Today, West Visayas State University achieved a momentous milestone on its 120th founding anniversary. The foundation day affirms the commitment and resilience of its leaders, administrators, faculty, students, alumni, employees, and stakeholders through years of ups and downs.
With humble beginnings, known then as Iloilo Normal School in 1902, the institution evolved under the leadership of capable school administrators and presidents who brought the school higher to another level during their terms.
After becoming West Visayas State College in 1965, the institution received university status in 1986. By 1987, WVSU acquired Don Benito V. Lopez Memorial Hospital (now known as West Visayas State University Medical Center), a venue for training and learning for students in the medical and allied services. The university’s medical and nursing programs are among the best in the country, scoring consistently with a high passing rate.
Eventually, the university grew and established external campuses in Lambunao, Calinog, Himamaylan, Janiuay, and Pototan. Graduates in other programs are equally excellent and excel in education, communications, business, arts, sciences, technology, social sciences, agriculture, sports, and culture as professionals and industry practitioners.
The institution survived the horrors of World War II, thrived under the administration of American governors and several Philippine presidents, withstood countless natural disasters, lived through socio-political unrests, and presently weathering the challenges of the global pandemic.
The reasons for celebrating WVSU’s 120th Founding Anniversary are as countless as the people who grew with it since 1902. Every person who became part of the institution since its founding shared a heartbeat to keep WVSU alive through their services and sacrifices.
From a dream a university grew, / Stirring hearts with a hero’s refrain. / Out of darkness, faith renew / That our toils should not fade in vain./ West Visayas State University, Hold thy banner high, / Let genius bridge the earth / And boundless sky.
WVSU will continue singing its hymn for another 120 years – and beyond.
By Leo G. Almonte, MDC
Director, PAMCO