West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed a delegation from Mohawk College in Canada and introduced new University officials during its Feb. 16 flag-raising ceremony, highlighting ongoing international partnerships and leadership transitions across campuses.
The visiting delegation from Mohawk College will participate in academic and cultural activities from Feb. 16 to 20. Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka said WVSU has sent five students to Mohawk College for foreign exchange since 2023. This week, students from Mohawk’s Media and Business School specializing in e-sports administration are on campus.
Dr. Andrew Fedurko of Mohawk College expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the two institutions. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner than your university here in Iloilo,” Fedurko said.
Accompanied by Jelson Sales, Mohawk College’s market specialist for Southeast Asia and a WVSU alumnus, Fedurko described the visit as a “full circle” moment, noting that he had walked the same grounds more than 20 years ago and expressing gratitude for the warm reception.
The University also recognized the engagement of DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Bernice Mae Yu Jeco-Espaldon, currently hosted by the WVSU Center for Research and Innovation in Science, Medicine and Education (CRISMED) under the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) program. Her short-term engagement, which began Feb. 2, aims to strengthen research collaboration, curriculum development and capacity-building initiatives across colleges.
Jeco-Espaldon described her first two weeks as “restless yet motivating,” citing ongoing collaborative research with faculty members and emphasizing the value of sustained partnerships.
University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz also announced leadership updates, introducing Dr. Bonna Palma as the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, succeeding Dr. Alexander Balsomo, and Dr. Jose Ariel Tutor as the new campus administrator of the College of Agriculture and Forestry, replacing Dr. Joel Araquil, who retired Jan. 31. Villaruz said a new dean for the College of Medicine will be announced next week.
In her message, Palma underscored servant leadership as the foundation of her administration, noting that leadership is defined not by position but by humility, integrity and service. “For in the end, I believe that leadership is not remembered by authority exercised but by lives uplifted, trust earned, and hearts inspired,” Palma said.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the 12 pairs of candidates for Mr. and Ms. WVSU 2026, scheduled for Feb. 26 at the WVSU Cultural Center.
