Economic growth should be a positive force for the whole planet.This is why we must make sure that financial progress creates decent and fulfilling jobs while not harming the environment. We must protect labour rights and once and for all put a stop to modern slavery and child labour. If we promote job creation with expanded access to banking and financial services, we can make sure that everybody gets the benefits of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Dr. Joselito Villaruz presided over the 2nd Administrative Council Meeting, which was attended by the key officials of West Visayas State University (WVSU).
The Administrative Council seeks to tackle key issues affecting the university. The meeting aimed to address concerns and make decisions on various matters.
The president of West Visayas State University (WVSU), Dr. Joselito Villaruz, was recognized as the Filipino Physician of Distinction in Academe during the prestigious 33rd Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial Awards on May 18, 2024.
Dr. Villaruz, now in his second term as WVSU president, received his award from the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and PMA Foundation for Professional Medical Advancement Inc., in partnership with United Laboratories, Inc.
The ceremony, held from 8 a.m. to noon at Function Room 1 of the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga, honored Dr. Villaruz with a specially designed Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial Awards Trophy, a Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial Awards Medallion, a cash prize of P50,000.00, and P50,000.00 worth of Unilab medicines to be donated to a charitable institution of his choice.
The Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial Award is an annual search for outstanding Filipino physicians who embody the ideals of the national hero in their lives, practice, and service.
Dr. Villaruz was awarded on the basis of the following criteria: Academe Involvement; Research and Scholarly Works; Community, Socio-cultural and Religious Involvement; Government service/partnership; Professional Practice; Experience and Training.
Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz is a product of the Philippine public school system, graduating from the University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV) with a BS in Biology, and proceeding to earn his MD degree from West Visayas State University (WVSU), where he was the class salutatorian and the most outstanding medical graduate in 1991. He completed his residency in Pediatrics at WVSU Medical Center (WVSUMC) in 1996, became a diplomate of the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) in 1999, and was conferred a fellowship by the same specialty society in 2006. He earned two postgraduate degrees: a Master in Management from UPV and a PhD in Educational Management from WVSU. He also completed a diploma/certificate course at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) for the Global Academic Leadership Program in 2022.
Dr. Villaruz has served in various capacities at WVSU and the WVSU-Medical Center, including Training Officer and Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics. In 2009, he was designated Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs at the WVSU College of Medicine (COM), a position he held for a year before becoming Dean of the College for seven and a half years, the first alumnus to do so. His term saw the college’s external accreditation, the launch of the WVSU Journal of Medical Studies, and consistent top performance in the Physician Licensure Examination. Additionally, he secured government funds to expand the College of Medicine and establish a Modern Skills Laboratory for medical students through legislated appropriations.
He has served as the editor-in-chief of the WVSU Journal of Medical Studies and the OIC Chair of the COM Office of Research.
One of Dr. Villaruz’s career highlights was his appointment as OIC President from November 2013 to May 2014. During this short stint, he left a significant legacy in managing the university’s affairs.
In 2019, he was appointed the 8th President of WVSU. He initiated the university’s vision to become a research university, achieving significant research milestones and improving WVSU’s national and international rankings in research productivity. He also initiated the WVSU Internationalization Program.
In 2012, the Commission on Higher Education invited Dr. Villaruz to join the Technical Committee for Medical Education, an appointment he held until May 2021. One of his greatest contributions to medical education was his participation in crafting the policies, standards, and guidelines for the Doctor of Medicine Program (2016).
In June 2022, he was appointed Chair of the Technical Panel for Medical Education (TPME). As TPME Chair, he played a pivotal role in implementing RA 11509, the “Doktor Para sa Bayan Law,” by assessing and recommending the approval of new medical programs by State Universities and Colleges to the CHED en banc. He also advises the CHED Chairman on awarding grants to existing and new medical schools for facility and laboratory modernization. Currently, he leads the TPME in formulating the SMART MD Roadmap for the Philippines, with Universal Healthcare (UHC) as a backdrop, and has led the formulation of the CHED-approved Accelerated Pathway for Medicine (APMed), set to be implemented in AY 2024-2025.
Dr. Villaruz served as National President of the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC) for two consecutive terms (2015 and 2016). He initiated institutional reforms, including automating the National Internship Program for medical graduates, launching the APMC Journal’s maiden issue, and assisting medical schools in transitioning to outcome-based education. Since 2017, he has been a member of the APMC Post-graduate Internship Committee, contributing to the formulation of policies, standards, and guidelines for the National Internship Program.
𝘉𝘺 𝘏𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘭 𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘌𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴
Dr, Joselito Villaruz was conferred with the prestigious Dr. Jose Rizal Award (Academe) of the Philippine Medical Association on May 18, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga. This distinguished recognition is a testament to his outstanding contributions to medical education and his commitment to shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Today, Batch Vesta, the College of Nursing Class of 2026, celebrates a momentous occasion as they gather at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Cultural Center for their Capping and Candle lighting Ceremony. This significant event marks their transition into practical caregiving, illuminating their candles as a symbol of their commitment to excellence in nursing.
Dr. Joselito Villaruz presented West Visayas State University (WVSU)’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Technical Budget to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) at Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) today, April 11, 2024. The event focused on discussing and analyzing the university’s financial requirements and plans for the upcoming fiscal year.
Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz graced the blessing of the new kidney unit at West Visayas State University (WVSU) Medical Center. This state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance the institution’s capacity to treat kidney-related ailments and improve patient care in the region.
In a remarkable event marking the 37th Founding Anniversary of West Visayas State University (WVSU) Medical Center, Dr. Villaruz presided over a mass oath-taking ceremony for 479 employees, and also honored the retirees. This significant gathering exemplified the university’s commitment to fostering professional growth and unity among its healthcare workforce.
The West Visayas State University (WVSU), through the Office of Student Affairs and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of Iloilo City, organized a University-wide Job Fair. This event was specifically designed to cater to the career needs of WVSU’s graduating students and alumni. The occasion commenced with an opening address by Dr. Villaruz, who emphasized the significance of this event in assisting university students in finding suitable job opportunities post-graduation.
The Commission on Audit (COA) held Annual Audit Exit Conference on April 2, 2024 to discuss the Audit Findings of the accounts and operations of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Main and External Campuses. This conference held at the Research Building, ensures fair and balanced reporting process allowing the WVSU Management to present their perspective.
Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz attended and delivered a message during the Suppliers Forum held today, March 12, 2024, at the Center for Teaching Excellence. This event aims to establish a solid foundation of transparency, fairness, and legal compliance within WVSU’s procurement processes.
