West Visayas State University (WVSU) continues to expand its international footprint by deepening its collaborative relationship with Silla University, South Korea. The latest milestone, the “Busan-Iloilo Collaboration,” seeks to bridge local academic expertise with global sustainable solutions.
Guided by the mission to develop life-long learners who serve as agents of community transformation, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz officially opened the landmark program, “Global Education Innovation for Sustainable Cities: Busan-Iloilo Collaboration.”
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Villaruz emphasized the University’s critical role in fostering global engagement and transformative education to address the evolving needs of modern society.
The initiative, conceptualized by Dr. Alona M. Belarga (WVSU Director of Instruction) and Prof. Eunhwa Lee (Dean of Silla University Graduate School of Education), establishes a high-level academic linkage with Busan, South Korea—a metropolitan leader renowned for progressive educational systems and sustainable urban development.
Phase 1: Knowledge Exchange and Global Resilience (February 23-24, 2026)
The first phase featured an intensive series of virtual lectures designed to strengthen the global competencies of WVSU faculty from both the Main and Satellite Campuses.
The sessions opened with former UNESCO Director Mr. Wootak Jung, who advocated for Global Citizenship Education (GCED) as the linchpin for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Hyunkyu Oh, former Busan City Councilor, provided a deep dive into Busan’s 2040 Master Plan, illustrating how the city balances urban expansion with green conservation.
To localize these perspectives, Dr. Ricky P. Becodo (WVSU Director for Extension) identified practical pathways for the community, including mobility as learning access and disaster resilience research.
The second day focused on innovative pedagogy, with Prof. Eunhwa Lee introducing “Narrative Science” to empower students through storytelling, and Prof. Hayoung Shin exploring the “Living Lab” model.
This framework marks a paradigm shift championed by the university leadership, transitioning WVSU from a traditional “Ivory Tower” to a Regional Innovation Hub that actively engages with regional urban challenges.
Phase 2: From Theory to Implementation (April 28, 2026)
The collaboration reaches its peak on April 28, 2026, with a faculty-led competitive showcase.
Moving beyond theory, faculty members will present high-impact innovation proposals for quality instruction and engaged extension programs tailored to the needs of the community and its various sectors. These proposals will be evaluated by a panel of experts based on their potential to address urban sustainability.
The top three presenters will be recognized with Certificates of Recognition during a formal Closing Ceremony, marking a milestone in the University’s effort to translate international academic theory into actionable local solutions.
Strategic Alignment with the UN SDGs
The Busan-Iloilo partnership—jointly organized by the Office of the Director of Instruction (DI), the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA), and the University Extension Office—serves as a practical manifestation of WVSU’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Building institutional capacity and faculty expertise through international knowledge exchange.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Adapting global best practices in urban planning to enhance local resilience.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Establishing sustainable cooperation networks for future faculty and student exchange.
By fostering these global connections under the leadership of Dr. Villaruz, WVSU continues to lead the way in transformative education, ensuring the University remains at the forefront of global innovation while staying deeply rooted in the service of the community.
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