Tag: 12

WVSU chemistry student earns national startup pitching recognition

A West Visayas State University student entrepreneur secured national recognition after leading a biotechnology startup to a podium finish in a nationwide innovation competition focused on sustainable technologies.

Sheenlou Eian M. Bartolome, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Chemistry student from the College of Arts and Sciences, was named First Runner-Up in the College Category of DisruptorX 2026 held May 25 at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City.

Representing CARBNØ Biotech, a student-led startup incubated under the Business Incubator Nurturing Home-Grown Innovations (BINHI) Technology Business Incubator, Bartolome competed against hundreds of student innovators, researchers, and startup founders from across the country.

The competition, organized by Serial Disruptors in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Oro Trade and Investment Promotion Center, serves as a national platform for technology-driven solutions addressing societal and environmental challenges.

From 305 applicants nationwide, CARBNØ Biotech advanced to the Top 10 National Finalists before earning the First Runner-Up distinction during the National Demo Day.

The startup presented a biotechnology-based innovation that utilizes marine-derived biomaterials as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. The technology integrates biodegradable materials into functional systems designed to support environmental sustainability while advancing developments in materials science and applied chemistry.

Bartolome said the recognition highlights the potential of student-led scientific innovation to address pressing environmental concerns through research and technology.

The project supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and life below water.

The achievement underscores WVSU’s continuing commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship by empowering students to transform scientific knowledge into solutions with real-world impact.

Through initiatives such as BINHI, the University continues to cultivate innovators whose work contributes to sustainable development and strengthens the role of higher education institutions in advancing science-based solutions for local and global challenges.

June 9, 2026

WVSU rises to rank 137 in WURI 2026, breaks into global top 500 innovative

West Visayas State University (WVSU) has secured Rank 137 in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026, placing it among the Global Top 500 Innovative Universities.

This marks a significant rise from its 187th position in 2025, highlighting the university’s continued commitment to innovation, quality assurance, enhanced student engagement, and strengthened international collaboration.

In addition to its overall ranking, WVSU earned recognition in several specialized categories within the WURI Top 100:

* Rank 8 – Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved (C6)

* Rank 36 – Student Mobility and Openness (A2)

* Rank 47 – Future-Oriented Responses to Global Uncertainty and Geopolitical Risk (A7)

* Rank 83 – SDG- and ESG-Based Responses to Past and Present Global Challenges (A8)

The World University Rankings for Innovation evaluates universities based on innovation, practical impact, and responsiveness to global and societal challenges, rather than traditional academic metrics.

WVSU’s improved standing reflects its continued commitment to advancing education that is innovative, socially responsive, and aligned with global standards.

May 6, 2026

WVSU NSTP students lead outreach for rescued dogs through ‘Project Pawsitive’

Students under the National Service Training Program–Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS) of West Visayas State University conducted an outreach activity for rescued dogs on May 1, 2026, at the Ilonggo Aspin Shelter, promoting compassion, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

Dubbed Project Pawsitive, the initiative was carried out by CWTS Class G, facilitated by Ms. Feanna B. Vito, with student volunteers from Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting (BAB 1A), Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (BAJ 1A) and Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM 1A).

As part of their community engagement, the students donated dog food, eggs and other essential supplies to support the shelter’s daily operations. They also spent time interacting with and caring for the rescued aspins, giving the animals attention and socialization.

The activity aimed to deepen students’ understanding of animal welfare while encouraging empathy and kindness toward animals. Shelter representatives also emphasized responsible pet ownership and promoted the advocacy “Adopt, don’t shop” among participants.

Project Pawsitive highlights WVSU’s continued efforts to engage students in community-based initiatives that extend care not only to people but also to animals.

May 5, 2026

WVSU CAF alumna Joy Cardinal Saban wins 3rd place in Young Farmers Challenge national tilt

Joy Cardinal Saban, an alumna of the West Visayas State University College of Agriculture and Forestry, placed third in the Department of Agriculture’s Young Farmers Challenge National Business Pitch Competition Food Processing Category, held at the Iloilo Convention Center, for her agribusiness, Banana Kingdom Food Products.

Saban, who graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Crop Science, was recognized for her innovative value-added banana enterprise that supports Indigenous livelihoods in Lambunao, Iloilo. She received ₱300,000 in prize money under the program’s Start-Up Component.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture through its Young Farmers Challenge Program in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program, the competition highlights youth-led agribusiness ventures that promote innovation and sustainability in the agriculture sector.

Through Banana Kingdom Food Products, Saban transforms locally grown bananas into marketable products, creating economic opportunities for her Indigenous community while promoting inclusive growth in agriculture.

The program provides training and mentorship to strengthen long-term resilience and sustainability among young agripreneurs, supporting the continued development of enterprises like Saban’s.

Her achievement underscores the role of WVSU’s College of Agriculture and Forestry in producing graduates who contribute to agricultural innovation and community empowerment, in line with the university’s commitment to excellence, creativity, and service.

April 23, 2026

WVSU hosts BIZCON 2026, spotlights Ilonggo gastronomy through innovation talks

West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its College of Business and Management (CBM), hosted the 3rd BIZCON on Mar. 27-28 at the WVSU Cultural Center, with the second day focusing on innovation talks that highlighted Ilonggo gastronomy as a driver of enterprise and creative development.

Carrying the theme “Taste, Tradition, Transformation: Gastronomy Driving Ilonggo Innovation,” the convention gathered students, faculty, and industry practitioners to explore how local cuisine can shape sustainable businesses and strengthen regional identity.

Industry experts led discussions on topics such as sustainable SME financing, culinary branding, and food tourism. Invited speakers included Prof. Ts. Dr. Shafinaz Binti Ismail, Chef Tibong Jardeleza, Ms. Natalie Lim, Chef Cidj Jalandoni, and Mr. Daniel Agan, who shared insights on scaling local enterprises and positioning Ilonggo products in competitive markets.

The talks provided participants with practical perspectives on bridging academic knowledge with industry demands, encouraging innovation rooted in local culture and resources. The program concluded with engagement activities and an awarding ceremony recognizing outstanding participants.

The innovation talks followed a series of competitions held on the first day of the convention, including the Ilonggo Cuisine Innovation Showdown, business pitching, table skirting with centerpiece making, and food itinerary development.

Through BIZCON 2026, WVSU reaffirmed its commitment to fostering creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural appreciation, equipping students and stakeholders to develop sustainable, homegrown solutions for regional growth.

March 30, 2026

WVSU disposes 3.3 metric tons of old records in first joint campus-wide initiative

West Visayas State University (WVSU) disposed of 3,330 kilograms of valueless records on March 4, 2026, in a university-wide activity that, for the first time, included its satellite campuses.

The disposal was led by the WVSU Records Office headed by Ms. Jeany Garque and forms part of the University’s continuing efforts to strengthen records management and ensure compliance with national government regulations.

Records personnel from the main campus and members of the Records Management Improvement Committee from satellite campuses participated in the activity.

Supervising the disposal was National Archives of the Philippines (NAP) representative Mr. Jhonley Joseph Item, Records Management Analyst II, who ensured that the activity followed national guidelines on the disposition of government records.

Prior to disposal, the records were evaluated and identified as valueless or non-current documents that had already exceeded their prescribed retention periods under government records management guidelines. In government agencies, such records may be disposed of only after proper inventory, evaluation and authorization to safeguard accountability and transparency.

The disposal was carried out through sale to NAP-accredited buyer D’Lacoste Enterprise, following standard procedures.

University officials said the joint participation of satellite campuses marks a milestone in institutionalizing uniform records management practices across WVSU.

Through the initiative, WVSU aims to improve office efficiency, free up storage space, and reinforce responsible records lifecycle management while promoting good governance and compliance with national standards on public records administration.

March 4, 2026

Bridging worlds workshop boosts WVSU global readiness, internationalization

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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February 5, 2026

WVSU earns membership in Global UN SDSN Network

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.

December 15, 2025

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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December 10, 2025

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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December 9, 2025

Tag: 12

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