Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has made a significant leap in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) for 2026, rising 59 places to secure the 174th spot, up from 233rd in 2025. This advancement underscores the institution's growing prominence on the international stage as a center for academic and operational excellence.

The university's progress is highlighted not only by its overall ranking but also by the expansion of its institutional scope within the WURI framework. In 2025, the university was recognized in three distinct categories. By 2026, the institution expanded its reach to 16 categories, reflecting a broader and deeper commitment to diverse areas of innovation and societal development.

Leading the university’s performance this year is an exceptional showing in crisis management and global resilience. The institution earned a Top 4 placement globally in the Crisis Management category, followed by a Top 8 placement in SDG- and ESG-Based Responses to Past and Present Global Challenges.

Reacting to the milestone, the University President expressed profound gratitude and emphasized the collective effort behind this achievement:

"We share this recognition with all our BiPSU weavers, the governing board, WURI writers, administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, partners, and stakeholders whose dedication continues to move the University forward. This is a reflection of who we are and what we continuously strive to become—a university that weaves innovation, service, and worthiness for the people and the world. Padayon ta in weaving of worthiness for a more innovative and globally competitive BiPSU!"

The university’s multifaceted contributions were further recognized across multiple disciplines and management categories:

𝑻𝒐𝒑 23 – 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕

𝑻𝒐𝒑 23 – 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚, 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉

𝑻𝒐𝒑 24 – 𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚

𝑻𝒐𝒑 28 – 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕-𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

𝑻𝒐𝒑 40 – 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒆𝒓

𝑻𝒐𝒑 42 – 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑

𝑻𝒐𝒑 44 – 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚-𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑬𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔

𝑻𝒐𝒑 50 – 𝑬𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚

𝑻𝒐𝒑 67 – 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒕-𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

𝑻𝒐𝒑 68 – 𝑭𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆-𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝑼𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑮𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒌

𝑻𝒐𝒑 81 – 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚

𝑻𝒐𝒑 87 – 𝑬𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎

𝑻𝒐𝒑 93 – 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

𝑻𝒐𝒑 99 – 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒅

These results demonstrate a comprehensive institutional approach that integrates sustainability, ethical governance, and advanced research into the core framework of the university. The strong rankings across varied indicators such as knowledge transfer, social impact, and infrastructure illustrate BiPSU's dedication to serving the community while expanding its global academic footprint.

#WoWBiPSU

Through its School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) spotlighted the evolving role of nurses in a technology-advanced world through a forum titled "Nursing Amid AI and Global Citizenship" on April 29 held at the university gymnasium.

Gathering the nursing students, faculty members and university officials for an afternoon of learning, reflection, and professional inspiration, the event featured Dr. Carl E. Balita, a nationally recognized educator, nurse and entrepreneur, whose lecture deepened the participants’ understanding of how artificial intelligence, innovation and global awareness are reshaping the nursing profession.

“Technology will continue to transform healthcare, but it will never replace the compassion, critical thinking, and ethical grounding of a nurse,” Dr. Balita said. “The challenge is not to compete with AI, but to work alongside it—bringing humanity into innovation.”

Anchored on BiPSU’s commitment to relevant and transformative education, the activity emphasized the importance of preparing future nurses not only as skilled health practitioners, but also as compassionate, globally minded, and ethically grounded professionals capable of responding to modern healthcare challenges.

“This undertaking speaks directly to the kind of nursing professionals we hope to form here at BiPSU, nurses who are competent in their field, responsive to the demands of a changing world, and grounded in service,” Prof. Victor C. Cañezo Jr., university president, expressed.

Moreover, an open forum where nursing students directly engaged with Dr. Balita was conducted, wherein they raised questions on ethical dilemmas in AI-assisted healthcare, global mobility of nurses, and the future of patient-centered care.

Through initiatives like this, BiPSU advances its SNHS students by bridging industry expertise and classroom learning, equipping its students to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare while remaining dedicated to service and compassion.

This event underscores the university’s continuing thrust to weave academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility into its nursing education.

#WoWBiPSU

To chart its operational course and align its institutional goals, the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Societal Impact (VP RISI) of the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) successfully conducted its Strategic Planning and Targeting 2026 on May 5, 2026.

The half-day event gathered key university personnel and stakeholders at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC).

The program officially commenced with a welcome message from Dr. Roland A. Niez, VP RISI, who emphasized the importance of a unified vision for the university's research and innovation endeavors. Following this, Research Project Assistant Ms. Ma. Shiela C. Torregoza formally introduced the participants.

University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. conveyed a strong message of solidarity and unwavering support to the attendees. "The administration stands firmly behind the VP RISI as you chart our course for 2026. You have my full backing in your efforts to advance our Weaving of Worthiness through impactful research and innovation. We are committed to providing the support you need to turn these targets into a reality for the communities we serve," Prof. Cañezo stated.

The core of the event featured in-depth discussions led by two primary resource speakers. EnP. Jessie Mari D. Cerera, RCE, Director of the Office for Strategy Management, spearheaded the first major session, detailing the intricacies of strategic planning and targeting for the upcoming year. The discussion provided a framework for the office to effectively measure and achieve its upcoming milestones.

Following the strategy session, Dr. Robert P. Jordan, Director of Quality Assurance and Accreditation, took the floor to discuss critical accreditation matters. His presentation highlighted the necessary preparations and quality standards required to maintain and elevate the university's academic and operational accreditations in the coming years.

The strategic planning session concluded shortly after midday. Dr. Pearl Irish V. De Paz, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Societal Impact, delivered the closing remarks, summarizing the key takeaways from the morning's discussions and officially concluding the successful collaborative effort.

#WoWBiPSU

In a significant stride toward advancing local agricultural research and biodiversity conservation, the Balik Scientist Program team from the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) conducted a comprehensive germplasm expansion initiative across key municipalities in Leyte and Biliran provinces.

Led by the university's Balik Scientist, the undertaking focused on gathering both wild and cultivated cacao accessions and ube clones to enhance existing agricultural research collections. The Leyte operations covered Baybay City, Abuyog, and the municipality of Leyte. A major highlight of the expedition was the acquisition of six distinct ube clones provided by the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootCrops) at the Visayas State University (VSU). These accessions are expected to bolster ongoing research on crop improvement and genetic preservation within the region.

Expanding the scope of the initiative, the Balik Scientist and the BiPSU technical and support team conducted continuous collection activities across Biliran Province, specifically in the municipalities of Cabucgayan, Caibiran, Biliran, and Naval. This phase yielded a total of 28 ube accessions, including valuable wild types, alongside 12 cacao accessions. These collections are intended to support conservation efforts and the establishment of biological infrastructure at the BiPSU Biliran Campus.

Wild ube plays a crucial role in conserving genetic diversity, strengthening food security, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting local livelihoods. As a naturally resilient crop, it serves as an important alternative food source, especially during periods of scarcity and environmental stress. The ongoing collection efforts accentuate the wide diversity of ube clones in the province, emphasizing their value not only for conservation but also for future crop improvement, development of climate-resilient varieties, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural development.

In addition to collecting plant materials, the field operations in Leyte resulted in the identification of two strategic farming sites, which have been marked as prospective partners for future collaborative research projects and technology-sharing initiatives.

By preserving these crucial agricultural resources, the initiative continues the institution's commitment to the weaving of worthiness by uplifting communities, securing food systems, and fostering a sustainable future for the region.

Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., University President, commended the milestone: "This initiative reflects our steadfast commitment to driving meaningful agricultural innovation. By securing and studying these indigenous genetic resources, we are not only advancing academic research but also empowering our local farming communities and ensuring a resilient, food-secure future."

The BiPSU team extends its sincere gratitude to the various institutions, private farms, local government units, and community collaborators that provided invaluable support and hospitality throughout the expedition. Special acknowledgment is given to all partner farm institutions, agricultural experts, local families, and municipal nurseries across the region for their collaborative efforts, generosity, and instrumental assistance in locating these crucial plant varieties.

#WoWBiPSU

Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, President of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), showcased the university’s recent milestones and strategic roadmap during his guesting on the Provincial Government’s flagship radio program, “Serbisyong Biliranon ni Dok Roger Espina,” aired over 103.9 Radyo Natin, Naval on April 29.

Hosted by Mr. Jorge Mangco and Mr. Jeane Sanjorjo, the program served as a platform for Prof. Cañezo to discuss the university's "weaving of worthiness" (WoW) narrative and its impact on the province’s development.

A major highlight of the interview was the celebration of BiPSU’s historic performance at the recently concluded 39th Regional SCUAA Games in Tacloban City. For the second consecutive time, BiPSU emerged as the Overall Champion, a feat the President attributed to the collective efforts of the "WoW BiPSU" community and the strong support of local leaders.

Prof. Cañezo expressed deep gratitude to Governor Rogelio J. Espina and Congressman Gerryboy Espina for their unwavering support. He noted that the financial assistance and personal encouragement provided by the province's top officials served as a vital morale booster for the student-athletes, coaches, and trainers.

The President also provided an update regarding the revival of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) program. With the transition of maritime education supervision to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) effective January 2026, Prof. Cañezo shared a "silver lining" for the program’s reopening.

He revealed that the university has already invested approximately ₱25 million in state-of-the-art facilities, including high-fidelity simulators, to ensure 100% compliance with international standards. While a moratorium on new programs remains in place, Prof. Cañezo emphasized that BiPSU is being considered in the "pipeline" of applications.

Addressing the challenges of an ever-growing student population—now reaching roughly 13,000 learners—Prof. Cañezo detailed the university’s innovative two-shift class system. By scheduling classes from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the university maximizes its facilities without compromising the quality of education or student well-being.

"This system ensures our students have enough time for both classroom learning and independent study," Prof. Cañezo explained. The success of this approach is reflected in BiPSU’s academic performance, most notably the 100% passing rate in the Nursing licensure examinations and a high overall average across various board programs.

Prof. Cañezo concluded by thanking the parents, stakeholders, and the Provincial Government for their continued partnership, reaffirming that BiPSU will continue to weave worthiness into the lives of every Biliranon. #WoWBiPSU

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟 𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗢 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘: https://www.youtube.com/live/ODnRS_hWLoA?si=YEv_c09P_Rh9onkT 

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) successfully concluded the three-day Global Industry Leadership Lecture Series 2026, which featured Mr. Aashish Bhatia, a distinguished senior global industry leader from India. Held from April 21 to 23 at the HAVC, the event provided a high-level platform for students to gain insights from an international industry veteran.

University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP emphasized the importance of international collaboration in fostering academic excellence. "This lecture series underscores our commitment to broadening the global perspectives of our students and faculty," the Prof. said. "By bringing international industry leaders to our campus, we ensure that our academic programs remain relevant and responsive to the evolving demands of the global workforce."

This initiative was a collaborative effort spearheaded by SAS alongside the School of Engineering (SOE) and the School of Technology and Computer Studies (STCS), in strategic partnership with the Office of Internationalization Affairs (OIA). The series began on April 21 with "Engineering Leadership and Industry Problem Solving" for SOE students. On April 22, the focus shifted to "Strategy Leadership and Building High-Performance Organizations" for STCS students, before culminating on April 23 with a session for SAS students titled "From Classroom to Corporate: Skills for Leadership in the Real World".

Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, this lecture series represents a direct commitment to providing inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning opportunities for the BiPSU community. In addition to the formal lectures, Mr. Bhatia conducted a tour of the university's academic facilities, including the specialized laboratories and instructional classrooms of SAS, SOE, and STCS. During these visits, he engaged in direct interactions with both students and faculty members, further strengthening the connection between academic instruction and global corporate standards.

#WoWBiPSU

In balancing the scales between those born with a silver spoon and those who live hand-to-mouth, do the underprivileged truly have the capacity to rise? This story declared it yes, with 81.80% certainty.

Among the five pioneering scholars of Biliran Province State University's (BiPSU) Affirmative Action Scholarship Program who earned their bachelor's degree during the 47th Commencement Exercises in May 2025 is Donna Abrigo, now a Licensed Professional Teacher (LPT) after passing the September 2025 Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT).

Abrigo, a former sales clerk, was shadowed by poverty. Heavy mist clung to the mountain foot of Sitio Palayan, Almeria, Biliran, where she grew up, wrapping the Mamanwa tribe in a quiet that only roosters and rustling leaves could break. Dawn arrived slowly there, where smoke curled from small kitchens made of wood and tin. The earth smelled of damp soil and firewood. In that highland silence, a hopeful daughter once stood barefoot outside their home, watching her mother prepare for another day of labor, her father already on the rice terraces.

In every movement of her hands—fetching water, sweeping dust from the bamboo floor, helping prepare the morning meal—there was a soft vow forming. “I will become a teacher,” she told herself, long before she understood how heavy that promise would become.

“Tubong bukid ra man na siya.” [She's just a provincial bumpkin,] they would say. It was as if the mountain were a limitation. It was as if distance were destiny.

At a young age, Abrigo understood that life does not unfold evenly. She was not born with the weight of a silver spoon in her mouth but with responsibilities in her hands. As one of the impecunious children, she learned early how to balance chores with schoolwork and dreams with duty. She walked long, uneven paths to attend classes, sometimes under a punishing sun, sometimes beneath skies ready to break into rain. Her bag was never new, and her notebooks were sometimes half-filled with recycled pages.

But her eyes—her eyes carried something unborrowed and unbreakable.

When she entered college at BiPSU, the terrain changed, yet the struggle remained. The classroom was larger, the lessons heavier, and the expenses sharper. There were days when transportation fare was a computation. Days when projects required money that did not exist in her pocket. Days when hunger and humiliation tried to sit beside her in lectures. Around her were classmates with complete materials, stable allowances, and lighter worries. She smiled politely, but inside she wrestled with questions she dared not voice: Will I survive this semester? Will I make it to graduation?

The 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article XIV Section 1, promised education as a right for all. Abrigo believed it; she held onto it like scripture. But rights, she learned, must sometimes be fought for quietly—through sleepless nights, borrowed money, bravery in harder challenges, and pride swallowed whole.

There were moments she stumbled. Subjects that challenged her confidence. Situations when the mountain girl in her felt too small in the vastness of academia. Yet she stood up each time, with the stubborn strength of someone who had climbed hills since childhood.

Then came the University's Affirmative Action Scholarship Program through President Victor C. Cañezo, Jr.—a bridge she did not know was being built for someone like her. It did not erase poverty. It did not flatten the mountain. But it gave her footing. It told her, without fanfare, that BiPSU sees students beyond privilege. Somewhere within institutional policies and budget lines, there was a belief that being underprivileged does not mean being undercapable.

From being a saleslady, Abrigo received tremendous help from the said scholarship. She shared that without the program’s assistance, managing her academics alongside working would have been tough. It truly created opportunities for her and allowed her to concentrate on her studies.

“The program blessed me more than just with financial help; it also gave me hope and encouragement," said Abrigo in an interview. "As an indigent, I once thought my dreams were out of reach, but BiPSU gave me the chance to pursue my passion for education and reminded me that no dream is ever too big when you're given the right support.”

More radiant than the celestial bodies, her once-bleak hopes bloomed a rosy hue, nurtured by the invigorating benefits. With the university's Affirmative Action, she was handed a living allowance of PhP 2,500.00 per month, which also covers meals, transportation, and other incidental expenses; all other expenses not covered by UniFAST, such as Related Learning Experience (RLE), including on-the-job training (OJT) fees, internships, and other required fees of the enrolled program; ready-made uniforms prescribed by the program; and free accommodation in the dormitory.

Years later, in 2025, Abrigo successfully marched on stage as a graduate of the School of Teacher Education (STEd) in the Bachelor of Elementary Education program, where social stigma and impossible odds became a black toga and a life-defining victory.

Then, the review season for BLEPT arrived, presenting another mountain to climb.

To enrol in a review center and earn her license, a down payment was required. Money again stood like a gatekeeper. Her mother borrowed funds to secure a slot at Falculan Twin Review Centre. They chose to pay in installments, stretching the sacrifice across months. Abrigo attended sessions carrying more than review notes—she carried expectations. Mock board exams tested not only her knowledge but also her courage; low scores whispered that maybe she is not ready. Doubt pressed against her ribs.

Besides, there was fear beyond academics. Each night she walked home, wary of a mentally unstable man who waited along the road. Her steps were quick; her prayers were quicker. Still, she reviewed.

On the eve of the board examination, she could not quiet her mind. Though advised to relax, she clung to group study as if it were a lifeline. Sleep came late, and she left early. On the morning of the exam, she skipped breakfast, her stomach too tight with fear. Before she could even write her name, her hands trembled violently.

“Lord, ikaw na bahala" [Lord, I surrender it to you,] she whispered, calling on every saint she could remember. “Bahalag 78%, Lord, basta pasar lang.” [Even if it’s just 78%, enough to pass.] From the first item to the last, each uncertain answer carried a prayer. Her hand ached, and her neck stiffened. Her thoughts raced toward her parents, her neighbors in the Mamanwa community, BiPSU, and every person who had believed in her. What if she fails? What if she disappoints them?

The heavens had listened before. They listened again.

When the results were released in December, Abrigo searched for her name with breath suspended between fear and hope. And there it was. Passed.

She had prayed for 78 percent, and heaven gave her an 81.80 overall rating. Eighty-three percent (83%) in general education and 81% in professional education. For the first time, her family had a teacher. Tears came not as noise but as relief. The mountain girl had crossed another summit.

Today, as an LPT, Abrigo speaks gently yet firmly about educational inequality. She knows firsthand that while the Constitution promised to provide education and make it accessible to all, the quality often bends toward those with means. Wealth studies beneath steady electricity, guided by tutors, and surrounded by quiet rooms and reliable gadgets that make learning seamless. Poverty studies just as earnestly, though often beneath flickering bulbs, in homes where space is shared, and silence is rare, turning scarcity into discipline. Yet she is a testament to the fact that when institutions decide to act—when scholarships are not mere lines in a document but lifelines extended to the margins—the gaps can narrow.

This year, the Department of Education (DepEd) bears the highest national budget allocation. Numbers that large often feel abstract, mere figures printed on paper. But in truth, those allocations breathe. They walk and must climb to the dots on the country map. They should be felt inside classrooms. Abrigo's story is empirical evidence that taxes paid by Filipinos have won another human life. Philippine taxation serves not only revenue collection but also the reduction of social inequality. A nation that invests in its learners is a nation that invests in justice.

The future is not the same landscape as yesterday. Abrigo understands that the classroom she is about to enter is not the same as yesterday's. Tomorrow is no longer chalk and blackboard alone; it is artificial intelligence, digital literacy, and the urgency to protect quality in an age of rapid change. She aspires to live the profession with courage to confront the learning gaps exposed by poverty, to navigate technology responsibly, and to embody programs like Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) that aim to recover and strengthen foundational skills. For her, teaching is not just employment; it is participation in a national healing.

Abrigo dedicates her feat to the Almighty God, to her parents who sacrificed without hesitation, to educators who rallied behind her, and to University President Cañezo, whose Affirmative Action initiative reached the truly marginalized. 

“Sa maka-usa pa, daghan kaayong salamat po, Pres., sa pagdasig sa ako na maghuman og eskwela.” [Thank you very much, President, for encouraging me to study and pursue education.] Abrigo approached Prof. Cañezo during the Testimonial Dinner for the Newly Licensed Professional Teachers on January 20 at the university gymnasium.

Doctor of Education (EdD) himself, Prof. Cañezo, congratulated her, reaffirming that being a teacher means recognizing that a single decision can either save or wipe out a community. “I am happy for your success, and I hope that a single chance for a scholarship redraws your entire future,” he said.

In BiPSU, intergenerational responsibility is vital. With its life-changing service and by providing opportunities to those who lack them, this organization’s responsibility transcends the current generation.

From fog-filled mornings and muddy walks in her community to the solemn oath of a Licensed Professional Teacher, Abrigo's journey bends the narrative of limitation.

“As an educator produced by BiPSU, I aspire to be one who inspires and uplifts students, helping them believe in themselves and achieve their dreams just like I did,” she expressed.

The scale between silver spoon and hand-to-mouth may never be perfectly equal. But in one transformative scholarship program, one borrowed review fee, one trembling examination hand, one consistent prayer, and one institution that chose inclusion over indifference, the balance shifted in 81.80 degrees.

And somewhere in the highlands where stars remain visible against the pitch-black sky, a new light now burns—not only for her family, not only for BiPSU, but for generations yet to climb.

As a state university, BiPSU remains dedicated to creating opportunities, ensuring that education does not bend toward privilege but rises to meet those in the margins. It walks faithfully to transform public funds into public goods, to carry learners across difficult terrains, and to shape professionals whose success echoes beyond personal triumph.

#32ndHigherEducationMonth  #BiPSUAffirmativeActionScholar #WoWBiPSU 

In a major step toward agricultural preservation, Balik Scientist Dr. Benildo G. de los Reyes and Biliran Province State University Biliran Campus faculty completed a comprehensive cacao collection drive on April 23. The province-wide fieldwork aims to establish a conservation genebank to safeguard local agricultural resources.

The research team gathered samples across the municipalities of Almeria, Biliran, Cabucgayan, Naval, and Kawayan. This extensive effort yielded 25 distinct accessions comprising 250 seeds, with 15 seedlings successfully potted at the BiPSU Biliran Campus. Moving forward, these collections will be conserved for long-term preservation and future utilization. They will also serve as a crucial basis for evaluating and selecting cacao varieties that are most resilient and best suited to the unique agroclimatic conditions of Biliran Province.

Commending the initiative, BiPSU President Prof. Cañezo emphasized its alignment with the university's core mission. "By preserving these local cacao varieties, we are safeguarding our agricultural heritage while paving the way for sustainable farming practices across the province. This endeavor truly embodies our continuous commitment to the weaving of worthiness through impactful, community-driven research," Prof. Cañezo stated.

The success of the collection drive was a highly collaborative effort. The university extended its deep appreciation to the hardworking students of the Biliran Campus for their vital assistance in the potting activities. Furthermore, special recognition was given to the Balik Scientist Technical and Support Team, led by Dean Randy Villarin, along with Lead Team members Mr. Rhelivyn Rosendal and Ms. Ma. Opelia Moreno, and Support Staff Ms. Melanie Moncada, Ms. Apple Cyrriel Labides, and Ms. Cindy Cortez, for their invaluable dedication to this milestone project.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its Strategic Communications Office (StratComm), has successfully kicked off the two-day Media Interaction and Capacity-Building Program on News Writing, Radio Journalism, and Digital Media Innovation on April 22 at the university's HyFlex Audio-Visual Center (HAV-C).

In partnership with Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders (EVMWB) and Taklub Digital News (TDN), said activity under the theme "Journalism Across Platforms and Public Information Systems" gathered BiPSU’s media personnel, schools’ media and information coordinators, and communication students for a series of lectures and workshops aimed at enhancing media competencies amid the evolving information landscape.

“In this time of infodemic era, where everyone is claiming to be a ‘media’ on their shared contents and information, it is vital that true media emerge,” [Lilitaw ang totoong media,] said University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr.

He called to uphold truth and responsibility in media practice as the bedrock of public discourse, emphasizing the institution's commitment to developing critical and ethical communicators. Further, he underscored the relevance of this initiative to bridge the gap between academic theory and the evolving realities of the media industry.

EVMWB President Miriam Desacada shared the challenges faced by media practitioners in Eastern Visayas, particularly in relation to the growing threats of misinformation, and how the participants can serve their campus, communities, the region and the country.

During his talk on “The Battle for Truth: Government vs. the Infodemic,”  Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Regional Director Reyan Arinto discussed the issues that are blocking the quality of information received by the public posed by the modern information landscape. This includes misinformation, delayed information, information overload, lack of access, misinterpretation, trust issues, and digital divide.

Mr. Arinto also suggested strategies for improved communication, reinforcing the importance of credible information dissemination in the digital age, such as the prevalence of artificial intelligence.

Moreover, the first day showcased training on news and feature writing, facilitated by media practitioners Joyce Kahano and Elmer Recuerdo, respectively. Attendees were immersed with the foundations of news and feature articles, the core principles and elements, structural components, and writing techniques.

“Always remember to write what is right,” said Ms. Kahano who brought the impact of news to the lives of the citizens.

Said program will continue tomorrow, April 23, with workshop sessions on radio journalism and broadcast writing and on podcasting and digital audio production.

This capacity-building event reflects BiPSU’s sustained efforts to empower campus media and future journalists with relevant and practical skills, strengthening its role as a weaver of responsible and forward-looking communication in the region.

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It feels nice earning while learning, but what's behind that?

Time and again, in the country, the image of a college student carries more than books and ambition; it carries work. Across campuses, thousands of young Filipinos juggle lectures with livelihoods, stretching their days to make ends meet while holding on to the promise that education can change the course of their lives. For many, it is already a difficult balance. But for some, roles that demand more than time and strength double the weight.

According to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), around 216,000 students in the Philippines work while studying. That's 8% of the total college population. Figures on labor force participation include not only graduate professionals and older adults but also students striving to surmount educational and employment barriers.

For Mhel Tiffany S. Patiño, a third-year student of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) under the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), being a working student is only part of the story. She is also an entrepreneur, or more so, a mother.

In a reality where youth is often defined by freedom and exploration, hers is shaped by responsibility—quiet, constant, and unyielding.

By day, she moves through the routines of a nursing student, attending classes, fulfilling clinical duties, and absorbing lessons that demand both intellect and compassion. It is a path she chose with purpose, driven by the desire not only to build a career but also to care, to serve, and to make a difference in the lives of others beyond her own.

Yet, behind the white uniform is a schedule that rarely allows breaks. Because when classes end, another shift begins.

Patiño works at night, taking on tasks that stretch for hours while the rest of the world sleeps. Before that, she returns home to her child—the center of everything. She feeds him, plays with him, and holds him close, compressing motherhood into the limited hours she can spare. Only when he finally falls asleep does she open her computer, trading rest for responsibility, pushing through exhaustion to meet deadlines and secure income.

Sleep becomes optional. Time becomes borrowed. “I had to,” she expressed, a statement that carries more truth than explanation.

Her journey into this life was not sudden, but it was early. She began working when she became a mother in her senior high school. In her first year in the nursing program, she quit her job because she was getting sick from trying to manage everything—adjusting as a freshman, caring for a one-year-old, and working as a freelancer. 

But life doesn't pause when things get challenging.

In her second year, she needed to return to work. Patiño started a digital business, then built her own flower shop, Timeless Bloom, and eventually took on freelance work again.

What she sacrifices, she understands clearly. "Being a working student comes with many sacrifices: sleep, time, and rest," she shared in an interview. “But what I feel I sacrifice the most is my youth.”

When she chose to juggle academics and a job, a part of her let go of that carefree version of herself. In nearly every aspect of her life, she is expected to behave like an adult. There are moments when she misses the version of her who only worried about school, curfews, and the small, simple things. 

And still, she continues. Because between the exhaustion and the uncertainty, there is purpose.

Her experiences in nursing education have changed her perspective on many things, thereby deepening that resolve. In hospital corridors and clinical settings, she has seen how fragile life can be. 

“Studying different diseases and actually encountering them during clinical duties made me realize that not everyone has the same capacity to do so,” she said. I have seen patients who can no longer do what they once could, and it made me realize how much of a gift it is to work, create, and keep showing up.

Since then, she’s always been reminded that it is a privilege to try.

It is in those moments that her struggles find perspective. What she endures is difficult, yes, but it is also a chance. A chance to become.

“Whenever I feel overwhelmed by all the roles I carry, I hold on to the one that grounds me the most, being a mother,” she stated. That gives her the strength to keep going and do what she needs to make things work.

Nurses are professionals dedicated to providing care and treatment to the sick and injured. Patiño aspires to become one of them, hoping to help people regain the chance to continue living and experience the things that make life meaningful.

Her story mirrors a larger truth in the Philippine landscape, where attaining a degree often walks hand in hand with economic hardship. The Constitution may declare education as a right, but for many, the quality and accessibility of that education depend on how much one can endure, how far one can stretch, and how much one is willing to sacrifice. Working students are not "others"; they are inclusive of the realities. Among them is Patiño, whose burdens extend beyond personal survival to the responsibility of raising another life.

Yet, among women's unpaid labor is the unseen balancing act between ambition and caregiving, in which many tirelessly carry both dreams and domestic roles.

If there is one thing she offers to those walking a similar path, it is not an arduous promise, but a grounded one: "Either you make sacrifices for the life you want, or the life you want becomes the sacrifice."

In addition, she wishes to inspire BiPSUnistas with a message about weaving worthiness. That, when you weave, you do not just move in a straight direction; you go back and forth, in and out. She believes that all the ups and downs, the struggles, and the sacrifices are what weave us into the people we aim to become, worthy of the life we've been trying to build.

“Some days, I feel lost or left behind, but how can I be left behind when it is my life I'm living? So, remember the only reason that matters to you, why you started,” Patiño said.

In every sleepless night, in every role she fulfills, in every step she takes toward becoming a nurse, a provider, and a mother, she is not just surviving the present. She is rewriting what the future can look like—for herself, for her child, and for heaps of Filipino youth who carry the same weight and choose, every day, to keep going.

It is a cultural phenomenon that labor extends beyond employment, especially for women, who, after class, return home to another set of responsibilities awaiting fulfillment.

While Filipino hard work and selfless sacrifice are honored this month through the observance of Labor Day and Mother's Day, BiPSU takes pride in its working students, student mothers, and working mothers in college—individuals who continue to brave life’s demands while weaving the spirit of service from their homes to the academe and into the communities they hope to uplift someday.

In the University, their stories are not seen as limitations but as living testaments of resilience, courage, and determination. Behind classrooms are students fighting battles beyond academics: earning wages, raising children, supporting families, and still choosing to pursue education despite the burdens they carry each day. Their journeys reflect the very heart of what education should stand for: creating opportunities for those willing to rise, no matter how difficult the climb may be.

And perhaps that is the reminder their stories leave behind: not that success arrives all at once, but that endurance matters. You do not have to solve everything today. You don’t even have to be great today. Just don't quit today.

Sometimes, the bravest thing a person can do is simply to keep showing up. And for BiPSU, that is already a significant achievement.

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