Tag: 17

West Visayas State University honored its top-performing students and campus leaders during the University Recognition Program held June 3 at the WVSU Cultural Center.

The day-long recognition rites featured separate ceremonies for academic and non-academic awardees, celebrating student excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and co-curricular engagement across the university’s colleges.

Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete delivered the inspirational message during the academic awards ceremony, encouraging students to embrace a people-centered approach to leadership as they pursue their future endeavors.

“True success is not solely defined by titles, ranks, or badges. It is measured by how you lead, collaborate with, and support people around you,” Nafarrete said.

Drawing from his leadership experience, Nafarrete underscored the importance of valuing people as the foundation of any organization.

“Whether in a military unit, corporate institution, or global enterprise, the heart of any organization is not steel, technology, or infrastructure; it is flesh and blood. It is the people who serve, sacrifice, and stand steadfast,” he said.

He also reminded the awardees that meaningful progress begins with investing in others and fostering human development.

“As you step into the world, remember that you cannot build a nation or drive global progress without first building up the people next to you. Safeguarding peace and prosperity begins by taking care of humanity,” he added.

During the program, Louise Angelika P. Pahilang, the university’s Most Outstanding Student in Academics from the College of Information and Communications Technology, Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS), delivered a message on behalf of the awardees.

The afternoon program also included the recognition of non-academic achievers and the oath-taking of the University Student Council officers for Academic Year 2026–2027.

The annual University Recognition Program serves as the institution’s tribute to students whose achievements embody the university’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and service.

The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Education (COE) recognized its outstanding students, student leaders, and top-performing graduates during Papuri 2026, the college’s annual recognition program held June 2 at the WVSU Cultural Center.

The ceremony celebrated excellence in academics, leadership, and service, reflecting the College’s continuing commitment to developing future educators who excel both inside and outside the classroom. Graduates who earned top marks in the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) were also recognized, underscoring COE’s strong tradition of producing high-performing teachers.

Awards were presented by College of Education Dean Dr. Ricky M. Magno and Office of Student Affairs Dean Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata, together with university and college officials.

Serving as guest speaker was Prof. Dr. Reynaldo Galido Segumpan, professor and former dean of the City Graduate School of the City University of Malaysia, who challenged awardees to use their achievements in the service of others and to make a meaningful difference in their future classrooms and communities.

“Awardees, you will have students who are frightened of failing; you will have colleagues who are on the edge of giving up. You will have communities that have been disappointed too many times to believe that help is coming. You will have children in your future classrooms who are one caring teacher away from a completely different life. Be the ‘hen’ for them. Not because it is glamorous, not because it earns you another award, but because this is how excellence lives beyond the ceremony,” Segumpan said.

Drawing from lessons illustrated through various animals, he emphasized the values of perseverance, collaboration, and compassion in the teaching profession.

“We have traveled through the animal kingdom today: the carabao, the honeybee, the ant, the elephant, the monarch butterfly, and the hen. In each of them, we have seen a truth about excellence that no textbook notes more clearly: no creature thrives alone. Every awardee in this room needs the people in this room,” he said.

Papuri 2026 served not only as a celebration of achievement but also as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with excellence as students prepare to serve future generations of learners.

The West Visayas State University College of Business and Management (CBM) honored its top-performing students and outstanding achievers during its 2026 Honors and Awards Ceremony held June 1 at the WVSU Cultural Center.

The ceremony recognized recipients of academic, non-academic, and special awards, highlighting student achievements in scholarship, leadership, and service. The program also featured the recognition of the college’s most outstanding graduates and the oath-taking of newly elected CBM Student Council officers for Academic Year 2026–2027.

CBM Dean Dr. Raymund B. Moreno opened the program, while WVSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla and Office of Student Affairs Dean Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata led the awarding of medals and certificates to honorees.

Delivering the inspirational message was CBM alumnus Atty. Gerald V. Pinpin, J.D., Co-Founder and Managing Partner of VP Law and Accounting Office. Pinpin encouraged students to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

“In the court of life, failure is not a final judgment. It is just a proof that you are actively stretching out your limits. We, as humans, are meant to evolve; to scale up and reach our full potential,” Pinpin said. “But that requires willingness and bravery to step up and step out into the unknown and uncharted territory.”

The annual event celebrated the achievements of CBM students while reaffirming the college’s commitment to developing competent, resilient, and future-ready graduates.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) students earned top distinctions at the 17th The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA), with four Taga-West honorees securing places among the competition’s highest awardees and bringing home several special recognitions during the awarding ceremony held May 30 at Robinsons Place Pavia.

Among the university’s awardees, Fritz Jaime Sumbo and Romavil Abelarde of the College of Education and Jan Michael Alayon of the College of Arts and Sciences secured places in the prestigious College Top Circle of Five, one of the highest recognitions granted during the annual search.

Adding to the university’s achievements, Unah Angel Gabrielle Robante of the WVSU Integrated Laboratory School was named to the Junior High School Top Circle of Five, placing her among Iloilo’s most outstanding young student leaders.

The university’s representatives also garnered several special awards. Arcel Vinz Agudo received both the TOSIA Artisan Award and Advocacy Video Award in the college category, while Fritz Jaime Sumbo earned the TOSIA Scholar Award. In the junior high school category, Zoe Alexandria Lanceta was recognized with the TOSIA Artisan Award.

WVSU was recognized with the TOSIA Elite Schools Award, a distinction bestowed on institutions that consistently produce exemplary student leaders.


Organized by JCI Regatta, TOSIA recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, service, and character. This year’s search drew nearly 100 applicants from schools across Iloilo. Following a rigorous screening process that included document evaluation, interviews, and leadership assessments, only a select number of students advanced as awardees and Top Circle honorees.

The West Visayas State University College of Communication (WVSU COC) recognized outstanding student achievement, leadership, and service during Parangal 2026, its annual recognition ceremony held June 1 at the WVSU Cultural Center.

The event brought together students, faculty members, parents, and university officials to celebrate the accomplishments of COC learners for Academic Year 2025–2026 and honor those who demonstrated excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Rona Dhel C. Alingasa, COC dean, commended the students for their dedication and perseverance throughout the academic year. This was followed by a message from Dr. Alona M. Belarga, director of the Office of Instruction, who encouraged the awardees to carry their achievements with humility, uphold the values of truth and service, and use their voices to create meaningful impact in their communities.

Serving as the inspirational speaker was Ms. Mary Zeliet D. Paris, supervising producer of GMA Public Affairs and a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting program, Batch 2017, where she earned the distinction of cum laude. Drawing from her experiences in the media industry, Paris inspired students to step beyond the classroom, seek transformative experiences, and allow the stories and people they encounter to shape them into compassionate and purposeful communicators.

The presentation of academic awards was led by Alingasa together with Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, vice president for Academic Affairs, and Belarga, recognizing students who excelled in their academic pursuits during the school year.

Adding a cultural highlight to the ceremony was a performance by Leobert Vincent M. Delariarte, champion in Vocal Solo Kundiman at the 2026 National Culture and the Arts Festival, accompanied by Prof. Ronie Libutaque, who served as coach and accompanist.

The presentation of non-academic awards followed, led by Dr. Shiela Mae C. Quero, division chair for Broadcasting; Dr. Ricky G. Abalena III, division chair for Journalism; and Ms. Joesyl Marie D. Aranas, division chair for Development Communication. The awards recognized students who distinguished themselves in leadership, campus involvement, competitions, and various co-curricular and extracurricular endeavors.

Another highlight of the event was the oath-taking of the newly elected COC Student Council officers, administered by Dr. Ma. Pilar S. Malata, dean of the Office of Student Affairs, marking the transition of student leadership within the college.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of the College of Communication Graduating Class of 2026, recognizing graduating students as they prepare for commencement exercises and their transition to professional practice.

Ms. Lara Jeunese Villaruel, college secretary and chairperson of the Awards Committee, delivered the closing remarks and congratulated the awardees for their achievements, encouraging them to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and service as ambassadors of the college beyond the university.

The West Visayas State University College of Dentistry formally welcomed its future clinicians during the 2nd White Coat Ceremony and Recognition Rites, “Parangal 2026,” held May 28 at the WVSU Cultural Center.

The ceremony marked a milestone for dental students as they donned their white coats, received their pins, and took the clinicians’ pledge, symbolizing their transition into clinical training and patient care. The event also recognized outstanding student achievements in academics, leadership, sports, sociocultural, and special categories.

In his message, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz reminded students to uphold integrity and compassion as they enter the profession.

“As you don your white coats and receive your pins today, wear them not only with pride, but with purpose. Let these symbols remind you of your responsibility to serve with honesty, competence, and a genuine heart for service,” Villaruz said.

In a video message, Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Jed Patrick E. Mabilog also shared words of inspiration to the students, commending the college for its dedication, resilience, and unwavering support. He likewise expressed his hopes for the continued success of the college as it inspires, uplifts lives, and brings pride to WVSU, Iloilo, and the nation.

Guest speaker Dr. Abigail Joy E. Marañon emphasized the role of ethical and compassionate care in dentistry.

“Our mission is to provide high quality, ethical patient care because we set the tone, we will set the tone for excellence in the field of dentistry. You already share this responsibility with us and I hope that you will also find joy in being of service to others through patient care,” she said.

Marañon earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines Manila in 2007 and underwent further training in pediatric dentistry, dental public health, and oral surgery. She currently serves as Dentist III at the West Visayas State University Medical Center and as a senior lecturer at the WVSU College of Dentistry.

The program also featured the oath-taking of officers, a response from the clinicians, and the presentation of awardees, highlighting the college’s commitment to academic excellence and service-oriented dental education.