Tag: 5

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) competing as “Dapog Manugtuom,” emerged as the champion in this year’s West Visayas State University (WVSU) University Days quiz bowl held Jan. 29 at the Research Building Function Hall.

The CAS team secured first place with a commanding 81 points, demonstrating consistent dominance across four rounds: beginner, intermediate, difficult, and advanced.

The College of Nursing’s “Dapog Manugsanlag” followed in second place with 63 points.

The battle for third place intensified as the College of Medicine’s “Dapog Manuglagpang” and the Integrated Laboratory School’s “Dapog Manuglupak” faced a nail-biting clincher round after tying at 62 points. “Dapog Manuglupak” ultimately emerged victorious.

Ma. Amelia Del Rosario of the champion team attributed their success to early preparation and strategic teamwork.

“A week before classes started, we already began reviewing the topics and answering practice questions. We also divided focus subjects among team members to be efficient. But the main ingredient behind our success is our teamwork,” Del Rosario said.

The event concluded with the awarding of winners, receiving resounding applause from spectators.

The quiz bowl showcased the academic excellence and competitive spirit of WVSU students while fostering camaraderie and friendly rivalry among participants.

Story by Maria Lorraine Callanga/The Innovator

Photos by Ena Kristelle De Nuevo/The Innovator

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ILOILO CITY – A diverse cast of performers captivated a bustling crowd that filled the West Visayas State University’s Cultural Center to capacity on January 28 during the Character Interpretation Contest, as part of the University Week 2025 celebration. From festive cheers to thunderous applause, the audience was clearly enthralled by their dynamic portrayals.

The contest left a lasting impression on spectators, as each contestant emphasized the significance of raw emotions behind every character, giving justice to the competition’s true essence: to transform inspiration into reality.

“For me, I truly enjoyed and loved the performances,” said Mhara Joyce A. Castilla, a freshman from the College of Arts and Sciences, after expressing her satisfaction with the event. “Some parts were very entertaining, while others impressed me with the performers’ ability to accurately copy the characters.”

Helen Joy C. Dabucos, a freshman from the College of Agriculture and Forestry, shared a similar experience: “It was very inspiring to see the performers’ artistic sides truly exposed, especially the way they incorporated ad-libs into their performances.”

Featuring 16 contestants, the competition provided a platform for the main and external campuses to showcase diverse personas, from heroic legends to misunderstood villains, exploring the artistic play of portrayal and the awareness of distinct personalities.

Representing the College of Communication, fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting (BAB) major Lyka S. Sandiego, emphasized her enthusiasm for representing her college for the last year after participating in the event for the past three consecutive years.

“It was a fun and thrilling experience for me, but also overwhelming,” she said. “I will be leaving college life soon, and I just wanted to enjoy the moment of being here at West and performing for the crowd while representing my college.”

The character interpretation contest ran from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the results set to be announced at the Cultural Center along with the results of other competitions for the day. The results will also be posted on the official WVSU page.

Story by Elyza Cantomayor/The Innovator

Photos by Ena Kristelle De Nuevo

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Student entrants showcased their oratory skills during the 2025 West Visayas State University (WVSU) U-Days English Speech Competition on January 28 at the New Academic Building Function Hall. The event, featuring storytelling and declamation, had contestants impressing the crowd with their creative renditions of various speeches.

The afternoon program commenced with storytelling, having a total of 14 contenders from various colleges and external campuses that captivated the audience with their powerful delivery of Leoncio P. Deriada’s story compilation.

Lance Enriquez from Dapog Manugtuom (College of Arts and Sciences) kicked off his rendition of The Dog Eaters by asking the audience, “What happens after happily ever after?” Reflecting on his performance, Enriquez shared, “This is actually my first time competing at this point of my life. It feels good. I hope you guys enjoyed it.”

The storytelling segment set the tone for the competition, exhibiting creativity and passion of each contestant as they brought Deriada’s stories to life.

Following on the same venue was the declamation contest, where 16 participants representing their departments and campuses took the stage to deliver original prose pieces, demonstrating their declamatory skills with shifting voices and characters that kept the audience locked in.

An orator from Dapog Manuglapwa (Pototan Campus), Aisha Gail Bebit, shared her favorite part in an interview after her performance: “It’s not about forcing pieces together; it’s about creating new ones.” This line is from her declamation piece, The Innovator’s Journey.

Aileish Kate Jaudian, a performer from the College of Information and Communications, pushed through nerves and a forgotten line during the execution of her composition, Fell from Grace. “The added pressure from the audience was scary,” she admitted, mentioning that she was still proud to represent Dapog Manugbusa.

The contestants were evaluated by a panel of professional and notable public speakers: Cynia Mirasol, Iris Lacuesta, and former WVSU Prof. Maria Eloisa Yap. Results were released on the same day at the WVSU Cultural Center.

Story by Rosema Kamsa and Abbygale Hope Abasolo/Pagyuhum Publication

Photos by Pagyuhum Publication

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On the second day of University Week, themed “Digamo sa West,” students from various colleges gathered at the New Academic Building Function Hall to demonstrate their quick thinking and eloquence during the extemporaneous speaking competition.

With only three minutes to respond, participants tackled questions on societal and institutional issues, including WVSU’s stance on technological advancements, economic growth, and student welfare.

The hall filled with eager spectators who applauded each performance. Among the standout contenders were representatives from Dapog Manugsugba (College of Education), Dapog Manugpangat (College of Communication), and Dapog Manugbati (Himamaylan City Campus), who became crowd favorites for their confident and compelling deliveries.

Prince Ryan Rabo, a College of Education student, shared his thoughts on the event. “It’s a great platform to inspire the audience through words and wisdom. Personally, I’m rooting for the College of Education, but I must say the girl from Dapog Manugbati and the representative from the College of Communication were really impressive—their posture and delivery were powerful,” Rabo said.

One of the competition’s standouts was Andrei Jan Tono, a second-year student from Dapog Manugsugba. His sharp responses, clear delivery, and composed presence earned enthusiastic applause. Tono credited his preparation, which included research and guidance from his ELTD teachers, for his performance.

However, his topic on balancing technological innovation with social and environmental responsibility presented unexpected challenges. “It wasn’t something I had fully anticipated,” Tono admitted. “I prepared more for social issues and personal questions, but thankfully, through God’s grace, I managed to answer it.”

Tono emphasized the importance of preparation for aspiring extemporaneous speakers. “Research and practice are essential. It won’t necessarily make you perfect, but it prepares you for different scenarios. Most importantly, enjoy the moment, have confidence, and trust that you can handle it regardless of the outcome,” he advised.

The competition highlighted not only the intellectual prowess of Taga-West students but also their drive to embrace growth and innovation—a true testament to the University’s spirit.

Story by Dexter Jake Galeno, Kelley Marie Matoy, and Princess Yiana Beatrize Paitan/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa

Photos by Princess Yiana Beatrize Paitan and SILAK Media

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Vying artists from different colleges and external campuses of West Visayas State University (WVSU) unleashed their creative talents through an exciting series of visual arts competitions on January 28, during the second day of the 2025 DIGAMO sa West University Days.

The event featured several standout categories, including digital art painting, on-the-spot poster making, charcoal and pencil drawing, and a photo contest. Each category challenged participants to bring their visions to life with approximately four hours to complete their pieces.

In the digital art painting category, participants used electronic devices and accessories to visualize “A Feast of Futures,” aligning their pieces with the theme of growth, innovation, and future endeavors.

Simultaneously, the College of Dentistry Building buzzed with spectators as student artists crafted vibrant posters that symbolized the “Recipe of Excellence,” reflecting their Basta Taga-West, Dabest spirit.

“This year we are focusing on the extraordinary journey of growth, innovation through the years and beyond. We cannot limit our students from what they have learned in the university, but encourage them to strive for growth. The university is feeding us the knowledge—the recipe for us to grow further,” Federated Student Council Chairperson and event facilitator, Gilbert Cerillo said in an interview.

Meanwhile, the Charcoal and Pencil Drawing contest took DIGAMO to another level as participants paid homage to Chef Rafael “Tibong” Jardaleza. Through their portraits, they honored the renowned Ilonggo ethnic food advocate. Over the last thirty years, the creator of the “Food Haven of the Philippines” has been instrumental in bringing the Western Visayan and Ilonggo Heritage Cuisine spotlight on the national stage.

As part of 2025 University Days festivities, WVSU recognizes Chef Jardaleza’s contribution to the province as a distinguished gastronomic destination in the Philippines.

“I am expecting a lot from the participants, given that they represent the best of the best from their colleges and campuses. We can expect high-quality artworks that not only resonate with the theme but also reflect their pride as mga Taga-West,” Cerillo added.

The official entries from the visual arts competition will be posted on the Federated Student Council’s official Facebook page for public viewing.

Story by Grace Divine Salumag/The Mediator

Photos by LINK.exe

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Tatlumpu’t apat na kalahok mula sa iba’t ibang kolehiyo at kampus ng West Visayas State University (WVSU) ang nagpakitang-gilas ng kanilang talento at malikhaing imahinasyon sa Filipino Literary Competition na ginanap noong Enero 27, 2025, sa University Library.

Ang Filipino Literary Competition ay bahagi ng selebrasyon ng University Days mula Enero 27 hanggang 31, na tampok ang mga pagtatanghal na nakasentro sa temang “Digamo sa West: Discovery and Innovation for Meaningful Growth and Opportunities.”

Tampok sa nasabing kategorya ang mga patimpalak sa pagsulat ng sanaysay at pagsulat ng tula, na may 17 kalahok bawat kumpetisyon.

“Sa una, medyo na-overwhelm ako sa tema ng kumpetisyon, ngunit sa huli, naintindihan ko rin naman ito,” ani Hernani Adame, kinatawan ng College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) sa pagsulat ng sanaysay.

Samantala, ibinahagi naman ni Kristine Mainar mula sa Janiuay Campus, na sumali sa pagsulat ng tula, ang kanyang karanasan: “Nung una, hindi ko alam kung ano ang aking isusulat. Mabuti na lang at dalawang oras ang ibinigay sa amin kaya nakapag-isip ako ng maayos at naisulat ko ng maayos ang aking pyesa.”

Ang mga nanalo sa Filipino Literary Competition ay iaanunsyo sa ganap na ika-5 ng hapon, Enero 28, kasabay ng resulta ng iba pang kompetisyon.

Story by Marah Eunice B. Esponilla/The Blue Quill
Photos by SILAK Media and The Blue Quill

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West Visayas State University (WVSU) honors the passers and six topnotchers of the September 2024 Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT) from the College of Education (COE) and the College of PESCAR (COP) during the first flag raising ceremony of the year.

Dr. Ricky Magno, COE Dean, highlighted the overall passing rates of 96.4% for the elementary level and 96.77% for the secondary level, and recognized the topnotchers as the achievements of the recent BLEPT passers.

• Emily Valderama, Bachelor of Elementary Education, placed 6th with a rate of 93%
• Angel Nits Lopez, Bachelor of Special Needs Education (Teaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing Learners), placed 9th with a rate of 92.40%
• Carmela Caranzo, Bachelor of Special Needs Education (Generalist), placed 10th with a rate of 92.20%
• Mia Nicole Pedrosa, Bachelor of Special Needs Education (Generalist), placed 10th with a rate of 92.20%
• Mark Aron Martirez, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and November 2022 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE) Top 6, placed 8th in the secondary level with a rate of 93%
• Diana Grace Tubal, Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Science and WVSU COE Summa Cum Laude, placed 8th with a rate of 93%

In addition, Dr. Magno emphasized the passing rates of COE first-time takers with 100% for the elementary level and 99.30% for the secondary level.

Dr. Magno also recognized COP for a remarkable overall passing rate of 100% with 23 takers, which contributed to the success of WVSU La Paz (Main Campus) as the rank 1 top performing school for the elementary level, and rank 2 top performing school for the secondary level.

After the flag ceremony, Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs, reflected on a promising new year and emphasized the vigor that everyone has for new sets of tasks to be done.

“Basta taga-West, we always do our best in everything that we do [and] we know that we will continue to soar higher, faster, greater, and stronger,” said Dequilla.

Dr. Peter Ernie Paris, Vice President for Administration and Finance, also expressed his gratitude to the entire WVSU community for all the initiatives from the previous year.

“[To] more collaborations and genuine intention to sustain excellence and continued improvement, [and] may this year be peaceful and prosperous to all of you,” said Paris.

This week’s flag raising ceremony was led by the students, faculty, and staff of the College of Communication (COC).

By JA Temelo/PAMCO
Photos by Wina May de la Cruz/PAMCO

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