Tag: 17

Iloilo City, December 5, 2024 — The West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) and the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) Emergency Response Team, in partnership with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), marked the Volunteerism at WVSU: The International Volunteerism Month Celebration 2024. This event underscores the university’s dedication to fostering a culture of service, compassion, and social responsibility within the academic community and beyond.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, President of WVSU, welcomed participants and guests, emphasizing the university’s commitment to volunteerism as a cornerstone of community development. He highlighted how such initiatives align with WVSU’s mission to nurture socially responsible individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.

Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of ILLO, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the broader impact of volunteerism on peace and sustainability. “Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on the positive impact of volunteerism, strengthen our commitment to serving others, and inspire one another to continue contributing to the well-being of our society. Together, we can build a better, more compassionate future,” she said, inspiring the audience to embrace service as a way of life.

Sharing Stories of Service

A key feature of the event was a forum where international and local volunteers shared their experiences, providing diverse perspectives on the transformative power of volunteerism:

Mr. Sakamoto Hideki, a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer assigned to LGU Kalibo, discussed his work in community development, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange in fostering sustainable growth.

Ms. Kamehama Chihiro, also from the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, shared her experiences in municipality of Oton, where she focuses on youth engagement and education.

Ms. Chloe Mitchell, Mr. Patrick Brown, Ms. Crystal Garcia, and Mr. Neil delos Trinos, all from the United States Peace Corps, shared stories of their work in rural communities, highlighting initiatives in education, health, and environmental conservation.

Ms. Maria Ramona Moleño from Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) stressed the importance of capacity-building and empowering local communities to become self-reliant.

Prof. Ruben Gamala, a professor from UP Visayas, provided an academic perspective on volunteerism as a tool for social innovation and resilience.

Mr. Franz Remar Garion, Information Officer II of the Philippine Information Agency, underscored the role of media in promoting volunteer efforts and encouraging community participation.

Empowering a Community of Volunteers

The forum highlighted the diverse ways volunteerism can address societal challenges and foster global connections. Through personal stories and insights, the speakers emphasized that volunteerism is not just about giving time but about creating meaningful relationships and empowering communities to thrive.

The event also saw the active participation of CAF Emergency Response Team (ERT) volunteers, who demonstrated their readiness to serve in times of crisis and emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and community resilience.

Furthermore, this event is part of a simultaneous nationwide celebration of International Volunteerism Month, with universities and organizations across the Philippines hosting similar activities to promote the spirit of volunteerism.

As WVSU continues its celebration of International Volunteerism Month, it reinforces its role as a leader in promoting global citizenship and social responsibility, inspiring its community to actively engage in volunteer work both locally and internationally.

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In a world where interconnectedness is no longer an option but a necessity, education plays a crucial role in fostering global citizens capable of navigating and contributing to a rapidly changing society. At the forefront of this mission is Education for an Interdependent World (EDIW), a European non-governmental organization (NGO) that designs and implements educational programs aimed at cultivating individuals who are compassionate, well-informed, and actively engaged with the world around them.

With a mission to inspire respect, creativity, and responsibility among learners, EDIW has forged a significant partnership with West Visayas State University (WVSU) in the Philippines. This collaboration leverages the power of education to transform individuals and societies, making a tangible impact on communities across the globe.

International Digital Learning: Bridging Cultures Through Education

Founded on the belief that education has the power to unite people across borders and cultures, EDIW focuses on creating learning experiences that foster empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and global awareness. Through a combination of formal and non-formal educational initiatives, EDIW aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also equipped with the skills and values needed to contribute to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

Central to this mission is the development of global citizenship, a concept that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people and the shared responsibility to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

Five Phases of Teaching Excellence: Reaching New Horizons

Since its inception in 2023, EDIW has successfully completed five phases of teaching excellence, with each phase building on the successes and lessons of the previous one. These phases have spanned multiple regions, reaching students in India and several provinces in the Philippines, including Bacolod, Manila, and Davao.

Each phase is designed as an eight-week program that focuses on enhancing students’ literacy, English language proficiency, and scientific knowledge while fostering a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. By blending academic learning with cultural exchange, EDIW creates an immersive educational experience that empowers students to see themselves as part of a global community.

The most recent milestone, the 5th phase, launched on November 23, 2024, marked a significant expansion of the program’s reach and impact. As the program continues to evolve, the upcoming 6th phase, scheduled to begin in February 2025, promises to further broaden the scope of EDIW’s initiatives and bring in new student volunteers eager to contribute to this transformative mission.

International Collaboration: Strengthening Global Educational Partnerships

A cornerstone of EDIW’s success is its commitment to international collaboration. Over the years, the organization has built strong partnerships with educators and institutions from the Philippines, India, Spain, Ireland, and various other European countries.

These collaborations have not only enhanced the quality and reach of EDIW’s programs but have also fostered a sense of shared purpose among educators from diverse cultural backgrounds. A significant milestone in this collaborative effort was the series of face-to-face meetings between teacher volunteers from different countries. These in-person interactions have strengthened EDIW’s community bonds, allowing for the exchange of best practices and the development of innovative teaching strategies that address the unique needs of students in different regions.

The Volunteers: Empowering the Next Generation

Behind every successful educational initiative are the passionate individuals who bring it to life. The eBridge program, a flagship initiative of EDIW, is no exception. These volunteers, often juggling their studies and teaching responsibilities, embody the spirit of service and dedication.

Leony de Justo: Bridging Dreams into Reality

“Why are you an eBridge volunteer? Because I want to make a difference. I want to teach, touch, and inspire the lives of children and make them feel that there are people like us (eBridge volunteers) who are committed to helping and guiding them to unleash their full potential. Here at EDIW, we are not just teacher volunteers; we serve as a BRIDGE that can transport the dreams of our children into reality.”

Leonie de Justo, a third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English- 3A student at WVSU, epitomizes the mission of EDIW. Her passion for teaching and her commitment to empowering young minds make her an invaluable asset to the program. Leonie believes that education is a powerful tool for change, and through her volunteer work, she aims to be a catalyst for that change. By connecting with her students on a personal level, she helps them build confidence and realize their potential.

Kyla Joy Paganpan: Inspiring Potential and Shaping Futures

“I chose to become an eBridge volunteer because I believe it will greatly enhance my capabilities as a pre-service teacher while making a meaningful impact on my students. This role is not just about teaching; it’s about inspiring students to recognize and unlock their potential. I see this opportunity as a way to positively contribute to their educational journey while also expanding my own horizons and helping to shape a brighter future for the next generation.”

Kyla Joy Paganpan, a second-year BSED English student, joined the eBridge program with a vision to grow as an educator while making a difference in the lives of her students. For Kyla, the experience of being an eBridge volunteer is both a personal and professional journey. She views the program as an opportunity to develop her teaching skills, broaden her cultural understanding, and inspire a new generation of learners to achieve their goals.

The Impact of eBridge: Transforming Lives Across Borders

The eBridge program goes beyond traditional classroom teaching. It creates a bridge of understanding between cultures, fostering empathy and global awareness among both volunteers and students. By providing learners in marginalized communities with access to quality education, the program empowers them to break the cycle of poverty and envision a brighter future.

A Growing Community of Teacher Volunteers

One of EDIW’s most notable achievements is the cultivation of a sustainable and expanding community of teacher volunteers. Today, the organization boasts a network of over 300-400 members from across the globe. This diverse community includes both seasoned educators and new student teacher volunteers who bring fresh perspectives and energy to the program.

These volunteers come from a wide range of national and international campuses, contributing their time, skills, and cultural knowledge to create a rich and dynamic learning environment for students. The continuous growth of this community ensures that EDIW remains a vibrant and evolving organization capable of meeting the challenges of global education.

Empowering Volunteers Through Orientation Workshops

Recognizing the importance of equipping its volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in an intercultural teaching environment, EDIW conducted a comprehensive Volunteer Orientation Workshop in September 2023.

This workshop provided new members with essential training in teaching methodologies, cross-cultural communication, and classroom management. By preparing volunteers to navigate the complexities of intercultural education, EDIW ensures that its programs are both effective and culturally sensitive.

Weekly Teaching Sessions: Bridging Cultures Through Education

A defining feature of EDIW’s programs is its weekly teaching sessions, where volunteers engage students in interactive learning experiences that blend academic instruction with cultural exchange.

During these one-hour sessions, volunteers use a variety of media—including videos, music, and storytelling—to introduce students to different cultures and perspectives. These sessions not only enhance students’ academic skills but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.

Each session concludes with assessments to track students’ progress, and in the final week, volunteers share personal messages and reflections, leaving a lasting impact on the students.

Recent Milestones and Future Directions

The successful launch of the 5th phase on November 23, 2024, marked a significant milestone in EDIW’s journey. This phase saw an increase in both the number of students reached and the diversity of teaching methods employed.

Looking ahead, the upcoming 6th phase in February 2025 promises to build on this success, with plans to expand the program’s reach and incorporate new technological tools to enhance the learning experience. EDIW remains committed to its mission of creating a global community of literacy volunteers who empower children through education.

Transforming Lives and Communities Through Education

The partnership between EDIW and WVSU stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. Together, they have created a model of global education that not only equips students with the skills they need to succeed academically but also fosters a sense of empathy, responsibility, and global citizenship.

As EDIW continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to its vision of a world where education serves as a bridge that connects people across cultures, inspires creativity, and empowers individuals to make a positive impact on their communities and the world at large.

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The iconic Quezon Hall of West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City has been fully restored and reopened on Nov. 27, 2024.

The Henry Sy Foundation, in collaboration with the SM Foundation, completed the restoration of the Quezon Hall, located on Luna Street in La Paz, Iloilo City.

The historic building, first completed in 1926, underwent a comprehensive renovation to address structural concerns and modernize its facilities.

“The Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation are ideal partners for this restoration project because of their targeted social investments in education and drive for preserving Filipino heritage, including architectural landmarks. Most important in the Quezon Hall project is the value of connecting healthy buildings and structures to an enhanced learning and working environment that goes a long way in making strides towards long-term educational investments,” said Dr. Joselito Villaruz, WVSU President.

𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙒𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙖𝙨

According to Arch. Gerard Ibañez, OIC Head of the WVSU Campus Physical Planning Office, the restoration project comprehensively addressed the building’s structural and aesthetic needs. The work included preserving original wooden moldings, repairing concrete and steel elements, restoring stairs, balusters, arcs, and columns, repainting architectural features, and conducting roof restoration to maintain the hall’s historical character while ensuring its functional integrity.

The restored Quezon Hall now has 24 new classrooms with chairs and tables, faculty rooms, and administrative offices. The College of Arts and Sciences will manage the facility, serving students from all WVSU colleges.

Arch. Ibañez and WVSU Administrator Julius Undar explained that the detailed comprehensive renovation efforts included strategic lighting improvements with repositioned light fixtures to enhance illumination throughout the hall. The renovation also addressed comfort and functionality by installing additional ceiling fans and constructing new restroom facilities.

Faculty rooms on the ground floor underwent significant rehabilitation, receiving enhanced structural reinforcement to ensure long-term stability. Pest control measures were integrated into the construction works as part of the restoration process. The team carefully incorporated modern technological upgrades that complemented the building’s historical architectural character, maintaining approval from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

“Working together with the WVSU, local stakeholders, and our dedicated team, we are not only restoring a building but also investing in the potential of every student who will step into its doors. Together, we are creating an environment that inspires academic excellence and fosters dreams that can reshape communities and uplift lives,” said Dr. Lydia Echauz, Executive Director of the Henry Sy Sr. Foundation.

Quezon Hall, constructed on August 19, 1919, and completed in 1925 and 1926 in three separate contracts, had experienced gradual deterioration over decades, with ongoing maintenance challenges affecting its ceiling, flooring, and windows. The restoration project addressed these long-standing structural issues.

The restoration is part of the Henry Sy Foundation and SM Foundation’s continuous educational infrastructure initiatives.

The renovated building is now open and operational, serving the academic needs of WVSU students.

| 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘚𝘔 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯

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