Photo credit: Dr. Corazon Samorin

In a moment of triumph and testimony to community-rooted innovation, West Visayas State University (WVSU) emerged as one of the most awarded institutions during the 2025 PAEPI International Extension Congress held in Siargao Island. Themed “Embracing Science and Technology-Driven Extension Platforms for Sustainable and Inclusive Communities,” the congress gathered top extensionists, researchers, and stakeholders from across the ASEAN region.

WVSU earned the spotlight with the following recognitions:

·         2nd Best Paper Award – Dr. Ricky P. Becodo for “Darag Native Chicken Production in Sara, Iloilo, Philippines: Strengthening Livelihoods and Resilience”

·         2nd Best Paper Award – Prof. Sheila P. Beliran and Dr. Madonna S. Palmes for “Rays of HOPE: Empowering Caregivers, Transforming Community Health”

·         3rd Best Paper Award – Dr. Virginia B. Parreñas (WVSU–Pototan Campus) for “Residents’ Involvement in the Development of Competencies for Employment (RIDCE)”

·         3rd Best Poster Award – Dr. Julie Gay Blason-Quidato and Dr. Ma. Ernalyn Cepeda for “3P’s Program (Pagbulig Extension Project)”

These awards highlight WVSU’s commitment to empowering communities through research-based, science-driven, and values-oriented extension work. Behind these successes are strong collaborations with barangays, people’s organizations, LGUs, and private partners who have opened their doors to co-create development solutions.

“We share this recognition with our partner communities and stakeholders who have walked with us every step of the way,” said Dr. Ricky P. Becodo, WVSU Extension Director. “Their trust and participation breathe life into our programs.”

WVSU's strong showing at PAEPI 2025 reflects the power of shared vision—where academic expertise meets local wisdom, and innovation thrives through partnership.

UEDC will be conducting an orientation on extension as a function of higher education institution for newly hired faculty on October 13, 2023 at the Research & Extension Bldg, WVSU Main Campus. The purpose of the activity is to introduce to the participants the value of extension as an integral part of instruction and research and how it can contribute to  their professional growth and to societal development and transformation. Extension is being implemented by WVSU colleges namely College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Management, College of Communication, College of Education, College of Information and Communications Technology, College of Nursing and College of PESCAR.

Photos by CON Cares

The College of Nursing has been active volunteers. From bloodletting activities to medical missions, the College is known for being ready to extend help in any way it can.

When everyone else was vibing the weekend after the midweek holiday, the College of Nursing is on its course to Bingawan, Iloilo as ear.ly as 7 am last December 9, 2022 for a lecture-discussion on the Prevention, Control and Management of Hypertension and Cardio Exercises. The extensionists  reached the venue of the activity at Brgy. Alabidhan Covered Gym, Bingawan, Iloilo around 9:30 in the morning.

The participants had their registration and blood pressure taking prior to the activity set for the day. A total of 48 participants joined in the activity with 25 coming from Brgy. Alabidhan and 23 participants from Brgy. Quinangyana. After the invocation by Prof. Jane P. Daniel and Pambansang Awit led by Prof. Junah C. Villanueva, Hon. Arnel Ceballos, Brgy. Captain of Brgy. Alabidhan welcome the faculty and the participants of the extension activity. The orientation of the activity was given by Prof Marie Vic Canonaso, the Activity Coordinator.

The community song led by Dr. Rodolfo Guillergan Jr., made the participants ready for the activity of the daay. The first topic was the lecture-discussion on the Prevention, Control and Management of Hypertension by Prof. Yani G. Sotelo. Her lecture-discussion included the definition, people at risk, signs and symptoms, possible complications and prevention of hypertension. She ended her lecture-discussion with the ways on how to maintain normal blood pressure 

The second speaker was Prof. Emily E. Robite who did a lecture on cardio exercises. Included with her planned activity was the actual cardio exercises and zumba dances by the participants and faculty extensionists. 

The open-forum after the two lecture-discussion made the participants understand hypertension more after all their questions were answered by the lecturer.

Hon. Roger Pamocol, Brgy. Captain of Quinangyana gave his response in relation to the activity. He stressed that prevention is better than cure when taking care of ourselves. He also acknowledged and thanked the college for the support and help in promoting health and wellness in their barangay. Mrs. Mary Kristine Q. Amboy gave her evaluation of the activity.

Certificate of participation was awarded to all participants and faculty extensionists by Prof. Marie Vic Canonaso, Prof. Marianne G. Sotelo and Prof. Emily E. Robite.

The activity also included two snacks and lunch sponsored by the college. Activity kits were also distributed to the participants.

The activity ended with the closing remarks given by Prof. Sheila P. Beliran, Extension Coordinatopr of the college. The Master of Ceremony was Dr. Albert C. Apilado. (CON Extension Services)