Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV visited West Visayas State University (WVSU) on July 31, 2025, for a stakeholders consultation held at the WVSU Board Room. The visit formed part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen dialogue with the education sector following his recent election as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education in the 20th Congress.
The consultation brought together key members of the WVSU community, including university officials, vice presidents, campus administrators, deans, and student leaders from various student councils. Also in attendance were Dr. Clement Camposano, Chancellor of the University of the Philippines Visayas, and Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog, an advocate for youth and education in Iloilo City.
Presided by WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, discussions revolved around the current challenges and opportunities within the university, especially in relation to infrastructure, academic resources, and student welfare.
Dr. Dave Endel R. Gelito III, Chief of the WVSU Medical Center, emphasized the need for continued investment in the university’s medical and allied health programs, particularly in upgrading facilities and expanding support for the WVSU Medical Center—one of the relatively few state university-operated hospitals in the country.
Student leaders present raised concerns about outdated classrooms, limited laboratory resources, and the urgent need for improvements in athletic and learning facilities. They stressed that increased investment in student development and academic support services would significantly impact the university’s ability to nurture competent, future-ready graduates.
Similar concerns were echoed by Dr. Rosario Clarabel Contreras-Leda, Campus Administrator of WVSU Calinog Campus. She pointed out the disparity in available resources across campuses, noting that if the main campus is experiencing gaps in equipment and facilities, external campuses face even greater constraints.
Leadership voices from the colleges also underscored sector-specific needs. Dr. Liza Assumpta Jover, Dean of the College of Dentistry, advocated for expanded scholarship opportunities for students of dental medicine, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. Meanwhile, Dr. Madonna Palmes, Dean of the College of Nursing, highlighted the general and financial burdens faced by students and faculty during their Related Learning Experiences (RLEs), which are vital components of nursing education.
Senator Aquino’s visit reflects a broader initiative to gather firsthand insights from the ground and explore legislative pathways to strengthen support for public universities. The dialogue at WVSU underscored the importance of collaborative governance in shaping a more responsive, inclusive, and future-oriented higher education system.
By JA Temelo/PAMCO
#WVSUTransformingGenerations #WVSUexcels
