UEDC UPDATES

The University Extension and Development Center (UEDC) will hold its 2026 Extension Project Termination and Presentation on May 22, 2026 bringing together faculty-led community initiatives that focus on livelihood, environmental awareness, digital literacy, and skills development.

The whole-day event, scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on online platform Google Meet will feature project presentations, question-and-answer sessions, and an awarding ceremony recognizing outstanding extension initiatives.

The opening ceremony will include remarks from UEDC Director Dr. Ricky P. Becodo, followed by the introduction of evaluators and presentation mechanics. Rona E. Mangao will serve as moderator for the event.

Among the featured projects is “Development of Value-Added Products Utilizing Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica): A Livelihood Project for Marginalized Communities in Bingawan, Iloilo, Philippines,” to be presented by Dr. Cynthia L. Limsiaco. The study highlights the use of locally available resources to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities.

Other morning presentations include “Pag-Uswag sa Likod sang Rehas: Skills on Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Development (Pag-uswag: SEED)” by Dr. Julynn J. Rico, “Pagbulig” by Nena Vanessa A. Cabiles, Evelyn M. Cordero, and Ernalyn B. Cepeda, and “Pagpabakod” by Dr. Roberto Sagge Jr. and Dr. Sybel Joy F. Labis.

Digital literacy and technology education will also take center stage through “ALChat: Mobile Phone Literacy Training Series for the Residents of Poblacion Delgado, Calinog, Iloilo,” presented by Dr. Elias C. Olapane.

Afternoon sessions will focus on community empowerment and environmental responsibility. Featured projects include “TOURS (Training Opportunities for Upgrading Residents Skills)” by Lovelyn P. Wee and “Yucks to Yey (Y2Y): A Waste Management and Gardening Project in Igang, Pototan, Iloilo” by Dr. Mae B. Angeles.

Also included in the lineup are “Driver’s Responsiveness, Initiatives & Values Education Readiness (DRIVER)” by Dr. Pablo L. Lauro and Juliet M. Seniego, as well as “Teaching Children on Environmental Responsibility (TEACHER)” by Dr. Paul Ramsey C. Belencion and Dr. Marlene S. Gloria.

The event will conclude with a closing and awarding ceremony at 4:30 p.m., recognizing the impact and accomplishments of the university’s extension programs in partner communities across Iloilo.

In an era where information is the most valuable resource for development, West Visayas State University (WVSU) is breaking down the walls between academic research and community application. At the forefront of this movement is the University Extension and Development Center’s One-Stop Information Shop (OSIS).

What is the OSIS One-Stop Shop?

The OSIS is a centralized digital platform that serves as a bridge between the university's experts and the community. By institutionalizing the transfer of "mature technologies" and research-based strategies, WVSU ensures that its academic excellence translates into real-world social transformation. Whether you are a local official, a farmer, a teacher, or a health worker, the OSIS is your primary gateway to the university’s specialized resources.

The heart of the OSIS lies in its extensive library of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. These resources are organized into four critical pillars, known as the HELP

H – Health: Access brochures, guides, and protocols on public health, nutrition, and wellness to improve community vitality.

E – Environment: Find materials on climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable resource management to protect our local ecosystems.

L – Livelihood: Discover technical guides on agricultural innovations and small-business technologies to boost local economies.

P – Pedagogy: Utilize educational resources, teaching aids, and literacy materials designed to support lifelong learning and professional development.

Bridging the Gap via Digital Innovation Beyond being a simple repository, the OSIS facilitates the university’s broader mission of extension and development. It allows for the seamless monitoring of extension projects across WVSU’s various colleges and satellite campuses, ensuring that every initiative is data-driven and responsive to the actual needs of the "Taga-West" community.

By digitizing these services, WVSU makes its expertise accessible 24/7, transcending geographical barriers.

Your Partner in Progress The UEDC-OSIS is more than a system; it is a commitment to shared growth. We invite all stakeholders—from government agencies to individual citizens—to explore the One-Stop Information Shop and utilize these free IEC materials to spark positive change in your own communities.

Visit the OSIS Platform Today: https://sites.google.com/wvsu.edu.ph/uedc-osis Contact the UEDC: For technical advisory or partnership inquiries, please email us at extension@wvsu.edu.phor visit the Research and Extension Building at the WVSU Main Campus, Iloilo City.

West Visayas State University (WVSU) successfully held its much-anticipated University Days 2026 from January 26-30, 2026 at the Main Campus in La Paz, Iloilo City, under the theme "BANAAG sang West: Celebrating our Radiant Gleam in Illuminating Generations."

The week-long celebration, announced through Presidential Memorandum No. 26-031 signed by SUC President IV Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz and VP for Administration and Finance Dr. Peter Ernie D. Paris, aimed to promote academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration across the WVSU community. Faculty, students, and staff from the main campus, satellite campuses, and the University Medical Center participated in a series of activities throughout the week.

The celebration kicked off on January 26 with the setting up of exhibits, including college academic displays, an agro-industrial fair from satellite campuses, and the "KADIWA sa WVSU." The day culminated in a Gala Night at the Iloilo Convention Center, organized by the Alumni Affairs Office.

January 27 began with a Eucharistic Celebration at the WVSU Cultural Center, followed by a campus-wide parade at 8:30 AM. The Opening Program took place at the University Grounds at 9:30 AM, hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) in collaboration with the Faculty and Student Councils. Alumni Homecoming and lunch followed at the NAB Atrium.

The afternoon of Day 2 and the entirety of Day 3 featured Literary and Musical Contests across multiple categories—English, Filipino, Hiligaynon, Visual Arts, Short Film Making, and the highly anticipated Banggiangay semi-finals and Lip-Sync Battle. These events were overseen by the Office of the University Cultural Affairs, led by Dr. Ma. Christine Asuncion Dequilla and Prof. Liberty Porras.

A key highlight on January 28 was the University Convocation at the WVSU Cultural Center, which featured guest speaker Mr. Jenil C. Demortio, Assistant Secretary of the Public Information Service at the Department of Agrarian Reform. A University Lunch at Jubilee Park and the 2026 Fair on Innovation, Research and Extension Services (FIRES 2026) at the R&E Building rounded out the day's activities.

A comprehensive lineup of working committees was formed to ensure the success of the event. The Executive Committee was chaired by University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, with support from vice presidents across academic affairs, administration, and research. Specialized committees handled finance, procurement, documentation, peace and order, first aid, and various activities ranging from the Eucharistic Mass to the University Health Outreach Program.

WVSU successfully brought together the entire university community to partake in the festivities and celebrate the institution's "radiant gleam" in illuminating generations.

The spirit of collaboration and forward-thinking innovation was on full display as West Visayas State University hosted the Fair on Innovation, Research, and Extension Services (FIRES) 2026 on January 28 at the 4th Floor of the Research and Extension Building.

Held as part of the university’s celebration of University Days 2026, the event brought together faculty, researchers, innovators, and students in a dynamic showcase of solutions designed to address real-world challenges through research, technology, and community-driven extension initiatives.

The afternoon program opened with welcome remarks from university officials, emphasizing the role of research and extension in nation-building and inclusive development. A keynote address delivered by the Regional Director of Department of Information and Communications Technology Region VI highlighted the growing importance of digital transformation and innovation in strengthening regional competitiveness.

Plenary sessions featured presentations across three major categories: Research, Extension, and Innovative Technology Pitching.

Among the notable research presentations was a Digital Maturity Assessment and Profiling System aimed at enhancing the capabilities of micro, small, and medium enterprises through targeted training recommendations. Another study explored the use of artificial intelligence-generated images to support spelling development in English, Filipino, and mother tongue-based learning.

In the extension category, initiatives underscored the university’s commitment to community empowerment. These included programs such as IT Acts: Information Technology Accessible Coastal Training for Sustainability, ARTeach: Action Research Training Series, and a project focused on strengthening transport cooperatives through innovative extension strategies.

Meanwhile, the Innovative Technology Pitching segment showcased creative solutions with strong cultural, environmental, and practical value. Highlights included Babaylan, a culture-based animated film, edible baking paper made from saba banana peel, and reinforced bio-composite board tiles produced from rice straw.

Student-led research was also featured, including a study examining the relationship between dormitory expectations and satisfaction, as well as a machine learning-based approach for non-invasive diabetic retinopathy risk assessment.

The event concluded with closing remarks from the FIRES 2026 Chair, reaffirming the university’s commitment to advancing innovation ecosystems that link research outputs with community needs and industry applications.

FIRES 2026 once again demonstrated the vital role of higher education institutions in fostering ideas that not only push academic boundaries but also translate into meaningful societal impact.

West Visayas State University–Calinog Campus has strengthened its position in the national academic landscape following the recent achievement of Dr. Elias Olapane, who was recognized as Champion (1st Place) in the Outstanding ASEAN SDG Project – People Category at the ASEAN Conference on Extension for Sustainable Development Goals. The conference, held on November 29, 2025, at the City Tourism Hall, convened higher education institutions from across the country to present extension initiatives aligned with sustainable development.

Dr. Olapane, who serves as extension project leader, received the distinction for his research paper titled “Upskilling DepEd Teachers’ Research-led Teaching Through a Capability Training Series.” The project is anchored in his flagship extension program, ARTeach: Action Research Training Series, which seeks to enhance the research capabilities of public school teachers and integrate research-based methodologies into classroom instruction. By equipping educators with the necessary competencies to conduct and apply action research, the initiative contributes to improved teaching practices and evidence-informed decision-making in basic education.

The project demonstrates strong alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing inclusive and equitable quality education. Its design underscores the critical role of teacher capacity-building as a driver of educational reform, situating frontline educators as key agents in achieving sustainable and transformative learning outcomes.

The conference featured more than 30 presenters from state universities, colleges, and local higher education institutions, each highlighting extension programs that support community development and institutional performance. These initiatives were framed within global evaluation systems such as the Times Higher Education and the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) Rankings, emphasizing the increasing importance of extension work in demonstrating universities’ societal impact.

Dr. Olapane’s recognition not only affirms the scholarly merit and practical relevance of the ARTeach program but also reflects West Visayas State University–Calinog Campus’s sustained commitment to community-engaged scholarship and regional development. As recipient of the top award, he was presented with a plaque of recognition and a cash prize, further highlighting the institution’s growing contribution to academic leadership and extension excellence.

Notably, conference organizers emphasized that the winning project exhibited a high degree of innovation, measurable outcomes, and a clear commitment to advancing educational quality for teachers—identified as a priority sector under the “People” pillar of the Sustainable Development Goals. This recognition reinforces the vital role of research-driven extension programs in addressing systemic challenges in education and promoting long-term, sustainable impact.

In a world where creativity meets technology, the College of Communication (COC) Broadcasting Division of West Visayas State University (WVSU) is helping educators reimagine their classrooms—this time, through the power of film.

On October 29, 2025, the team from the Broadcasting Division headed to Don Benjamin Jalandoni Sr. Memorial National High School in Libongcogon, Zarraga, Iloilo for a one-day hands-on workshop titled “Creative Pedagogy Through Film: A Hands-On Workshop on Shooting and Editing with Mobile Devices.” The event was organized in response to an invitation from Mrs. Arlene A. Salvante, the school’s Officer-in-Charge Principal, who wanted to help her teachers explore new and engaging ways to deliver lessons.

The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Shiela Mae Quero, Chair of the COC Broadcasting Division, with Prof. David Arthur Quimpo hosting the day’s activities as master of ceremonies. The event was also documented by DYWV, whose team captured highlights and interviews for an upcoming feature on DYWV WEST TV.

Learning by Doing: Turning Classrooms into Creative Spaces

The sessions kicked off with Prof. Raffy Galan, who shared how teachers can use mobile devices as powerful educational tools. He highlighted film’s ability to make lessons more interactive, inspiring students to think critically and express creatively.

Next, Prof. Mary Kareen Gancio guided the teachers in developing their own classroom film concepts. Participants learned how to turn academic content into short visual stories, with a focus on simple yet impactful scriptwriting techniques.

Afterward, Dr. Miljoe Cabag led a session on mobile cinematography—covering framing, angles, lighting, and sound. The day wrapped up with a tutorial on mobile editing, facilitated by Arcel Vinz Agudo and Charisse Lemoncito of the WVSU Film Society, who shared practical tips on post-production using accessible apps.

Lights, Camera, Action: Teachers as Filmmakers

For the culminating activity, 22 participating teachers formed small groups and produced short educational films based on their subjects. Their outputs—creative, heartfelt, and surprisingly polished—were screened before the COC Broadcasting faculty and the WVSU Film Society for review and feedback.

The session ended with reflections and an evaluation activity, where teachers expressed how the experience opened their eyes to film’s potential as a tool for meaningful, learner-centered education.

Empowering Teachers, Inspiring Learners

Through this initiative, the COC Broadcasting Division reaffirmed its mission to support educators in developing 21st-century teaching skills that merge media literacy, creativity, and pedagogy.

By the end of the day, the teachers of Libongcogon didn’t just learn how to shoot and edit videos—they rediscovered how storytelling can make education more human, engaging, and transformative.

The University Extension and Development Center (UEDC) of West Visayas State University successfully conducted the 2025 Extension Project Terminal Report Presentation on October 24, 2025, at the Research and Extension Building. The annual event served as a culminating platform for evaluating completed extension initiatives and highlighting their contributions to community development and institutional engagement.

A total of fourteen project leaders representing various colleges and campuses of the university presented their respective extension programs before a panel of evaluators composed of Dr. Aljen P. Vasquez, Ms. Febie S. Ibojos, and Mr. John Raffy F. Hilario. Each presentation underscored the outcomes, innovations, and sustainability mechanisms embedded within their projects, reflecting the university’s commitment to responsive and community-oriented extension services.

The terminal report presentation forms part of the university’s broader strategy to assess the effectiveness and impact of extension programs. It emphasizes evidence-based practices, measurable outcomes, and alignment with sustainable development principles, thereby reinforcing the role of higher education institutions as catalysts for inclusive growth.

Among the featured projects, the College of Business and Management (CBM) was awarded Best Extension Terminal Presentation for its initiative involving the Iloilo Taxi Transport Cooperative, led by Dr. Maria Corazon M. Samorin. The project demonstrated strong community engagement and practical impact within the local transport sector.

The First Runner-Up distinction was conferred upon the Himamaylan City Campus for its project IT ACTS: Accessible Coastal Trailing for Sustainability, led by Prof. Almar J. Java, Dr. Virgie P. Tan, and Prof. Jan Mark S. Garcia. The initiative highlighted innovative approaches to sustainable tourism and environmental accessibility.

Meanwhile, the Second Runner-Up award was granted to the Calinog Campus for ARTeach: Action Research Training Series, led by Dr. Elias C. Olapane. The program focused on enhancing teachers’ research capabilities and promoting the integration of action research into pedagogical practice.

Overall, the event underscored the significant role of extension programs in translating academic knowledge into practical, community-centered solutions. It further reaffirmed West Visayas State University’s dedication to fostering innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development through impactful extension initiatives.