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STUDENT IUIS (Main Campus)

Category: International News

  • “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

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  • 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

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  • 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

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  • Canadian students immerse in Filipino heritage through traditional games at WVSU

    Canadian students immerse in Filipino heritage through traditional games at WVSU

    Five students from Mohawk College, Canada engaged in traditional Filipino games on February 17 at West Visayas State University (WVSU), offering them a fun and interactive way to immerse themselves in local culture while building connections with DagYoung Student Ambassadors.

    As part of their cultural engagement activities, the visiting students participated in well-loved Filipino childhood games such as Tumbang Preso, Langit-Lupa, Chinese Garter, Limbo Rack, Luksong Tinik, Kadang-kadang, and Patintero.

    Through these traditional games, the participants gained hands-on experience of Filipino customs that emphasize teamwork, agility, and community spirit. The activity fostered camaraderie between local and international students while deepening cultural understanding in an engaging and meaningful way.

    This initiative reflects WVSU’s continuing commitment to internationalization and cultural diversity by creating platforms where global visitors and local students can engage in meaningful exchanges that enrich both academic learning and personal growth.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Academic and cultural ties between WVSU and Mohawk College Canada deepened through student visit

    Academic and cultural ties between WVSU and Mohawk College Canada deepened through student visit

    Promoting academic and cultural exchange, West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed five students and one professor from Mohawk College for a visit from February 16 to 20, 2026.

    WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering international linkages that enhance learning opportunities for students and faculty.

    Dr. Andrew Fedurko of Mohawk College expressed appreciation for the partnership and the warm reception extended by the university during the visit. He is accompanied by Jelson Sales, Mohawk College’s Market Specialist for Southeast Asia.

    Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of International and Local Linkages Office underscored the strengthening academic partnership between the two institutions, sharing that since 2023, five WVSU students have participated in student learning opportunities at Mohawk College.

    During their stay, visiting students from Mohawk College’s Media and Business School, specializing in e-sports administration, are engaging with counterparts 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.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • West Philippine Sea Protection drives maritime awareness at WVSU

    West Philippine Sea Protection drives maritime awareness at WVSU

    Reinforcing its commitment to global awareness and civic engagement, West Visayas State University convened a forum on February 14 focused on protecting the West Philippine Sea, underscoring the vital role of the youth in promoting maritime awareness.

    The event gathered students from NSTP–CWTS, ROTC, and the College of Education Graduate School.

    Representatives from the National Task Force delivered a lecture on Philippine national security and developments in the West Philippine Sea, outlining key geopolitical realities and the country’s maritime policies.

    The forum concluded with a poster-making activity, where students translated their insights into creative advocacy pieces.

    The program was mounted in collaboration with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, International and Local Linkages Office, Office of the University President, NSTP–CWTS, ROTC, and the Center for Peace Education, demonstrating a shared commitment to informed and active citizenship.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU selected among 30 HEIs for CHED-CBIE project advancing Canada-PH academic linkages

    WVSU selected among 30 HEIs for CHED-CBIE project advancing Canada-PH academic linkages

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) has been selected as one of the 30 Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to participate in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Project entitled “Leading Internationalization: Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Canada-Philippines Linkages.”

    CHED, in partnership with the Canadian Bureau for International Education and through its International Affairs Service (IAS), launched the initiative to strengthen academic and institutional ties between the Philippines and Canada, building on a collaboration that began in 2014. The project is supported by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC) under the Indo-Pacific Regional Connectivity Envelope.

    The initiative aims to strengthen the IZN capacity of Philippine HEIs by equipping university administrators and key officials with foundational knowledge, leadership skills, and strategic tools to foster global engagement, particularly in developing and sustaining partnerships with Canadian institutions. The program will be delivered in a blended format, combining online synchronous and asynchronous learning sessions, and will culminate in an in-person workshop for a selected cohort of participants.

    Representing WVSU in the project are Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO); and Dr. Michael Victor Gonzales, College of Agriculture and Forestry IZN Coordinator.

    Through this engagement, WVSU continues to strengthen its academic linkages with Canadian institutions and reaffirm its vision of becoming a globally competitive university responsive to the evolving landscape of international higher education.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU delegates touch down in India for e-Bridge student mobility and cultural exchange

    WVSU delegates touch down in India for e-Bridge student mobility and cultural exchange

    Strengthening its commitment to internationalization and global citizenship, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) delegation has arrived in Pune, India, for a 15-day mobility and cultural exchange program under the e-Bridge Intercultural Digital Learning initiative, scheduled from February 12 to 27, 2026.

    Leading the team is Dr. Antoniette D. Cortez, Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence and International Program Coordinator, along with e-Bridge teacher-volunteers: Chia Camelle C. Guillen and Louis Kenneth T. Visaya, both fourth-year BSED English students who began their e-Bridge journey as first-year volunteers, and Ann Mariel T. Ebiota, a second-year BSED English student.

    The three volunteers were selected by Reeves Rodrigues, founder of Poveda Foundation India and e-Bridge India coordinator.

    The mobility program offers an opportunity for meaningful face-to-face interactions with partner learners, enabling volunteers to gain deeper cultural insights, refine teaching strategies, and enhance the impact of their virtual engagements.

    Since its launch in 2022, the WVSU e-Bridge Intercultural Digital Learning Program has grown into a dynamic platform for global collaboration. The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between WVSU and Education for an Interdependent World (EDIW), represented by WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and Dr. Emma T. Melgarejo, EDIW Project Coordinator for Asia and America, on behalf of EDIW President Dr. Julia Maria González Ferreras of Brussels, Belgium.

    This international engagement is part of Phase Eight of the EDIW e-Bridge Program, reinforcing the WVSU–EDIW partnership and its commitment to global citizenship education and borderless learning.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • WVSU, ICCC, AND Irodori Inc.-Japan ink MOA for Iloilo Wagamama Innovators project

    WVSU, ICCC, AND Irodori Inc.-Japan ink MOA for Iloilo Wagamama Innovators project

    A new international collaboration aimed at empowering student innovators was formalized on February 10 as West Visayas State University, Iloilo City Community College (ICCC), and Irodori Inc.-Japan signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the International and Local Linkages Office for the implementation of the “Iloilo Wagamama Innovators” project.

    Dr. Joey E. Elechicon delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In his message, he underscored the value of international collaboration in strengthening innovation and digital competence among students.

    Atty. Sharon B. Millan, Project Coordinator, presented the overview and rationale of the partnership. Inspired by Irodori Inc.’s “Wagamama Lab” approach, the initiative encourages students to transform their “wagamama,” or small community-centered wishes, into practical and innovative mobile applications that address local challenges.

    The 8-week initiative engages 15 students from ICCC and 15 students from WVSU-Lambunao Campus in mobile app development training under the guidance of Japan-based trainers from Irodori Inc. Through online lectures, mentorship, and hands-on activities, participants enhance their digital literacy, creativity, and problem-solving skills while developing functional app prototypes for their respective communities.

    Messages of commitment were delivered by Dr. Peter Ernie P. Paris, OIC President of WVSU; Dr. Arnold G. Rago, OIC President of ICCC; and Mr. Takahiro Yatsu, Representative Director of Irodori Inc.-Japan.

    Followed by the ceremonial signing of the MOA, which officially formalized the partnership among the three institutions. The closing message of Prof. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, ILLO Director, was delivered by Dr. Cheryll Dawal, Campus Administrator of WVSU-Lambunao Campus.

    The partnership reflects a shared commitment to nurturing socially responsible digital innovators capable of contributing meaningful solutions to local and global communities.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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  • Filipino brand of service excellence anchors WVSU bridging worlds seminar

    Filipino brand of service excellence anchors WVSU bridging worlds seminar

    Emphasizing service excellence as a key element of internationalization (IZN), the seminar-workshop “WVSU Bridging Worlds: Protocol and Intercultural Intelligence” gathered non-teaching staff, faculty members, IZN coordinators, and DagYoung student ambassadors from the main and external campuses on February 6 at the WVSU Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) hall.

    The activity was organized by the International and Local Linkages Office, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Western Visayas and the Human Resource Management Office, as part of efforts to strengthen global readiness through culturally grounded and values-based service practices.

    The session featured Ms. Mary Lou G. Escullar, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer of the DOT Region VI, who presented the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence and discussed the 7Ms of Filipino Hospitality and Service Excellence.

    Highlighted in the session was the ‘Mabuhay’ gesture, a key expression of Filipino hospitality that demonstrates a warm greeting, respectful body language, attentiveness, and genuine courtesy in engaging guests. This simple yet powerful practice leaves a lasting positive impression, reinforcing service excellence in both local and international settings.

    Ms. Escullar emphasized that service excellence in tourism must be consistently experienced across all tourism touchpoints.

    The session enriched participants’ knowledge and enhanced their skills in delivering authentic Filipino hospitality aligned with both local standards and international expectations.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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