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.
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ENSURE HEALTHY LIVES AND PROMOTE WELL-BEING FOR ALL AT ALL AGES.
Over the last 15 years, the number of childhood deaths has been cut in half. This proves that it is possible to win the fight against almost every disease. Still, we are spending an astonishing amount of money and resources on treating illnesses that are surprisingly easy to prevent. The new goal for worldwide Good Health promotes healthy lifestyles, preventive measures and modern, efficient healthcare for everyone.
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WVSU earns membership in Global UN SDSN Network
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WVSU trains student leaders on compassion-centered leadership and communication
Student leaders from West Visayas State University took part in a values-centered leadership training aimed at strengthening ethical leadership, responsible communication, and empathy in campus governance during a Dec. 13, 2025 session at the WVSU College of Communication TV Laboratory.
Titled “Beyond Authority: Nurturing Compassionate and Communicative Leadership in the University Student Council,” the activity gathered officers from the University Student Council and other student support groups. The session focused on how student leaders can responsibly exercise freedom of expression while fostering trust, harmony, and inclusivity within the WVSU community.
Discussions emphasized compassion- and faith-informed leadership as essential to effective student representation, particularly in navigating diverse perspectives and responsibilities on campus.
The morning session featured Rev. Fr. John Tadifa, rector of St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary, who spoke on “Leadership with Compassion, Anchored with the Teachings of the Lord.” In the afternoon, Rev. Fr. Eugene D. Lucerna II, dean of studies and director of human formation at St. Joseph Regional Seminary, discussed “Compassionate Leader and Communicator.”
Organizers said the initiative sought to equip student leaders not only with practical leadership skills, but also with moral integrity and empathy as they serve and represent the WVSU student body.
#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels
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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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WVSU Dagyoung Student Ambassador drives global youth policy at the 13th NYP
Showcasing West Visayas State University’s commitment to youth leadership and internationalization, Johnric G. Vargas—DagYoung Student Ambassador and Political Science student—represented Iloilo City and the entire Region VI as its lone delegate to the 13th National Youth Parliament (NYP) National Assembly held in Vigan City from November 18–20, 2025.
The National Youth Parliament, a biennial policy-making convention mandated by Republic Act 8044 or the Youth in Nation-Building Act, brings together exceptional young leaders from across the Philippines to craft informed, future-oriented policy recommendations. Echoing WVSU’s global outlook, the NYP fosters a culture of international cooperation, policy innovation, and youth engagement aligned with global development agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and international mobility frameworks.
Throughout the assembly, delegates examined youth issues through a global lens—economic empowerment, good governance, digital innovation, and greater mobility across cultures and borders—reflecting the increasingly interconnected role of youth in nation-building.
Vargas took on major leadership responsibilities that highlight his capacity to engage in both national and international youth development work. He served as the National Cluster Chairperson on Economic Empowerment and Global Mobility, Regional Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Governance, and was elected Regional Convener for the 13th NYP. He likewise contributed to the Philippine Youth Development Plan – Regional Inter-Agency Committee (PYDP-RIAC), ensuring that Western Visayas’ priorities resonate with broader cross-regional and global youth development perspectives.
Following the deliberations of the National Assembly, the 13th National Youth Parliament successfully passed key resolutions aligned with the 10 Centers of Youth Participation—selected from hundreds of proposals submitted by regional clusters nationwide. These recommendations strengthen youth involvement in governance, economic mobility, and strategic partnerships, echoing international best practices in policy-driven youth development.
These resolutions will be formally transmitted to the Philippine Congress and the Executive Branch for appropriate legislative and executive action, reinforcing NYP’s role as a national platform contributing to policy systems comparable to youth parliaments and councils across Asia and beyond.
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WVSU sets regional benchmark in UI GreenMetric 2025
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. -
WVSU celebrates innovation as CICTzens triumph at PSC X as National Champion
West Visayas State University (WVSU) proudly honors the remarkable achievement of its student innovators from the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) who clinched the 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻 title at the 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 (𝗣𝗦𝗖) 𝗫 with their startup, 𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧—an AI-driven platform that predicts the risk of Diabetic Retinopathy using routine lab biomarkers.
The DIASIGHT team, composed of Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) students 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗗𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗼 (𝗖𝗘𝗢), 𝗝𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 (𝗖𝗧𝗢), and 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 (𝗖𝗠𝗢), delivered an exceptional performance that earned them not only the championship title but also two major distinctions:
𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹
Guided by their mentor, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗠𝗮. 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝗰𝗶𝗼𝗻, the team’s achievement exemplifies the university’s mission as a research-driven institution committed to excellence, innovation, and service to society. Their success reaffirms WVSU’s dedication to nurturing future-ready innovators capable of creating meaningful impact through technology.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧! Your dedication and ingenuity stand as an inspiring example of what it means to be taga-West.
#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels
By: WVSU – College of Information and Communications Technology
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WVSU DevcomSoc shines light on eco-anxietis among youth, calls for climate action
WVSU Development Communicators’ Society (WVSU-DCS), the official student organization of the BSDC program, joined the UNICEF Philippines, Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), and other climate-interest groups in a unified call for urgent climate action during the national launch of the Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) held on November 25, 2025, at Park Inn by Radisons in Quezon City.
Representing the organization, Chairperson Mr. Jan Andrew A. Gelera participated as one of the youth delegates for during the event with the theme “Power of We: Kumilos Para sa Bata, Klima, at Kinabukasan.” He presented the eco-anxiety experienced by young people in Iloilo and Negros, particularly the position of children and youth in the current climate insecurities that happened in the regions due to typhoons. He connected these local experiences to the global climate context and explain how these threats are felt their everyday lives.
“It has come to a point where the climate crisis has been so desensitized that we feel numb, questioning our position, not knowing what to do first, clouding what’s supposed to be a navigation of self-discovery. My generation faces triggers hearing the sound of strong winds and lighting strikes; triggers imprinted by typhoons of the past,” Gelera said in his speech.
The presence of WVSU DCS in the event underscores its commitment to youth empowerment, environmental communication, and push for climate justice.
CLAC is a report by UNICEF Philippines which highlights how climate-related hazards directly affects children’s lives in the Philippines. Access the report here: https://situationofchildren.org/ph/CLAC2025.
Text by: WVSU College of Communication
Photo from: UNICEF Philippines Facebook Page
#WVSUTransformingGenerations
#WVSUexcels
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WVSU Faculty advances public health research in France through selective SSHN scholarship
Marking a significant milestone in West Visayas State University’s international research engagement, Dr. Resti Tito H. Villarino, Assistant Professor III of the College of Nursing, is currently undertaking a four-week research mobility program in La Rochelle, France, from November 19 to December 19 as one of only eight scholars selected for the prestigious Séjours Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (SSHN) 2025 Scholarship awarded by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia.
The scholarship selection was highly competitive, with 37 applications submitted from 22 institutions across the country and only eight research projects chosen for funding.
The research mobility enabled Dr. Villarino to advance his public health study at Excelia Business School under the mentorship of Dr. Lili Zheng, Associate Professor and HDR-accredited research supervisor. His project, “Analyzing Barriers to Electronic Health Record (EHR) Adoption in Philippine Public Hospitals: A Push-Pull-Mooring Perspective with Integrated TAM and DOI Insights,” examines the persistent challenges faced by healthcare institutions in implementing electronic health records.
During his stay, Dr. Villarino was integrated into Excelia’s CERIIM Research Center, where he was provided a dedicated workspace equipped with essential research materials. He gained full access to the institution’s extensive library resources, academic databases, and statistical tools such as SPSS and AMOS, which supported the advancement of his data analysis and manuscript development. His mobility experience also allowed him to participate in academic seminars, research group meetings, and faculty consultations, enabling productive scholarly engagement within Excelia’s research community.
Excelia’s technical and administrative teams offered continuous logistical support, ensuring a smooth and enriching mobility period. In her remarks, Dr. Zheng commended Dr. Villarino’s research progress and emphasized the project’s potential to offer meaningful insights into EHR adoption challenges in Philippine public hospitals while strengthening international academic collaboration.
This ongoing research mobility continues to strengthen the partnership between France and WVSU, particularly in the areas of research, internationalization, and capacity building.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
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WVSU takes part in PSHS-WVC’s 2nd Career Fair
West Visayas State University (WVSU) participated in the 2nd Career Fair of the Philippine Science High School–Western Visayas Campus (PSHS-WVC) earlier today, Nov. 14, engaging students from various grade levels through career talks and program presentations aligned with the event’s theme, “Building Brighter Futures Through STEM Education.”
The WVSU delegation was composed of Dan Olsen Callosa, information officer; Wina May De la Cruz, administrative staff from Public Affairs and Marketing Communications; Sarah Jane E. Dequito, placement and scholarship coordinator; and Jhena Mae F. Berlin, administrative staff from the Office of Student Affairs.
In the morning session, Dr. Alexander Balsomo, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, delivered a career talk highlighting degree programs suited for STEM graduates. He also introduced the university’s newest offering, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Callosa presented WVSU’s flagship programs tailored for STEM students, highlighting the Nursing program and the WVSU Expedited Select Track for Medicine.
In the afternoon, students explored various career booths set up at the PSHS-WVC gymnasium, where representatives provided guidance on academic tracks, scholarship opportunities and admission pathways.
The event, organized by the PSHS-WVC Guidance Office, aimed to support students in identifying college programs that match their interests and to assist them in mapping out future career paths.
#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels
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Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz amplifies WVSU’s global presence in Health Research at ARISE 2025 in Japan
West Visayas State University (WVSU) President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz leads the university’s participation in the 4th Annual ARISE (ARO Alliance of Southeast and East Asia) Meeting held in Nagasaki, Japan, from October 16 to 17, 2025.
With the theme “Leveraging ARO Capacity to Strengthen the Clinical Trials Ecosystem in ARISE,” the event brings together key leaders from Academic Research Organizations (AROs) across Asia to strengthen collaboration in clinical research and public health development.
The meeting is co-hosted by Nagasaki University, renowned for its expertise in infectious disease research and disaster preparedness. It is supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) under the project “Clinical Research and Clinical Trial Platform Formation to Promote International Research Cooperation Between Japan and Asian Countries in the Field of Infectious Diseases.”
Dr. Villaruz’s engagement in the meeting highlights WVSU’s dedication to advancing health research and enhancing evidence-based healthcare in the region.
“At WVSU, we serve communities that lack access to advanced healthcare and research facilities, particularly in rural areas. Our action plan is anchored in the belief that clinical research should not be confined to urban centers alone. By establishing a clinical trial unit and investing in local capacity-building, we hope to bridge this gap and make research more inclusive and impactful. This aligns with ARISE’s vision of strengthening research ecosystems, especially in regions traditionally underrepresented in clinical studies,” Dr. Villaruz shared.
The ARISE network envisions becoming a leading and reliable collaboration of AROs in Asia that promotes infectious disease clinical trials while upholding ethics, integrity, safety, and quality in research. Through this international engagement, WVSU continues to affirm its role as a research-driven institution committed to global collaboration, innovation, and improving public health outcomes through science.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
