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West Visayas State University (WVSU) continues to expand its international footprint by deepening its collaborative relationship with Silla University, South Korea. The latest milestone, the “Busan-Iloilo Collaboration,” seeks to bridge local academic expertise with global sustainable solutions.

Guided by the mission to develop life-long learners who serve as agents of community transformation, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz officially opened the landmark program, “Global Education Innovation for Sustainable Cities: Busan-Iloilo Collaboration.”

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Villaruz emphasized the University’s critical role in fostering global engagement and transformative education to address the evolving needs of modern society.

The initiative, conceptualized by Dr. Alona M. Belarga (WVSU Director of Instruction) and Prof. Eunhwa Lee (Dean of Silla University Graduate School of Education), establishes a high-level academic linkage with Busan, South Korea—a metropolitan leader renowned for progressive educational systems and sustainable urban development.

Phase 1: Knowledge Exchange and Global Resilience (February 23-24, 2026)

The first phase featured an intensive series of virtual lectures designed to strengthen the global competencies of WVSU faculty from both the Main and Satellite Campuses.

The sessions opened with former UNESCO Director Mr. Wootak Jung, who advocated for Global Citizenship Education (GCED) as the linchpin for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Hyunkyu Oh, former Busan City Councilor, provided a deep dive into Busan’s 2040 Master Plan, illustrating how the city balances urban expansion with green conservation.

To localize these perspectives, Dr. Ricky P. Becodo (WVSU Director for Extension) identified practical pathways for the community, including mobility as learning access and disaster resilience research.

The second day focused on innovative pedagogy, with Prof. Eunhwa Lee introducing “Narrative Science” to empower students through storytelling, and Prof. Hayoung Shin exploring the “Living Lab” model.

This framework marks a paradigm shift championed by the university leadership, transitioning WVSU from a traditional “Ivory Tower” to a Regional Innovation Hub that actively engages with regional urban challenges.

Phase 2: From Theory to Implementation (April 28, 2026)

The collaboration reaches its peak on April 28, 2026, with a faculty-led competitive showcase.

Moving beyond theory, faculty members will present high-impact innovation proposals for quality instruction and engaged extension programs tailored to the needs of the community and its various sectors. These proposals will be evaluated by a panel of experts based on their potential to address urban sustainability.

The top three presenters will be recognized with Certificates of Recognition during a formal Closing Ceremony, marking a milestone in the University’s effort to translate international academic theory into actionable local solutions.

Strategic Alignment with the UN SDGs

The Busan-Iloilo partnership—jointly organized by the Office of the Director of Instruction (DI), the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA), and the University Extension Office—serves as a practical manifestation of WVSU’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Building institutional capacity and faculty expertise through international knowledge exchange.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Adapting global best practices in urban planning to enhance local resilience.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Establishing sustainable cooperation networks for future faculty and student exchange.

By fostering these global connections under the leadership of Dr. Villaruz, WVSU continues to lead the way in transformative education, ensuring the University remains at the forefront of global innovation while staying deeply rooted in the service of the community.

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West Visayas State University (WVSU) has begun its 2026 National Women’s Month celebration, with activities lined up across campuses to engage students, faculty and staff throughout March.

The university formally launched the observance during the first flag-raising ceremony of the month at Jubilee Park. Prof. Rosalea Cornelia Araneta-de Leon, director of the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, encouraged the WVSU community to take part in the monthlong activities organized by GAD focal persons.

National Women’s Month is observed every March in the Philippines under the Philippine Commission on Women. The 2023-2028 theme, “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society,” continues this year with the subtheme “Lead Like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”—a call to recognize and strengthen women’s leadership in communities and institutions.

At WVSU, the GAD Office will roll out interactive and educational initiatives designed to spark conversation and awareness on gender issues. These include an interactive photobooth frame wall and a bulletin board exhibit featuring notable women in history. The exhibit will be updated weekly to highlight women’s contributions across various fields.

Satellite campuses and the WVSU Medical Center will also host activities, such as booth set-ups, unity dances, and gender-sensitivity training sessions, to deepen understanding of gender and development principles within their respective communities.

Through these events, the university joins the nationwide campaign to promote gender equality, recognize women’s role in nation-building and strengthen inclusivity across the academic community.

The full schedule of activities for the university’s National Women’s Month celebration is available on the WVSU GAD Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17EF4m26YJ/.

West Visayas State University marked a leadership transition at the College of Medicine (COM), announced key March activities and shared campus updates during its first Monday flag ceremony in March at Jubilee Park.

Dr. Celina Cordero-Gellada officially assumed office as dean of the COM on March 2, succeeding Dr. Victor Amantillo Jr., who completed a four-year term.

The WVSU community formally sent off and honored Amantillo for his service. In his farewell message, he acknowledged the challenges faced during his tenure, particularly amid the pandemic, and thanked faculty, staff and students for their collective efforts in strengthening the college.

“The last four years have not been very easy. It was not always pleasant, but it is very satisfying,” Amantillo said, emphasizing that COM exists primarily to serve its students and the Filipino people.

WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz commended Amantillo’s leadership, noting his role in advancing innovations within the College and steering the COM through the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities accreditation process toward the end of his term.

Villaruz then introduced Cordero-Gellada as the new COM dean. In her acceptance message, she described the appointment as both a responsibility and a public trust.

“To lead the College of Medicine is not just an appointment; it is a public trust. It is a commitment to the Filipino people, especially to the communities we are sworn to serve,” she said, adding that COM continues to shape physicians who bring both competence and compassion to the practice of medicine.

The flag ceremony also served as a platform for campus-wide announcements relevant to students and employees.
University Registrar Ms. Mardy Ledesma reminded the community that the WVSU Admission Examination will be held March 8, 2026, in three batches: 8 to 10 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m., and 4 to 6 p.m. Students and offices concerned were advised to prepare for possible adjustments in campus traffic and venue use.

The Gender and Development Office formally launched WVSU’s observance of National Women’s Month. Prof. Rosalea Cornelia Araneta-de Leon announced that activities will run throughout March, including Purple Wednesdays and gender sensitivity trainings for freshmen on March 27.

Updates on international engagement were also shared. Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, director of the International and Local Linkages Office, introduced Maëlys Bourdin, a French intern who will stay at WVSU until April for an academic and cultural exchange engagement.

The program concluded with performances by WVSU cultural dance groups, who recently won first place in contemporary, indigenous, folk and street dance categories at the Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges VI Culture and the Arts Festival held at the University of Antique from Feb. 20 to 24, 2026.

The flag ceremony was led by faculty and staff of the College of Medicine.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) joined higher education leaders, industry partners, and policymakers as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Responding through AI for Societal Empowerment (RAISE) 2026 national summit concluded Feb. 27 at the Iloilo Convention Center.

Mounted by CHED, in partnership with Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) and WVSU, the three-day summit culminated with discussions on democratizing AI skills, strengthening graduate employability, and formalizing a shared commitment to a draft AI policy for education — reinforcing the call for responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence integration across Philippine higher education.

Dr. Randy S. Gamboa of the CHED Technical Panel for Information Systems opened the morning program with welcome remarks and a recap of Day 2, highlighting key insights on workforce readiness and institutional alignment.

Global and industry perspectives followed. Yean Feng Yue, corporate social responsibility head of IBM Asia-Pacific, delivered “Democratizing AI Skills: How IBM Is Helping to Close the Digital Divide,” emphasizing access to AI education and digital inclusion initiatives. David Padgett, founder and chairman of the board of SeeMeSOL, presented “Accelerating Graduate Employability, Advancing National Productivity,” underscoring the role of AI-enabled platforms in improving career pathways and workforce outcomes.


Joan Michelle Dela Paz, talent acquisition manager of TTEC Iloilo, discussed “From Call Centers to AI-Enabled Global Experience Hubs: The Shift in Customer Experience,” highlighting evolving industry expectations and the growing demand for AI-integrated competencies among graduates.

The program also included the awarding of certificates to participating exhibitors from various CHED regional offices and industry partners, recognizing their contributions to the summit’s exhibit component, which remained open to participants throughout the day.

A major highlight of the closing program was the presentation of the Draft AI Policy in Education by Sherwin M. Pelayo, executive director of the Analytics Association of the Philippines. This was followed by a digital commitment signing, with higher education institutions, student representatives, and industry partners formally expressing support for the proposed policy framework.

Dr. Raul F. Muyong, CHED Regional Director for Region VI, delivered the closing remarks, marking the culmination of the three-day summit.

With its role as co-host, WVSU helped convene national and regional stakeholders in shaping policy dialogue, strengthening industry collaboration, and advancing a shared vision for ethical, inclusive, and future-ready AI integration in higher education.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz opened the second day of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Responding through AI for Societal Empowerment (RAISE) 2026 national summit on Feb. 26, reaffirming WVSU’s commitment to responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence in higher education.

Held at the Iloilo Convention Center, the three-day CHED RAISE summit is headed by CHED, in partnership with Northern Iloilo State University (NISU) and WVSU. The event gathers university leaders, faculty members, students and industry partners to align academic programs with the demands of an AI-driven economy.

A key highlight of Day 2 was the plenary discussion “AI Requirements in the Industry,” which examined workforce competencies, infrastructure readiness and cross-sector collaboration needed to meet emerging industry standards. Panelists included Jonathan Defensor De Luzuriaga, president and CEO of Spring Valley Tech Corp.; Engr. Fulbert Woo, president of the Iloilo Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Frankie Antolin, executive director of the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines. The discussion was moderated by Jaime Noel Santos, president of Thames International Business School.

The session underscored the urgency of equipping graduates with AI, analytics and digital competencies that respond directly to industry needs — a message that carries direct implications for curriculum development, instruction and student preparation at WVSU.

Parallel breakout sessions provided sector-focused discussions for faculty members, administrators and students.

For teachers, Engr. Orland Tubola of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines led “AI for Cooperatives,” highlighting AI applications in cooperative management and community-based enterprises. In the afternoon, Dr. Jassiel Padios of Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, delivered “Capacity Building on Fisheries AI-Mediated Technologies,” emphasizing AI applications in fisheries research and extension. Engr. Lester Phil Crus of Bulacan State University also presented the “Executive Program on Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things for SUCs and LUCs (BulSU-HUSAY)”, outlining structured capacity-building initiatives for state and local universities and colleges.

For administrators, Samu Samson of International Business Machines Corp. led “Setting Up the Infrastructure for an AI Program,” focusing on institutional readiness and scalable implementation. Dr. Oliver Malabanan of De La Salle University discussed “Designing Curricula Aligned with the Philippine Skills Framework for Analytics and AI,” emphasizing outcomes-based alignment with national standards. Dr. Jaime D.L. Caro of Technofactors Inc. delivered “Developing a Research Agenda in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” centering on strategic research planning responsive to emerging AI developments.

Students attended “Automating Intelligence: The Power of RAG in Document Processing,” presented by Dr. Gregg Victor Gabison, country manager of Raybiz Technologies Inc., which explored retrieval-augmented generation and its practical applications. Malt John Vianney Solon, a senior computer science student of Cebu Institute of Technology University, led “Machine Learning Made Simple,” translating foundational machine learning concepts into practical, real-world applications. Another session, “AI-Powered Career Services for Improved Graduate Employability,” was delivered by David Padgett of SeeMeSOL, highlighting AI-driven platforms designed to enhance career guidance, skills matching and employment pathways.

As the summit enters its final day, WVSU continues to play an active role in convening academic and industry leaders, strengthening policy dialogue and advancing the responsible and inclusive integration of AI across Philippine higher education.