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STUDENT IUIS (Main Campus)

Category: International News

  • 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 rises to rank 137 in WURI 2026, breaks into global top 500 innovative

    WVSU rises to rank 137 in WURI 2026, breaks into global top 500 innovative

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) has secured Rank 137 in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026, placing it among the Global Top 500 Innovative Universities.

    This marks a significant rise from its 187th position in 2025, highlighting the university’s continued commitment to innovation, quality assurance, enhanced student engagement, and strengthened international collaboration.

    In addition to its overall ranking, WVSU earned recognition in several specialized categories within the WURI Top 100:

    * 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)

    The World University Rankings for Innovation evaluates universities based on innovation, practical impact, and responsiveness to global and societal challenges, rather than traditional academic metrics.

    WVSU’s improved standing reflects its continued commitment to advancing education that is innovative, socially responsive, and aligned with global standards.

  • 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.

  • SEA-Teacher batch 11 from UNJ begins immersion at WVSU COE

    SEA-Teacher batch 11 from UNJ begins immersion at WVSU COE

    A spirit of cultural and academic exchange filled the CTE Main Hall on May 4 as the College of Education (COE) of West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed SEA-Teacher Batch 11 practice teachers from Universitas Negeri Jakarta—Muhammad Fazl Andeaka Prawira, Rafi Ahmad Fakhri, and Muhamad Syaiful Ikhwan—for their teaching immersion at WVSU.

    Messages were delivered by Dr. Ricky M. Magno, COE Dean; Prof. Mary June Pineda, Integrated Laboratory School Director; and Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, highlighting international collaboration in education.

    The program included an overview by Dr. Cheryl Lyn Delgado, Chair of the Division of Secondary Teacher Training, and closing remarks from Prof. Esperval Cezhar Cadiao, COE IZN Coordinator.

    WVSU’s participation in the SEA-Teacher exchange at Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia, was likewise recognized, with Prof. Bonifacio P. Gaverza and student participants Ayessa Mae T. Tumabotabo, Athria B. Vidiot, and Prince Ryan A. Rabo, underscoring the university’s continued engagement in international academic exchange.

  • Panalawsaw 2026 highlights international studies on language and culture at WVSU

    Panalawsaw 2026 highlights international studies on language and culture at WVSU

    Driving focused international research dialogue in languages and culture, West Visayas State University (WVSU) brought together students, alumni, and partners for “Panalawsaw 2026: Borderless Unbound – Weaving Words Across Worlds” on April 29 at the Rehearsal Hall.

    The colloquium was organized by the College of Arts and Sciences – BA Foreign Languages in collaboration with the UP Korea Research Center and supported by the Korea Foundation.

    Opening messages were delivered by Dr. Eleonora B. Padilla, Student Research Coordinator, and Dr. Bonna S. Palma, CAS Dean, who emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and global engagement in advancing higher education.

    A key highlight of the event was the presentation of Dr. Kyung Min Bae, who underscored the role of the UP Korea Research Center in localizing Korean Studies in the Philippines and fostering meaningful international academic partnerships.

    The program also featured a research presentation by Krizza S. Cañete, UPKRC-KONECT Alumnus, which offered a comparative analysis of how language and landscapes shape historical consciousness in Iloilo City and Seoul.

    Panalawsaw serves as a platform for intercultural exchange and collaborative research in language and culture, strengthening WVSU’s global engagement, with the colloquium set to conclude tomorrow.

  • International collaboration highlighted as WVSU concludes 2nd batch French internship program

    International collaboration highlighted as WVSU concludes 2nd batch French internship program

    An atmosphere of gratitude and cultural appreciation filled the closing ceremony as West Visayas State University (WVSU) recognized French interns Eugénie Mouret and Maëlys Bourdin for successfully completing their two-month internship program.

    The interns, who are taking up a Master’s degree in “Teaching Abroad” at Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès in France, specialize in international cooperation, cultural diversity, and intercultural mediation. Their stay at WVSU was facilitated by the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO).

    During their internship, Mouret and Bourdin played an active role in academic life by conducting French language classes and facilitating crash courses on French culture for students at the main campus.

    Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of ILLO, expressed her appreciation for the interns’ enthusiasm, dedication, and the global perspective they shared, emphasizing the positive impact of their presence on both students and faculty.

    Faculty members also reflected on their experiences working with the interns. Dr. Alexander Balsomo of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) highlighted not only their academic contributions but also the memorable hiking experience they shared, which fostered camaraderie and cultural exchange outside the classroom. Meanwhile, Prof. Raffy Galan of the College of Communication (COC) commended their openness to learning, particularly their willingness to participate in a Hiligaynon class, showing genuine interest in understanding the local culture.

    Host family likewise played a significant role in the interns’ experience, providing a welcoming environment that allowed them to fully immerse themselves in Filipino culture and daily life.

    Students expressed their gratitude for the interns’ creative teaching methods, while members of the DagYoung Student Ambassadors noted how the program strengthened cultural connections and promoted mutual understanding among participants.

    The ceremony marked the culmination of a meaningful exchange, reflecting WVSU’s continued efforts to expand its global partnerships.

  • WVSU boosts QA capacity at 20th AUN-QA SAR workshop in Thailand

    WVSU boosts QA capacity at 20th AUN-QA SAR workshop in Thailand

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) strengthened its quality assurance efforts through its participation in the 20th Self-Assessment Report (SAR) AUN-QA Programme Assessment Workshop held in Bangkok, Thailand.

    Conducted from March 31 to April 2, 2026, with a follow-up online session on April 17, the workshop focused on developing outcomes-based and evidence-driven Self-Assessment Reports aligned with the ASEAN University Network–Quality Assurance framework.

    WVSU delegates Dr. Joanna C. Pabilona, Faculty of CON and Mr. Neiljan C. Raborar, QA focal person of CICT, gained practical insights on aligning program learning outcomes with quality standards and improving documentation and reporting systems.

    The workshop also enabled the development of draft SAR sections, supporting continuous improvement and strengthening institutional quality assurance in line with international standards.

  • 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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