BUILD RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, PROMOTE INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRIALIZATION AND FOSTER INNOVATION.
A functioning and resilient infrastructure is the foundation of every successful community. To meet future challenges, our industries and infrastructure must be upgraded. For this, we need to promote innovative sustainable technologies and ensure equal and universal access to information and financial markets. This will bring prosperity, create jobs and make sure that we build stable and prosperous societies across the globe.
West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed the arrival of esteemed professors and scientists, Dr. Prof. Zaidatun Binti Tasir and Dr. Kew Si Na from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The experts will lead a specialized workshop on scientific research writing and publication, aimed at helping faculty members, researchers, and graduate students enhance their ability to publish in top-tier journals such as Scopus and Web of Science. The workshop, set for February 24, 26-27, 2025, will provide participants with valuable insights into the intricacies of the international publication process.
The event is expected to provide participants with the tools and strategies needed to successfully publish in top-tier journals, opening doors to international recognition and collaboration. WVSU continues to foster academic growth and research development through global partnerships like this one, empowering its academic community to reach new heights.
West Visayas State University (WVSU), in partnership with PLDT Smart, has officially launched “Tuon Ta!”, the first digital platform designed to promote and preserve the Hiligaynon language and literature, on February 21, 2025, at the College of Medicine Auditorium.
Developed by students and faculty members from the College of Education Bachelor of Elementary Education program, College of Communication, and College of Information and Communications Technology, “Tuon Ta!” aims to make Hiligaynon learning accessible and engaging.
The university’s mascot, the Visayan Wildcat or Maral, serves as the app’s interactive guide, encouraging users to explore its features.
This initiative falls under PLDT Smart’s #LearnSmart program, which was made possible through a Memorandum of Agreement signed with WVSU in 2023.
The app is designed for kindergarten to Grade 3 pupils to help them learn Hiligaynon through fun activities while promoting cultural appreciation and language preservation with technology.
Coinciding with the celebration of International Mother Language Day, the student developers and the Integrated Laboratory School learners performed live presentations to showcase the app’s features.
The launch event also featured raffle draws and interactive games with prizes such as Wi-Fi devices, mobile load cards from PLDT Smart, and exclusive event t-shirts.
With “Tuon Ta!”, WVSU and PLDT Smart are taking a significant step towards preserving the rich linguistic heritage of Hiligaynon while providing an innovative and enjoyable learning experience for young learners. The app is now available for download on the Google Play Store.
ILOILO CITY, Philippines — West Visayas State University (WVSU) officially opened the 2nd World Research and Innovation Festival (WRIF) today, Feb. 19, via Zoom.
This year’s festival, themed “DRIVE: Discoveries, Research and Innovations: Venturing Beyond Borders and Exploring Frontiers,” highlights progressive research and innovative projects.
WRIF features research from 95 participants worldwide, including 23 international and 72 local institutions. The festival will host four international virtual conferences on different dates:
• International Conference for Medical, Dental, Health and Allied Sciences – Feb. 19-20 • International Conference for Pure and Applied Sciences – Feb. 21 • International Conference for Education and Social Sciences – Feb. 27 • International Conference for Business, Tourism and Hospitality Management – Feb. 28
Dr. Zaidatun Binti Tasir, a professor in the Department of Science and Mathematics Education at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, delivered the keynote address at the opening program. She emphasized the role of research in shaping higher education, particularly in developing and integrating artificial intelligence in the classroom.
The festival will also feature presentations from international plenary speakers and is co-hosted by various local and international institutions.
The annual event brings together scholars and researchers worldwide to explore and discuss innovations addressing social issues.
Two promising fourth-year students from the West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), Justin June P. Cerillo and JC C. Fernandez, have been selected to participate in the highly esteemed Thailand Student Exchange Program at Kasetsart University. The exchange program, which will take place from February 8, 2025, to May 31, 2025, will allow the students to study under the Tropical Agriculture (International Program) at the university’s Faculty of Agriculture.
Cerillo and Fernandez, both pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degrees, will experience a rich academic journey that includes academic exposure, cultural immersion, field studies, laboratory work, and research activities. These experiences will deepen their understanding of agricultural practices in Thailand, offering them valuable insights into tropical agriculture and farming innovations in Southeast Asia.
The program promises to be a transformative experience that will not only enrich their academic knowledge but also expand their global perspectives—both of which will prove invaluable as they continue their academic and professional journeys. Kasetsart University, known for its advanced research in tropical agriculture, provides the perfect setting for Cerilo and Fernandez to develop their expertise.
This exchange program serves as a testament to WVSU’s commitment to providing its students with global learning opportunities that prepare them for the challenges of modern agriculture. It also highlights the university’s dedication to producing well-rounded graduates equipped to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Amid the vibrant hues of green, red, white and blue, one color stood out. A striking shade of magenta, adorned with thousands of crystals, shimmered under the lights of the Iloilo Convention Center. At its center was the belle of the ball—this year’s West Visayas State University Alumni Queen, Janet Castillo Morata.
As she turned to greet her interviewers, an air of grace and confidence surrounded her, yet her warm smile quickly bridged the gap between formality and familiarity. Without hesitation, she welcomed the conversation, exuding the charm and charisma that have defined her journey from WVSU to success abroad.
Morata embodies the transformative power of perseverance and hard work. From humble beginnings in the Philippines to managing a successful caregiving business, nursing homes and hospitals in Tampa, Florida, her journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Amid the lively chatter of the alumni gathering, she reflected on her years at WVSU with fondness and nostalgia.
A proud alumna of the College of Education, Class of 1990, Morata humorously admitted that she never initially aspired to become an educator. However, she pursued a degree in elementary education to honor her parents, both educators themselves. Though reluctant at first, she grew to love the field, crediting her classmates and the university’s unique academic environment for making her college years unforgettable.
With an easygoing nature, Morata approached college life with optimism rather than pressure. Academic rankings were never her priority. Instead, she valued experiences and the joy of living in the moment. “West shaped me differently,” she said, emphasizing how her alma mater instilled resilience and determination—qualities that would later define her career path.
After graduation, Morata began teaching in a remote village, but life had other plans. She soon found herself in the field of caregiving—a drastic shift from education. Despite the change, she carried with her the lessons of hard work and adaptability from WVSU. Today, she ensures quality care for others while making a name for herself in a foreign land.
Though she describes herself as informal and lighthearted, her eyes gleamed as she recalled her carefree college days—days that unknowingly laid the foundation for her personal and professional growth. “You can’t be easygoing if you want a bright future,” she reflected. Her journey, marked by unexpected twists, has become an inspiration. Now, she is committed to giving back to the community that shaped her while setting her sights on even greater opportunities ahead.
Morata’s story is a reminder that success is not always a straight path. Sometimes, it is about embracing challenges, working hard and shaping dreams into reality—wherever life leads.
Story by Joannah Mekaela Jamela, Trixie Ningas, and Hazelyn Aliboso/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa
Photos by Dwiniane Keith Escoltor/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa
A fusion of creativity, mastery, and innovation turned the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Cultural Center into a spectacle of movement as Taga-Wests showcased their formidable talents in the 2025 U-Days Contemporary Dance Competition.
Far from just a contest, the event became an all-out showcase of artistry, with performers bringing their personal narratives to life through powerful choreography. Each routine was a story, filled with emotion and executed with precision, making the night an unforgettable celebration of dance.
Expressions of identity and self-discovery
Dapog Manugbulad opened the competition with a hauntingly beautiful performance set to melodic synth waves. Their synchronized, mechanical movements symbolized the struggle for individuality in a conformist world. As they ascended the stage, their choreography underscored the tension between societal expectations and personal freedom.
Dapog Manugtuom followed with a striking interpretation of self-discovery. The performance centered on a solo dancer, whose journey of searching for meaning unfolded through fluid movements and powerful leaps. A near-missed landing became part of the story—an embrace of human imperfection as part of the journey toward self-realization.
Stories of love and loss
Dapog Manugpangat delivered an emotional tribute to family and fleeting moments with a heartfelt performance set to Kenny Rogers’ Through the Years. The narrative followed an elderly man cherishing his time with his granddaughter—only for the unexpected loss of the child to leave him in profound sorrow. The piece ended in a tearful embrace, fading to darkness.
Dapog Manuglapwa captivated the audience with a routine centered on resilience and self-identity. Dancers moved to somber piano notes before the music faded to silence. As the beat slowly returned, motivational voices played in the background, reinforcing a message of triumph over adversity.
Symbolism and social commentary
The champions, Dapog Manuglugaw, presented a breathtaking religious allegory. Clad in black veils and red strings, dancers depicted suffering and sacrifice, evoking the Passion of Christ. The performance crescendoed with a solitary dancer donning a crown of thorns and carrying a cross—a powerful visual that sent chills through the audience.
Dapog Manugbati took a different approach, using raw energy and controlled chaos to portray collective struggle. Their synchronized yet frenzied movements mirrored the turmoil of a society crying out for justice, capturing the essence of protest through dance.
Dapog Manugsugba explored themes of identity, featuring a dancer who desperately clung to a colorful flag as an ensemble tried to strip him of it. Eventually, the performance transformed into an empowering declaration of self-acceptance, with the dancer triumphantly unveiling a shirt emblazoned with I AM ME.
Advocacy through movement
Dapog Manugsanlag tackled stigma and compassion with a thought-provoking performance on HIV awareness. The routine featured a seamless transition from ballet to contemporary dance, revealing messages such as End the Stigma and Bring Forth Compassion. The closing tableau paid tribute to La Pietà, emphasizing love and acceptance.
Dapog Manugmasa brought a mystical aesthetic to the stage with elaborate costumes and ethereal movements. The performance transformed midway into a fiery, high-energy dance, symbolizing hope and renewal.
Dapog Manugkilaw delivered one of the most unique pieces of the night, portraying schoolgirls in red ties moving in eerie synchronization to Gotye’s Somebody That I Used to Know. The routine suggested themes of conformity and the bittersweet passage of time, culminating in a symbolic graduation scene.
Pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance
Dapog Manugpakas delivered a high-intensity routine filled with powerful movements and theatrical elements. Their choreography embodied flames—both literal and metaphorical—as dancers struggled against an unseen force, ultimately surrendering to become a single blazing entity.
Dapog Manuglapay closed the competition with a compelling commentary on societal expectations. Dancers, dressed as workers from various professions, moved with technical precision as they portrayed the weight of systemic pressures. In a moving finale, they linked arms and walked forward together, symbolizing unity and resilience.
A celebration of talent and passion
The 2025 U-Days Contemporary Dance Competition proved that Taga-Wests are more than just academically gifted—they are artists, storytellers, and visionaries. With passion, talent, and the ability to push creative boundaries, they showcased the transformative power of dance in telling stories that resonate beyond the stage.
Story by Miles Guancia/the Courier Photos by Cassandra Alexa Ciasico
The Fair on Innovation, Research, and Extension Services (FIRES) 2025 marked its third year on Jan. 28 at West Visayas State University’s Research and Extension Building, showcasing exceptional works by faculty, students, and research partners.
The event, held on the fourth floor at 2 p.m., featured projects highlighting research, extension services, and innovations aimed at addressing societal challenges and fostering development.
In his opening remarks, West Visayas State University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz emphasized the event’s importance in driving knowledge and creativity.
“This event showcases the outstanding work of our faculty, our students, and partners, highlighting the groundbreaking contributions that strengthen our university’s mission,” Villaruz said. He urged attendees to “remain committed to excellence, push the boundaries of knowledge, and inspire one another in our pursuit for development.”
Each presenter was given 10 minutes to explain their project’s purpose and functionality. The projects, many of which have received national and international recognition, highlighted the ingenuity and dedication of Taga-West researchers and innovators.
Student-led initiatives addressed pressing public concerns, demonstrating the transformative role of research in advancing economic and environmental sustainability.
FIRES 2025 concluded with renewed inspiration among participants, reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in research, extension, and development.
By the time the Agro-Industrial Fair opened its doors on January 27, marking the first day of University Days, colorful stalls bustled with enthusiastic patrons. Yet one stall stood noticeably different—not because it lacked appeal, but because it was nearly wiped clean. The Alimodian Agriculture Cooperative (Seven Cities) had already sold most of its produce, leaving the women running the booth with little else to do but relax.
Seated behind a tower of empty baskets, Virgie Aldamar, 60, and Imelda Catanus, 67, seemed pleasantly surprised by their swift success. It was only 1 p.m., yet they were already making calls back home to replenish their inventory. The demand spoke volumes about the quality of their produce.
“High-value crops,” they called them. Bell peppers, cabbages, carrots, tomatoes, string beans, sayote—everything had flown off the table by midday. All these vegetables were grown on their own land and nurtured through advanced farming techniques, including greenhouse cultivation, a new addition they built in March of last year.
Virgie and Imelda shared another innovation they swear by: Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO) as a natural alternative to conventional fertilizers. These microorganisms, which include fungi, bacteria, and yeast found in soil and living organisms, not only speed up plant growth but also reduce toxic chemicals in the soil. They adopted this method after attending seminars hosted by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, which has partnered with the Department of Agriculture for three decades to strengthen Philippine agriculture.
For Virgie and Imelda, farming is both heritage and innovation. They’ve been vending vegetables as cooperative members for four years, but their farming roots go deeper. “Since then,” they answered simply when asked how long they’d been cultivating crops. They inherited their green thumbs from parents who farmed rice and corn fields.
Their produce is more than just a product of soil and rain—it’s a fusion of traditional wisdom and forward-thinking technology. Breaking away from chemical-heavy fertilizers, they believe, results in healthier crops and healthier lives.
Their success at the fair wasn’t just about their high-value crops, though. While other vendors leisurely set up their stalls, Virgie and Imelda were ready for business by 9 a.m., proving that the early bird truly does get the worm—and, in this case, gets to relax far earlier than the rest of the flock.
Story by Trixie Aurelia Ningas, Hazelyn Aliboso, Ryde Rendell Ponsaran, and Kaela Jamelo/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa
More than a ceremonial tradition, the annual State of the University Address (SUA) at West Visayas State University has become a platform for reflection, recognition, and goal-setting. This year’s address, delivered by President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz at the WVSU Cultural Center, struck a chord with the audience, eliciting both tears and inspiration with its focus on opportunity, growth, and education’s role in driving social change.
President Villaruz’s speech, delivered in a reflective, monologue-like style, not only highlighted the university’s achievements but also sparked conversations among students and faculty on the institution’s future direction.
Kurt Gamo, a second-year BS Computer Science student from the College of Information and Communications Technology, expressed excitement about the university’s growing international engagements. “What stood out to me was Dr. Villaruz’s emphasis on international affairs. It’s exciting for us students to have opportunities to learn from and exchange experiences with other universities abroad,” Gamo said.
The desire for global opportunities and a strong commitment to academic growth emerged as common themes among audience members. For Roberto Villanueva, a professor at the College of Law and College of Medicine and Chair of the WVSU Unified Research Ethics Review Committee, the president’s message was clear and ambitious.
“He gave us a comprehensive rundown of the university’s accomplishments and future plans. These plans are ambitious but achievable with the right support from the administration,” Villanueva said.
The SUA resonated deeply with students and faculty, highlighting a shared vision for growth, global engagement, and the transformative power of education. As the university continues to evolve, the address served as a rallying call for the community to actively shape their academic environment and contribute to the institution’s ongoing progress.
This year’s address also prompted students to reflect on their roles as active participants in WVSU’s narrative. As they navigate their academic journey, they are inspired to seize new opportunities and be catalysts for positive change.
Story by Frances Erica Salcedo, Reamae Velasco, and Gene Joy Gabasa/Specialized Beat Reporting Class under Dr. Hazel P. Villa
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
