Category: International News

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.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) participated in this year’s Global Reach 2024 virtual symposium last August 7-8, 2024. The symposium, themed “Food Systems and Community Agriculture’’ and ‘’Climate Smart Agriculture’’ was organized by Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture (Dal-AC), in partnership with universities and colleges around the world.

Two graduate students from the WVSU College of Agriculture and Forestry represented the university, allowing graduate students from partner universities to present their research findings and collaborate to an international audience. It also served as an important networking opportunity while showcasing Graduate Student research.

Rhea Joy Descalso Flora presented her study on “Effects of Creeping Daisy (Wedelia trilobata) Invasion on the Properties of the Soil Under the Selected Plantation Crops” and Charie T. Toledo for her study “The Importance of Community Participation in the Implementation of the Forestland Management Project: The Case of Jalaur River Basin”.

Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mariano Marcos State University, University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), and UP Los Baños, were also represented in the said symposium.

Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) of West Visayas State University (WVSU) represented the university in the 2024 World Korean Educators Conference at Seoul, South Korea from August 5 to 8, 2024.

During this conference, Dr. Dequilla joined groups of other Korean educators and teachers from King Sejong Institute branches around the globe. WVSU is selected as one of the two academic institutions in the Philippines to participate in the said conference.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been hosting the event annually alongside King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF), which supervises the network of King Sejong Institutes (KSIs) around the world. King Sejong Institutes are state-run Korean language institutes set up to better promote the language and traditions of Korea all around the world.

Annually, teachers and educators from all over the world come together to officially launch new KSIs and to reward outstanding ones, as well as to exchange information and experiences.

Dr. Dequilla expressed her excitement in exploring the diverse instruction and academic benefits offered by the KSI.

It is recalled that WVSU has been officially designated as a Sejong Institute for 2024, as part of an international network dedicated to spreading the Korean language and culture.