Category: International News

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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