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.
Tag: 5
ACHIEVE GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWER ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS.
Gender bias is undermining our social fabric and devalues all of us. It is not just a human rights issue; it is a tremendous waste of the world’s human potential. By denying women equal rights, we deny half the population a chance to live life at its fullest. Political, economic and social equality for women will benefit all the world’s citizens. Together we can eradicate prejudice and work for equal rights and respect for all.
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WVSU earns membership in Global UN SDSN Network
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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 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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WVSU-ILS students named ‘mayor’ and City Legal Officer in Rotary Club of Iloilo City’s Boy’s and Girls’ Week 2025
Two students from West Visayas State University-Integrated Laboratory School (WVSU-ILS) were among this year’s top honorees in the Boys’ and Girls’ Week 2025 celebration organized by the Rotary Club of Iloilo City, in partnership with the Department of Education, SM City Iloilo, and the City Government of Iloilo.
Helen Natalie Dime Bolivar, a Grade 10-Jupiter student, was declared Mayor, while her classmate Unah Angel Gabrielle Robante was assigned to the Office of the City Legal Officer. Both represented WVSU-ILS with distinction under the mentorship of Sir Angelou Deloguines.
The Boys’ and Girls’ Week, themed “Unite for Good,” aims to cultivate youth leadership, civic engagement, and public service among young Ilonggos. During the weeklong program scheduled from Oct. 20 to 26, the selected student officials will assume their respective duties alongside Iloilo City officials and participate in various civic and leadership activities. The celebration will open with a foot parade from the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, followed by a transition ceremony at the Iloilo City Hall Grounds, and an exhibit and ribbon-cutting at SM City Iloilo.
The awarding ceremony, held today, Oct. 14, 2025, at SM City Iloilo, was one of the highlights of the celebration. The 52 qualified participants officially received their assigned positions as mayor, vice mayor, councilors, and department heads, marking the culmination of a selection process that began in August.
The competition started with a written examination on Aug. 16 at Assumption Iloilo, which drew 122 participating schools. From there, 52 schools advanced to the interview round held on Sept. 13 at Jubilee Hall.
Bolivar also performed during the intermission of the Announcement of Positions program, showcasing the WVSU-ILS students’ active involvement in the event. She is the third WVSU-ILS student to earn the title of “girl mayor” in the city’s Boys’ and Girls’ Week history, following Jennifer Javier in 1990 and Lady Ochel Espinosa in 1999.
The Rotary Club of Iloilo City facilitates the annual Boys’ and Girls’ Week to foster civic consciousness, leadership, and social responsibility among the youth.
The recognition of Bolivar and Robante underscores WVSU-ILS’s strong culture of leadership and excellence, reflecting the university’s mission to nurture future leaders committed to service, creativity, and innovation.
#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels
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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
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WVSU shines at 7th International Conference on Automation, Mechatronics and Robotics
Faculty members and students from West Visayas State University (WVSU) participated in the 7th International Conference on Automation, Mechatronics and Robotics, held from Sept. 24–26, 2025 under the theme “Innovating for a Sustainable Future: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Automation, Robotics, and Mechatronics.” The conference was organized by the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines (MRSP) in collaboration with the MRSP Western Visayas Chapter and Advance Central College.
The MRSP Western Visayas Chapter counts three WVSU faculty members among its officers: Dr. Lea Gabawa of the Main Campus as president, Dr. Rosie Jane P. Siosan of the Pototan Campus as secretary, and Dr. Rose May Cora Lagon of the Calinog Campus as auditor.
Her research team — composed of Dr. Josephine R. Lavilla, Dr. Rita L. Jaudian, Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, and Dr. Joel T. De Castro — also secured third place for Best Research Paper, reinforcing their collaboration and contribution to the fields of automation, mechatronics, and robotics.
Another highlight was the team project “Guardian Link: Location Tracking and Emergency Support for Persons with Dementia,” which earned both the Best Research Paper Award and Best Presenter honors in the Robotics Engineering and Technology track. The team included students from the College of Information and Communications Technology, namely John Kyle Abad, John Marty Arendian, Jero Diacuna, Simon Troy Eligido, Carl James Tito, with Dr. Gabawa serving as adviser.
Further adding to the milestones, Dr. Gabawa was formally recognized by MRSP’s Board of Mechatronics and Automation Engineering as a Certified Mechatronics and Automation Engineer.
As WVSU builds upon these achievements, it reaffirms its commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research, nurturing academic excellence, and translating innovation into real-world impact.
#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels
Photos Courtesy of: Dr. Lea Gabawa, WVSU Pototan Campus/Facebook By WVSU PAMCO
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WVSU win five awards at the Philippine Commission on Women’s 2024 Top GAD Budget recognition
West Visayas State University (WVSU), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, received five awards during the Recognition Ceremony for the 2024 Top GAD Budget Agencies held Sept. 25, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. The event was organized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).
Representing WVSU were Dr. Jeanette Simpas, former university GAD director, and Dr. Rosalea Cornelia Araneta-de Leon, current GAD director.
Out of some 350 government agencies and government-owned or controlled corporations, WVSU was honored in the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) category with the following distinctions:
● Rank 3: SUC with highest organization-focused GAD budget expenditure
● Rank 4: SUC with highest attributed GAD expenditure
● Rank 7: SUC with highest total GAD budget expenditure
● Rank 9: SUC with highest attributed GAD allocation
● Rank 10: SUC with highest total GAD budget allocation.
This milestone marks the first time WVSU has been recognized in the PCW’s Top GAD Budget Awards, signaling a significant step forward in the university’s commitment to gender and development.
The ceremony also featured presentations of interventions and best practices from the top three performing government agencies: the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
As WVSU celebrates these recognitions, the university reaffirms that these honors are not merely accolades but a renewed call to strengthen gender mainstreaming, ensure accountability in resource use, and translate budget commitments into meaningful outcomes for all members of its academic community.
#WVSUTransformingGenerations
#WVSUexcels
#GenderAndDevelopment #GADBudget
Photos Courtesy of: Dr. Jeanette Simpas/Facebook
By WVSU PAMCO
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WVSU concludes 2025 Pag-iririmaw, hails College of Education overall champion
After a series of competitions against various colleges, the College of Education was crowned this year’s overall champion.
For the highlight, the Sambuwa sang mga Abilidadan took place at the WVSU Cultural Center, with the College of Education, College of Business and Management, and College of PESCAR emerging as the top three finalists for the final showdown.
The College of Education was declared the champion, followed by the College of PESCAR as first runner-up and the College of Business and Management as second runner-up.
In the Hugyaw Sayaw competition, special awards went to the College of PESCAR for best choreography and to the College of Nursing for best in costume and props.
Major awards included the College of PESCAR as champion, the College of Nursing as first runner-up, the College of Communication as second runner-up, and the College of Education as third runner-up.
Following the individual competition awards, overall ratings were announced, with the College of Education securing the top spot, the College of PESCAR as first runner-up, and the College of Nursing as second runner-up.
After the awards ceremony, students enjoyed a Band Night and DJ music, showcasing stylish yet personal outfits for a dress to impress segment of the event.
#WVSUTransformingGenerations
#WVSUexcels
By WVSU PAMCO
