Tag: 11
MAKE CITIES AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS INCLUSIVE, SAFE, RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE.
The world’s population is constantly increasing.To accommodate everyone, we need to build modern, sustainable cities. For all of us to survive and prosper, we need new, intelligent urban planning that creates safe, affordable and resilient cities with green and culturally inspiring living conditions.
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WVSU conducts uni-wide fire drill as ‘dry season’ begins; gets a rating of 8
By Fides Anna Notes, SILAK Media in collaboration with PAMCO
Highlighting fire emergency preparedness at the beginning of the “dry season” (December to May) in the Philippines, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) faculty members, staff, and students participated in the University-Wide Fire Safety Seminar and Fire Drill from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 7, 2023.
After the activity, the Drill Evaluation Report of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of Iloilo City gave WVSU a rating of “8” which is “satisfactory”.
The activity began with the Fire Safety Seminar and Fire Drill Orientation at the College of Medicine (COM) Gym, where the basics of fire safety and instructions for the fire drill were discussed by the BFP and the University Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (UDRRMC) of WVSU.
“Security and safety is actually an item that is not subject to negotiation — it simply means that safety and security in the University are non-negotiable,” said Mr. Julius B. Undar, WVSU chief administrator, in his opening remarks during the morning activity.
Furthermore, FO1 Rodney D. Doronila Jr. from the BFP Community Relations Unit (CRU) discussed the importance of fire prevention, the possible causes of fire, and the BFP’s effort to lessen fire emergencies across the region.
“When fire prevention fails, the result is fire suppression which is more costly and may result in loss of life and irreparable property damage,” said Doronila in his talk, adding that the said seminar is part of their goal in fire prevention.
The second part of the activity at 1:30 p.m. was a university-wide fire drill where a fire emergency was simulated as well as fire accidents and other fire evacuation problems to teach students, faculty members, and staff what to do in case these happen.
“I gained insights on the possible escape routes and evacuation areas when [the fire emergency] happens. It made me realize the significance of strategic planning for smooth evacuations and panic mitigation,” said Rocel Sasana, a third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in Social Studies from the WVSU – College of Education (COE), on her experience in participating in the fire drill.
After the Fire Drill, a debriefing and closing activity was conducted to discuss any weaknesses observed during the drill to plan necessary recommendations.
All photos by SILAK Media: Ma. Ella Nicole Untaran, Lyza Jean Lavado, Shane Salao, and Joseph Nebres of PAMCO
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HAPPENING NOW: Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) Training-Workshop in cooperation with the Civil Service Commission
WVSU opens the first day of its 3-day Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) Training-Workshop in cooperation with the Civil Service Commission. The workshop, attended by vice presidents, deans, directors, and heads of offices from Nov. 28-30, 2023, is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.
Today’s speaker is Mr. Leo Jamorin, Director II of the CSC Aklan Field Office. He will be discussing ‘The Review of SPMS Policies and Guidelines,’ ‘Streamlining the SPMS Process for Organizational Excellence,’ and ‘Bridging the Gap: Crafting Success Indicators to Seamlessly Align IPCR with OPCR Goals.’
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WVSU wins best extension project awards in PASUC VI-EMC reg’l symposium
The Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges VI – Extension Managers’ Council (PASUC 6-EMC) successfully culminated its 3-day 12th PASUC-VI EMC Regional Symposium and General Assembly last November 17, 2023 with an awarding of winners for paper, poster and video documentary entries. Held at Diversion 21 Hotel, the theme for this year’s symposium is “SUCs Leading the Way: Bridging Communities for Sustainable Futures” where it focuses on 3 categories namely: Education and Skill Empowerment; Healthcare and Environmental Stewardship and Innovation in Sustainable Agri-Fishery and Livelihood.
During the plenary session prior to the cluster presentations, resource speaker Dr. Ruperto S. Dangalang, President Emeritus of Cavite State University and Former Commissioner of CHED shared thought provoking scenarios on the topic “Scanning Horizons: Scoping the Futures of Extension for SUCs. Meanwhile, Ma. Leah L. Letrero, OIC Chief and Economic Development Specialist of NEDA Region 6 presented and discussed the Western Visayas Regional Plan 2023-2028.
West Visayas State University, one of the SUCs with most number of participants garnered 1st place in both the education and healthcare categories. The entry of WVSU-Calinog Campus entitled “Transforming Lives of Adult Learners through Functional Literacy Extension Project: An Impact Study” won the Best Extension Project award for Education and Skill Empowerment Category. The paper was presented during the symposium by Dr. Elias C. Olapane and is co-authored with Mary Jean F. Cataluna, Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, Andy Jose A. Casabuena, Recel T. Cabral, and Pamela F. Guevara.
Meanwhile, the WVSU- College of Nursing also won the Best Extension Project award for healthcare and environmental stewardship category for “Rays of Hope: Home Health Project” presented by author Sheila P. Beliran.
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Indonesian exchange students pay courtesy call to Iloilo City Mayor; explore the city
Text and photos by John Felip Gerasol
To enhance global ties and foster cultural exchange, three Indonesian students from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh (ITS) Nopember, Surabaya, paid a courtesy visit to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas as part of their second-day of itinerary on Nov. 10, 2023.
Mayor Treñas warmly welcomed the three Indonesian scholars, namely: Akbhar Maulana, Valeska Rianto, and Ghifary Muhammad, marking a significant stride in the internationalization efforts of West Visayas State University (WVSU).
To delve into the rich history and vibrant culture of the City of Love, the exchange students embarked on a guided tour in places such as Camina Balay nga Bato, Molo Mansion, and Festive Walk. They also had a taste of chicken sari-sari.
The International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO), at the forefront of institutional internationalization, organized the student exchange program titled “Creating Opportunities: The WVSU Student Exchange Program” in collaboration with the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) and the College of Business and Management (CBM).
Currently immersed in a two-week academic stint, the Indonesian students actively participate in classes facilitated by the aforementioned colleges including activities and immersive experiences to enrich their educational encounter prior to returning to their home country.
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Indonesian exchange students paid visit to Iloilo City Mayor Hon. Jerry P. Treñas
Ghifary Muhammad, Akbar Maulana, and Valeska Rianto, students from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh (ITS) Nopember, Surabaya also met Iloilo City councilor Miguel Treñas and the Mayor’s daughter Ms Raisa Treñas-Chu.
These students are joining the academic classes at the College of Information and Communications Technology and the College of Business and Management.
Gab Umadhay, City PESO manager, facilitated the courtesy call and assisted the foreign students in their introduction with the Mayor.
The students will then venture on a city tour guided by two of the WVSU-CBM Tourism Management students.
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US Embassy-sponsored reading workshop continues on the second and last day with exchange of strategies for reading teaching; discusses gap in Filipino’s literacy
The morning sessions on November 7, still led by US Embassy’s English Language Fellow, Dr. Kirsten Dyck, began with Games for Teaching Reading, which tackles the different educational games to help students interact with stories. It was followed by Creating Your Own Materials for Teaching Reading, wherein the participants made and shared their own creative learning materials.
In the afternoon, Dr. Carleen Velez, the Regional English Language Officer (RELO) of the US Embassy, joined the remaining two sessions of the workshop: Hands-On Reading Activity Session and Roundtable Discussion – Final Thoughts and Questions.
The main topic of discussions among the chosen panelists from each WVSU campus revolved around the students’ strength in creativity must be utilized to their maximum potential, for them to learn effectively as it encourages a more engaging method of learning—either through video-making or graphics. However, the group agreed that with the careless usage of technology, today’s generation of students are equipped to use it as “source material” and “short fixes”—they no longer connect with text, which led into the conclusion that students must be immersed in reading a few minutes before the start of the class to give them “opportunities to engage with texts” on reading materials of their own choosing and discussing it later on in class.
Concerns regarding “regimented curriculum”, which unable educators to teach reading with creative liberty were also raised. An alternative was suggested by the group: adapt “uninterrupted, sustained silent reading” and as well as give the students reading materials in advance to provide them the luxury of learning it at their own pace.
Dr. Velez recognized that besides being creative, Filipinos are “amazing performing artists”. She said, “I think sometimes as teachers we don’t take that aspect into the classroom.” She emphasized how some students register or process knowledge in different ways, and what works for one student might not work for the rest of the class.
“Take the strength and creativity that Filipinos have and give them a little bit of choice on how they demonstrate their knowledge and I think your students are gonna be happier,” Dr. Velez added.
The training-workshop was in coordination with the WVSU International and Local Linkages Office – ILLO.
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US Embassy English language fellow leads reading workshop among WVSU faculty
Dr. Kirsten Dyck, English Language Fellow at Angeles University, Pampanga leads the discussion on the Student-Centered Reading Workshop among English teachers of the WVSU system.
Today’s activity is composed of four sessions: A presentation on the 10 Ways to Make Your Students Not to HATE Reading; Gallery Walk of Participants’ Favorite Reading Instruction Materials; Selecting Higher-Order Thinking Activities; and Feedback/Brainstorming Session to Work on Participants’ Reading Instruction Challenges.
This is a two-day workshop, which will end tomorrow, November 7.
The Regional English Language Officer of the United States Embassy in the Philippines, Dr. Carleen Velez, will be joining the session on the last day.
This training-workshop is sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines, in coordination with the WVSU International and Local Linkages Office – ILLO .
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Indigenous Peoples Month
West Visayas State University joins the nation in celebrating the Indigenous Peoples Month. Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1906, the month of October is declared as the National Indigenous Peoples Month. This year’s theme is “Buhay naDunong: Pagkamalikhain at Kalikasan” (Living Heritage: Creativity and Nature). It highlights the rich tapestry of indigenous culture and the importance of nature in sustaining and nourishing intangible cultural heritage. #BuhaynaDunongPagkamalikhainatKalikasan #Dayaw2023
Picture credit: NCCA official facebook page
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WVSU partners with RO6 SUCs on Best Practices in International Internships talks
West Visayas State University (WVSU) headed a virtual discussion to shed light on the best practices of the state universities and colleges in Region VI on October 18, 2023. The partner state universities were Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), Capiz State University (CAPSU), and Guimaras State University (GSU). Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU), though not in Region 6, served as guest partner.
Called as Region VI on Spotlight: Best Practices in International Internships, the activity tackled what works in a state university, procedures/protocols, and best practices.
WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz welcomed the participants, “Today shows the untiring efforts of internationalization, where barriers of competition and exclusivity among state universities are broken and we welcome the spirit of unity by the sharing of the best practices in international internships.”
The presenters were Dr. Marien Laureto, Director-International and National Affairs of CAPSU, Dr. Joel Japitana, Director-International Affairs and External Linkages of GSU, Mrs. Angeline Basco, National and International Coordinator of the College of Industrial Technology of ISAT U, and Dr. Ma. Flora C. Collado, Chair-Division of Hospitality Management of WVSU.
The discussions with the four universities in Region 6 revolved around the following points: in the era of Internationalization, student internships abroad are conscious efforts , though voluntary, for learners to be able to not only learn academically and put into practice the theories they were taught, but also to immerse them into cultures different from theirs-making them globally competitive and developing in them global citizenship. However, the internships must undergo procedures properly—there should be an existing memorandum of understanding or memorandum of agreement between the sending school and the host school abroad with the internship plan approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the University President.
Issues regarding financial subsidy to outbound students were also brought up, discovering that each university has different practices. Dr. Nemia Mabaquiao, the Vice President for External Affairs of ISAT U said that “while we spend for our foreign students, we should also spend for our own” to support international internship or exchange.
Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office of WVSU stressed that in international internships, “We think more of what is best for our students, what protects them, and what benefits the universities in the Philippines in return.”
Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, Director IV of Commission on Higher Education Region I (CHEDRO1) expressed her support to this endeavor in Region VI and also shared the process on how to go about international internships. Dr. Ferrer was the Director for External Linkages and International Affairs of Tarlac Agricultural University before she was appointed Regional Director of CHEDRO1. She is considered as one of the mentors in internationalization in the Philippines.
The event closed with remarks from the TAU’s Acting Director of External Linkages and International Affairs Prof. Marlon Espedillon, “In any internationalization activity, it is imperative that we understand the quintessential reasons why we are sending our students abroad. Is it for competencies? Is it for our institution profile?… It is the learning processes and the ecological context that may significantly influence the internship experience. Hence, the need for this dialogue. I am thankful that we have this kind of forum… “
The event was participated by more or less 130 faculty, students, and staff.
