel highlighted the strong ties of Israel and the Philippines, resulting in strong collaborations in agriculture and education, among other sectors.

“Culturally, the bond is enriched by people-to-people connections. Israel has been a key partner in the Philippines’ development efforts, providing expertise in agriculture, technology, and education”, she said.

The meeting was marked by a flow of productive and spontaneous ideas from Deputy Ambassador Buzgan, who aimed to advance Ambassador Ilan Fluss’s vision of strengthening the connection between Israel and Manila.

Additionally, administrative officials and students DagYoung Ambassador exchanged views with the Deputy Ambassador regarding partnerships and future collaborative projects in the areas of culture, academics, communication, research, health, learning efficiency and development.

This meeting offered a wide array of resources for students, faculty, and researchers in WVSU that transcend geographical boundaries.

In a testament to the pursuit of innovation and quality education, the Secretary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” E. De Vera III visits West Visayas State University (WVSU) today, August 30, to officially unveil the marker for Simulation-Based Education Laboratory.

During the press conference, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz shares heartfelt remarks about CHED’s commitment for its continual support to the University in its endeavors for the College of Medicine program.

The ceremony includes unveiling of a brass marker, and a tour of the facility, showcasing advanced equipment and innovative training module for medicine students.

The new laboratory includes a control room, patient rooms with state-of-the-art software and technology-enabled high-fidelity mannequins with human-like features, enables students to hone their skills and expand their knowledge in a simulated, real-world environment. Equipped with the latest technology and realistic medical scenarios.

Present during the ceremony were Dr. Victor Amantillo, Dean College of Medicine (COM); Dr. Celina Gellada, Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences; Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Dr. Peter Ernie Paris; Dr. Madonna Palmes, Dean, College of Nursing (CON); Dr. Raul Alvarez Regional Director, CHED 6; Media Friends; Faculties and students from the WVSU-COM.

Furthermore, this project propels the internationalization initiatives of the University.

This initiative aligns with CHED and WVSU’s Optimizing Simulation-based Education (SBE), Training, Collaboration and Research -A Focus on Technology-driven Teaching and Learning Strategies.

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Out of 271 applicants, the Director of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) International and Local Linkages Office, Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka was chosen to be one of the 30 international relations officers in the Philippines to be trained in the US-PH Global Partnership Workshop on August 28-29, 2024 at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas in Pasig City, Metro Manila.

Anchored on the theme, “Advancing Internationalization and Continuing Engagements Between the US and Philippine Higher Education Institutions”. The said workshop is centered in strengthening internationalization engagements between and among Philippine Higher Education Institutions in the country and the United States.

The workshop was organized by the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (Fulbright Commission in the Philippines) in collaboration with the US Department of State’s USA Study Abroad and the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

Attended by educators, policymakers, prominent individuals from the government and private sectors. This workshop provided the representatives an understanding of how Philippine higher education institutions can strategize their capacity in developing international education and exchange initiatives, and how both sectors can make full use of internationalization resources for both the US and Filipino students and scholars.

Prof. Edel’s participation to the workshop is a testament to the university’s development trajectory in positioning WVSU as a premier university in the region and in the country.

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Fullbright Philippines selected Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the WVSU International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) as one of the 30 International Affairs Officers (IROs) in the country to be trained at the US-PH Global Partnership Workshop: Advancing Internationalization and Continuing Engagements between the US and the Philippine Higher Education Institutions set to happen on August 28-29, 2024 at Richmonde Hotel Ortigas in Pasig City, Metro Manila.

The Philippine-American Educational Foundation (Fulbright Commission in the Philippines) is organizing this workshop in collaboration with the US Department of State’s USA Study Abroad and the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.

The aim of this workshop is to improve the capacity of Philippine Higher Education Institutions in developing two-way academic exchanges and study abroad planning while advancing institutional long-term partnerships with US universities and colleges. Also, to provide advanced knowledge and skills on internationalization, building connections and partnerships with the US institutions for higher education.

This demonstrates WVSU ILLO’s dedication to connecting institutions, forging bilateral academic alliances and cooperation, and strengthening global linkages.

The first ASEAN Agriculture and Forestry Summit continued on its second day in West Visayas State University-College of Agriculture and Forestry (WVSU-CAF) on August 28, 2024. It was marked by discussions filled with knowledge-sharing and cultural exchange.

The second day kicked off with a research forum, with selected students from the WVSU-CAF presenting their proposals in forestry, animal science, and crop science. The proposals were evaluated by the esteemed guest, Dr. Donludee Jaisut, Associate Dean- International Relations of the Faculty of Agriculture of Kasetsart University, who shared her expertise and insights on the importance of research and international collaboration.

Today’s activities highlighted the essence of “Tabo, Tiraw, and Tungkad.” These themes represent the foundation of this summit, connecting people (“Tabo”) with shared knowledge, savoring the cultural identity (“Tiraw”) through traditional flavors and local delicacies, and rising to new heights (“Tungkad”) to collectively aim to uplift the fields of agriculture and forestry.

The day also featured a campus tour to the Mariit Wildlife and Conservation Park, which is under the care of WVSU CAF. The tour was guided by experts Dr. JB Ian Bullo- Campus Veterinarian, and Forester Rod Reynan L. Laspinas. This allowed both WVSU and Kasetsart University to appreciate the conservation efforts and expertise in fostering innovation and sustainability.

This summit is made possible through the collaborative efforts of West Visayas State University (WVSU) led by president Dr. Joselito Villaruz; Kasetsart University of Thailand represented by Dr. Donludee Jaisut, Associate Dean International Relations, Faculty of Agriculture Kasetsart University, Thailand; Prof. Edel Subong-Csoka, Director, International and Local Linkages Office; Dr. Joel Araquil, Campus administrator WVSU-CAF, with the assistance of Prof Michael Victor Gonzales, CAF IZN Coordinator, the CAF faculty and staff, and the DagYoung Student Ambassadors.

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On August 26, 2024, West Visayas State University (WVSU) Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Dr. Peter Ernie Paris and WVSU Pototan Campus Administrator Dr. Raymund B. Gemora represented the university at the 8th Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) Forum held at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Manila. The forum was themed “Leadership and Value-Driven Schemes for Higher Education Development in the Philippines”.

The forum was organized by AUAP, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), National Institute of Medical Science University (NIMS) of India, and Master’s Institute of Development Academy Seminary (MIDAS) of Thailand. It brought together educational leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore innovative strategies for advancing higher education in the region. Keynotes and panel discussions focused on the importance of leadership and value-based initiatives in shaping the future of higher education.

WVSU’s attendance underscores university commitment to fostering leadership excellence and enhancing its global educational presence.

The participation of Dr. Paris and Dr. Gemora reflects dedication to contributing valuable insights to the discourse on higher education development, both in the Philippines and internationally.

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