West Visayas State University celebrated its 120th Foundation Day last June 16, 2022, with well-organized, simple, but meaningful events that brought them back to the past and inspired them to look into their future as one of the region’s best universities.
Donning their white WVSU anniversary shirts, the administration led by University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, the administration team, unit heads, and representatives from different colleges and campuses attended the Holy Mass at the Cultural Center to open the day’s festivities.
Setting the mood for the main event, PESCAR’s Rondalla Ensemble serenaded guests with renditions of folk music as they troop inside the center. Entitled Paghanduraw, the celebration aimed to reminisce the institution’s glorious past laden with achievements, milestones, and outstanding personages who contributed to what WVSU is now.
After the customary entrance of the colors, prayer, the singing of the national anthem, and university hymn, WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz gave his message to the institution that has stood the test of time for 120 years.
“We are facing insurmountable challenges ahead and we still have much catching up to do with other advanced higher education institutions,” said Dr. Villaruz. “Yet, I am certain that together we can achieve our goals. The public expectation is high, and the deliverables are voluminous. Therefore, much is expected from each one of us to achieve our targets. But if we work as one, we can win as one.”
Following the inspiring speech by Dr. Villaruz, the audience watched Through the Years…A Tale Retold, a digital presentation about the history of WVSU. Guest Speaker Dr. Elnora V. Loriega, former WVSU VPAA and Dean of the College Education, held the audience in quiet awe while she expounded on her ‘testimony of valor’.
“Imagine the endless possibilities,” she said, “of what we can achieve working together,
facing the unknown with valor.” Regent Bonifacio Gaverza, the alumni president, gave an impassioned oral history of WVSU in Ilonggo and a rousing tribute to the university’s heritage and accomplishments, aptly titled ‘Let thy Name Resound.’
Cultural dancers from the College of PESCAR performed a series of folk dances to
pave the way for recognizing the administrators, deans, and units headed by Dr.
Villaruz. Student representatives gave them symbolic tokens of appreciation for the
invaluable services rendered to WVSU while they stood together, facing the audience.
Key WVSU officials led the procession from the Cultural Center to the Quezon Hall
grounds, where the revered urn stands guard as a symbol of the institution’s values.
The laying of the wreath led by Dr. Villaruz capped the morning festivities with
solemnity.
A cultural show entitled Panakayon sustained the celebratory mood in the afternoon,
where guests enjoyed the numbers rendered by West Crew, Panayana Cultural Group,
and Irong-Irong Dance Company.
By Leo G. Almonte, MDC
PAMCO, Director
Photos courtesy of Silak, Forum Dimensions, John Glen Teorima and Franz Chrysler Marie Delgado