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.
A possible collaboration between West Visayas State University and the United States Embassy was discussed at 2 p.m. today, August 8, 2023, at the University Teleconference Room.
The visitors conducted a benchmarking and presentation to share American English programs, resources, professional development, and opportunities that are available to the faculty of WVSU.
West Visayas State University Medical Center’s (WVSU-MC) Department of Family and Community Medicine (FCM) Residency training program has been recognized as the 5th top-performing institution among 132 institutions in the Philippines.
The program’s outstanding performance was gauged based on the combined scores of Levels II and III examinees in the Family Medicine In-Service Training Examination (FITE), administered by the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, Inc., on January 29, 2023.
In addition to the program’s overall success, Dr. John Kevin Arrivas, a Level I resident of the program, secured an impressive 10th place in the national ranking. Dr. Lurence Anne Pañer, a Level III resident, also bagged 10th place among her peers in the country.
Dr. Arrivas was “surprised” as he “did not expect to belong in the top 10 for this year’s FITE.” On other hand, Dr. Pañer “couldn’t believe it” since she was not included in the initial announcement of PAFP. However, she felt “ecstatic” as this proved that she has “chosen the right career.”
Dr. Pañer shared that upon seeing the exam blueprint, she felt “overwhelmed.”
She then downloaded all the reading materials and encouraged her co-residents to share the burden of reading all these and highlight the “must-knows.”
Dr. Pañer added that the monthly exams prepared them for the oral and written national exams.
Meanwhile, Dr. Arrivas gave his advice for future FCM practitioners: “FCM will be the specialty that will lead the Universal Health Care. There will be lots of opportunities for those who want to work as a primary care provider.”
“My tip for them is to be kind and compassionate for the least of us and keep the desire burning for learning and growth,” he continued.
“For those who want to join this path, I suggest that you should make sure that this is really something that you want. You should also learn not to compare your own set of knowledge and skills with those of your peers. Always bear in mind that “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one,” Dr. Pañer shared.
WVSU’s Family and Community Medicine residency training is a three-year program only established in 2020.
To end the school year 2022-2023, the College of Dentistry Student Council, together with the faculty and staff, volunteer students and dentists, had their first Dental Mission with the theme: “A Dental Mission: Extending Dental Health Literacy by Providing Quality and Accessible Oral Health Care” at the community of Brgy. Alalasan, Lapuz, Iloilo City. The dental mission targeted children ages 5 years old to 11 years old to get their tooth extracted.
We would like to give appreciation to the following volunteer dentists:
𝘿𝙧. 𝙇𝙞𝙯𝙖 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙖 𝙈. 𝙅𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝘿𝙧. 𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙏𝙖𝙣𝙤, 𝘿𝙧. 𝙇𝙚𝙚 𝙅𝙖𝙡𝙗𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙖, 𝘿𝙧. 𝙂𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤, 𝘿𝙧. 𝙆𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙈𝙖𝙗𝙪𝙣𝙖𝙮, 𝘿𝙧. 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙖 𝙃𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙖, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙧. 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙨.
We would also like to thank the following sponsors:
𝘿𝙧. 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙅. 𝘿𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙤, 𝘿𝙧. 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙣 𝙋. 𝙋𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙤𝙩, 𝘿𝙧. 𝙂𝙚𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚 𝙎𝙞𝙗𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙖, 𝘿𝙧. & 𝙈𝙧𝙨. 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨, 𝘿𝙧. 𝙇𝙞𝙯𝙖 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙖 𝙅𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙒𝙑𝙎𝙐 𝘿𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙘.
Lastly, we thank the community of Brgy. Alalasan Lapuz for its laudable assistance and allowing its constituents to partake in the Dental Mission.
We thank each and every one for lending their time and service that made this event a successful one. This event wouldn’t be made possible without you!
By Mark Lawrence G. Articuna
Serving as a significant contribution to preserving the Guimarasnon’s identity and the province’s intangible cultural heritage, Dr. Hazel P. Villa, an associate professor of
the West Visayas State University-College of Education, turned over her doctoral dissertation to the Provincial Government of Guimaras during its 31st provincehood celebration and Manggahan Festival, held on May 22, 2023, at the Capitol Event Area, Jordan, Guimaras.
“Ang Mariit kag Palhi nga Lawud (The Uncanny and Accursed Sea): The Waterlore of Guimaras,” is a product of two years of collecting tales from the surrounding seas and shores of the province — a dissertation of the first of its kind, with legends, 89 tales of the supernatural, animal tales with 22 turtle stories and 10 for shark tales, and a total of 16 variants for genealogical accounts of where Guimarasnons originally came.
“Guimaras holds a special place in my heart because it is where I did much of my journalism work as a Visayas correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. And while going around, I realized that they have so many stories waiting to be collected and studied. That became an inspiration for me,” said Dr. Villa, who finished her doctoral degree in English at the Silliman University in Dumaguete City. She is also the adviser of SILAK Media, the COE’s official college publication.
Governor JC Rahman A. Nava graciously accepted the dissertation paper, serving as a symbolic channel between lore knowledge and the people of Guimaras.
“As for Guimaras, which has always been a place of leisure and tourist attraction, these waterlore add to the appeal and charisma of the province and encourage the preservation of natural and cultural heritage,” said John Chino Cudo, a third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) Major in English student of Dr. Villa and a resident of Jordan, Guimaras.
Meanwhile, the sun-kissed coastlines of Guimaras sparkle with joyous anticipation
as they celebrate their provincehood anniversary on May 22, some 31 years after the plebiscite was held in 1992 to ratify the approval of its conversion as a regular and
full-fledged province.
With the smell of tropical air infusing the evening with the sweetest flavors of joy and festivity, the province also celebrates the successful comeback and full-blast
celebration of the 30th Manggahan Festival after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Photos by Pretty Pearl Kate Serilo
HISTORIC MOMENT. Dr. Hazel P. Villa, hands over a copy of her dissertation to Guimaras Governor JC Rahman Nava, in a groundbreaking moment in inspiring scholarly pursuits on the heritage of Guimaras. The turnover happened during the
31st provincehood celebration and Manggahan Festival, held on May 22, 2023, at the Capitol Event Area, Jordan, Guimaras
TALE AS OLD AS TIME. Guimaras Governor JC Rahman Nava speaks to his constituents on how the Iloilo sub-province of Guimaras became a regular province in 1992, the development it made throughout its 31 years of provincehood, and the launching of the #KabataanFIRST agenda for his three-year tenure as governor.
IT ALL LEADS TO THIS. Dr. Hazel P. Villa, associate professor of the College of Education and adviser of SILAK Media, waits for the public handover of her dissertation at the grounds of Capitol Event Area, Jordan, Guimaras.
Smiles and music filled the West Visayas State University – College of Communication last May 5, 2023 as 18 kids from Friends of Cancer Kids Foundation visited the said college.
Coming from different municipalities, they served as an audience for Cinco de Mayo: Fiesta Espanola, brought by BA Broadcasting 4-A class as their final culminating activity in their subject FL 107 Spanish.
It’s a celebration of Spanish culture; with their artistic dances, lively music, and even sumptuous foods prepared to taste the palatable Spanish tradition.
An initiative of Prof. Maria Rosario Victoria De Guzman, with the college organizations, Studiositas Honor Society, Broadcast Guild, and Young Journalist Society, these kids had fun with exciting activities of storytelling, coloring, and an on-site tour around the college.
More than just a simple capstone activity; this activity aims to bring happiness to children despite their daily adversities. As the event concludes with a community dance and gift-giving, these guests and guardians will bring home a memory to remember.
Grupo del Oeste of West Visayas State University College of Physical Education Sports Culture Arts and Recreation (PESCAR) showcased their lively dance performance during the Sinamba sa Regatta last Saturday, March 18, 2023.
Dressed in their vibrant attires of the Grupo del Oeste put the spectators in awe during the street dance competition as they elegantly dance with the rhythm and the beats of the “Saot kag Amba” the official dance fest theme song the along the streets of Iznart and Calle Real.
During the main dance competition, the group displayed wide array of exceptional talent and skills in performing arts as they galvanize the stage with their radiant costumes, well-executed dance moves, and electrifying originally composed music showcasing the University’s dedication and commitment in promoting excellence in culture and arts.
The Grupo del Oeste won 2nd place along with two special awards namely best in Street Dance and best in Original Composition Award.
This success was a result of the students’ hard-work and perseverance with the exceptional guidance of Prof. Liberty R. Porras as the group’s choreographer and overall director together with Prof. Ruswil Ledesma and Prof. Ronie Libutaque as Musical Directors.
In an interview Prof. Porras extends the College of PESCAR gratitude to the University Cultural Affairs Office for making this showcase of talents possible and to all those who showed their undying support during their journey from the preparation until the event.
Grupo el Oeste performed again the following day on Villa Beach Iloilo during the Paraw Regatta 2023 highlight activity.
The Sinamba sa Regatta is an annual samba dance competition held during the celebration of Paraw Regatta Festival.
Let’s celebrate the arts! Join Tukib Kinaadman, a 2-day arts and research workshop for teachers and students brought to you by the College of PESCAR and the University Cultural Affairs Office.
For pre-registration, please click the link: https://forms.gle/
WVSU continued its U-week celebration on the third day last January 26. The contests were held in various venues simultaneously inside the campus. Artists from different colleges and campuses expressed their creative vision on canvas during the painting competition at the CICT Building.
Student artists competing in the charcoal rendering and on-the-spot poster-making contests also brought their art to life with the theme: ” A look into the Vision, Mission, and Core Values of WVSU.”
Various participants in the photojournalism contest captured moments with this year’s theme, “Padayon: Taga-West in Action .”The photographers wandered inside the university for their subjects and submitted their best photos as their entries. Student musicians from different colleges and campuses competed in the Musical Contest Category at the New Academic Building.
by: Ma. Antonette D. Aguilar
This school year is undeniably one of the happiest for students, faculty, and staff of West Visayas State University. The raucous chants and cheers from different colleges filled the campus during the parade on the first day of University Week last January 24.
After more than two years, WVSU opened its doors to celebrate one of its beloved traditions, the alumni homecoming. WVSU alumni returned home to their alma mater filled with joy shining through their eyes and smiles.
During the parade, different batches flaunted their banners and floats, led by muses of different ages, wearing vibrant gowns and crowns, marching around the university grounds. Alums from as far back as Batch 1967 joined the festivities, some on their wheelchairs yet still beaming with youthful exuberance.
One alumnus of batch 1972, Mrs. Cynthia Villanueva-Alejaga who graduated Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE), taught for 42 years in San Enrique Cultural School. She shared how challenging it was to gather information during their time. “We had to spend so much time at the library looking for answers for our assignments because that was the only means of getting information at that time”.
Each alum felt at home upon their return to their alma mater, that’s why Mr. Renaldo Gacho Segumpan of batch 1992 flew for eight hours and a half from Masta to Abu Dhabi to Manila to Iloilo just to attend the event.
According to him: “Special ini nga okasyon, indi gid mabaydan sang material nga bagay. Proud alumnus ako nga Taga-West gid”. He is currently a professor in the College of Economics and Business Administration in the University of Collegie & Applied Sciences in Oman.
Another graduate from 1983, Mrs. Adora Monana-Allado who graduated under Integrated Teacher Education curriculum, shared how she struggled during their time due to curriculum change where she finished her degree for 4 years and a half instead of only 4. She taught in her hometown for 32 years at Banate Central Elementary School.
Furthermore, Miss Rosemarie Guazin of batch 1991, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and finished her Master’s degree at WVSU, ventured into the corporate world after teaching in the academe for fourteen years. She was grateful for the university because she quoted, “WVSU was so welcoming to indigents yet deserving students like me. This had given an opportunity to some indigent students who had a right to earn a degree”.
The interview with different alumni showed how grateful and delighted they are to their institution. University week allowed them to return their alma mater and reconnect to their friends and classmates after many years.
Amidst the grey, wet morning, teaching and non-teaching personnel from the main and external campuses revived the traditional game “Laro ng Lahi” to jump-start the third day of the U- Week celebration at the campus ground last January 26.
Personnel from WVSU-main, Pototan, Janiuay, and Lambunao Campus participated in games of tiyakad, luksong lubid, sipa bilangan, piko, tumbang preso, patintero, luksong sako, and palo sebo. Participants enjoyed playing these traditional games that brought back childhood memories.
In addition, organizers modified the games to fit a one-day event with eight-game stations. Laro ng Lahi was opened to all WVSU personnel that can form a group of eight. To add fun, the teams that reached the last station must shout: “Ang Pahampang sa West: The Best! Basta Laro ng Lahi wala sang gina pili!”.
The College of PESCAR from the main campus facilitated the said event and they will announce the “Laro ng Lahi” winners on January 27.