Aiming to educate students, promote healthy choices, and enhance campus safety, Biliran Province State University conducted a symposium on the substance abuse and crime prevention for youth on November 20 at the university gymnasium.

Spearheaded by the university’s Guidance and Counseling Services Office and the School of Criminal Justice Education (SCJE) headed by Faculty Regent and Acting Dean, Hon. Vennie G. Coton,  the whole day activity was attended  by 1st  year to 4th year students  from the different schools.

Anchored on the theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” the symposium provided an avenue to promote personal growth, awareness, and well-being among the students of the university.

In his message, Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, vice president for Student and External Affairs, highlighted that the symposium is a call to build a future where every young person in Biliran has the opportunity to thrive, free from the shackles of substance abuse and crime.

“We know that prevention is not just about saying no, it's about empowering ourselves with knowledge, building resilience, and creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and safe,” Dr. Salvatierra stressed.

The said program was divided into two sessions: students from the School of Criminal Justice Education (SCJE), School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), School of Teacher Education (STed), School of Technology and Computer Studies (STCS) attended the morning session, while students from the School of Engineering (SOE), School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME) took part in the afternoon forum.

Meanwhile, Ms. Jocelyn Caing, BiPSU guidance counselor, emphasized that the alarming prevalence of abuse and crime continue to pose significant threats to individual well-being, community safety, and personal goals.

“You don’t have to do great things, you don’t have to make it big, start with your own self just say no to drugs, say no to alcohol and say no to cigarette smoking,” Ms. Caing expressed.

Furthermore, Mr. Kenn Ivan Manait Leses, president of the Community Against Illegal Drugs Coalition of Angono, led the discussions. “By educating our youth, we can empower them to make informed decisions and foster a crime and drug-free environment,” he stated.

A panel discussion and open forum were also held after every session.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions]

Taking another step in advancing faculty development, particularly in research, Biliran Province State University held the Regression Analysis Seminar Workshop on November 19-20 at the university's HAVC.  

Organized by the School of Engineering (SOE) in collaboration with the Research Office, the two-day event aimed to equip participants with practical skills in regression analysis, enabling them to extract meaningful insights from data.  

Regression analysis is a fundamental statistical tool in research that enables the exploration and quantification of relationships between variables. Faculty members from various schools in both BiPSU Naval and Biliran campuses joined the seminar workshop to deepen their understanding of this analytical technique in response to the university’s call to intensify efforts in producing impactful research outputs.  

Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, SOE Dean and OIC Vice President for Administration and Finance, noted that the seminar was originally tailored for SOE faculty. However, under the initiative of the Research and Development Office, led by Dr. Roland Niez, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, and Dr. Pearl Irish De Paz, Research Director, the program was expanded to include faculty members from the entire institution.  

“This just shows the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence across all disciplines,” Engr. Pelesco said.  

Throughout the sessions, faculty members from all schools of both BiPSU Naval and Biliran campuses delved into the fundamentals and applications of regression analysis, its critical role in data-driven decision-making, and the various models that can be employed to address diverse research challenges.  

Dr. Norberto Milla, a renowned expert in statistical analysis in the region, led the discussions, workshops, and critiques of the participants’ outputs.  

This seminar was part of the university's Educational Mentoring (EMpowerment) program, designed to enhance the skills of faculty members.  

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.]

Being committed to its mandate of providing opportunities for its students to develop their skills, Biliran Province State University’s School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME) joined the Youth for Tourism and Hospitality International Conference last November 16 at University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City.

Eighteen selected students from both the Hospitality Management and Tourism Management departments of SME and six faculty members participated in the said conference.

Themed “Tourism for Peace, Cross-cultural Understanding, and Social Change”, the annual conference, organized by the UP Asian InstitutiT Association of Alumni, Inc. (UPAAA), aimed to discover how travel and tourism can transform lives, empower communities, and drive global change.

In an interview, SME Dean Dr. Mafel Piol expressed her joy at being able to send student delegates to the said event. “I am really happy to finally send our students to an international conference,” Dr. Piol said. “I hope this will be the start for more opportunities for our students to make waves in the global arena.”

Dr. Piol, who first revealed that this is BiPSU’s first time joining an international tourism-related competition, also mentioned that attending conferences is one way for the university to catch-up with the trends.

Meanwhile, BiPSU Mx. Turismo Lloyd Francis Diaz, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) student, expressed gratitude to the university for allowing them to join the international conference.

“I am so grateful to the Biliran Province State University for trusting and believing in me to take on this challenge”, he quoted. “Thank you for allowing me to carry our university’s name and represent our community with pride.”

In a statement,  BiPSU President, Dr. Victor C.Canezo, Jr. expressed his pride in the university’s participation. “Our students’ involvement in this international conference is a testament to our commitment of providing our students with global exposure and learning opportunities. I hope that such experience inspire them to continue to contribute to the development of the tourism industry, both locally and internationally.”

Before flying for the conference, SME has submitted entries for the various competitions as part of this year’s edition of the conference, including Research Infographics Poster Presentations, Destination Marketing Plan Competition, Tourism Start-Up Competition, Travel Brochure Making Competition, Travel-Vlog Competition, and Mx. Turismo.

BiPSU Mx. Turismo participant Diaz secured a spot in the top 15 finalists and competed during the event.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University, through the BiPSU-UniFAST, is officially releasing the list of 117 additional grantees under the Tulong-Dunong Program - Tertiary Education Subsidy (TDP-TES) Batch 6.1. These new grantees are now eligible to receive their stipend for the 1st Semester of AY 2023-2024.

LIST OF GRANTEES:

Important Reminders:

New grantees are encouraged to prepare the following requirements ahead of the scheduled release on December 6.

For the Grantee:

Clear and updated University ID

Report of Grades for the 1st Semester of AY 2023-2024

For Authorized Representatives:

Special Power of Attorney (SPA) (for friends, relatives, or classmates)

Authorization Letter (for parents)

Valid ID of the authorized representative

[Data Privacy Notice: The release of grantee names is necessary to inform the public and program beneficiaries. Only the student names will be disclosed; other personal data such as contact details or academic records will not be shared. BiPSU ensures that all personal data is protected in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. The disclosed data will be retained only for as long as required by law and will be securely disposed of afterward.]

Biliran Province State University, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Biliran, held a project pitching activity for the BiPSU Intellectual Property Office (IPO)-registered technologies and a business matching with potential adopters.

The event, held on November 18 at the university gymnasium, aimed to connect BiPSU's innovative utility models (UMs) with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and industry producers for potential adoption and commercialization.

In his message, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. explained the event is not just an opportunity to showcase the innovations BiPSU has developed and registered under the IPO, but also a proof to the shared dedication of the university and partners to upholding and advancing the university’s vision, mission, and core values.

“Events like this align perfectly with that aspiration as we present BiPSU’s innovative technologies designed to address challenges and create opportunities for sustainable development,” he said.

The morning session featured the presentation of 15 utility models (UMs) developed by BiPSU researchers across three innovation clusters: cosmetics, fragrance, and personal care; processed food and processed fruits and nuts; and technology development, textile and materials, and wearable and homestyle products.

Over 40 MSMEs, representatives from Alto Peak Chocolates, and members of the Biliran Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated, with each UM introduced by its respective proponent to showcase its potential in enhancing industry practices and addressing local market demands. 

Meanwhile, the afternoon session was dedicated to business matching, where MSMEs and industry stakeholders explored collaborations for technology adoption. This activity aligns with DTI’s Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program, which seeks to improve MSME competitiveness by providing access to advanced technology and innovation.

According to DTI-Biliran Provincial Director Dr. Faustino V. Gayas, Jr., by connecting BiPSUs’ intellectual property outputs with business partners, BiPSU and DTI are creating pathways for commercialization, technology adoption, and entrepreneurial growth, and economic development.

“I am confident that we will witness a convergence of ideas, where potential adaptors can explore opportunities to enhance their enterprises while contributing to the wider economic landscape of the Province and [Eastern VIsayas],” Dr. Gayas said.

The trade and industry provincial director also encouraged both the proponents and possible adopters to work together to ensure that the innovations do not remain as concepts but are fully utilized for community development, job creation, and sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, Mr. Noel Barquera, proprietor of the Alto Peak Chocolates, also shared his entrepreneurial journey from starting a small cacao-to-chocolate enterprise in 2019 to establishing Leyte’s first bean-to-bar chocolate factory.

Other attendees of the activity also include Dr. Romeo Dignos, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provincial director; Mr. Romeo Padulla from the Intellectual Property Rights of the Philippines (IPOPHIL); Mr. Ritchie Curso, president of Biliran Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr. Roland Niez, vice president for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services; Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, director of Research Office; Associate Professor Jeruel Espinazo, director of Innovation and Production Office; and Mr. Marclin Aguilar, director of Food Research and Development Center.

The activity, spearheaded by the Research and Innovation Office, aligns with BiPSU’s vision to be an internationally recognized university responsive to the needs of local and global communities.  

#WoWBiPSU

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure]

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its Research Development Office, successfully conducted the Batch 3 Research Mentorship Orientation on November 14 via virtual platform. 

The event, held for academic scholars from both the Naval and Biliran campuses, aims to equip students with essential research skills to craft thought papers targeted for publication in Scopus-indexed journals for increased students’ employability. 

“This is the best way and strategy that we can help our students in terms of employability because if you are good in writing, especially in publications, employers will really be attracted to you,” said University President Dr. Canezo, in his message.  

Dr. Don Eliseo Prisno, Founder of GHF- University Excellence, one of the program mentors, highlighted the importance of building a strong research culture, stating, “We will be on campus regularly to hold research clinics with students.” 

Addressing over 200 academic scholars participating from both campuses, he encouraged them not only to focus on research but to consider publishing essays and thought articles in scholarly journals.

Meanwhile, University President Dr. Victor C. Canezo Jr. expressed gratitude to Dr. Prisno and other mentors for their dedication to BiPSU’s research initiatives. "Thanks to Dr. Prisno and Mr. Jericho for journeying with us.  Even for a short time, we've seen significant improvements in our research performance, especially with the rise in Scopus-indexed publications," remarked Dr. Canezo. 

With this initiative from the RDO, the president hoped to see tangible outcomes through scholars’ publications. 

It can be noted that in a recent meeting held on October 30, BiPSU President Canezo announced plans to mentor the academic scholars, with the goal of preparing them to become future mentors themselves. As he mentioned, these scholars will guide and mentor other students to help the university in strengthening a culture of knowledge-sharing and academic excellence. 

"I am confident that our academic scholars, our cream of the crop, will make BiPSU proud with their contributions and definitely will make BiPSU a WoW,” the president concluded. 

Said event was also attended by Mr. Jerico Ogaya, Dr. Prisno's program manager., Vice President for Research, Extension and Innovation, Dr. Roland A. Niez and Director of the Research Development Office, Dr. Pearl Irish de paz. 

The Director of the Research Development Office (RDO) announced that the university will also be hosting an in-person workshop this December 2024. 

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.]

With its reinforced commitment to provide students with global exposure, Biliran Province State University formally entered into a partnership agreement with the Outbound Education and Internships (OBEI), an international internship and education agency. 

The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), held at the Office of the President on November 13, was personally attended by University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., who signed on behalf of the university. Mr. John Jerick Postrero also attended representing OBEI.

The signing was also witnessed by the first batch of students participating in the internship program, School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME)’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) coordinators, and SME Dean Dr. Mafel Piol.

Through this MOA, OBEI will facilitate the overseas internship placements of tourism and hospitality management students, offering opportunities in various countries including the United States of America (USA), France, and Thailand.

As of writing, 11 students from SME have confirmed their participation in these international internships, with four set to intern in the USA, four in France, and three in Thailand.

During the signing, Dr. Cañezo reiterated BiPSU’s vision of providing students with international opportunities to broaden their horizons. 

“This partnership is a milestone for BiPSU as we bring our students closer to the global stage,” Dr. Cañezo said. “We want to ensure that our students gain the best experience and insights that will prepare them for successful careers.”

Furthermore, OBEI representative John Jerick Postrero highlighted that this internship program will significantly enhance job prospects for BiPSU interns. He emphasized that international experience on their resumes will make them more attractive to global employers.

Postrero also assured that OBEI is committed to prioritizing the interns' welfare and safety, particularly by arranging secure accommodations and ensuring reliable placements within their assigned companies. “We know that working abroad can be psychologically challenging, so we ensure that interns are placed in pairs or groups of two or three within each company,” he said.

Dr. Cañezo also emphasized that the administration will conduct an on-site visit before the students begin their internships to ensure their safety and welfare. Additionally, he aims to establish regular monitoring of students abroad, potentially with the assistance of BiPSU alumni based in those countries.

Meanwhile, in an interview, Dr. Mafel Piol expressed that sending students for international internships marks a significant step forward for SME, as it provides students with invaluable global exposure. “The experience they will gain through this OJT will not only enhance their technical skills but also cultivate adaptability, resilience, and cultural awareness, which are crucial in today’s market,” she said.

Dr. Piol further emphasized that this initiative is a pathway not only to strengthen students’ resumes but also to shape their future careers with an expanded worldview and richer professional experiences.

The SME dean also revealed that the last time the tourism program offered an international internship was eleven years ago. She highlighted the importance of reviving and expanding these opportunities for current students.

Prior to the MOA signing, SME, in collaboration with OBEI, held an orientation last August 15 at the university’s Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC) to introduce students to the various internship prospects abroad.

The university president expressed hope that this partnership will pave the way for more international opportunities not only for students but also for faculty members, enhancing BiPSU's global engagement and connections.

The partnership and initiative to provide international internships align with the university’s vision of becoming an internationally recognized institution that responds to the needs of the global community by producing highly skilled graduates and a competent workforce.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]

“By instilling financial discipline and resilience in every Filipino, we can create a more stable and prosperous country.”

In an inspirational message marking the celebration of Economic and Financial Literacy Month of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., university president, stressed out the importance of financial literacy in achieving a prosperous, resilient middle class in the country.

Addressing the students of the Department of Business Administration and Department of Economics from the School of Arts and Sciences during this year’s celebration, themed "Empowering Filipinos Towards Realizing a Prosperous Middle-Class Society through Economic and Financial Literacy," Dr. Cañezo reiterated that financial literacy should be seen as a transformative, collective force vital for societal advancement.

"Financial literacy is not just an individual pursuit—it is a collective movement," Dr. Cañezo asserted. 

The university president encouraged students and faculty to embrace financial literacy, stressing that an informed population builds resilient communities, prepares people to face economic challenges, and equips them to take advantage of opportunities for progress.

“Reflecting on this, I am reminded of my own experiences and the financial challenges I faced,” shared the president. 

Dr. Canezo narrated personal stories from his childhood, recalling his family’s financial limitations and the lessons learned from those experiences. These experiences, he explained, taught him discipline and patience—values he sees as fundamental to financial literacy. 

"From a young age, I learned the importance of stretching what we had and the value of every peso, even now that I am your president," he said, noting that even small savings could have transformative effects over time.

The university president also shared his experiences growing up in a family that lived on a modest income and reiterated that learning to budget and prioritize spending from a young age was a necessity. 

"Every expense was carefully considered," he recalled. The president described how even small desires had to be postponed. These challenges, he explained, instilled patience and appreciation for financial discipline.

In his address, the university presented financial literacy as a tool that everyone can access, regardless of financial background. 

"Financial literacy enables each of us to aspire to a future where our dreams are achievable," he noted. 

He added that knowing how  to budget, save, invest, and manage debt can transform lives and expand opportunities.

Addressing the younger generation, Dr. Cañezo highlighted the financial struggles faced by students who work part-time to fund their education while supporting their families.

For many of them, he noted, financial literacy offers a crucial lifeline.

"Learning to budget and save not only helps them survive but empowers them to thrive," he added. 

"We dream of a prosperous middle-class society, and financial literacy is the bridge that can take us there," he noted.

The president also emphasized that financial discipline and resilience are not just personal assets but essential values for a thriving society.

Dr. Cañezo extended his gratitude to the event organizers, recognizing their dedication to building a financially literate nation. He also urged everyone to use Economic and Financial Literacy Month as an opportunity to learn and to grow.

"Let’s envision a future where every Filipino has the knowledge and means to live comfortably and independently," he concluded. 

The celebration, held today, November 13, at the BiPSU Gymnasium, also featured two resource speakers: Joseph C. Pica, Information Officer from the National Economic and Development Authority, and Erma L. Lagarte, Economic Affairs Staff at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Visayas Regional Office.

#WoWBiPSU

To promote financial literacy among students, Biliran Province State University, through the School of Arts and Sciences Supreme Student Council (SAS-SSC) and the Students of Economic Circle (SEC), joined the celebration of the Economic and Financial Literacy Month on November 13 at the university gymnasium.

With the theme “Empowering Filipinos Towards Realizing a Prosperous Middle-Class Society Through Economic and Financial Literacy,” the activity aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for making informed and rational financial decisions.

The whole-day celebration was attended by students from the Department of Business Administration and Department of Economics from SAS, along with students from the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME).

In his message, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., highlighted the importance of financial literacy through giving spotlight to working students who strive to make ends meet.

“We’ve all heard stories of students working part-time jobs to make ends meet, carefully managing their finances to buy books and support their families,” Dr. Cañezo said. “Learning to budget and save not only helps them survive but empowers them to strive―to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a better future.”

The event featured two plenary sessions. The first session, Reducing Inequality: Empowering Filipinos Towards Realizing a Prosperous Middle-Class Society, was discussed by Mr. Joseph C. Pica, information officer from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Meanwhile, the second session, Wealth Creation: Empowering Filipinos Towards Realizing a Prosperous Middle-Class Society, was tackled by Ms. Erma L. Lagarte, regional economic affairs staff at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Visayas Regional Office.

Additionally, question and answer portions followed in each discussion, allowing a space for students to ask inquiries and clarifications in relation to financial literacy. 

Simultaneously, the celebration also featured a research presentation at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC) participated by fourth year Bachelor of Arts in Economics (BA-Econ) students.

This culmination is pursuant to Republic Act No. 10922, known as the “Economic Financial Literacy Act,” which is celebrated every second week of November to develop national consciousness on economic and financial literacy.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequality.]

Aimed at preparing pre-service teachers (PSTs) for their upcoming internship program, BiPSU's School of Teacher Education (STED) held a week-long pre-departure orientation seminar (PDOS) series at the university gymnasium from November 5 to 8. 

The said activity aims to fully equip PSTs with essential skills and knowledge as part of their experiential learning courses, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world teaching experiences.

The seminar series began by focusing on capacity-building for PSTs, with resource speakers from Leyte and Biliran divisions leading discussions to strengthen their foundational teaching skills. As the seminar progressed, the topics shifted to more specialized areas, such as classroom-based action research, gender and development, and personality development.

In his message, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. emphasized the seminar’s importance, noting that it not only enhances the PSTs' professional skills but also boosts their confidence to inspire, lead, and uplift every student they encounter. 

“The experience you gain now will shape not just your teaching practices but also your approach to life,” he said. “Reminder, teaching is not just a profession, it's a lifelong mission of influence and transformation” 

Following the initial seminars, PSTs participated in interactive workshops, including a session on lesson planning, which allowed them to practice what they had learned in real-time. The seminar ultimately concluded with a teaching pageant, offering PSTs the chance to showcase their abilities in a supportive yet competitive environment, further honing their teaching skills.

In an interview, Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, dean of STEd, expressed strong confidence in this year’s cohort, stating that they are thoroughly trained and equipped to manage real-world teaching tasks.

“With the expertise they have acquired, I am very confident that this year's PSTs are well-trained and well-versed to handle actual work,” Dr. Zipagan said. “I truly believe they are more than capable of applying what they’ve learned, especially since the commitment demonstrated by this batch gives me every confidence that they are ready to make a significant impact in the field of education.”

#WOWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.]