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WVSU Strengthens International Research Collaboration Through Green Carbon Project Monitoring Visit

West Visayas State University welcomed representatives from Green Carbon Inc. and Mitsubishi Motors Japan on July 28, 2026 for a project monitoring visit under the Green Carbon-WVSU initiative, which promotes greenhouse gas reduction in rice production through the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) approach.

The visit featured project updates and meetings with the research team led by Dr. Maria Lea Escantilla-Lebuna, director of the Environmental Resource Management Office (ERMO), followed by courtesy calls with Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation Dr. Greta G. Gabinete and Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris. The delegation also conducted field monitoring activities in Dingle, Pototan, and Lambunao.

The initiative reinforces WVSU’s commitment to advancing climate-smart agriculture through research, innovation, and strategic partnerships for sustainable development.

July 28, 2026

WVSU earns 5-Star DOE compliance rating for energy efficiency

West Visayas State University (WVSU) received an 89% compliance rating, equivalent to a 5-star rating, following the Department of Energy (DOE) Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) Spot Check conducted on July 16, 2026, recognizing the University’s implementation of energy efficiency and conservation measures.

The assessment, conducted by the DOE Visayas Field Office, evaluated WVSU’s compliance with Republic Act No. 11285, or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, and related government directives promoting responsible energy use in government institutions.

Since implementing its energy efficiency and conservation initiatives in March 2026, WVSU has strengthened sustainable campus operations through measures aligned with the GEMP. The University’s 89% compliance rating reflects its adherence to national energy management standards and its continued commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource utilization.

July 20, 2026

WVSU, Kasetsart University forge partnership to advance agricultural communication

West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Kasetsart University (KU) in Thailand formally established an international academic partnership through the virtual ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on July 2, strengthening collaboration in agricultural communication, research, and higher education.

The five-year agreement aims to enhance opportunities in higher education, strengthen scientific and technological development, and promote cross-border cooperation and cultural understanding between the two institutions. It also opens opportunities for faculty and student exchanges, joint research and teaching programs, academic conferences, short-term academic programs, and the exchange of academic resources and expertise.

The partnership brings together WVSU’s College of Communication’s Development Communication Division and Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen’s Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, united by a shared commitment to advancing communication-driven approaches to sustainable agriculture and rural development in Southeast Asia.

In her overview of the partnership, WVSU Development Communication Division Chair Joesyl Marie Aranas emphasized that the collaboration goes beyond a formal agreement and is anchored on a common goal of connecting agricultural knowledge with the communities it serves.

To launch the partnership, both institutions plan to conduct a virtual research symposium where faculty members and students will present their research, identify shared interests, and explore future collaborative projects.

Aranas also noted that the partnership seeks to combine agricultural expertise with development communication to make research more accessible and useful for farmers and rural communities through knowledge-sharing initiatives and communication campaigns promoting food security and sustainable farming.

“Science discovers, but communication delivers. With this collaboration, we will ensure that the knowledge generated in our classrooms and laboratories directly enriches the fields and lives of the people we serve,” she said.

In his message of support, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz described the agreement as a significant step in advancing the University’s internationalization efforts.

“This piece of document that we are about to sign is a manifestation with promising partnerships set to inspire learning and expected to create opportunities beyond borders,” Villaruz said.

He added that the partnership creates new opportunities for faculty and student mobility, collaborative research, capacity-building activities, and the meaningful exchange of knowledge, expertise, and culture.

“We look forward to turning this agreement into meaningful programs that advance education and research to benefit our communities,” he said.

Also delivering messages during the ceremony were WVSU College of Communication Dean Dr. Rona Dhel Alingasa and Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen Associate Dean for Research and Academic Services for Internationalization Dr. Chanate Malumpong. The program was hosted by Louis Placido Lachica, faculty member and extension coordinator of the WVSU Development Communication Division, who also delivered the closing remarks.

The collaboration reflects WVSU’s continuing commitment to internationalization and to building partnerships that advance research, education, and sustainable development across borders.

July 2, 2026

WVSU broadens its international reach in the Times Higher Education Global Sustainable Development Congress 2026

Strengthening its commitment to internationalization and sustainable development, West Visayas State University (WVSU) joined higher education leaders, policymakers, and development partners from around the world at the Times Higher Education (THE) Global Sustainable Development Congress 2026 held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from June 22 to 25, 2026.

Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs, represented the university in the international gathering, engaging in networking opportunities, knowledge-sharing sessions, and discussions on innovative approaches to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Attending the GSDC provided me a deeper understanding on how WVSU can harmonize what we have been doing to contribute to the SDGs.

We need to strengthen and pursue more impactful services to our community as we empower lifelong learners as agents of value — our way of transforming society.

I believe, WVSU has taken the right direction as we work to achieve our vision of becoming a global research university that shapes generations. Let this be our ‘why’ and as a result we are recognized.

I thank and congratulate the taga-West for the dedication in their work and duties,” she said.

The University’s participation comes as WVSU continues to gain international recognition for its sustainability initiatives. In the 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings, WVSU was recognized among 1,501+ universities worldwide.

June 26, 2026

WVSU advances sustainability efforts in the 2026 impact rankings

Strengthening its global presence, West Visayas State University (WVSU) earned recognition in the 2026 Sustainability Impact Ratings, ranking among 1,501+ universities worldwide, highlighting its internationalization efforts and commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2026 rankings evaluated 1,646 universities across 116 countries and territories, recognizing institutions that actively advance sustainable development through innovation, partnerships, and academic excellence.

As WVSU continues to expand its global linkages and sustainability initiatives, it reaffirms its mission to produce globally competitive and socially responsible graduates who contribute to a more sustainable future.

June 24, 2026

WVSU rises to rank 137 in WURI 2026, breaks into global top 500 innovative

West Visayas State University (WVSU) has secured Rank 137 in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026, placing it among the Global Top 500 Innovative Universities.

This marks a significant rise from its 187th position in 2025, highlighting the university’s continued commitment to innovation, quality assurance, enhanced student engagement, and strengthened international collaboration.

In addition to its overall ranking, WVSU earned recognition in several specialized categories within the WURI Top 100:

* Rank 8 – Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved (C6)

* Rank 36 – Student Mobility and Openness (A2)

* Rank 47 – Future-Oriented Responses to Global Uncertainty and Geopolitical Risk (A7)

* Rank 83 – SDG- and ESG-Based Responses to Past and Present Global Challenges (A8)

The World University Rankings for Innovation evaluates universities based on innovation, practical impact, and responsiveness to global and societal challenges, rather than traditional academic metrics.

WVSU’s improved standing reflects its continued commitment to advancing education that is innovative, socially responsive, and aligned with global standards.

May 6, 2026

WVSU CAF alumna Joy Cardinal Saban wins 3rd place in Young Farmers Challenge national tilt

Joy Cardinal Saban, an alumna of the West Visayas State University College of Agriculture and Forestry, placed third in the Department of Agriculture’s Young Farmers Challenge National Business Pitch Competition Food Processing Category, held at the Iloilo Convention Center, for her agribusiness, Banana Kingdom Food Products.

Saban, who graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Crop Science, was recognized for her innovative value-added banana enterprise that supports Indigenous livelihoods in Lambunao, Iloilo. She received ₱300,000 in prize money under the program’s Start-Up Component.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture through its Young Farmers Challenge Program in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program, the competition highlights youth-led agribusiness ventures that promote innovation and sustainability in the agriculture sector.

Through Banana Kingdom Food Products, Saban transforms locally grown bananas into marketable products, creating economic opportunities for her Indigenous community while promoting inclusive growth in agriculture.

The program provides training and mentorship to strengthen long-term resilience and sustainability among young agripreneurs, supporting the continued development of enterprises like Saban’s.

Her achievement underscores the role of WVSU’s College of Agriculture and Forestry in producing graduates who contribute to agricultural innovation and community empowerment, in line with the university’s commitment to excellence, creativity, and service.

April 23, 2026

Bridging worlds workshop boosts WVSU global readiness, internationalization

Strengthening institutional internationalization efforts, the seminar-workshop “WVSU Bridging Worlds: Protocol and Intercultural Intelligence” was held on February 5 at the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) hall through the International and Local Linkages Office, in partnership with the Human Resource Management Office.

The first day opened with a lecture by Dr. Louis Placido F. Lachica, WVSU Focal Person to the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN), highlighting the importance of SDG-aligned communication and the shared responsibility of the WVSU community in advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Setting the university’s global direction, Ms. Edel Carmela Subong Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, discussed WVSU’s internationalization initiatives. This was followed by Ms. Danielle Galecio, Executive Assistant III from the Office of the President, who tackled diplomatic protocol, events and conference management, and the responsibilities of protocol officers, underscoring professionalism and cultural sensitivity in international engagements.

Representing the Commission on Higher Education, Dr. Danebeth Narzoles, CHED Regional Office VI Internationalization Focal Person, presented CHED’s 7-Point Agenda, consisting of four core thrusts and three enablers that address key priorities in higher education, including lifelong learning, human capital development, SDG-based research and innovation, inclusive internationalization, data-driven governance, strengthened institutional systems, and effective public service.

Sessions on Intercultural Intelligence were led by Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, followed by a workshop facilitated by Ms. Alisa Mei Locsin.

The first day concluded with a discussion on “The Value of Rankings” by Ms. Christine Liz Jimenea, Administrative Officer IV of the Quality Assurance Office.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

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February 5, 2026

WVSU earns membership in Global UN SDSN Network

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.

December 15, 2025

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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December 10, 2025

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END HUNGER, ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AND IMPROVED NUTRITION AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE.