Tag: 16

West Visayas State University (WVSU) officially opened Academic Year 2026–2027 during its first flag-raising ceremony for August held Monday, August 3, at Jubilee Park, with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) leading the program under Dean Dr. Bonna S. Palma.

University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz welcomed returning and new students, faculty and staff as classes formally began, expressing optimism for the new academic year.

“I would like to welcome everyone to our new academic calendar year, 2026–2027. Welcome back to our continuing students and, for our new students, welcome to West Visayas State University,” Villaruz said. “I hope you’re going to enjoy your journey here at our University. To our staff and faculty, thank you so much for your commitment and your service to the University.”

The ceremony also marked the University’s observance of ASEAN Month. The International and Local Linkages Office reminded the University community that August commemorates the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Aug. 8, 1967, and encouraged students, faculty and staff to participate in the activities lined up under the University’s official calendar. This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Navigating Our Future Together,” reflecting the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026 and its commitment to fostering regional unity, resilience, innovation and people-centered cooperation.

Also observed during the ceremony was the wearing of ASEAN-inspired attire by faculty and staff in compliance with the Civil Service Commission’s Revised Dress Code for government officials and employees, which prescribes ASEAN-inspired clothing on the first Monday of every month.

Leading the program, Palma welcomed the University community and acknowledged the presence of the University’s executive officials, college deans, faculty, staff and students. She highlighted two milestones for CAS as it opens the academic year: the pioneer batch of students under the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program and the preparation of the inaugural batch of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry graduates for the Professional Licensure Examination for Chemists.

Palma concluded the program by reciting her original poem, The First Bell, reflecting on new beginnings, shared aspirations and the collective journey of the WVSU community as it embarks on another academic year.

The program also featured trivia games organized by CAS, encouraging participation from students, faculty and staff as the University officially welcomed the start of the new academic year.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) recognized its performance in the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) and honored faculty proponents behind its globally recognized initiatives during the University’s final flag-raising ceremony for June held Monday at Jubilee Park, led by the Quality Assurance Office under Concurrent Director Dr. Alona M. Belarga.

The University was recognized for placing 137th among 500 universities worldwide in the 2026 WURI, highlighted by four projects that ranked among the Top 100 globally. Certificates of recognition were presented to available faculty proponents during the ceremony, while those who were unable to attend were likewise acknowledged for their contributions.

Among WVSU’s highest-ranking entries were TUMANDOK: An Inclusive Social Innovation Model Advancing Indigenous Peoples Education, Cultural Empowerment, and Peacebuilding by Dr. Marie Candy L. Celeste, which placed eighth in the Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved category; E-BRIDGE: Intercultural Digital Learning by Dr. Antoniette D. Cortez, which ranked 36th in Student Mobility and Openness; Peace Begins in Me: Nurturing and Empowering Learners as Peacebuilders by Dr. Rodgen M. Jabor, which placed 47th under Future-Oriented Responses to Global Uncertainty and Geopolitical Risk; and Sanctuarium Maris: Sea Turtle Nest Protection Project by Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, which ranked 83rd in the SDG- and ESG-Based Responses to Past and Present Global Challenges category.

The University also acknowledged other WURI project proponents, including Dr. John Ian Moralidad Abolucion for Plastic-free Wednesday; Dr. Ricky P. Becodo for The Darag Native Chicken Production and Marketing Project; Dr. Liza Assumpta M. Jover for Intelligent Systems in Dentistry: AI’s Contribution to Patient Record Management; Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka for Perspectives from the Ground; and Dr. Elias Olapane for ARTeach: An Action Research Training Series for Teachers’ and Students’ Success. Dr. Jover received her certificate during the ceremony on behalf of the recognized proponents.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ma. Pilar Malata, dean of the Office of Student Affairs, introduced the second batch of Global Health Scholars from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine: Lindsay Aluquin, Anton Aluquin, Caitlin Papalia, and Paige Roeschenthaler. Composed of incoming second-year medical students, the scholars will undertake community immersion and engagement activities to gain a deeper understanding of the Philippine healthcare system through collaborations with local government units, physicians and community health centers.

The ceremony concluded with a trivia game organized by the Quality Assurance Office to promote employee engagement, morale and workplace camaraderie.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed newly hired and promoted non-academic personnel during its weekly flag-raising ceremony held Monday, June 22, at Jubilee Park, led by the Finance Division headed by Ms. Jasmin Vargas.

The ceremony featured the introduction of newly hired and promoted members of the University’s non-academic workforce, led by Human Resource Management Office Head Ms. Doullie Lotilla. The recognition forms part of the University’s continuing efforts to strengthen its administrative and support services through professional development and workforce enhancement.

The personnel were formally presented to the University community and were joined by members of the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board, University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, and Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie Paris for a commemorative photo-taking following the presentation.

Meanwhile, Ms. Christine Jaspe, Supervising Administrative Officer of the Administrative Division, announced the visit of Lingkod Pag-IBIG on Wheels, which will be stationed at the Administration Building lobby from June 22 to 23.

Faculty, staff and other stakeholders were encouraged to avail themselves of the mobile service’s various membership, records and benefits-related transactions. The flag-raising ceremony served as a venue for personnel updates and institutional announcements, reinforcing the University’s commitment to responsive public service and employee engagement.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) recognized faculty, staff, administrators, researchers, and retirees from its main campus, satellite campuses, and Medical Center during the WVSU Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) 2026 held June 15 at Sotogrande Hotel at Green Meadows, Iloilo.

Carrying the theme “Taga-WEST Legacy: Standing Strong in Service, Honoring Dedication and Inspiring Excellence,” the annual event celebrated members of the University community whose commitment and contributions have helped advance WVSU’s vision, mission, and goals.

Awards conferred during the ceremony included the Presidential Service Award, Retirement Award, University Service Award, Administrative Service Award, Loyalty Award (Bronze Pin for 10 years, Silver Pin for 20 years, and Gold Ring for 30 years), and Outstanding Researchers Award.

Former Commission on Higher Education Chairperson and WVSU Board of Regents member Dr. Julian Prospero “Popoy” de Vera III delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individuals whose years of service have strengthened the institution.

“Today, through PRAISE, we recognize individuals who have demonstrated loyalty, service, excellence, and outstanding achievement,” de Vera said.

“All of them have devoted the best years of their lives to WVSU. They are the men and women who practice excellence, discipline, and innovation and are committed to quality in their work every day, every week, and every year.”

He also underscored the role of the entire WVSU community in sustaining the University’s legacy and contributing to nation-building.

“Many problems beset our nation, but there is hope. Here in Iloilo City and throughout Region VI, there is hope as long as our awardees today, along with all our administrators, faculty, staff, students, and alumni, work together to build and sustain the Taga WEST legacy—a legacy defined by strong service, dedication, and excellence.”

In his message, University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz paid tribute to the awardees and thanked them for their years of service to the institution.

“Today, we pay tribute to those who have contributed their time, loyalty, and dedication to duties to our beloved institution… For 124 years, we have built a legacy. And this legacy is not seen in its physical structure, medals, or recognitions — it is made up of people like you, who chose every day to show up, to serve, to go the extra mile, and to be part of something bigger than yourselves… Madamo gid nga salamat to each one of you.”

Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris, chairperson of PRAISE 2026, welcomed the awardees and guests, while Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Julius B. Undar delivered the closing remarks.

Representing the honorees, Retirement and Administrative Service Award recipient Dr. Mary Josephine Bautista delivered the response, expressing gratitude on behalf of the awardees for the recognition and the opportunity to serve the University.

The annual PRAISE program recognizes productive, innovative, exemplary, and ethical service among University personnel, reaffirming WVSU’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, dedication, and public service across the institution.

Nearly 300 employees from the different campuses of West Visayas State University (WVSU) and the WVSU Medical Center participated in an online orientation on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) on June 15 via Zoom.

The activity, spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences under Vice President Dr. Victorino F. Salcedo III, formed part of WVSU’s efforts to promote accessible healthcare services and maximize the health benefits available to university personnel in line with the celebration of its 124th Founding Anniversary.

In his opening remarks, Salcedo underscored the importance of empowering employees with knowledge about government health programs and announced the university’s initiative to conduct an onsite PhilHealth YAKAP registration drive on June 16 and 17.

YAKAP, or Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, is PhilHealth’s primary care program designed to help Filipinos maintain good health through regular consultations, early disease detection, laboratory services, medicines and preventive care. Through accredited YAKAP clinics, members and their dependents can access primary healthcare services aimed at preventing illnesses from progressing into more serious conditions.

During the orientation, Dr. Mary Ellen Grace Bolido, medical specialist III of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Section of PhilHealth Regional Office VI, provided a comprehensive discussion on the program’s features, enrollment process and benefits available to members.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the PhilHealth GAMOT benefit, or Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment, which provides eligible beneficiaries with access to up to ₱20,000 worth of medicines annually. The package currently covers 75 medicines commonly prescribed for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, infections, heart diseases and other chronic illnesses. Members enrolled in a YAKAP clinic may avail themselves of these medicines through accredited GAMOT providers upon proper consultation and prescription.

The orientation concluded with a productive open forum where employees, faculty members and physicians from the WVSU Medical Center actively raised questions regarding enrollment procedures, eligibility requirements, implementation processes and the practical application of YAKAP and GAMOT benefits.

The exchange provided participants with greater clarity on the program’s provisions and addressed various concerns related to enrollment, availment and healthcare access. The onsite enrollment activity will be held at the Administration Building Lobby on June 16 and 17 during office hours, beginning after the university’s opening ceremonies for its founding anniversary celebration. The registration drive aims to provide university personnel with convenient access to enrollment and the program’s healthcare benefits.

Through initiatives such as the YAKAP orientation and onsite enrollment drive, WVSU continues to strengthen its commitment to employee welfare by promoting health awareness, preventive care and access to essential healthcare services.