Category: International News

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.

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.

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.

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.

In celebration of ASEAN’s 57th Founding Anniversary, West Visayas State University (WVSU) joins the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)and other Higher Education Institutions in bolstering efforts to increase ASEAN awareness. This year, Lao PDR chairs ASEAN with the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience,” underscoring the bloc’s commitment to strengthening interconnections and building a more robust community.

Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) discussed the rationale of the celebration during the August 19 flag raising ceremony. She highlighted the vital role educational institutions like WVSU play in nurturing the students who will carry forward the vision of a prosperous Southeast Asia.

The DagYoung Ambassadors brought a lively and colorful touch to the event by representing selected ASEAN countries.

Furthermore, WVSU International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) officially launched the ASEAN-Month Bulletin Campaign highlighting the rich cultural diversity and traditions of ASEAN countries, with focus on the contribution of the colleges, campuses, and units in terms of instruction, research, and extension.

It is noted that WVSU celebrated ASEAN Month last 2021 talking about the Women in ASEAN with five invited guests from different parts of ASEAN; in 2022 with the topic Women in Politics; in 2023 through the ASEAN Exhibit at SM City Iloilo in partnership with other Philippine Higher Education Institutions in the region—winning 7 awards.

WVSU continues to promote ASEAN unity and cooperation through these educational and cultural activities.

In a bid to enhance research quality and expand academic networks, West Visayas State University (WVSU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Warmadewa University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia on August 16, 2024, marking the beginning of collaborative research endeavors and foster an environment of shared knowledge, innovation, and academic growth.

WVSU was represented by Dr. Ma. Gerlia Blanza, Research Coordinator of WVSU Lambunao Campus; Dr. Isauro Sindol, Internationalization Coordinator and Dr. Ludovina Catilo, Faculty Researcher of WVSU Lambunao.

In his virtual message, Dr. Joselito Villaruz, WVSU president, expressed his excitement about the positive outcomes expected from the collaboration and its lasting impact on both institutions and the global academic community.

“I am honored that our university, specifically WVSU Lambunao Campus, is a partner-organizer of Bizworld Bali, the 2nd World Conference on Business Management and Economics. Our direction aligns with Bizworld’s goal of bridging business theories with practice, achieved through research endeavors addressing community needs”, said Dr. Villaruz.

This partnership holds immense potential for collaborative projects and research breakthroughs. It represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of academic excellence and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both institutions.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) International and Local Linkages Office strengthened its internationalization (IZN) efforts through a seminar-workshop on internationalization strategies on August 16, 2024.

Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of International and Local Linkages Office, talked about ILLO mandates, accomplishments, strategic planning, and future international scholarship prospects. Also, she further emphasized the important role of internationalization in Higher Education Institutions.

The ILLO staff led discussions relevant to IZN operations–Ms. Alisa Mei Locsin, ILLO Staff, discussed on necessary documents and processes needed for international travel; Mr. Nelson Tajanlangit, ILLO Staff, tackled matters on budget and itinerary preparation and Mr. Gladwyn Gustilo introduced digital tools and platforms on internationalization.

The topics provided deans, IZN frontliners, faculty and unit heads with an understanding of the procedures involved in handling foreign faculty and student mobility and exchange, highlighting the significance of making travel and study documents thoroughly in preparation.

The event was attended by the Dr. Rosario Clarabel Contreras, Campus Administrator of WVSU Calinog; Dr. Raymund Moreno, IZN Coordinator of WVSU Calinog campus; Dr. Marie Candy Celeste, Director, Academic Affairs; Unit Heads; Deans; Administrative staff, and faculty.

For the record, WVSU Calinog is the external campus with the greatest number of international partners. Through the efforts of Dr. Moreno, the campus also has accomplished IZN-related activities since 2021.