Tag: 5

Tucked on the third floor of the West Visayas State University Hometel, the WVSU Fitness and Wellness Center (PSWC Fitness and Wellness) has become more than a gym. Since opening in 2018, it has grown into a hub where students, faculty and staff build strength, health and camaraderie. 

The center is run by the PESCAR Sports and Wellness Club, under adviser Prof. Rocky Penuela. Inside, visitors find five treadmills, stationary bikes, a multifunctional machine and rows of free weights, from barbells to dumbbells. For dynamic workouts, the facility also offers plyometric boxes, padded floors and open space suited for bodyweight training, crossfit and high-intensity routines. 

But the center’s purpose extends beyond equipment. It provides a safe and inclusive environment where members of the university community improve both physical and mental well-being. Performing and athletic groups also rely on the space: TeatroTayo and the WVSU Irong-Irong Dance Company condition there under the guidance of Prof. Cyril Galanza, while the WVSU Dragon Boat Team uses it to build endurance and power. Because of limited classrooms at the College of PESCAR, the facility also doubles as a learning venue. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. it serves as a classroom, then reopens after hours as a fitness center for the wider WVSU community. Its development has been collaborative. Most equipment was acquired through donations in 2018, with later additions funded by the College.

The university recently supported ceiling renovations, though Penuela said more work is needed on flooring and walls to avoid health hazards. Maintenance remains a challenge, with expenses largely shouldered by PESCAR. Members of the Sports and Wellness Club help sustain the center by assisting in upkeep and mentoring new gym-goers. With training in physical education, they provide guidance on basic workouts and safe routines.

For Penuela, the facility’s value lies in preparing every “Taga-West” to meet the demands of academic life and beyond. “We need physically fit members of the university because physical fitness promotes productivity and optimum efficiency,” he said. “A healthy Taga-West is ready to face challenges in instruction, research and extension.

This is also an avenue to address stress and counter the effects of sedentary office or school life.” In promoting fitness, wellness and balance, the WVSU Fitness and Wellness Center reflects the university’s commitment to excellence and community well-being. It stands not just as a gym but as a space for growth and resilience. 

#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels

West Visayas State University (WVSU) joined the 2025 Government Job Fair at SM City Iloilo on Sept. 4–5, in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Civil Service Commission (CSC). 

The event, part of a monthlong celebration themed “Bawat Kawani, Lingkod Bayani: Puso, Dangal, at Galing Para sa Bayan,” aimed to promote public service opportunities and highlight the role of government workers in nation-building. 

WVSU was represented in the job fair by the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), with staff members Abigail Quirante and Rey Matthew Parreno at the forefront. They were guided by Ms. Doullie M. Lotilla, HRMO head, and joined by Ms. Ludylie Buendia, WVSU career job placement coordinator. 

CSC Region VI Acting Director Atty. Erna T. Elizan opened the event, emphasizing the importance of bringing government job opportunities directly to the public to support national development. 

WVSU’s participation aligned with CSC’s initiative to connect qualified applicants with government positions. The fair, held at SM City Iloilo’s activity center, offered job seekers a chance to explore a wide range of employment opportunities. 

Job openings are posted on CSC Region No. 6 official Facebook page:facebook.com/share/p/1FGyB2aHPw. 

#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels 

Two West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Education (COE) faculty members have been elected to the leadership of the State Universities and Colleges Teachers and Educators’ Association (SUCTEA) Region VI, as announced on SUCTEA VI’s Facebook page on September 1, 2025. Prof. Esperval Cezhar Cadiao will serve as Chairperson, while Prof. Marievic Violeta has been named Board Member.

Prof. Cadiao, an English educator and COE College Secretary for the undergraduate level, has represented WVSU in various internationalization programs and professional training initiatives. He has also contributed scholarly work on innovative approaches to language teaching and learning.

Prof. Violeta, from the Division of English Language Teaching, is widely recognized in the region for her expertise in literacy development. She has authored instructional modules on beginning reading and has spearheaded capacity-building programs for early childhood educators.

Why SUCTEA matters

SUCTEA is a professional association of teacher-educators from Philippine state universities and colleges that promotes collaboration, innovation, and quality in teacher education through conferences, research presentations, and capacity-building. Its conferences and regional activities highlight futures thinking, technology integration, and quality assurance for the teaching profession.

WVSU’s standing in Teacher Education

WVSU’s College of Education is a Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-recognized Center of Excellence in Teacher Education—most recently redesignated in April 2025—underscoring the university’s longstanding leadership in the field. WVSU also received the Excellence in Quality Assurance in Teacher Education, or EQUATE, Awards from CHED in 2025 for excellence in teacher education quality assurance.

With Cadiao and Violeta stepping into SUCTEA VI roles, WVSU’s Center of Excellence continues to extend its impact beyond campus—helping shape regional directions in literacy, language education, and teacher training.

#WVSUTransformingGenerations#WVSUexcels

Photo courtesy: Sperv Cadiao/Facebook

Access the SUCTEA VI Announcement here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16vCcpyTnN/

Aiming to foster inclusivity and awareness among its students, West Visayas State University (WVSU) held a campus-wide Gender Sensitivity Orientation at the COM Gym last March 28, bringing together first-year students from various colleges.

The initiative aimed to equip students with a deeper understanding of gender-related issues and their impact on various sectors of society. The discussions also covered key topics such as the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics or the SOGIESC Equality Bill and the Safe Spaces Act, emphasizing the importance of gender equality and protection from discrimination.

Organized by the Gender and Development (GAD) Office in collaboration with GAD focal persons from different colleges and offices, the event carried the theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

Renowned educators and gender advocates facilitated the discussions, tailoring their sessions to specific academic disciplines.

Prof. Moniq Muyargas from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and former Director of Ugsad or the Regional Gender Resource Network, opened the series with a session for students from the College of PESCAR and the College of Information and Communication Technology. She emphasized the importance of inclusivity and respect to people of various SOGIE to achieve inclusivity within the society.

Dr. Agnes Segunda Gerasmo, a faculty member and GAD focal person of the College of Medicine, led the discussion for students from the colleges of Arts and Sciences and Dentistry. She tackled key gender sensitivity concepts through visual models like the Genderbread Person.

University Student Council (USC) Vice Chairperson Gerard Paul Gallo took the stage to introduce and advocate for Project Kanlungan: WVSU Safe Spaces Monitoring Operation jointly managed by GAD, USC, and the Management Information System Office. He also introduced the project in between the succeeding sessions.

This initiative serves as a digital platform designed to monitor and report incidents of sexual and gender-based violence on campus, reinforcing WVSU’s commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.

Meanwhile, Dr. Emily Dela Cruz, director of the Office of Student Affairs at Iloilo Science and Technology University, facilitated the orientation for students from the College of Education. She highlighted the crucial role of educators in promoting awareness and understanding of inclusivity and Safe Spaces, emphasizing their responsibility in fostering a more inclusive learning environment.

Closing the series, Dr. Barby Badayos-Jover, another esteemed professor from UPV, and formerly an Ugsad Director delivered the session for students from the colleges of Nursing and Business Management. She presented data and research on the societal status of women, highlighting best practices to promote women’s rights, inclusivity, and the protection of women and girls.

The Gender Sensitivity Orientation served as a platform for students to engage in meaningful discussions on gender equality, social inclusion, and the role of education in fostering a more equitable and safer society. By integrating these discussions early in their academic journey, WVSU aims to cultivate a more informed and socially responsible student body and gender-sensitive professionals.

Written by WVSU GAD, JA Temelo/PAMCO
Photos by JA Temelo/PAMCO

#WVSUexcels #WVSUGAD
#NWMC2025 #SDG5GenderEquality

The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Dentistry, in partnership with the Gender and Development (GAD) Office, held a special flag-raising ceremony on the first Monday of the month to mark the National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) with the theme, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society”.

Dr. Jeanette Simpas, director of WVSU GAD, invited all students, faculty, and staff of the university to take part in the month-long celebration and attend to the activities prepared by the GAD office and its partner colleges and units.

As part of the NWM celebration, the College of PESCAR (COP) students led a fitness dance at the Unity Park which was participated by the attendees of the flag raising ceremony.

Grupo Del Oeste from WVSU COP also gave the university a special performance of their piece, “Mangroves and the Moon,” which recently won 1st runner-up at the Sinamba sa Regatta during the 52nd Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta Festival on March 1.

Led by the Philippine Commission on Women, the NWMC carries the sub-theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” and highlights the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Philippines and around the world.

Story by JA Temelo/PAMCO
Photos by Wina de la Cruz/PAMCO

Check out the WVSU’s NWMC schedule here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15qLnJdTnH/

#WVSUexcels#2025NWMC#WEcanbeEquALL

Napuno ng talento, palakpakan, at hiyawan ang NAB Function Hall sa ikatlong araw ng University Days 2025, Enero 29, kung saan ipinamalas ng mga kalahok mula sa iba’t ibang kolehiyo at kampus ang kanilang husay sa deklamasyon.

Isa sa labing-apat na kalahok si Joedel Nollaga mula sa College of Communication, na nagbigay-buhay sa piyesang Totoy, Ang Gymnast. Taglay ng kanyang pagtatanghal ang makapangyarihang mensahe na hindi dapat nakatali ang pangarap ng isang tao sa kanyang kasarian. Itinampok niya ang kwento ng isang anak na mas piniling maging gymnast sa halip na sundin ang kagustuhan ng kanyang ama na maging basketbolista.

Ayon kay Nollaga, iniaalay niya ang piyesang ito sa mga taong nakararanas ng diskriminasyon dahil hindi tanggap ang kanilang tunay na pagkatao at hindi ito naaayon sa mga itinakdang pamantayan ng lipunan.

Sa kabila ng kaba, masaya at magaan sa loob ni Nollaga ang kanyang pagtatanghal, lalo na’t batid niyang may mga nakarelate sa kanyang mensahe. Higit pa sa isang patimpalak, naging layunin niyang hikayatin ang madla na ipagmalaki ang kanilang kasarian at ipaglaban ang kanilang mga pangarap.

Hindi naging madali ang kanyang paghahanda. Aminado siyang hindi siya sanay sa pagsasaulo ng piyesa at nakaugalian niya ang pagdaragdag o pagbabawas ng linya. Sa entablado, may mga bahaging kanyang nakalimutan, ngunit matagumpay niyang nairaos ang pagtatanghal sa pamamagitan ng pag-improvise.

Sa husay niyang magpalit ng emosyon at karakter, pati na rin sa malinaw at makapangyarihang pagbigkas ng bawat linya, umani siya ng paghanga mula sa mga manonood. Higit pa sa isang palabas, ang kanyang pagtatanghal ay nagbigay-inspirasyon sa iba—isang paalala na ang tunay na tagumpay ay hindi nasusukat sa pagtanggap ng iba kundi sa pagtanggap at pagpapahalaga sa sariling pagkatao.

Sa pagtatapos ng kanyang pagtatanghal, isang mahalagang aral ang iniwan ni Nollaga sa entablado: “Ang pagiging totoo sa sarili ay ang tunay na tagumpay.”

Kwento nina paula Yvonne Alavarta at Hershi Loryn Fusin/Specialized Beat Reporting Class sa ilalim ni Dr. Hazel P. Villa
Inedit ni Christine Joy Badinas/SILAK Media
Larawan ni Paula Yvonne Alavarta/Specialized Beat Reporting Class sa ilalim ni Dr. Hazel P. Villa

Sa isang malamig at tahimik na silid-aklatan, tila nag-aapoy ang hangarin ng mga makata mula sa iba’t ibang kolehiyo at kampus ng West Visayas State University (WVSU) na ipamalas ang kanilang husay sa pagsulat. Isa sa mga natatanging kalahok ay si Vandrix Presbitero, isang mag-aaral sa ikalawang taon ng Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting (BAB), na buong puso’t dangal na kumatawan sa College of Communication (COC). Ang patimpalak na may temang “DIGAMO sa West: Discovery and Innovation for Meaningful Growth and Opportunities” ay nagbigay-daan upang maipahayag ng mga estudyante ang kanilang saloobin sa pamamagitan ng sining, gaya na lamang ng pagsulat ng tula.

Sa likod ng malikhain niyang panulat, nakatago ang isang di-malilimutang alaala ng kabataan—mga romantikong akda at tula na nagsilbing pintuan sa mas malalim niyang pagmamahal sa pagsusulat. Ang mga akdang ito ang nagtulak sa kanya upang gawing sandigan ang pagsusulat, isang salamin ng kanyang pananaw sa buhay. Para kay Vandrix, ang pagsusulat ay higit pa sa mga salita—ito’y isang daan upang maipahayag ang damdaming mahirap bigkasin, isang daluyan ng emosyon at pananaw na puno ng lalim.

Ang mga alaala at inspirasyong ito ang siyang nagtulak sa kanya upang sumabak sa mas mataas na antas ng sining. Mula sa simpleng pagkahilig sa pagsusulat, naglakas-loob siyang sumali sa mga patimpalak, hanggang sa dumating ang araw na naging kinatawan siya ng kanyang kolehiyo sa isang prestihiyosong kompetisyon. Sa isang sulok ng silid-aklatan, tangan ang papel at panulat, tila may mahika sa kanyang mga kamay habang sinusulat niya ang kanyang obra.

Pinamagatan niyang “Alab ng Paso” ang kanyang piyesa, isang masalimuot ngunit makabagbag-damdaming alegorya. Ipinaliwanag ni Vandrix na ang paso ay sumisimbolo sa bawat estudyante, habang ang alab ay kumakatawan sa pagmamahal at determinasyon bilang mag-aaral.

Araw-araw, sa kabila ng mga pagsubok—pagod, puyat, at minsan pagkadismaya sa mga mabababang marka—patuloy pa ring bumabangon at sumusubok. Bilang mga estudyante mula sa West, madalas panghinaan ng loob, lalo na kapag nararamdamang hindi sapat ang mga pagsisikap. Ngunit ang mensahe ni Vandrix ay malinaw at buo: “Kapit lang.” Ang bawat salita sa kanyang tula ay paalala na huwag sumuko, kahit pa ang landas ay puno ng balakid.

Sa gitna ng kompetisyon, dama ang tensyon sa hangin—halo-halo ang emosyon ni Vandrix. May takot at kaba, ngunit higit sa lahat, nangingibabaw ang saya at pasasalamat. Para sa kanya, ang pagkakataong maging kinatawan ng College of Communication ay isang malaking karangalan, isang patunay na ang kanyang pagmamahal sa pagsulat ay may kakayahang humaplos ng puso at magbigay-inspirasyon sa kaniyang mga kapwa estudyante at kalahok.

Nang tanungin kung anong bahagi ng kanyang piyesa ang may koneksyon sa kanyang sarili, sinabi ni Vandrix na sinulat niya sa kaniyang papel ang tanong na, “Kaya ko ba?” Tinanong niya rin ang kanyang sarili nito. Subalit pursigido siya at malaki ang tiwala niya sa kanyang kakayahan. Paulit-ulit niyang sinasabi ang mga katagang “Kaya ko ja! Kaya ko ja!” Hindi lamang sa oras ng kompetisyon, kundi pati na rin sa pagharap niya sa mga pagsubok na binabato sa kaniya ng tadhana. Patunay lamang na anumang balakid ang ibigay ng mundo, hindi ito rason upang sumuko at magpatalo na lamang. Kagaya ni Vandrix, lahat ng suliranin ay kayang malagpasan basta’t magpursigi at patuloy na magtiwala sa sarili.

Saysay ni Kenea Hope Dellava, Leigh Diane Mandado, DV Heart Lozada, at Sherylyn Mae Bonotano Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa

Inedit ni Christine Joy Badinas

Mga larawan kuna ni Kenea Hope Dellava/ Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa

Dapog Manugsanlag (CON), Dapog Manugtuom (CAS), Dapog Manugpakas (CBM), and Dapog Manugsugba (COE) remain neck and neck as the four colleges secured five awards each in the eight competitions held across various categories—including essay writing, poetry writing, pagsulat ng sanaysay, pagsulat ng tula, extemporaneous speaking, oration, declamation, and storytelling. The results were announced, and winners were awarded on Jan. 28 at the WVSU Cultural Center.

Dapog Manuglagpang (COM) made a strong showing, sending out more representatives than in previous years. Their efforts paid off, as they emerged as one of the top-performing colleges with three awards. One participant even admitted to racing against time—juggling exams, supporting their team, and exploring campus buildings for the first time.

External campuses brought the heat as well. Dapog Manuglapwa (Pototan Campus) clinched first place in declamation. Dapog Manugbati (Himamaylan City Campus) earned three awards, Dapog Manugkilaw (Janiuay Campus) took home two, and Dapog Manuglugaw (Lambunao Campus) secured one.

The 2025 University Days are now halfway through, but the festivities are far from over. Taga-West, busog na bala kita sa aton awards o gutom sa gihapon? Hala bira, magadigamo pa kita!

LITERARY WRITING:

ESSAY WRITING

1st – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

2nd – Dapog Manugmasa (CAF)

3rd – Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

4. Dapog Manuglagpang (COM)
5. Dapog Manuglechon (COD)

POETRY WRITING

1st – Dapog Manugtuom (CAS)

2nd – Dapog Manuglagpang (COM)

3rd – Dapog Manugpaksiw (COL)

4. Dapog Manuglapay (COP)
5. Dapog Manuglugaw (Lambunao Campus)

PAGSULAT NG SANAYSAY

1st – Dapog Manugpakas (CBM)

2nd – Dapog Manugtuom (CAS)

3rd – Dapog Manugkilaw (Janiuay Campus)

4. Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)
5. Dapog Manuglapay (COP)

PAGSULAT NG TULA

1st – Dapog Manugmasa (CAF)

2nd – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

3rd – Dapog Manugbati (Himamaylan City Campus)

4. Dapog Manugpakas (CBM)
5. Dapog Manuglagpang (COM)

ENGLISH SPEECH:

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING

1st – Dapog Manugpangat (COC)

2nd – Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

3rd – Dapog Manugpaksiw (COL)

4. Dapog Manugtuom (CAS)
5. Dapog Manugbati (Himamaylan City Campus)

ORATION

1st – Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

2nd – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

3rd – Dapog Manugtuom (CAS)

4. Dapog Manugpakas (CBM)
5. Dapog Manugbati (Himamaylan City Campus)

STORYTELLING

1st – Dapog Manugtuom (CAS)

2nd – Dapog Manugsanlag (CON)

3rd – Dapog Manugpakas (CBM)

4. Dapog Manugpangat (COC)
5. Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

DECLAMATION

1st – Dapog Manuglapwa (Pototan Campus)

2nd – Dapog Manugpakas (CBM)

3rd – Dapog Manugkilaw (Janiuay Campus)

4. Dapog Manuglechon (COD)
5. Dapog Manugsugba (COE)

Story by Jamaica Jade Senagonia/The Courier

Photos by April Macantan/The Courier

Dapog Manugtuom of the College of Arts and Sciences mastered the perfect blend of brainpower, strategies, and determination to serve a savory dish of victory as they reign supreme in this year’s Quiz Bowl competition on the third day of the University Days, defeating 15 other colleges and external campuses.

The team demonstrated a powerful combination of intellect and teamwork with members from, AB Political Science, BS Applied Mathematics, BS Chemistry, and BS Biology students; Morpheus Lei Yarra, Judel Ann Gallo, Ma. Amelia del Rosario, Renz Albert Sanchez, Sharlimar Faith Calimutan of the Dapog Manugtuom from the College of Arts and Science dominated the said competition, correctly answering the diverse range of questions across fields including Science, Mathematics, Literature, and Social Sciences.

One of the participants, Judel Ann Gallo, said that it is their strategy that enabled them to win the competition stating that they have been reviewing way before the competition even during the vacation, and CAS having their own specializations gave them an advantage in the competition.

“Our strategy was that each of us—since, of course, CAS has its own specializations—we utilized that. One thing that really helped us win was that, from previous years, we observed that math is often a weakness for everyone, and no one could really answer the math questions. So, once you have someone on your team who is really strong in math, you’ll have an advantage. Luckily for us, we had someone from Applied Math in CAS, and I truly believe that was one key factor that helped us win,” Gallo shared.

Gallo’s reflection on their strategy was followed by a personal moment of fulfillment, as she looked back on their previous second-place finish on the same competition last year.

“Since this is the second time na nag-join ako kag last year we were 2^nd, ka very fulfilling nga this year kami [College of Arts and Sciences] nagdaog,” Gallo added.

With the CAS taking the first place, the College of Nursing placed 2nd, and the Integrated Laboratory School claimed third place after winning the clincher round against the College of Medicine who settled on the 4th spot, while the College of Education secured 5th place.

Story by Gierson Bordon and Sophia Taton/ Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa

Photos by Knit Nicole Ivan Capiña and Rejena Abelarde Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa

The Ilonggo Music Festival at West Visayas State University (WVSU) brought together alumni, students, and faculty for a celebration of tradition, creativity, and camaraderie during the 2025 University Days on its first day, Jan. 27, 2025.

The event opened with a heartfelt performance by the WVSU Panayana Cultural Group, featuring the National Anthem, a solemn prayer, and the WVSU Hymn. The performance set the stage for a program highlighting the university’s cultural heritage and strong sense of community.

University President Joselito F. Villaruz addressed the audience, emphasizing the institution’s growth, milestones, and the contributions of its alumni. His speech underscored WVSU’s dedication to academic excellence and its impact on the community, resonating with the gathered alumni.

The festival featured a “Binalaybay” (Poetry) competition, where five alumni showcased original pieces inspired by the theme “Digamo sa West: Discovery and Innovation for Growth and Meaningful Opportunities.” Their performances reflected personal experiences and collective memories, celebrating both individual artistry and the university’s literary tradition.

Following the competition, alumni reconnected over a lively barbecue party, rekindling old friendships, and sharing stories. Attendees praised the event as a meaningful opportunity to bond over shared experiences. “The food is well, okay na sakon ang food. Sa experience, learning kag achievement nga ma-acquire mo and ma-treasure for the rest of your life,” one alumna shared.

Another highlight was the Ilonggo Folksong Competition, where five contestants performed traditional Ilonggo songs with their own creative interpretations. Mr. Ryan Calica’s rendition of “Iloilo, Banwang Pinalangga” evoked nostalgia, while Mr. Angelou Deloguines energized the crowd with “Inday.” The performances celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Ilonggo music, blending tradition with contemporary expression.

The festival successfully blended cultural appreciation, nostalgia, and community spirit, offering a space for alumni to reflect on their university journey while celebrating WVSU’s lasting legacy. The event reaffirmed the strong ties between alumni and their alma mater, ensuring that Ilonggo music and tradition continue to thrive.

Story by John Paul Lopez and Meriel Faith Dumapit/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa

Photos by Vinson Miguel Jalandoni and Samantha Reigh Hallares/ Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa