Tag: 17

October 13, 2023-Dalhousie University (Dal), Canada met with West Visayas State University to talk about areas such as agriculture and food security, considering collaborations on mobility, research, and development project activities.

During the meeting-discussion at WVSU, Dal was represented by Project and Advancement Coordinator-International of the Faculty of Agriculture David Parks with their Manager for International Lana Bos expressed. They discussed strengths and possible projects to pursue with the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF).

The meeting was attended by president Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, Vice President for Medical and Allied Sciences Dr. Celina Gellada, WVSU International and Local Linkages Office – ILLO Director Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, CAF Campus Administrator Dr. Dominador Lisao, Dean of the College of Agriculture Dr. Anthony Leal, CAF faculty Prof. Leonie Consabo and CAF Internationalization Coordinator Prof. Michael Victor Gonzales.

DagYoung Ambassadors (university student ambassadors) Johnric Vargas and Marey Florence Losanes were present to help boost WVSU’s reputation by hosting the Dal guests from the hotel to the University.

The discussion will continue at Dal’s tour at the College of Agriculture and Foresty for them to see the campus and the Mariit Wildlife Conservation Park.

West Visayas State University Calinog embarked on a journey of collaboration and knowledge-sharing with Philippine Normal University North Luzon (PNU-NL) last October 2-3, 2023.

This two-day benchmarking event focused on exploring best practices in Indigenous People (IP) education, delving into various facets such as curriculum development, research initiatives, extension activities, facilities and the unique concept of an IP village within the campus. The partnership aimed to foster a deeper understanding of effective approaches to empower and uplift indigenous communities through education. WVSU Calinog Campus group was spearheaded by Dr. Rosario Clarabel C. Contreras, Campus Administrator, Dr. Mercedes C. Ciasico, former Director for Academic Affairs and currently the Program Head of PhD in Education major in Education and MAED Educational Management, Dr. Elias C. Olapane, Campus Research Coordinator and Dr. Marie Candy L. Celeste, Chair of English Department and IPED Coordinator of the campus. They were welcomed warmly by the faculty, staff and students by PNU-NL headed by their Executive Director and Provost, Dr. Leticia N. Aquino.

One of the key highlights of the activity was the exchange of insights regarding curriculum development. PNU-NL presented and discussed their Diploma Program in Indigenous People Teacher Education. They have demonstrated their commitment to preserving indigenous knowledge and culture by incorporating these elements into its curriculum. The university has made substantial efforts to ensure that the education provided is not only academically rigorous but also culturally sensitive. PNU-NL is known as the Indigenous People Education Hub of the Philippines.

Participants in the benchmarking event were also introduced to a range of research initiatives that focused on issues affecting indigenous peoples and successful extension activities that were designed to provide tangible. Research collaborations between the two universities were also highlighted during the discussion. The strong support from the university administration and the local government units was manifested in the many successful activities promoting indigenous people education.

Lastly, a truly unique aspect of PNU-NL’s approach is the concept of an IP village. WVSU Calinog faculty got the chance to visit and see for their eyes the traditional houses of IP groups in the north including Ilokano, Kalinga, Ifugao and many more. This living classroom provides students with an immersive experience in indigenous culture and traditions. It also serves as a hub for community activities, enabling collaboration between students, faculty, and the indigenous population. This innovative approach not only educates but also fosters cultural appreciation and preservation.

The academic partnership between WVSU Calinog Campus and Philippine Normal University- North Luzon represents a commitment to excellence in indigenous people education. By coming together to share best practices and learn from each other, they aim to create a brighter future for indigenous communities in the Philippines and beyond. The two-day benchmarking event was a testament to the power of collaboration in academia, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity and community engagement in education. WVSU Calinog Campus is committed to take strategic steps in promoting a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape for indigenous people.

WVSU IZN Coordinators and Frontliner-Staff of units gathered at the Center for Teaching Excellence Building for WVSU International and Local Linkages Office’s (ILLO) Communicating in the Workplace Era of Internationalization (IZN) : Orientation of ILLO Procedures and its Reason for Being.

Led by ILLO Director Mrs. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, the orientation discussed the different courses of action that were put into organizing the University’s travels: ILLO Mandates, MOU/MOA and International Travel procedures, and Budget and Itinerary Preparation.

Prof. Bryan Dayuta, Philippine Normal University’s Director of International Affairs and Linkages, discussed the importance of an Internationalization Office and the university’s role in helping it to succeed.

This is just the first of two parts of the said event.

West Visayas State University took part in the CHED’s Regional Orientation (Visayas Leg), focusing on the Guidelines for Assessment of Foreign Travel for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) at L’Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City on September 21, 2023.

The orientation was broken down into three sessions, assessing different practices of SUCs’ foreign travels: Spotting and Avoiding Predatory International Conferences, Rules and Rates of Expenses and Allowances for Official Travels, and Revision of Processes and Guidelines of Foreign Travels for SUCs personnel.

Among the people who headed the discussions were Prof. Johnrev B. Guilaran, Associate Professor of University of the Philippines Visayas; together with Atty. Lynn Danao-Moreno GGAO’s Asst. Executive Secretary for the Office of the President of the Philippines; Prof. Bryan C. Dayuta, PNU’s Director for Linkages and International Office; CHED’s International Affairs; and, Dr. Gaudencio Petalcorin Jr., Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise of Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology.

WVSU was represented by Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of International and Local Linkages Office. She praised CHED’s initiative by saying, “This orientation clarifies all the queries regarding foreign travels and allowances, which will help WVSU strengthen its policies in internationalization. The International and Local Linkages Office facilitates the foreign travels and it is a tedious procedure. Our presence here with CHED International Affairs Services is indeed beneficial, most especially that an orientation on ILLO procedures will be held soon for the WVSU Community to reiterate processes.”