Biliran Province State University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr. led the university's delegation to the 2026 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly, held on July 13–15 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City.

The convention, anchored on the theme, "Transformative Leadership and Strategic Governance: Empowering SUCs for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures," commemorated the 59th Founding Anniversary of PASUC and served as a venue for strengthening collaboration among SUCs and national government agencies.

Joining him were Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, vice president for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning; Engr. Paul Mathew S. Bentor, chairperson of the Management Information Systems Office, and Engr. Joshua Gibson Fuentes, executive assistant to the President.

The three-day gathering brought together presidents, administrators, policymakers, researchers, and higher education leaders from state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country to discuss emerging trends, governance reforms, innovation, digital transformation, internationalization, research commercialization, and institutional resilience. 

Throughout the convention, the BiPSU delegation participated in plenary sessions, high-level dialogues, and strategic discussions covering governance and accountability, innovation and partnerships, instruction and student success, digital transformation, human capital development, and research commercialization.

During the election of PASUC national and regional officers on the first day, incumbent Batangas State University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo was reelected PASUC President for another two-year term.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cañezo was unanimously reelected as Chairperson of PASUC Region VIII by the regional association’s members present during the assembly.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its National Service Training Program (NSTP) Director Dr. Reynold G. Bustillo, participated in the Regional NSTP Forum and Capacity Building for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region VIII held on July 14 at the Graduate School Function Hall of Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban City.

The activity was organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII (CHEDRO VIII) under the leadership of Regional Director Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe. In his message, Dr. Aljibe emphasized the role of NSTP in developing students into responsible citizens through values formation, discipline, civic consciousness, volunteerism, and patriotism.

The forum gathered NSTP implementers from HEIs across Eastern Visayas to discuss program updates, implementation concerns, and existing policies. It also provided an opportunity for participants to raise concerns, seek clarifications, share experiences and good practices, and strengthen coordination with CHEDRO VIII.

During the activity, Mr. Bustillo met with Ms. Norina T. Espocia, Education Program Specialist II and CHEDRO VIII NSTP Focal Person, to express the University's appreciation for her assistance in facilitating BiPSU's requests for NSTP serial numbers and for her continued support in the implementation of the program.

BiPSU's participation in the forum reflects the University's commitment to strengthening the implementation of the National Service Training Program through continuous coordination with CHED and collaboration with higher education institutions in the region.

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The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) Search Committee for Private Sector Representatives (SCPSR), constituted pursuant to Biliran Province State University Board of Regents Resolution No. 45, series of 2026, formally convened its inaugural meeting on July 13 at the Convergence Room of the Office of the University President.

The committee is chaired by Dr. Jinky M. Macabago, Acting Dean of the School of Technology and Computer Studies and President of the BiPSU Faculty Association (BiPSUFA). Its members are Mr. Alex Solamo, Private Sector Representative, and Mr. Chazonne Kim N. Almazon, Student Representative. The committee is also supported by  Secretariats composed of Engr. Joshua Ken Policarpio, representative of the Office of CHED Commissioner Michelle Aguilar-Ong; Ms. Apple Joy Balondo Visitacion, University and Board Secretary; and Dr. Vic Marie Bornillo, BiPSU faculty member.

During the meeting, the committee discussed the drafting of the search process guidelines, the proposed timeline of activities, and other related matters. It also deliberated on the endorsement of the proposed guidelines and recommendations to the BiPSU Board of Regents for approval.

“We will immediately be posting in public the guidelines for the search process after the approval of the referendum. We are hoping for the participation of the private sector representatives who wish to serve BiPSU as members of the Governing Board,” said Board Secretary Ms. Apple Joy Visitacion in an interview.  

The inaugural meeting marked the formal commencement of the search process for the University’s two Private Sector Representatives to the BiPSU Board of Regents.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) was announced as the 2nd Place winner in the Visayas-Mindanao Consortium for Journal Publication, Inc. (VMCJPI) Research Cup 2026: The Scopus Publication Challenge for Global Impact (A Bibliometric Competition) on July 10 through the research of faculty members Jefry E. Aransado and Jeson V. Viñas, Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) major in Mathematics student Christian Jay C. Castil, and collaborator Neil Aldrin T. Olvina of De La Salle Santiago Zobel School.

Their entry, "Circular Economy Initiatives in Higher Education: A Retrospective Bibliometric Analysis (1945–2025)," was among the top-performing submissions in the consortium-wide competition, which challenged participants to demonstrate their competence in bibliometric analysis, scientific mapping, research evaluation, and data-driven research planning.

The study examined the global research landscape of circular economy initiatives in higher education through a retrospective bibliometric analysis of Scopus-indexed publications from 1945 to 2025. Using Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer, the researchers analyzed publication trends, citation impact, collaboration networks, influential authors and institutions, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic developments to determine the growth and direction of research in the field.

The researchers found a significant increase in research output after 2019, reflecting the growing global interest in circular economy initiatives in higher education. Their analysis also identified sustainability, life cycle assessment, and higher education as the dominant research themes, while artificial intelligence, Industry 5.0, entrepreneurship education, and educational innovation emerged as developing areas of study.

The VMCJPI Research Cup recognizes outstanding bibliometric research and scientific mapping conducted by faculty and staff from member institutions. BiPSU's second-place finish was among the top recognitions conferred during this year's competition.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) students may soon take their training beyond the campus and into the workplaces of Clark as the university explores a partnership with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) for on-the-job training and student immersion.

Through the initiative of CHED Commissioner Michelle Aguilar Ong, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr., together with other 21 State University and College (SUC) presidents met with CDC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atty. Agnes Devanadera on July 9, 2026, during the second day of the Presidents’ Roundtable Meeting for Unified Strategic Growth Midyear Session at Clark Freeport Zone, Clark, Pampangga. 

In her address, Atty. Devanadera welcomed the possibility of accepting interns from the participating SUCs, which Commissioner Ong referred to as the “Magnificent 22.”

She emphasized that students coming from different provinces could contribute diverse cultural perspectives and communication skills—qualities that are valuable when engaging with tourists, international investors, and companies operating inside Clark.

“Clark is the gateway to the North Luzon corridors,” Devanadera said, underscoring the Freeport’s strategic role as a center for business, aviation, tourism, information technology (IT), engineering and investment.

The proposed opportunity would build on CDC’s existing Town and Gown Program, which connects higher education institutions with workplace-based training opportunities. As of May 2026, CDC had 28 academic partners and had welcomed 571 interns since the program began in 2024. Interns have gained practical exposure in industries such as tourism, aviation, logistics, IT, manufacturing, and business services.

During the session, CDC human resource and internship officials also presented the corporation’s latest programs for strengthening academe–industry collaboration, including its Town and Gown approach and the Clark Connect initiative.

President Cañezo expressed strong interest in establishing a formal partnership that would enable qualified BiPSU students to complete their OJT or industry immersion in Clark including programs in Engineering, Computer Science, BS in Information System, Bachelor of Industrial Technology (BIndTech), Hotel and Tourism Management, BS in Economics, Teacher Education programs, Business Administration and BS in Industrial Security Management. 

Such an arrangement would expose BiPSUnistas to professional workplace environments outside Eastern Visayas, allowing them to develop technical competencies, communication skills, and professional networks before graduation.

More importantly, the proposed partnership could help bridge the gap between classroom learning and the changing demands of employers.

While an internship would not automatically guarantee employment, industry exposure could strengthen the employability of BiPSU graduates and introduce them to possible career opportunities among Clark’s locators, investors, and partner organizations.

Furthermore, the proposed partnership will also include a faculty immersion program, providing faculty members with opportunities to gain industry experience, become familiar with current workplace practices and technologies, and align classroom instruction and academic programs with the needs of the industry. 

The initiative would also help BiPSU’s continuing effort to expand learning opportunities and establish partnerships that can connect its students with regional, national and international industries.

“We sincerely thank CHED, through Commissioner Ong, for making this initiative possible and for bringing us together with key industry partners such as the Clark Development Corporation. This opportunity opens new doors for our students to gain relevant workplace experience, and become better prepared for employment,” Dr. Cañezo said in an interview. 

Clark Freeport Zone, which is managed by CDC, was named Asia’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2025 by the World Travel Awards. 

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CLARK, Pampanga — Biliran Province State University was recognized as the Leader of the Season among 22 participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) under the chairpersonship of Commissioner Michelle Ong, during the 2nd Presidents’ Roundtable Meeting for Unified Strategic Growth Midyear Session held on July 8, 2026, at Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

The award cited BiPSU’s visionary leadership and commitment to innovation, particularly through its successful advocacy of the One-Hardbound Thesis and Dissertation Policy, which promoted sustainable and student-centered academic practices among SUCs.

During the said event, Commissioner Ong also announced that BiPSU will be granted a dashboard to help ensure the continued implementation of the Green Knowledge and Stewardship Policy across universities. The dashboard will monitor the annual number of trees saved through the policy, supporting data-driven reporting and sustainability efforts among SUCs. 

BiPSU also received the “Kumpleto Rekados Digital Version” award, commending the university’s complete and organized digital submission of documents for Board Meetings. The recognition particularly highlighted the efforts of the Office of the University and Board Secretary under the leadership of the former Board Secretary Dr. Ralph Arvic T. Arcenal, for ensuring the complete staff work during Board proceedings.

Prior to the awarding ceremony, the first day of the event featured discussions on key initiatives and programs aimed at strengthening institutional development among SUCs.

Among the notable topics discussed were the Commission’s initiatives on Project PAG-IBIG, capacitation activities for GAD officers, the RankReady Dashboard, partnership opportunities, and the capacitation of Career and Placement Officers.

The roundtable also tackled future academic and student-centered initiatives, including local internship and exchange programs, Project TULAY, I-CARE Program, the Elevated Discussion initiative for graduate education, ISLA Grant, Library Congress, and a masterclass for Board Secretaries.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) presented its internationalization initiatives during the 2026 International Relations Officers (IRO) Visayas Congress held at the Siquijor State College (SSC) Convention Center from June 30 to July 1.

Office of Internationalization Affairs Director Ms. Chiejheaca Jehanna G. Yu represented the University at the two-day gathering of international relations officers and higher education leaders from across the Visayas. She was one of two presenters selected from Region VIII, alongside the Office of International Affairs Director of Southern Leyte State University.

With the theme, "Advancing Inclusive and Impact-Driven Internationalization for Future-Ready Philippine HEIs," the congress provided a venue for participating institutions to share internationalization initiatives, strengthen institutional partnerships, promote research collaboration, and expand student and faculty mobility.

During her presentation, Ms. Yu highlighted BiPSU's internationalization best practices and the strategic framework that supports the University's student and faculty mobility programs. She also discussed the University's Strategic Internationalization Plan for 2024–2027 and its alignment with the Commission on Higher Education's A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Agenda, particularly on expanded and impact-driven internationalization.

The congress also served as a platform for higher education institutions in the Visayas to exchange experiences and explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing internationalization initiatives.

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Biliran Province State University’s (BiPSU) School of Criminal Justice Education (SCJE), in collaboration with the Research and Knowledge Management Office, conducted its 2026 In-House Research Review via Zoom on July 6. 

The activity brought together SCJE faculty members to present their completed research studies for evaluation by external experts. It aimed to assess the quality of the research outputs and provide recommendations for further improvement and publication.

Serving as panelists were Dr. Angelyn L. Noble of Visayas State University–Tolosa and Dr. Richard N. Verdeflor of Northwest Samar State University. They evaluated the presented studies and provided comments and recommendations to strengthen the quality and rigor of each research output.

The studies covered various topics in criminal justice education and community development, covering issues relevant to the discipline and the communities they serve. 

The in-house research review is one of BiPSU’s regular research activities aimed at promoting scholarly work and supporting the continuous professional development of faculty researchers. 

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Three personnel of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) have secured international scholarships that will enable them to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan and the United States beginning August 2026. 

Engr. Jessie Mari D. Cerera, Planning Officer III, was selected as a final successful candidate under the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS Project), a grant-aid program of the Government of Japan. He will pursue a Master of Environmental Studies/Engineering at Nagoya University from August 16, 2026, to October 31, 2028.

Meanwhile, Jofil A. Mati-om, Assistant Professor I, and Christian Ulysses G. Cagasan, Instructor I, were selected as final successful candidates under the PhilDOST–Texas Tech University Doctoral Research and Mentoring Program. As PhD student scholars, they will pursue Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University in the United States from August 2026 to July 2030.

The postgraduate studies are expected to further strengthen Engr. Cerera's expertise in institutional planning, policy development, strategic management, and development programming, while the doctoral training and international research exposure of Mr. Mati-om and Mr. Cagasan are expected to enhance the University's research capability, expand international academic collaborations, strengthen graduate education, and support the continued development of its faculty.

The selection of the three BiPSUnistas underscores the University's continued investment in faculty and staff development.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) participated in the inaugural United Startups and Startup Enablers for Wealth-Creation, Acceleration, and Growth (USWAG) Regional Conference: Startup Eastern Visayas on July 6 at Summit Hotel in Tacloban City. The conference brought together startup founders, government agencies, higher education institutions, and innovation stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and advance innovation-driven development in Eastern Visayas.

Representing the University was Mr. Glenn Gumba, Director of the Office of Institutional Innovation and Technology Development (OIITD), who served as a panelist in the session, “USWAG Forward: Bridging Stakeholder Initiatives to Help Eastern Visayas Startups Start, Survive, and Scale.”

During the panel discussion, Mr. Gumba emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration among academia, industry, government, and innovation enablers in building a sustainable startup ecosystem. He said these partnerships provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to transform innovative ideas into viable ventures.

The conference also served as a venue for participants to exchange insights, establish partnerships, and explore initiatives that support the growth of startups across Eastern Visayas.

Through its participation in the inaugural USWAG Regional Conference, BiPSU reaffirmed its commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven development in support of a stronger and more inclusive startup ecosystem in the region.

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Photos courtesy of DOST Eastern Visayas.