Category: International News

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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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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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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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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Strengthening institutional internationalization efforts, the seminar-workshop “WVSU Bridging Worlds: Protocol and Intercultural Intelligence” was held on February 5 at the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) hall through the International and Local Linkages Office, in partnership with the Human Resource Management Office.

The first day opened with a lecture by Dr. Louis Placido F. Lachica, WVSU Focal Person to the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN), highlighting the importance of SDG-aligned communication and the shared responsibility of the WVSU community in advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Setting the university’s global direction, Ms. Edel Carmela Subong Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, discussed WVSU’s internationalization initiatives. This was followed by Ms. Danielle Galecio, Executive Assistant III from the Office of the President, who tackled diplomatic protocol, events and conference management, and the responsibilities of protocol officers, underscoring professionalism and cultural sensitivity in international engagements.

Representing the Commission on Higher Education, Dr. Danebeth Narzoles, CHED Regional Office VI Internationalization Focal Person, presented CHED’s 7-Point Agenda, consisting of four core thrusts and three enablers that address key priorities in higher education, including lifelong learning, human capital development, SDG-based research and innovation, inclusive internationalization, data-driven governance, strengthened institutional systems, and effective public service.

Sessions on Intercultural Intelligence were led by Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, followed by a workshop facilitated by Ms. Alisa Mei Locsin.

The first day concluded with a discussion on “The Value of Rankings” by Ms. Christine Liz Jimenea, Administrative Officer IV of the Quality Assurance Office.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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His Excellency Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to the Philippines, met with officials of West Visayas State University (WVSU) and the King Sejong Institute Iloilo (KSI Iloilo) today, strengthening academic and cultural ties between South Korea and the Philippines.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Joy H. Pantino, Director of KSI Iloilo; Dr. Alexander J. Balsomo, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Prof. Saturnino Luke A. Sobrevega, Associate Dean of CAS; Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office; Ms. Arizza Julia Inocencio, faculty member from the WVSU–Department of Language Studies; Ms. Krizza S. Cañete, Project Manager of KSI Iloilo, along with other faculty members and staff from CAS and KSI Iloilo.

Discussions focused on KSI Iloilo, formally established in 2025 through a Memorandum of Agreement between WVSU and the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF). Professor Ree Ran Park played a key role in helping bring the Institute to life after a six-month trial program in 2024 that drew strong participation from students, professionals, and cultural enthusiasts. Since then, the Institute has offered Korean language and culture classes, as well as activities such as Chuseok celebrations, Korean speech contests, and traditional craft workshops.

The meeting also emphasized strengthening academic collaboration, expanding Korean language education, and promoting cultural exchange programs between South Korea and the Philippines, including joint activities, faculty engagement, and student-centered initiatives. It further highlighted WVSU’s role in advancing Korean language and cultural education in the region.

To note, last November 25, 2024, Kim Hyon Du, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of South Korea to the Philippines, delivered a special lecture at WVSU in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and the Philippines.

The visit of Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa reflects the enduring friendship between South Korea and the Philippines and reinforces a shared commitment to academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and the continued strengthening of bilateral relations.

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Reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainable finance, West Visayas State University (WVSU) completed the three-day introductory training held from January 23 to 25 2026 under Work Package 2 of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) Project Green Finance: Advancing Higher Education for Sustainable Growth in Southeast Asia, at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania.

On Day 1, President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, Legal Entity Appointed Representative (LEAR), presented the Philippine country and institutional report, outlining WVSU’s preparedness and strategic direction in implementing micro-credentials aligned with European Union (EU) frameworks. His presentation emphasized the university’s capacity to adopt innovative credentialing systems that respond to evolving academic and industry demands.

Building on this, Dr. Maria Corazon M. Samorin, Project Manager from the College of Business and Management, examined the Green Finance landscape in the Philippines, outlining key national policies, regulatory developments, and emerging market needs that shape the country’s sustainable finance ecosystem.

The training concluded with insights from Ms. Mia Guartilla, Junior Expert from the CBM, who shared WVSU’s experience in higher education–industry collaboration. Her presentation highlighted practical approaches to developing partnerships, internship programs, and co-designed academic initiatives that strengthen workforce relevance and foster industry engagement.

The three-day training reinforced WVSU’s role in advancing outcomes-based, industry-responsive green finance micro-credentials, while strengthening institutional capacity in sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration under the Erasmus+ framework.

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Advancing global efforts in sustainable finance, West Visayas State University (WVSU) took part in the 1st Transnational Project Meeting of the Erasmus+ CBHE project Green Finance: Advancing Higher Education for Sustainable Growth in Southeast Asia, held on January 22, 2026 at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania.

President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, Legal Entity Appointed Representative (LEAR), led the team alongside Dr. Maria Corazon M. Samorin, Project Manager, and Ms. Mia Guartilla, Junior Expert from the College of Business and Management.

The meeting marked the official launch of the project and served as a critical platform for aligning international partners on the project’s strategic direction. Key discussions focused on the project background and rationale, work breakdown structure, project management framework, and dissemination strategies.

Partners also reviewed first-year activities and deliverables, mobility implementation plans, and financial and reporting requirements, ensuring a coordinated and effective execution of project goals.

This milestone gathering brought together academic institutions and experts from the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Romania, Poland, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Highlights of the event included an institutional welcome session, in-depth planning of the project roadmap, a workshop on mobility and collaboration opportunities, and a cultural immersion tour of historic downtown Sibiu, fostering stronger cross-cultural and institutional partnerships.

Through its participation in this Erasmus+ initiative, WVSU reaffirms its commitment to outcomes-based education and sustainability-driven academic innovation under the Erasmus+ framework.

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West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed the 12th batch of pre-service student teachers under the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia (SEA-Teacher) Project during a welcome ceremony held today at the university board room.

The ceremony introduced two practice teachers from Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), Indonesia—Qurrota A’yun and Najwa Lelya Mawarda—who will complete their teaching internship at the WVSU Integrated Laboratory School from January 14 to February 10, 2026.

In his welcome message, Dr. Ricky M. Magno, Dean of the College of Education, highlighted the value of international collaboration in teacher education.

“This collaboration stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when institutions come together with a shared vision for excellence in teacher education. To our pre-service teachers, you are not merely participants in a program; you are ambassadors of your country, bringing with you hope, culture, and compassion,” he said.

Prof. Mary June Pineda, Director of the Integrated Laboratory School, expressed her support for the visiting practice teachers and underscored the school’s commitment to providing a nurturing learning environment.

An overview of the internship program was presented by Dr. Cheryl Lyn Delgado, Chair of the Division of Secondary Teacher Training, who outlined the academic and teaching components of the SEA-Teacher engagement.

Messages of welcome were also delivered by student leaders Jesrael G. Amor, Chairperson of the English Majors’ Organization, and Arnel F. Gubatanga Jr., Chairperson of the Circle of Mathematicians, emphasizing student involvement and cultural exchange.

The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, who reaffirmed WVSU’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and promoting global competence among future educators.

The SEA-Teacher Project continues to serve as a platform for cross-cultural learning and professional growth, reinforcing WVSU’s dedication to internationalization in teacher education.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), continues to advance international cooperation and youth-led environmental advocacy through sustained engagement with the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia.

On November 20, Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of ILLO, together with Ms. Alisa Mei Locsin, Information Officer I, met with Mr. Amir Hamdane, Chargé de Coopération Technique and Development Cooperation Officer of the Service de Coopération et d’Action Culturelle. The meeting explored academic, cultural, and development partnerships, including initiatives under the Sanctuarium Maris Project, a French Embassy–funded marine conservation project implemented by WVSU that focuses on the protection of sea turtles, a globally threatened species vital to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

Further strengthening institutional and student engagement, officers of the DagYoung Student Ambassadors (DSA)—Chairperson Aihrich M. Toreres, Special Projects Coordinator Johnric G. Vargas, and Education and Training Coordinator Amabela Fiona Le B. Benid—paid a courtesy visit to the French Embassy on December 4, reinforcing collaboration on youth participation, environmental action, and internationalization, particularly in support of community-based sea turtle conservation initiatives. Through sustained collaboration with the French Embassy, WVSU continues to strengthen its internationalization efforts by empowering students, fostering cross-cultural engagement, and advancing globally relevant initiatives in environmental sustainability and marine conservation.

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