WVSU

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ENSURE INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE QUALITY EDUCATION AND PROMOTE LIFELONG LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL.

Education liberates the intellect, unlocks the imagination and is fundamental for self-respect. It is the key to prosperity and opens a world of opportunities, making it possible for each of us to contribute to a progressive, healthy society. Learning benefits every human being and should be available to all.

  • WVSU delegates touch down in India for e-Bridge student mobility and cultural exchange

    WVSU delegates touch down in India for e-Bridge student mobility and cultural exchange

    Strengthening its commitment to internationalization and global citizenship, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) delegation has arrived in Pune, India, for a 15-day mobility and cultural exchange program under the e-Bridge Intercultural Digital Learning initiative, scheduled from February 12 to 27, 2026.

    Leading the team is Dr. Antoniette D. Cortez, Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence and International Program Coordinator, along with e-Bridge teacher-volunteers: Chia Camelle C. Guillen and Louis Kenneth T. Visaya, both fourth-year BSED English students who began their e-Bridge journey as first-year volunteers, and Ann Mariel T. Ebiota, a second-year BSED English student.

    The three volunteers were selected by Reeves Rodrigues, founder of Poveda Foundation India and e-Bridge India coordinator.

    The mobility program offers an opportunity for meaningful face-to-face interactions with partner learners, enabling volunteers to gain deeper cultural insights, refine teaching strategies, and enhance the impact of their virtual engagements.

    Since its launch in 2022, the WVSU e-Bridge Intercultural Digital Learning Program has grown into a dynamic platform for global collaboration. The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between WVSU and Education for an Interdependent World (EDIW), represented by WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and Dr. Emma T. Melgarejo, EDIW Project Coordinator for Asia and America, on behalf of EDIW President Dr. Julia Maria González Ferreras of Brussels, Belgium.

    This international engagement is part of Phase Eight of the EDIW e-Bridge Program, reinforcing the WVSU–EDIW partnership and its commitment to global citizenship education and borderless learning.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU, Linguistic Society seal partnership for LSP international conference

    WVSU, Linguistic Society seal partnership for LSP international conference

    West Visayas State University (WVSU) and the Linguistic Society of the Philippines (LSP) formalized their partnership on Feb. 9 with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement, confirming WVSU as host of the 8th LSP International Conference (LSPIC 2026) set for April 23–25 in Iloilo City.

    The agreement strengthens WVSU’s role as a hub for national and international academic exchange, with LSPIC 2026 expected to bring together scholars, educators and researchers to examine emerging linguistic studies and the role of language in shaping communities.

    College of Education Dean Dr. Ricky M. Magno welcomed participants, followed by an overview of the conference by LSPIC 2026 co-director Esperval Cezhar H. Cadiao. Dr. Victoria Albacete introduced the WVSU organizing team, while LSP President Dr. Rachelle Ballesteros-Lintao presented the LSP Board and underscored the significance of the collaboration.

    The ceremony also included separate MOA signings with the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and the Department of Education (DepEd), broadening institutional cooperation in support of education and academic programs.

    WVSU OIC-President Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris expressed the University’s full support as conference host, saying, “Seeing the LSP, ISUFST, DepEd, and WVSU have come together, this fills us with immense pride. Our officials and University community are fully committed to ensuring that this partnership will be a success.”

    Cultural performances by the Irong-Irong Dance Company and the Panayana Cultural Group highlighted the program, which concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Cadiao reaffirming WVSU’s commitment to academic excellence, service and sustained engagement through national and local partnerships.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels

  • WVSU, ICCC, and Irodori Inc.-Japan ink MOA for Iloilo Wagamama Innovators project

    WVSU, ICCC, and Irodori Inc.-Japan ink MOA for Iloilo Wagamama Innovators project

    A new international collaboration aimed at empowering student innovators was formalized on February 10 as West Visayas State University, Iloilo City Community College (ICCC), and Irodori Inc.-Japan signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the International and Local Linkages Office for the implementation of the “Iloilo Wagamama Innovators” project.

    Dr. Joey E. Elechicon delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In his message, he underscored the value of international collaboration in strengthening innovation and digital competence among students.

    Atty. Sharon B. Millan, Project Coordinator, presented the overview and rationale of the partnership. Inspired by Irodori Inc.’s “Wagamama Lab” approach, the initiative encourages students to transform their “wagamama,” or small community-centered wishes, into practical and innovative mobile applications that address local challenges.

    The 8-week initiative engages 15 students from ICCC and 15 students from WVSU-Lambunao Campus in mobile app development training under the guidance of Japan-based trainers from Irodori Inc. Through online lectures, mentorship, and hands-on activities, participants enhance their digital literacy, creativity, and problem-solving skills while developing functional app prototypes for their respective communities.

    Messages of commitment were delivered by Dr. Peter Ernie P. Paris, OIC President of WVSU; Dr. Arnold G. Rago, OIC President of ICCC; and Mr. Takahiro Yatsu, Representative Director of Irodori Inc.-Japan.

    Followed by the ceremonial signing of the MOA, which officially formalized the partnership among the three institutions. The closing message of Prof. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, ILLO Director, was delivered by Dr. Cheryll Dawal, Campus Administrator of WVSU-Lambunao Campus.

    The partnership reflects a shared commitment to nurturing socially responsible digital innovators capable of contributing meaningful solutions to local and global communities.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • WVSU hosts ‘Bridging Worlds’ workshop to strengthen global readiness

    WVSU hosts ‘Bridging Worlds’ workshop to strengthen global readiness

    West Visayas State University advanced its internationalization efforts through a two-day seminar-workshop, “WVSU Bridging Worlds: Protocol and Intercultural Intelligence,” held Feb. 5–6 at the Center for Teaching Excellence Hall.

    Organized by the International and Local Linkages Office in partnership with the Human Resource Management Office, the event gathered directors, unit heads, internationalization coordinators, faculty, staff, and student ambassadors for sessions on protocol, diplomacy, and intercultural competence.

    Dr. Louis Placido F. Lachica, WVSU focal person to the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, opened the workshop with a lecture underscoring the university’s commitment to SDG-aligned communication and shared responsibility in advancing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

    ILLO Director Edel Carmela Subong Csoka outlined WVSU’s internationalization directions, followed by Executive Assistant III Danielle Galecio, who discussed diplomatic protocol, event and conference management, and the role of protocol officers in ensuring professionalism and cultural sensitivity.

    Dr. Danebeth Narzoles, CHED Regional Office VI internationalization focal person, presented CHED’s 7-Point Agenda, which focuses on lifelong learning, human capital development, inclusive internationalization, data-driven governance, and strengthened institutional systems.

    Sessions on intercultural intelligence were led by Subong Csoka and workshop facilitator Alisa Mei Locsin, while Quality Assurance Office Administrative Officer IV Christine Liz Jimenea discussed the role of global rankings in strengthening institutional visibility.

    On the second day, Mary Lou G. Escullar, supervising tourism operations officer of the Department of Tourism Region VI, presented the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, emphasizing improved service standards and regional competitiveness.

    The workshop forms part of WVSU’s broader push to build globally ready graduates and deepen its engagement in international and local networks.

    #WVSUTransformingGenerations
    #WVSUexcels

  • CON strings hearts out to emerge as champs in ’26 UDays Battle of the Bands

    CON strings hearts out to emerge as champs in ’26 UDays Battle of the Bands

    Hanging on to their last chance to impress Taga-Wests during the culmination of this year’s University Days, several bands vied for a podium finish in this year’s Battle of the Bands competition at the WVSU Grounds, Jan. 30.

    As one of the highly-anticipated contests in the yearly University Days, the participating bands representing their campuses and colleges did not disappoint the crowd with their musical numbers—ranging from all-time favorite songs like “Himala” by Rivermaya; “Bang Bang” by Ariana Grande, Jessie J, and Nicki Minaj; “Mundo” by IV of Spades; and “Basang-basa sa Ulan” by Aegis.

    After an electrifying three-hour-long spectacle of talent, the College of Nursing emerged as the Champion, followed by last year’s champion Himamaylan City Campus at second place, and College of PESCAR at third, with the College of Education and Pototan Campus following at fourth and fifth spots respectively.

    For the special awards, two ensembles went on neck-and-neck: Himamaylan City Campus winning the Best Guitarist, Best Bassist, and Best Drummer while the College of PESCAR snatching the Best Keyboardist and Best Vocalist.

    Despite experiencing delays in the events due to unforeseen circumstances, this year’s Battle of the Bands competition left the crowd electrified, which continued even after the event during the WVSU Night.

    #BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels
    2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

    Write-up by Abbygale Hope Abasolo & Amiel Roy Zaulda/ Pagyuhum Publication

    Photos by Benz Nicolf Casador, Circo Lawrence Dumaicos, & Aryhan Kate Patrona/ Pagyuhum Publication

  • First-ever Radio Broadcasting Competition held during 2026 University Days

    First-ever Radio Broadcasting Competition held during 2026 University Days

    The sounds from the speakers echoed louder, and the sharpness of voices flowing through the microphones was strongly felt as the West Visayas State University (WVSU) community witnessed the first-ever Radio Broadcasting Competition of the 2026 University Days on Friday afternoon, January 30, at the WVSU Audio-Visual Hall.

    Nine (9) colleges and satellite campuses of the university showcased and raised their banners high, demonstrating their skills and competence in journalism and on-air news broadcasting. Among the contenders in the competition were WVSU Pototan Campus (Tribu Algao), College of Communication (Tribu Delan), College of Business and Management (Tribu Mayari), College of Education (Tribu Hanan), College of Arts and Sciences (Tribu Adlaw), College of Nursing (Tribu Haliya), WVSU Janiuay Campus (Tribu Mapatar), WVSU Himamaylan City Campus (Tribu Libulan), and the College of PESCAR (Tribu Dalikmata).

    In an interview, John Paul Guerra, a former Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) Radio Broadcasting Qualifier and a third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies student from Tribu Libulan of WVSU Himamaylan City Campus, shared his excitement about the competition and his experience as a member of their radio news team representing their campus.

    “Actually, when I entered West [Visayas State University], isa gid sa mga gina-look forward ko nga competition amo ang Radio Broadcasting. But sad to say, sang first year ko, wala pa ini ginahimo. Sang second year naman, nag-asa gid ako, pero wala pa gid gihapon. But in God’s will, natabo na gid ini—nga daw ka-miss man bala sa feeling. and it felt great, actually. The tension, ang kakulba, kag ang kasadya during our performance were all worth it gid ya, kag indi gid ini mabayluhan sang bisan ano nga bagay,” Guerra said.

    At the last day of the Bana-ag sa West celebration on Friday, January 30, the winners from the Individual, Group, and Major Awards were also recognized. Darlen Miranda of the College of Nursing (Tribu Haliya) received the Best News Presenter award. LJ Orpheus Soriano and Lourlene Mondejar, also from Tribu Haliya, were named Best Anchors. The same college also bagged the Best Technical Application and Best Script awards. Meanwhile, the College of Communication (Tribu Delan) won Best in Infomercial.

    Tribu Dalikmata of the College of PESCAR placed as 4th Runner-Up, followed by the College of Education (Tribu Hanan) in 3rd Runner-Up. Tribu Libulan of WVSU Himamaylan City Campus secured the 2nd Runner-Up position, while Tribu Delan of the College of Communication finished as 1st Runner-Up. Emerging as the champion of the inaugural Radio Broadcasting Competition was Tribu Haliya of the College of Nursing.

    As the competition marked its first year, the Radio Broadcasting Competition aimed to provide student broadcasters a platform to hone their skills in on-air journalism, teamwork, and technical application. With its successful first run, the university envisions the competition as a continuing and expanding event in the coming years, strengthening campus journalism and nurturing future media professionals among the Taga-West.

    #BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

    2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

    Write-Up by Jeff Brian Caña, The Mediator
    Photos by Matthew Immanuel Sayman, Ken Torres, The Mediator

  • Short plays from 10 colleges light up Day 3 of 2026 University Days

    Short plays from 10 colleges light up Day 3 of 2026 University Days

    Short scenes left lasting impressions as 10 colleges brought original plays to the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Cultural Center stage on the evening of Jan. 29, 2026 as part of the Day 3 activities of the 2026 University Days.

    Student groups from various colleges presented original plays lasting 5 to 10 minutes. These showcased diverse stories addressing the impact of social media on youth, family unity, Filipino values, and other relevant issues affecting contemporary young people.

    With genres ranging from drama to comedy, the performances reflected the creativity and talent of the Taga-West community.

    Performances were evaluated based on acting, directing, technical design, and overall play quality. Criteria focused on the interpretation of material, use of space, technical execution, and the effectiveness of storytelling in engaging the audience.

    The theatrical showcase brought the third day of festivities to a close as the university celebration heads into its final day.

    #BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

    2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

    Write-up by Jurish Pauleen Hitalia, ICON Publication
    Photos by Meryll Klaryze Polaron, ICON Publication

  • Filipino brand of service excellence anchors WVSU bridging worlds seminar

    Filipino brand of service excellence anchors WVSU bridging worlds seminar

    Emphasizing service excellence as a key element of internationalization (IZN), the seminar-workshop “WVSU Bridging Worlds: Protocol and Intercultural Intelligence” gathered non-teaching staff, faculty members, IZN coordinators, and DagYoung student ambassadors from the main and external campuses on February 6 at the WVSU Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) hall.

    The activity was organized by the International and Local Linkages Office, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Western Visayas and the Human Resource Management Office, as part of efforts to strengthen global readiness through culturally grounded and values-based service practices.

    The session featured Ms. Mary Lou G. Escullar, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer of the DOT Region VI, who presented the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence and discussed the 7Ms of Filipino Hospitality and Service Excellence.

    Highlighted in the session was the ‘Mabuhay’ gesture, a key expression of Filipino hospitality that demonstrates a warm greeting, respectful body language, attentiveness, and genuine courtesy in engaging guests. This simple yet powerful practice leaves a lasting positive impression, reinforcing service excellence in both local and international settings.

    Ms. Escullar emphasized that service excellence in tourism must be consistently experienced across all tourism touchpoints.

    The session enriched participants’ knowledge and enhanced their skills in delivering authentic Filipino hospitality aligned with both local standards and international expectations.

    By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO

  • Bridging worlds workshop boosts WVSU global readiness, internationalization

    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

  • Tribu Adlaw shines the brightest, edges Tribu Haliya in 2026 Banggianay

    Tribu Adlaw shines the brightest, edges Tribu Haliya in 2026 Banggianay

    Showcasing the depth and reach of student leadership, Tribu Adlaw of the College of Arts and Sciences emerged champion of the 2026 Banggianay after a hard-fought finals against Tribu Haliya of the College of Nursing.

    The two teams debated whether to reverse and set aside the 2023 WVSU Student Court rulingon term limits, with Tribu Adlaw on the affirmative and Tribu Haliya on the negative.

    Opening the debate, necessity speaker Joe Allen Marañon argued that the ruling was erroneous for imposing candidacy restrictions not found in the Student Constitution.

    “The law is permissive, not prohibitive,” Marañon said, stressing that election rules should encourage democratic participation among students.

    Tribu Haliya defended the ruling as a necessary interpretation of a vague constitutional provision, citing its continued application across the past three elections and student administrations.

    Beneficiality speaker Kristine Kaye Serra countered that the ruling limits students’ freedom to choose their leaders and creates gaps in student governance, particularly the second-year leadership gap.

    Practicability speaker EJ Gatila added that the proposal was feasible and well within the Student Court’s power of judicial self-correction.

    In rebuttal, Serra reinforced the team’s main arguments and concluded her speech with, “It is our side that has truly shined the brightest.”

    After deliberation, the adjudicators ruled in favor of Tribu Adlaw, with Angelie Marie Garrido, Non-necessity Speaker of Tribu Haliya, taking both Best Speaker and Best Debater honors in the finals, officially concluding the 2026 Banggianay.

    The following are the individual awards from the semi-finals:

    Match 10 (CAS vs PESCAR)
    Best Speaker – Kristine Kaye Serra, Beneficiality Speaker (CAS)
    Best Debater – Kristine Kaye Serra, Beneficiality Speaker (CAS)

    Match 11 (CON vs COE)
    Best Speaker – Jeff Emmanuel Sambrano, Practicability Speaker (CON)
    Best Debater – Jeff Emmanuel Sambrano, Practicability Speaker (CON)

    Here are the overall standings of the colleges for this year’s Banggianay:

    3rd Runner-up – Tribu Hanan (COE)
    2nd Runner-up – Tribu Dalikmata (COP)
    1st Runner-up – Tribu Haliya (CON)
    Champion – Tribu Adlaw (CAS)

    The team was also backed by researchers Jafra Jul Siruelo, Samantha Lourdes Baniel, and Mag Jey Aribal,whose support proved vital to their success.

    As the event concluded, Serra shared in an interview that the victory was fulfilling and credited the success to the collective effort of the team and their researchers, emphasizing that the achievement would not have been possible without their support.

    #BANAAGsangWEST2026#OneWVSU
    #WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

    2026 University Days Special Coverage by WVSU Student Publications

    Write up by Tracy Anne Freires/The Courier
    Photos by Cassandra Alexa Ciasico/The Courier