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.
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PROMOTE PEACEFUL AND JUSTICE INSTITUTIONS.
Compassion and a strong moral compass is essential to every democratic society.Yet, persecution, injustice and abuse still runs rampant and is tearing at the very fabric of civilization. We must ensure that we have strong institutions, global standards of justice, and a commitment to peace everywhere.
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WVSU earns membership in Global UN SDSN Network
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WVSU trains student leaders on compassion-centered leadership and communication
Student leaders from West Visayas State University took part in a values-centered leadership training aimed at strengthening ethical leadership, responsible communication, and empathy in campus governance during a Dec. 13, 2025 session at the WVSU College of Communication TV Laboratory.
Titled “Beyond Authority: Nurturing Compassionate and Communicative Leadership in the University Student Council,” the activity gathered officers from the University Student Council and other student support groups. The session focused on how student leaders can responsibly exercise freedom of expression while fostering trust, harmony, and inclusivity within the WVSU community.
Discussions emphasized compassion- and faith-informed leadership as essential to effective student representation, particularly in navigating diverse perspectives and responsibilities on campus.
The morning session featured Rev. Fr. John Tadifa, rector of St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary, who spoke on “Leadership with Compassion, Anchored with the Teachings of the Lord.” In the afternoon, Rev. Fr. Eugene D. Lucerna II, dean of studies and director of human formation at St. Joseph Regional Seminary, discussed “Compassionate Leader and Communicator.”
Organizers said the initiative sought to equip student leaders not only with practical leadership skills, but also with moral integrity and empathy as they serve and represent the WVSU student body.
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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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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 DevcomSoc shines light on eco-anxietis among youth, calls for climate action
WVSU Development Communicators’ Society (WVSU-DCS), the official student organization of the BSDC program, joined the UNICEF Philippines, Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), and other climate-interest groups in a unified call for urgent climate action during the national launch of the Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) held on November 25, 2025, at Park Inn by Radisons in Quezon City.
Representing the organization, Chairperson Mr. Jan Andrew A. Gelera participated as one of the youth delegates for during the event with the theme “Power of We: Kumilos Para sa Bata, Klima, at Kinabukasan.” He presented the eco-anxiety experienced by young people in Iloilo and Negros, particularly the position of children and youth in the current climate insecurities that happened in the regions due to typhoons. He connected these local experiences to the global climate context and explain how these threats are felt their everyday lives.
“It has come to a point where the climate crisis has been so desensitized that we feel numb, questioning our position, not knowing what to do first, clouding what’s supposed to be a navigation of self-discovery. My generation faces triggers hearing the sound of strong winds and lighting strikes; triggers imprinted by typhoons of the past,” Gelera said in his speech.
The presence of WVSU DCS in the event underscores its commitment to youth empowerment, environmental communication, and push for climate justice.
CLAC is a report by UNICEF Philippines which highlights how climate-related hazards directly affects children’s lives in the Philippines. Access the report here: https://situationofchildren.org/ph/CLAC2025.
Text by: WVSU College of Communication
Photo from: UNICEF Philippines Facebook Page
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WVSU Student Earns Excellence Award in Global Korean Speech Contest
Bryl Christian R. Sario, a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language (BAFL) major in Korean at West Visayas State University, earned the Excellence Award at the 2025 King Sejong Institute Speech Contest Finals held Oct. 15 in Seoul, South Korea.
Representing both the King Sejong Institute (KSI)–Iloilo and the Philippines, Sario was among the top 10 finalists chosen from hundreds of contestants across more than 240 KSI branches worldwide. His winning speech shared his five-year journey of learning the Korean language, his motivations for pursuing Korean studies, and his future goals in the field.
Before the competition, Sario and other finalists participated in a weeklong cultural immersion program in Korea. As part of his competition, he will remain in South Korea until Oct. 20 for further cultural activities and engagements.
The KSI Speech Contest is held annually by the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) to foster global appreciation for Korean language and culture participated in by outstanding learners from across the world, each representing their respective KSI branches.
Sario first secured his spot in the finals after winning the local competition hosted by KSI–Iloilo on May 31. The preliminary round, joined by 11 participants, highlighted the learners’ experiences in studying the Korean language and culture.
He was mentored by Ms. Reeran Park, instructor at KSI–Iloilo, which operates under the College of Arts and Sciences at WVSU. The institute, formally inaugurated last August following a Memorandum of Agreement between WVSU and the King Sejong Institute in Korea, aims to strengthen Korean language education and cultural exchange in Western Visayas.
According to Ms. Krizza S. Cañete of KSI–Iloilo, this achievement reflects the strength of WVSU’s Korean language program and the success of the institute in promoting Korean language and culture in the region.
“Since may ara kita BAFL nga program, mas gina-strengthen ang aton Korean program, especially sa pagpalaganap sang Korean culture—not just sa WVSU but in the whole Western Visayas. Kita lang ang KSI sa Western Visayas. Aside sa internationalization sang aton university and as the only university nga naga-offer sang Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language program, mas na-help pa gid ni KSI nga maging stronger ang program ta for Korean language,” Cañete said.
Sario’s international recognition marks a milestone for both WVSU and KSI–Iloilo, showcasing the growing impact of the university’s foreign language programs on the global stage.
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Dagyoung Student Ambassadors foster global citizenship through SDGs workshop
DagYoung Student Ambassadors (DSA) from various colleges of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) main campus took part in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) workshop during SYNC: Shaping Youth, Nurturing Connections held on October 10 at the Center for Teaching Excellence Hall.
Dr. Louis Placido F. Lachica, WVSU Focal Person for the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) initiatives, served as the resource speaker for the session.
He discussed the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their significance in addressing issues such as poverty, education, equality, and climate change. Dr. Lachica also emphasized how student ambassadors can contribute by integrating SDG-oriented values and communication into their campus and community initiatives.
One of the highlights of the session was the “Rank the Goals” workshop, where participants formed small groups and ranked the 17 SDGs according to what they believed were the most urgent for today’s generation. Each group presented their top three priorities, which led to meaningful exchanges of ideas on pressing youth and global concerns.
The ambassadors also shared personal insights on which goals resonated with them most and why they believe these goals must be addressed in today’s world.
Through the workshop, the DSAs strengthened their understanding of global issues and reaffirmed their commitment to becoming advocates of sustainable change—living out the essence of youth leadership with purpose and responsibility.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
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Art as Dialogue: WVSU opens “Payapang Daigdig: Arts for Peace” exhibit for international peace month
West Visayas State University (WVSU) marked its observance of International Peace Month this September through the opening of the “Payapang Daigdig: Arts for Peace Exhibition” today, September 29, at the University Learning Resource Center.
West Visayas State University (WVSU) marked its observance of International Peace Month this September through the opening of the “Payapang Daigdig: Arts for Peace Exhibition” today, September 29, at the University Learning Resource Center.
Spearheaded by the WVSU International and Local Linkages Office, the Center for Peace Education, and the University Learning Resource Center, the exhibit brings together artworks from faculty, staff, students, and volunteers across different colleges and external campuses. Featured pieces include paintings, photographs, sculptures, and multimedia works that express unique interpretations of peace and solidarity.
University Librarian Dr. Elra Di M. Madalogdog delivered the Opening Remarks, highlighting the role of art in inspiring dialogue and nurturing a culture of harmony. This was followed by the Commitment for Peace led by Dr. Regie Palmos, Coordinator of the WVSU Center for Peace Education, who underscored that peace is achieved through both personal responsibility and collective action.
The exhibit was officially opened through a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Dr. Celina C. Gellada, Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences and Officer-in-Charge President, underscoring WVSU’s ongoing commitment to peace education and inclusive engagement through the arts.
The exhibit is scheduled to run until September 30, 2025, giving the university community ample time to reflect on the artworks and the messages they convey. Tokens of recognition will be awarded to outstanding artworks at the conclusion of the exhibit.
The initiative was organized in collaboration with the Values Education Majors, COE-GS Peace Class, MMP-Pagkabalaka Extension Project, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).
Aligned with this year’s United Nations theme—“Act Now for a Peaceful World”—the exhibition reaffirms WVSU’s commitment to championing peace education and fostering creative expressions that inspire a more just and peaceful society.
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WVSU win five awards at the Philippine Commission on Women’s 2024 Top GAD Budget recognition
West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, received five awards during the Recognition Ceremony for the 2024 Top GAD Budget Agencies held Sept. 25, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. The event was organized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).
Representing WVSU were Dr. Jeanette Simpas, former university GAD director, and Dr. Rosalea Cornelia Araneta-de Leon, current GAD director.
Out of some 350 government agencies and government-owned or controlled corporations, WVSU was honored in the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) category with the following distinctions:
● Rank 3: SUC with highest organization-focused GAD budget expenditure
● Rank 4: SUC with highest attributed GAD expenditure
● Rank 7: SUC with highest total GAD budget expenditure
● Rank 9: SUC with highest attributed GAD allocation
● Rank 10: SUC with highest total GAD budget allocation.
This milestone marks the first time WVSU has been recognized in the PCW’s Top GAD Budget Awards, signaling a significant step forward in the university’s commitment to gender and development.
The ceremony also featured presentations of interventions and best practices from the top three performing government agencies: the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
As WVSU celebrates these recognitions, the university reaffirms that these honors are not merely accolades but a renewed call to strengthen gender mainstreaming, ensure accountability in resource use, and translate budget commitments into meaningful outcomes for all members of its academic community.
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Photos Courtesy of: Dr. Jeanette Simpas/Facebook
By WVSU PAMCO
