West Visayas State University (WVSU) has been officially approved as a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), following the endorsement of its Networks Strategy Council on December 15, 2025.
The milestone affirms WVSU’s sustained commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, instruction, policy engagement, and community-based initiatives.
Dr. Louis Placido F. Lachica, WVSU UN SDSN Focal Person, said the membership enhances the university’s role in promoting evidence-based, inclusive, and locally grounded solutions to development challenges. He added that it also opens wider opportunities for international collaboration toward building sustainable and resilient communities.
The three-month application process was completed through close collaboration with Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla and University Planning and Development Office Director Dr. Reymund B. Flores. According to Dr. Lachica, the approval reflects WVSU’s strong and comprehensive institutional portfolio and its consistent engagement in sustainable development initiatives.
The SDSN is a global network of more than 2,000 institutions worldwide that promote high-quality education and research for sustainable development, support governments in addressing SDG-related challenges, and initiate solution-oriented programs, including long-term development pathways.
In 2022, the university, through the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), formally promoted the inclusion of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in the objectives, posters, banners or tarpaulins, programs, and invitations of all WVSU activities and events. This initiative applied to academic, extension, research, and student-led programs across colleges, campuses, and units.
Under the policy, organizers are encouraged to explicitly state the applicable SDG or SDGs in the objectives of their activities and visibly integrate the official SDG logos in all information and promotional materials. The move aimed to deepen awareness of the 17 interlinked global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a blueprint for achieving a more sustainable and inclusive future by 2030.
With its inclusion in the SDSN, WVSU strengthens its position in the global sustainability community and reinforces its commitment to contributing knowledge-driven solutions for inclusive and sustainable development.
Category: International News
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WVSU earns membership in Global UN SDSN Network
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4th Year in a Row: WVSU receives CHED ICONS Award in global rankings
West Visayas State University (WVSU) receives recognition today at the Commission on Higher Education’s Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. The university marks its fourth consecutive year being honored for outstanding achievements in internationalization and contributions to global higher education.
Dr. Elizabeth Magallanes, Director of the Quality Assurance Office, and Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, receive the award on behalf of the university.
WVSU stands out as one of the leading Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) for strong performance in major global ranking platforms, including the 2025 THE Impact Rankings, 2026 QS World University Rankings–Asia, and the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).
2025 THE Impact Rankings
WVSU earns a spot in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings, placing in the 1501+ overall bracket. The university gains recognition for contributions to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being (1001–1500)• SDG 4 – Quality Education (1501+)
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (1001+)
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals (1501+)
2026 QS Asia Rankings
WVSU strengthens its regional presence, placing 185th in Southeast Asia and within the 1201–1300 bracket in Asia in the 2026 QS World University Rankings–Asia.
2025 WURI Rankings
WVSU demonstrates a culture of innovation, climbing to Rank 187 in the 2025 WURI, rising from 210th in 2024. The university also secures top spots in three WURI Top 100 categories:
• Rank 20 – Student Mobility & Openness (A2)• Rank 36 – Student Support & Engagement (A1)
• Rank 91 – Culture/Values (B4)
In addition to its global recognition, WVSU advanced its commitment to quality education through a new partnership with CHED. Earlier today, President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CHED Secretary Shirley C. Agrupis to implement the Diploma in Teaching Program, reinforcing the university’s role in shaping competent educators for the nation.
Through these achievements and partnerships, WVSU continues to strengthen its international profile while advancing its mission of excellence, innovation, and sustainable development in higher education.
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WVSU Dagyoung Student Ambassador drives global youth policy at the 13th NYP
Showcasing West Visayas State University’s commitment to youth leadership and internationalization, Johnric G. Vargas—DagYoung Student Ambassador and Political Science student—represented Iloilo City and the entire Region VI as its lone delegate to the 13th National Youth Parliament (NYP) National Assembly held in Vigan City from November 18–20, 2025.
The National Youth Parliament, a biennial policy-making convention mandated by Republic Act 8044 or the Youth in Nation-Building Act, brings together exceptional young leaders from across the Philippines to craft informed, future-oriented policy recommendations. Echoing WVSU’s global outlook, the NYP fosters a culture of international cooperation, policy innovation, and youth engagement aligned with global development agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international mobility frameworks.
Throughout the assembly, delegates examined youth issues through a global lens—economic empowerment, good governance, digital innovation, and greater mobility across cultures and borders—reflecting the increasingly interconnected role of youth in nation-building.
Vargas took on major leadership responsibilities that highlight his capacity to engage in both national and international youth development work. He served as the National Cluster Chairperson on Economic Empowerment and Global Mobility, Regional Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Governance, and was elected Regional Convener for the 13th NYP. He likewise contributed to the Philippine Youth Development Plan – Regional Inter-Agency Committee (PYDP-RIAC), ensuring that Western Visayas’ priorities resonate with broader cross-regional and global youth development perspectives.
Following the deliberations of the National Assembly, the 13th National Youth Parliament successfully passed key resolutions aligned with the 10 Centers of Youth Participation—selected from hundreds of proposals submitted by regional clusters nationwide. These recommendations strengthen youth involvement in governance, economic mobility, and strategic partnerships, echoing international best practices in policy-driven youth development.
These resolutions will be formally transmitted to the Philippine Congress and the Executive Branch for appropriate legislative and executive action, reinforcing NYP’s role as a national platform contributing to policy systems comparable to youth parliaments and councils across Asia and beyond.
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Academic and industry immersion connects WVSU-CBM to global learning and research opportunities at UiTM Malaysia
West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Business and Management (CBM) advances its global engagement initiatives as it embarks on an academic and industry immersion program with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia from December 7 to 11, 2025.
CBM Dean Dr. Raymund Moreno, along with six faculty members and 11 students, was welcomed by UiTM Deputy Dean for Industry Linkages Prof. Dr. Chemah Tamby Chik.
A series of academic engagements follow as WVSU-CBM meets with UiTM’s Faculty of Hotel and Tourism Management (FHTM). Faculty members from both institutions participate in collaborative sharing sessions that highlight ongoing research, best practices, and academic insights. These sessions are complemented by a cultural showcase and networking lunch, providing avenues for deeper interaction. The delegation also tours the faculty facilities and library, gaining firsthand exposure to UiTM’s academic environment.
The delegation then proceeds with activities under the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM), which include a courtesy meeting with the dean, a guided tour of the FBM campus, and an international seminar hosted by the Institute of Business Excellence (IBE). Selected WVSU faculty members deliver 10-minute research presentations, featuring diverse academic disciplines and research outputs. Dr. Ma. Flora C. Collado serves as the keynote speaker, emphasizing the importance of academic collaboration and global knowledge exchange.
UiTM highlights that the Malaysia Immersion Program aims to build stronger international collaborations, enrich research linkages, and provide meaningful global exposure to participating faculty members and students. The initiative also reflects the shared vision of both universities to promote academic excellence through cross-cultural learning and institutional partnerships.
Through this program, WVSU-CBM continues to expand its global footprint, strengthening its internationalization efforts and fostering impactful academic relationships beyond the Philippines.
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WVSU sets regional benchmark in UI GreenMetric 2025
West Visayas State University (WVSU) has climbed to World Rank 521 in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2025, placing 1st in Region VI, 18th in the Philippines, and 294th in Asia, solidifying its standing as one of the country’s leading sustainable universities.
Now on its 15th edition, the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings assessed 1,745 institutions from 105 countries, making it the world’s largest university ranking focused on sustainability performance. This year introduces the theme “Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in Higher Education: Stories from Our Institutions and Communities,” highlighting how universities integrate sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement.
WVSU’s performance reflects its efforts across all six dimensions measured by UI GreenMetric—setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste management, water conservation, transportation systems, and sustainability-focused education and research. These criteria, composed of 39 indicators, evaluate how universities manage their physical environment, implement green policies, conserve resources, reduce emissions, and embed sustainability into academic and community programs.
As WVSU continues to participate in the global UI GreenMetric network, its achievements contribute to broader national and international efforts to promote clean energy, climate action, sustainable development, and green innovation. The 2025 ranking offers both recognition and motivation for the university to enhance its programs and deepen its integration of sustainability within all aspects of institutional life. -
WVSU DagYoung Student Ambassadors elevate youth leadership in climate action at France-PH Blue Nations and Youth & Oceans event
West Visayas State University (WVSU) strengthened its international environmental engagement as its DagYoung Student Ambassadors (DSA) took part in the high-level celebration of the Blue Nations Initiative and Youth & Oceans Program on December 3, 2025, at Makati Diamond Residences.
The event marked the culmination of a two-year partnership between France and the Philippines dedicated to advancing marine conservation and climate action. Held in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement (COP21), the gathering highlighted the achievements of both the Blue Nations Initiative and the Youth & Oceans Program, which has supported eleven civil society projects across the country in mobilizing grassroots environmental action.
Representing WVSU were DSA Chairperson Aihrich M. Toreres, Special Projects Coordinator Johnric G. Vargas, and Education and Training Coordinator Amabela Fiona Le B. Benid, who showcased the university’s flagship marine conservation program, Sanctuarium Maris. Funded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, the project positions WVSU’s student ambassadors, the internationalization arm of the university’s International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO).
During the program, Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines, reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with the Philippine government, emphasizing new opportunities for collaboration in strategic sectors ahead of France’s assumption of the G7 Chairmanship in 2026. The WVSU delegation also met His Excellency Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura, Ambassador of Brazil to the Philippines, who expressed support for youth-led conservation initiatives and coastal protection efforts.
Since its launch in January 2025, the Sanctuarium Maris project has conducted a series of capacity-building activities for the Tigbauan coastal community. These include training on sea turtle biology, conservation and rescue protocols, artificial nest net-making, and simulations for nest protection. The project also held a workshop on drafting environmental ordinances aimed at institutionalizing local conservation efforts.
A significant outcome of this initiative is the passage of Barangay Atabayan Ordinance No. 2025-004, titled “An Ordinance Creating a Sea Turtle Nest Protection Program, Providing Guidelines for Conservation and Appropriating Funds Thereof.” With guidance from the WVSU College of Law, the ordinance established a legal framework that now strengthens sea turtle conservation efforts in the Tigbauan coastline.
The event concluded with a Cocktail and Civil Society Networking Session, where WVSU presented visibility materials and project outputs, highlighting the university’s growing role in youth-driven climate action and marine conservation. Through its continued participation in global environmental initiatives, WVSU reaffirms its commitment to building resilient communities, empowering local leaders, and fostering globally engaged student advocates for sustainable development.
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WVSU achieves 219th spot in AppliedHE ALL ASIA 2026 Public University Rankings
West Visayas State University (WVSU) strengthens its regional and international presence, placing 219th with a score of 31.56 in the 2026 ALL ASIA Public University Rankings by AppliedHE, signaling its drive to meet global academic standards.
Since its inception in 2021, Singapore-based AppliedHE has been producing university rankings to assess and compare institutions across Asia. The rankings are based on a comprehensive methodology that evaluates institutions using institutional data, bibliometric indicators, student surveys, and peer-nomination surveys.
Six key criteria guide the assessment: Teaching and Learning (40%), Employability (15% for public universities), Research (15% for public universities), Community Engagement (10%), Internationalization (10%), and Institutional Reputation (10%). A log-normalization process is applied to certain metrics, and all data are validated to ensure accuracy.
WVSU’s inclusion in the Public University Ranking – ALL ASIA 2026 highlights its compliance with these high standards, reflecting accredited degree programs, active faculty and student engagement, research excellence, strong employability outcomes, and international collaboration.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
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WVSU Faculty advances public health research in France through selective SSHN scholarship
Marking a significant milestone in West Visayas State University’s international research engagement, Dr. Resti Tito H. Villarino, Assistant Professor III of the College of Nursing, is currently undertaking a four-week research mobility program in La Rochelle, France, from November 19 to December 19 as one of only eight scholars selected for the prestigious Séjours Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (SSHN) 2025 Scholarship awarded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia.
The scholarship selection was highly competitive, with 37 applications submitted from 22 institutions across the country and only eight research projects chosen for funding.
The research mobility enabled Dr. Villarino to advance his public health study at Excelia Business School under the mentorship of Dr. Lili Zheng, Associate Professor and HDR-accredited research supervisor. His project, “Analyzing Barriers to Electronic Health Record (EHR) Adoption in Philippine Public Hospitals: A Push-Pull-Mooring Perspective with Integrated TAM and DOI Insights,” examines the persistent challenges faced by healthcare institutions in implementing electronic health records.
During his stay, Dr. Villarino was integrated into Excelia’s CERIIM Research Center, where he was provided a dedicated workspace equipped with essential research materials. He gained full access to the institution’s extensive library resources, academic databases, and statistical tools such as SPSS and AMOS, which supported the advancement of his data analysis and manuscript development. His mobility experience also allowed him to participate in academic seminars, research group meetings, and faculty consultations, enabling productive scholarly engagement within Excelia’s research community.
Excelia’s technical and administrative teams offered continuous logistical support, ensuring a smooth and enriching mobility period. In her remarks, Dr. Zheng commended Dr. Villarino’s research progress and emphasized the project’s potential to offer meaningful insights into EHR adoption challenges in Philippine public hospitals while strengthening international academic collaboration.
This ongoing research mobility continues to strengthen the partnership between France and WVSU, particularly in the areas of research, internationalization, and capacity building.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
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WVSU expands its global footprint at US-PH Partnership Level II workshop, boosting study abroad opportunities
Demonstrating its growing role in international education, West Visayas State University (WVSU) took part in the US–PH Global Partnership Level II Workshop: Creating Transformative Learning Experiences for U.S. Students in the Philippines, held on November 18–19, 2025.
Representing WVSU were Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, and Ms. Alisa Mei Locsin, Information Officer I. WVSU was among the 16 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from across the country that participated in this national capacity-building initiative.
Organized by the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), the workshop strengthened the ongoing collaboration between the United States and the Philippines in expanding international education opportunities. The program forms part of PAEF’s efforts to advance student mobility and support the Consortium for Study Abroad in the Philippines, a new initiative designed to streamline processes, enhance on-the-ground support, and encourage more U.S. students to pursue academic and cultural immersion in the country.
The two-day workshop focused on equipping Philippine HEIs with the knowledge and competencies needed to design, host, and implement culturally grounded and academically rigorous study abroad programs. Dr. Nick J. Gozik, Dean of Global Education at Elon University, facilitated the sessions and provided expert insights on best practices for preparing institutions to welcome U.S. students. Key discussions touched on the rebound of global study abroad participation, the continued underrepresentation of Asia in international mobility trends, and the emerging opportunities for the Philippines as a study-abroad destination.
The workshop emphasized the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad, recognized as the global framework for program quality and assessment. These standards guide institutions in program development, stakeholder communication, resource allocation, safety protocols, and the cultivation of respectful and sustainable international partnerships.
Throughout the sessions, participants examined strategies for strong institutional coordination, highlighting the importance of clear communication channels, designated points of contact, and alignment among key units such as the registrar, housing services, and international offices. The workshop also underscored the critical role of faculty engagement, academic resource support, and student involvement in creating enriching study-abroad experiences.
Student support and integration were central themes, with discussions emphasizing the need for well-planned orientation programs, accessible campus facilities, peer networks, and holistic safety and wellness measures. Institutions were encouraged to adopt proactive, empathetic, and collaborative approaches in addressing the diverse needs of visiting students.
During the networking session, WVSU engaged with other institutions and organizations, exploring collaborative opportunities in joint program development, faculty exchange, and future student mobility initiatives. These conversations strengthened the University’s linkages and opened new prospects for international partnerships aligned with its growing internationalization agenda.
With its active participation in this national initiative, WVSU reaffirmed its commitment to expanding global engagement and enhancing international academic collaboration.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
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Visayan synergy highlights strategic internationalization efforts of WVSU and CAPSU
West Visayas State University (WVSU), in partnership with Capiz State University (CAPSU), held the Visayan Synergy: Strategic Internationalization for Enhanced Global Engagement workshop on November 14 at the WVSU Board Room.
The activity focused on helping universities in the region strengthen their internationalization efforts. Participants discussed how schools can better align with global trends, attract international students, support student mobility programs, and build strong international partnerships.
Prof. Bryan Dayuta, Director of the Linkages and International Office of the Philippine Normal University (PNU), served as resource person. He shared insights on how universities can improve their global presence through strategic planning and collaboration.
WVSU was represented by Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Dr. Geneveve Parreño-Lachica, Director of CRISMEd; Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office; and Ms. Christine Liz V. Jimenea, Administrative Officer IV for Quality Assurance.
The event highlighted the shared goal of WVSU and CAPSU to expand global engagement opportunities and enhance the international presence of higher education institutions in the region.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
