West Visayas State University (WVSU) recognized its performance in the 2026 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) and honored faculty proponents behind its globally recognized initiatives during the University’s final flag-raising ceremony for June held Monday at Jubilee Park, led by the Quality Assurance Office under Concurrent Director Dr. Alona M. Belarga.

The University was recognized for placing 137th among 500 universities worldwide in the 2026 WURI, highlighted by four projects that ranked among the Top 100 globally. Certificates of recognition were presented to available faculty proponents during the ceremony, while those who were unable to attend were likewise acknowledged for their contributions.

Among WVSU’s highest-ranking entries were TUMANDOK: An Inclusive Social Innovation Model Advancing Indigenous Peoples Education, Cultural Empowerment, and Peacebuilding by Dr. Marie Candy L. Celeste, which placed eighth in the Inclusive Social Innovation for the Underserved category; E-BRIDGE: Intercultural Digital Learning by Dr. Antoniette D. Cortez, which ranked 36th in Student Mobility and Openness; Peace Begins in Me: Nurturing and Empowering Learners as Peacebuilders by Dr. Rodgen M. Jabor, which placed 47th under Future-Oriented Responses to Global Uncertainty and Geopolitical Risk; and Sanctuarium Maris: Sea Turtle Nest Protection Project by Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, which ranked 83rd in the SDG- and ESG-Based Responses to Past and Present Global Challenges category.

The University also acknowledged other WURI project proponents, including Dr. John Ian Moralidad Abolucion for Plastic-free Wednesday; Dr. Ricky P. Becodo for The Darag Native Chicken Production and Marketing Project; Dr. Liza Assumpta M. Jover for Intelligent Systems in Dentistry: AI’s Contribution to Patient Record Management; Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka for Perspectives from the Ground; and Dr. Elias Olapane for ARTeach: An Action Research Training Series for Teachers’ and Students’ Success. Dr. Jover received her certificate during the ceremony on behalf of the recognized proponents.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ma. Pilar Malata, dean of the Office of Student Affairs, introduced the second batch of Global Health Scholars from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine: Lindsay Aluquin, Anton Aluquin, Caitlin Papalia, and Paige Roeschenthaler. Composed of incoming second-year medical students, the scholars will undertake community immersion and engagement activities to gain a deeper understanding of the Philippine healthcare system through collaborations with local government units, physicians and community health centers.

The ceremony concluded with a trivia game organized by the Quality Assurance Office to promote employee engagement, morale and workplace camaraderie.