Category: International News

  • PNU interns arrive at WVSU for LSEMP

    PNU interns arrive at WVSU for LSEMP

    Welcoming opportunities for academic collaboration, Dr. Joselito Villaruz, president of West Visayas State University (WVSU), received a delegation of student interns from Philippine Normal University (PNU)- North Luzon on March 2, 2026, for the One-Month Local Student Exchange and Mobility Program (LSEMP) for teaching internships.

    The visiting interns—BSED Major in Filipino students Erika Tagari, Jaezhalhy Laureta, and Fae De Guzman Cinco—are accompanied by their faculty mentor, Prof. Virgilio Reyes.

    During their month-long stay, the interns will engage in classroom observations, teaching demonstrations, and collaborative activities with cooperating teachers to enhance their teaching experience and exchange best practices in teacher education.

    The welcome activities were followed by a city tour in Iloilo City.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • Global engagement continues as WVSU hosts 2nd batch of French interns

    Global engagement continues as WVSU hosts 2nd batch of French interns

    Highlighting its commitment to internationalization, West Visayas State University began the two-month academic engagement of French interns Eugénie Mouret and Maëlys Bourdin through an opening ceremony on March 2.

    The interns were formally introduced to the university community during the flag ceremony, where faculty, staff, and students had the opportunity to welcome them as part of WVSU’s growing international exchange initiatives.

    Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in “Teaching Abroad” at Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès in France, the interns will focus on international cooperation, cultural diversity, and intercultural mediation as part of their internship program.

    WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz emphasized that the program reflects the university’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration and preparing students to become globally competent and culturally responsive professionals.

    Meanwhile, Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoak, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, highlighted the importance of sustained global engagement initiatives that promote intercultural learning and cooperation.

    This collaboration follows the successful internship of Mr. Enzo Muñoz, the first French intern at WVSU in 2025.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU  advances IZN with arrival of 2nd batch of French Interns

    WVSU advances IZN with arrival of 2nd batch of French Interns

    West Visayas State University continues to advance its internationalization efforts as it welcomed the 2nd batch of French interns, Eugénie Mouret and Maëlys Bourdin, on February 28 for a two-month academic engagement.

    The interns, pursuing a Master’s degree in “Teaching Abroad” at Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès in France, will focus on international cooperation, cultural diversity, and intercultural mediation.

    They were received by Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office.

    This collaboration follows the successful internship of Mr. Enzo Muñoz, the first French intern at WVSU in 2025.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU community explores global pathways through Fulbright information session

    WVSU community explores global pathways through Fulbright information session

    Opportunities for global study, research, and academic exchange were highlighted during the Fulbright Scholarship Information Session held on February 27 in partnership with the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) at West Visayas State University.

    WVSU students and Internationalization (IZN) coordinators attended the activity as prospective scholars of the Fulbright Program, the flagship international educational exchange initiative of the United States government aimed at strengthening mutual understanding between Americans and people from other countries.

    The Fulbright Program offers competitive grants for students, scholars, and professionals to study, teach, or conduct research abroad, with benefits that include tuition support, airfare, and living stipends.

    Representatives from the Fulbright Secretariat led the session, including Ms. Rochelle Miguel, Program Officer, and Mr. Jan Derrick Pertez, Program Assistant of the Philippine-American Educational Foundation, along with Ms. Katrina Marie Florece, EducationUSA Graduate Adviser. They discussed application processes, eligibility requirements, and opportunities available to Filipino applicants.

    Adding inspiration to the session, former Fulbright scholars Dr. Ricky Abaleña III, Dr. Jemuel Garcia Jr., Mr. Reymund Lara, and Mr. Armando Jorge Quiroz IV, shared their experiences and insights, encouraging participants to pursue global academic engagement through the program.

    The activity reflects WVSU’s continuing commitment to internationalization and academic excellence by connecting its academic community with global scholarship opportunities.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU demonstrates global service excellence at 49th High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration

    WVSU demonstrates global service excellence at 49th High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration

    West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its Tourism students, DagYoung Student Ambassadors, and the International and Local Linkages Office, has taken on the role of Information Officers as Iloilo hosts the 49th High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration (HLTF-EI), which gathers high-ranking economic officials from ASEAN Member States, from February 25–28, 2026, in support of the Philippines’ hosting of the event.

    Working alongside the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI, WVSU personnel and student volunteers are assisting in the operation of information desks at official meeting locations and delegate accommodations, helping ensure smooth coordination and a warm welcome for ASEAN officials and participants.

    This initiative supports the DOT Region VI in its leadership of the Committee on Tourism, Hospitality, Tours, Social Events, and Site Enhancement (CHTSESE), which plays a vital role in enhancing delegate services during ASEAN Senior Officials’ and Ministerial Meetings.

    Aligned with the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship priorities — including digital economy cooperation, economic security, and expanded trade partnerships — WVSU’s participation reflects its commitment to service excellence.

    This engagement also builds on the participants’ completion of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence training last February 6, equipping them to deliver globally competitive Filipino hospitality to international delegates.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU signs MOU with Taiwan-Based INTACT to boost global education opportunities

    WVSU signs MOU with Taiwan-Based INTACT to boost global education opportunities

    On February 23, West Visayas State University (WVSU) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Talent Circulation Base (INTACT Base), a collaborative initiative composed of National Chung Hsing University, Kun Shan University, and Cheng Shiu University, to strengthen international academic collaboration and expand opportunities for Filipino students to pursue higher education in Taiwan.

    Representing the INTACT Base Taiwan-Philippines Iloilo Office were Ms. Krystl Lim, Deputy CEO; Ms. Lisa Huang, Project Manager; Ms. Michelle Diongco, Mandarin Teacher; and Ms. Cherisse Hope Gomez, Project Director.

    WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz emphasized the significance of the partnership in advancing the University’s mission of global engagement and talent development.

    This commitment was echoed by Dr. Ma. Corazon M. Samorin, OIC Campus Administrator of WVSU Janiuay Campus, highlighting the campus’ support for international learning opportunities.

    Through this agreement, both parties aim to support WVSU students who wish to continue their studies in Taiwan through the International Industrial Talents Education Special Program (INTENSE Program), which offers two years of advanced training under post-baccalaureate or master’s degree programs in Taiwanese universities, while also promoting Chinese language education and broader academic exchange.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU Calinog students take part in LPU India exchange

    WVSU Calinog students take part in LPU India exchange

    As part of its ongoing commitment to internationalization, four fourth-year students from West Visayas State University (WVSU)– Calinog Campus are participating in a student exchange program at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, India from February 21 to March 23, 2026.

    The student delegates are Vea T. Arsigono, Agnes Jhade Angelou A. Blanza, and Kenth A. Marquilencia from the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, along with Janelle Mae C. Corcino from the Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics.

    Through this exchange, WVSU continues to advance its internationalization agenda by fostering cross-cultural learning, academic collaboration, and global competence among its students.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • “Pag-amlig” exhibit brings colors of advocacy to the West PH Sea at WVSU

    “Pag-amlig” exhibit brings colors of advocacy to the West PH Sea at WVSU

    Brushstrokes became voices and canvases turned into calls for action as West Visayas State University unveiled the weeklong “Pag-amlig” Peace Art Exhibit on February 21 at its Administration Building.

    Thirteen compelling posters line the university halls, each echoing a shared conviction: safeguarding the West Philippine Sea belongs not only in policy discussions, but also in the hearts of an informed and engaged generation.

    Rooted in the February 14 forum on maritime awareness and national security, the artworks reflect students’ insights translated into purposeful design by participants from NSTP–CWTS, ROTC, and the College of Education Graduate School.

    The initiative came to life through the collective efforts of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, the International and Local Linkages Office, the Office of the University President, NSTP, the University Library, and the Center for Peace Education.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU wraps up academic and cultural engagement with Mohawk College

    WVSU wraps up academic and cultural engagement with Mohawk College

    The academic and cultural visit of students and a professor from Mohawk College, Canada to West Visayas State University culminated on February 20, marking another milestone in the growing partnership between the two institutions.

    Throughout the week-long engagement, visiting students specializing in e-sports administration participated in academic discussions, campus interactions, traditional Filipino games, and collaborative learning sessions with WVSU students and faculty.

    Deans from participating colleges shared impressions of the engagement, highlighting the value of student interaction in promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaborative learning.

    During their visit, students from Mohawk College’s Media and Business School engaged with learners and faculty from the College of Information and Communications Technology, College of Communication, College of Business and Management, and the College of Physical Education, Sports, Culture, Arts and Recreation.

    The visit concluded with strengthened academic ties and a renewed commitment to sustaining initiatives that promote student learning, cultural appreciation, and global collaboration.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • Cross-border academic synergy strengthened at WVSU-Pototan with Mohawk College, Canada

    Cross-border academic synergy strengthened at WVSU-Pototan with Mohawk College, Canada

    Internationalization took center stage on February 18 as a delegation of five students and a professor from Mohawk College Canada brought an exchange of ideas to West Visayas State University – Pototan Campus.

    Dr. Raymund B. Gemora, Campus Administrator, opened the program with a message of welcome, highlighting the significance of global partnerships in shaping future-ready graduates.

    Further reinforcing this vision, Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), underscored the university’s commitment to expanding its global footprint. She noted that such engagements cultivate intercultural competence, academic mobility, and collaborative innovation—hallmarks of a truly internationalized institution.

    The highlight of the afternoon was an interactive plenary forum where students took the spotlight—raising questions, sharing insights, and discovering common academic interests with their Canadian counterparts. The dialogue reflected curiosity, openness, and a shared drive for excellence.

    More than a courtesy visit, the engagement symbolized the strengthening academic bridge between Canada and the Philippines—uniting learners and educators through shared aspirations in engineering and technology education.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO