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.
Tag: 2
END HUNGER, ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AND IMPROVED NUTRITION AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE.
Hunger is the leading cause of death in the world. Our planet has provided us with tremendous resources, but unequal access and inefficient handling leaves millions of people malnourished. If we promote sustainable agriculture with modern technologies and fair distribution systems, we can sustain the whole world’s population and make sure that nobody will ever suffer from hunger again.
-
WVSU sets regional benchmark in UI GreenMetric 2025
-
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
-
WVSU delegates receive recognition at PASUC VI-Extension Managers’ Council for leadership and innovation in extension papers
The West Visayas State University faculty extension delegates garnered multiple awards during the14th Philippine Association of State University and Colleges VI – Extension Managers’ Council (PASUC-EMC) Annual Regional Symposium and General Assembly last September 30 – October 2, 2025 at the University of Antique with the theme, “Extension Beyond Boundaries: Strengthening Impact Through Innovation, Inclusion, and Integration”.
Among the delegates who presented their paper, Dr. Elias C. Olapane from WVSU Calinog Campus received Best Paper and Best Presenter awards in the Transformative Education, Culture and Social-Behavioral Sciences cluster, with co-project leader Dr. Mary Jean Cataluña in their paper, “UpSKilling DepEd Teachers Research-Led Teaching Through a Capability Training Series”.
Similarly, Dr. Maria Corazon M. Samorin from the College of Business and Management, secured 2nd place in the Best Extension Paper category for her work titled “Empowering Transport Cooperatives through Innovative Extension: Insights from Project ITTC” under the Environmental Stewardship, Climate Action, and Circular Economy category. Another notable award is from WVSU Pototan Campus, where Dr. Charlie Domido secured 3rd place for Best Extension Paper in the Environmental Stewardship, Climate Action, and Circular Economy category.
Additionally, Dr. Virginia B. Parreñas, also from WVSU Pototan Campus, earned 3rd place in the Community-Based Health, Nutrition, and Wellness category. Meanwhile, the documentary Rays of Hope was awarded Best Video Documentary, with Prof. Sheila P. Beliran from the College of Nursing serving as the Project Leader.
In addition, research presenters—Dr. Jovie L. Caballero from Calinog Campus, and Dr. Pauline M. Torion along with Prof. Joenarex N. Bautista from Janiuay Campus—presented their respective extension papers. Panel evaluators from the university consists of Prof. Sheila P. Beliran, Dr. Julie Gay B. Quidato, Dr. Alma Jean A. Subong, and Dr. Raymund B. Moreno.
Also present during the symposium and awarding ceremony was Dr. Ricky P. Becodo, the Director of the University Development Center and Chairman of PASUC VI EMC, Inc., demonstrating strong institutional support.
This symposium exemplifies the university’s ongoing dedication to fostering innovative projects that benefit and uplift the community.
#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels
Photo Courtesy: Cristy Pagente
By WVSU PAMCO
-
WVSU-CBM’s Team Dungánan defends Service Category crown at BIDA 2025
Team Dungánan of the West Visayas State University College of Business and Management (WVSU-CBM) once again proved its edge on the national stage, clinching the Service Category championship at the 19th Business Idea and Development Award (BIDA) 2025.
The team, which represented CBM with a business paper on preserving heirloom dishes, successfully defended its 2024 title against contenders from Capiz State University and Our Lady of Fatima University.
The back-to-back win underscores CBM’s commitment to both innovation and cultural preservation. This year’s BIDA drew more than 70 entries nationwide. From the pool, 32 teams advanced to the second level of screening, where participants submitted full business plans and video presentations. Only 15 were chosen as finalists to present on-site in Taguig City, competing in Service, Technology, Food, Non-Food, and Agriculture categories.
The Business Idea and Development Award, or BIDA, is an annual competition organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry to recognize innovative and sustainable business ideas, products, technologies, and services, primarily from students.
The program seeks to foster an entrepreneurial culture, support sustainable economic growth in the Philippines, and encourage youth to develop creative solutions for national development. Team Dungánan was composed of Kisha Antoniette Hojilla (BSBA FM), Thomas Edward Segundera (BSHM), Kyle Cabaobao (BSBA FM), Joriel Agustina Marie Alvarez (BSTM), and John Richard Inorino (BSCM).
Guiding them throughout the competition were coaches Nichol John J. Raymundo and Maria Corazon M. Samorin. The win solidifies CBM’s standing in national competitions, highlighting the college’s drive to develop future leaders who can create socially relevant and sustainable business ideas.
#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels
By WVSU PAMCO
-
French ambassador impressed with La Maison du Leganes dining experience
No less than Her Excellency Marie Fontanel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Republic of the Philippines was impressed with her dining experience at La Maison Du Leganes-French Bistro and Café located in the municipality of Leganes, Iloilo.
The ambassador and Claire Châles, Higher Education and Scientific Cooperation officer – Cooperation and Cultural Affairs Department, had dinner at La Maison on May 23, 2025, arranged by the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) of the West Visayas State University (WVSU).
“What an incredible experience to have dinner in France… in Iloilo!” wrote Ambassador Fontanel in La Maison’s guest book.
She also wrote that “Iloilo deserves the title of gastronomic capital of the Philippines but La Maison deserves the title of best French restaurant. I am impressed!”
The Ambassador and Ms. Châles, together with WVSU representatives Edel Carmela Csoka, ILLO director; and Hazel Villa, director of Public Affairs, Marketing and Communications Office were served the following:
𝘊𝘖𝘓𝘋 𝘈𝘗𝘗𝘌𝘛𝘐𝘡𝘌𝘙
𝘗𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤, 𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘳𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘴
𝘚𝘈𝘓𝘈𝘋𝘌
𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘯
𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘩 𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢, 𝘵𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘴, 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦
𝘗𝘓𝘈𝘛 𝘐𝘕𝘛𝘌𝘙𝘔𝘌𝘋𝘐𝘈𝘐𝘙𝘌
𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘗𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘰, 𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦
𝘗𝘓𝘈𝘛 𝘗𝘙𝘐𝘕𝘊𝘐𝘗𝘈𝘓
𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘯-𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘪𝘴𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘶𝘤𝘦
𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘢
𝘋𝘌𝘚𝘚𝘌𝘙𝘛
𝘓𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯’𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘰 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘭é
𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘯
On hand to explain how La Maison came to be were dinner hosts of La Maison — Dr. Anjuli May Jaen, CEO and President; Leah Gonzaludo, Operations Officer; and Ms. Geline Jaen-Gurrea, Finance Officer.
Ambassador Fontanel was so pleased with her experience and said she will share the experience with the French Community and invited La Maison to join the Goût de France / Good France this end of May 2025 – the biggest dinner in the world to celebrate French gastronomy which is organized by French diplomatic missions in their host countries as a tribute to the excellence of French cuisine.
#WVSUInternationalization #WVSUILLO
#WVSUTransformingGenerations
Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia
Text: 𝘋𝘳. 𝘏𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘭 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢, 𝘗𝘈𝘔𝘊𝘖 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳
Photos: 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘮𝘢
-
Hospitality students explore culture, cuisine, and collaboration in Vietnam tour
Third-year Hospitality Management students from the West Visayas State University College of Business and Management explored the sights, flavors, and traditions of Vietnam during their international educational tour and cultural immersion from May 4 to 9.
The weeklong trip brought the students to Hanoi and Sapa, where they marveled at the scenic landscapes of Halong Bay and ascended the famed Fansipan, also known as the “Roof of Indochina.” The tour also featured hands-on activities, including a Vietnamese culinary and coffee-making class, where students learned the craft behind local cuisine and beverage preparation.
More than just sightseeing, the tour served as a cultural bridge. The WVSU students met with Hospitality and Tourism majors from Hanoi University of Culture, exchanging insights on tourism, tradition, and academic life. A cultural exchange event hosted by the Vietnamese university featured music, dance, and messages of friendship that strengthened ties between the two institutions.
Accompanying the students were CBM faculty members Dr. Cristy M. Pagente, associate dean; Dr. Ma. Flora Collado, division chair for Hospitality Management; and Sr. Cynthia Miñon, CBM research coordinator.
The tour highlighted WVSU’s commitment to global learning and industry immersion, helping students develop cultural awareness, professional skills, and a broader global perspective in preparation for careers in the hospitality field.
Text by Hazel P. Villa/PAMCO
Photos and sources from the College of Business & Management
#WVSUExcels#WVSUTransformingGenerations
-
Since Then: The Agricultural Growth of the Seven Cities
By the time the Agro-Industrial Fair opened its doors on January 27, marking the first day of University Days, colorful stalls bustled with enthusiastic patrons. Yet one stall stood noticeably different—not because it lacked appeal, but because it was nearly wiped clean. The Alimodian Agriculture Cooperative (Seven Cities) had already sold most of its produce, leaving the women running the booth with little else to do but relax.
Seated behind a tower of empty baskets, Virgie Aldamar, 60, and Imelda Catanus, 67, seemed pleasantly surprised by their swift success. It was only 1 p.m., yet they were already making calls back home to replenish their inventory. The demand spoke volumes about the quality of their produce.
“High-value crops,” they called them. Bell peppers, cabbages, carrots, tomatoes, string beans, sayote—everything had flown off the table by midday. All these vegetables were grown on their own land and nurtured through advanced farming techniques, including greenhouse cultivation, a new addition they built in March of last year.
Virgie and Imelda shared another innovation they swear by: Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO) as a natural alternative to conventional fertilizers. These microorganisms, which include fungi, bacteria, and yeast found in soil and living organisms, not only speed up plant growth but also reduce toxic chemicals in the soil. They adopted this method after attending seminars hosted by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, which has partnered with the Department of Agriculture for three decades to strengthen Philippine agriculture.
For Virgie and Imelda, farming is both heritage and innovation. They’ve been vending vegetables as cooperative members for four years, but their farming roots go deeper. “Since then,” they answered simply when asked how long they’d been cultivating crops. They inherited their green thumbs from parents who farmed rice and corn fields.
Their produce is more than just a product of soil and rain—it’s a fusion of traditional wisdom and forward-thinking technology. Breaking away from chemical-heavy fertilizers, they believe, results in healthier crops and healthier lives.
Their success at the fair wasn’t just about their high-value crops, though. While other vendors leisurely set up their stalls, Virgie and Imelda were ready for business by 9 a.m., proving that the early bird truly does get the worm—and, in this case, gets to relax far earlier than the rest of the flock.
Story by Trixie Aurelia Ningas, Hazelyn Aliboso, Ryde Rendell Ponsaran, and Kaela Jamelo/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa
Photos by Trixie Aurelia Ningas
-
‘Kadiwa sa WVSU’ highlights local agriculture as WVSU opens its 2025 University Days
“Kadiwa sa WVSU” took center stage as West Visayas State University (WVSU) launched its 2025 University Days celebration on Jan. 27, at the Rizal Hall Grounds. The event spotlighted local agricultural products and innovations through colorful exhibits.
Opening at 1 p.m., the soft launch transformed the Rizal Hall Grounds into a vibrant hub of discovery, underscoring WVSU’s dedication to promoting sustainable practices and community development.
In his remarks, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz emphasized the vital role of agriculture in society. “Through initiatives like ‘Kadiwa sa West,’ we are not only creating opportunities for our local producers but also fostering a deeper appreciation for agriculture as the backbone of our economy and culture,” he said.
The event formally began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Rizal Hall Grounds, led by Dr. Villaruz along with university administrators, deans, directors, and Department of Agriculture officials.
Students, faculty, and visitors explored the exhibits, which featured agricultural innovations, cultural showcases, and locally produced goods. Each display reflected WVSU’s commitment to empowering local communities and supporting sustainable initiatives.
The “Kadiwa sa WVSU” exhibits will be open to the public until January 31, offering a week-long celebration of collaboration, innovation, and local ingenuity.
Story by Kacey Claire Tanallon/The Innovator
Photos by PAMCO
-
Dr. Villaruz welcomes BayanAnihan Summit 2024 Visayas leg
Dr. Joselito Villaruz warmly welcomes guests, partners, and delegates to the three-day BayANIhan Summit Visayas Leg, hosted by West Visayas State University (WVSU).
The BayANIhan Summit is a nationwide event that aims to uplift and celebrate the contributions of young fishers, foresters, and farmers. The term ‘BayANIhan’ is derived from the root words ‘bayan’ (country), ‘bayani’ (hero), ‘ani’ (harvest), and ‘bayanihan’ (solidarity with others), reflecting the spirit of unity and cooperation among our nation’s agricultural leaders.
WVSU is proud to host this event and is committed to supporting programs that benefit the agriculture sector.
As a leading institution in agricultural education and research, WVSU recognizes the importance of promoting the success of young farmers, fishers, and foresters, and hopes to inspire and empower them to contribute to the country’s agricultural development. The summit runs from August 29 to 31, 2024.
-
WVSU, Partners Spearhead GALING-PCAARRD Kontra Covid-19 Program
by Riza June Charity Rafols
The Municipality of Sarah, West Visayas State University, and Panay Darag Chicken Breeders Association, Inc. (PADABA) partnered with GALING-PCAARRD Kontra Covid-19 Program “GALING” (Good Agri-Aqua Livelihood Initiatives toward NationalGoals), to support communities afflicted by Covid-19 around the country to enable communities to recover faster and become more resilient.
Forty farmers benefited from the two-day Darag Native Chicken Production and Marketing activity conducted on September 27-28, 2022, at the Evacuation Center of the Municipality of Sara, Iloilo.
The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of Sara Mayor Jon Aying, WVSU – University Extension and Development Center Director Dr. Ricky Becodo, WVSU- College of Communication Dean, Dr. Ian Espada, and PADABA President Mr. Rosendo DL Parreñas.
The forty project participants and co-operators were chosen based on the interview conducted by the UEDC together with the Municipal Government Livelihood Assistance Division (MGLAD) from more than sixty prospective farmer-beneficiaries in different barangays.
Mr. Rosendo DL Parreñas, PADABA Board Member, discussed the DNC Business Opportunities, DNC Timeline, Housing Care and Management of Chickens, Feeds and Feedings, Selection, and Breeding. Dr. Helen G. Genandoy of the WVSU College of Agriculture and Fisheries (WVSU-CAF) covered chicken health, sanitation, and monitoring topics. To give the participants first-hand experience, they conducted a field visit to the Darag farms owned by Mr. Rogelio Nice of Brgy. Malapaya and Mr. Rodel Brillantes of Brgy. Bagaygay, Sara, Iloilo in the afternoon.
The said multiplier DNC farmers will receive four sets of Darag native chickens composed of four hens, and a rooster-set were identified based on the following criteria: (1) has attended the basic training DNC Production; (2) willing to allocate an area for ranging and has an available area for ranging DNC; (3) ready housing for DNC; (4) area is peaceful and accessible; (5) willing to invest a capital of feeds, and; (6) execute Agreement with WVSU and Sara LGU from the barangays Aguirre, Domingo, Malapaya, Ardemil, Ferraris, Latawan, Aspera, and Aposaga.
The training started with a projection orientation and pretest by Dr. Ricky Becodo. Participants and co-operators will have a month or two to prepare their areas. MGLAD will monitor the progress of the selected farmers headed by Mr. ArgeoProquez Jr. before the distribution of the Darag Native Chicken before the end of the year.