One hundred ninety-eight pre-service teachers (PSTs) from across different programs of BiPSU School of Teacher Education (STEd) officially received their pins, a symbol of the commencement of their internship program, during the 3rd Pinning Ceremony.

The solemn ceremony, held on November 12 at the university gymnasium, aimed to highlight the Pre-service teachers individually as they set off in their internship journey as part of their preparation of their Experiential Learning Course.

In his message, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., reminded them that teaching is not merely a profession but a noble vocation that demands dedication, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to learning.

“You are aligning your passion with purpose, ready to make a profound impact on the lives of your future students,” Dr. Cañezo said. “You have the power to shape minds, ignite curiosity, and inspire dreams.”

The said ceremony was also attended by Hon. Alan Paul Tubis, SP Member, Chair Committee on Education, family members of the PSTs, STEd Dean Dr. Maribel Zipagan, and STEd chairpersons and faculty members.

Meanwhile, in her message, Dr. Zipagan emphasized that the pin celebrates a significant milestone of the pre-service teachers and symbolizes three areas: the identity, sacrifice and support of family, and BiPSU.

“Being a BiPSUnista means that you are already ready to put into practice all the knowledge that you have gained from the classrooms and the teachers into the real world,” Dr. Zipagan expressed.

The BiPSU PSTs will commence their internship program in the second week of January next year. They will be deployed to the different cooperating schools in Biliran and Leyte divisions.

#WoWBiPSU

As part of its extension activities aimed at enhancing public service accessibility and transparency, Biliran Province State University, through its Extension Services Office and the the School of Technology and Computer Studies (STCS), recently conducted a two-day extension event to support the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Almeria in launching its new website and training staff for its management.

Held at the Municipal Annex Hall on November 7-8, the event included the official unveiling of almeria.gov.ph, a website developed by the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) students from STCS. 

The site is designed to streamline access to municipal services and improve community engagement. Additionally, the training session equipped LGU staff with the skills needed to manage, update, and maintain the site effectively, ensuring its continued relevance and accessibility.

Attendees of the activity included Almeria Mayor Richard D. Jaguros, STCS Dean Dr. Chona B. Sabinay, BSIS Chairperson Dr. Chery B. Ebajo, STCS Extension Chairperson Jhanna Mariel Merino, and BiPSU’s Knowledge and Information Management Unit Head, Glenn Gumba. Lorenzo de la Cruz, Private Secretary II and Municipal Information Officer of Almeria, also joined, along with LGU staff members, responsible for the website.

The BSIS student developers, Jecel May F. Gervacio, Jane M. Rosales, Mildred L. Santiañez, Claire D. Complisa, and Jayson B. Jamin, were guided by STCS faculty mentors, including Gerald Emerson S. Corpin, Eric John D. Celis, John Raymund D. Calderon, Niva M. Salas, Joshua P. Casas, and Lorna G. Delos Santos.

In his message, Mayor Jaguros praised the collaboration, acknowledging BiPSU’s support in enhancing Almeria’s digital capabilities. "This new website marks a significant advancement in our service delivery, enabling us to meet our community’s needs more effectively,” he said.

Aligned with the Ease of Doing Business Act of 2018, the website cuts down on red tape and makes it easier for residents to access services, allowing them to complete various transactions online instead of needing to visit in person.

Through this successful technology transfer, BiPSU and LGU Almeria have set a new standard for local governance, strengthening the government’s relationship with its constituents and paving the way for continued digital innovation in public service.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.]

She grew up far from the comforts of city life. Neña Rose A. Corpin spent her childhood working on her family’s farm, high in the mountains of Caibiran, Biliran, where the forest was both her playground and her teacher. 

Together with her parents, she would spend weeks in their bahay kubo, living simply, relying on the land for their livelihood. The farm was their bread and butter, and Neña’s connection to it went deeper than she realized.

“Every morning, I’d wake up to the sounds of the forest—the rustling leaves, the birds singing. I didn’t know it then, but I was growing up with the forest as part of me,” she recalls.

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Neña found herself back in the mountains after high school, living in their farm while the world seemed to pause. Those days in the quiet solitude of nature allowed her to contemplate, sparking questions about her future and the path she wanted to take.

“I was up there, surrounded by green, and all I felt was peace,” she says. “I spent a lot of time in the mountains with my family, helping out and reflecting on my next step—choosing the course I would pursue in college.” And with encouragement from her father and advice from relatives, Neña soon realized her calling: forestry. 

Little did Neña Rose Corpin know that her simple decision to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Forestry would forever etch her name in the history of Biliran Province State University. Last November 5, her name echoed across social media and news outlets after ranking first in the October 2024 Forester Licensure Examination with an excellent rating of 92.6%—the first-ever topnotcher from BiPSU’s Biliran Campus. 

Trained to be excellent

Born on November 10, 2000, Neña believes that her childhood wasn’t typical playtime. Instead, she spent her early years learning the value of hard work and resourcefulness. With her father, Edgar R. Corpin, as a farmer and her mother, Isabel A. Corpin, as a dressmaker, Neña’s family found creative ways to make income to support her and her four siblings.

From the time she was in second grade, she stepped in to sell ice candy her mother made, taking over her older sister’s job once she graduated elementary school.

Her small business ventures didn’t stop there. She sold produce like calamansi, ginger, and bananas from their farm. “I was either in the bukid (farm) or the barrio selling ice candy,” she recalls. 

Sometimes, on weekends and during free time, she would join her father and brother in pamamagol, collecting coconut shells to sell. This extra source of income was her another way of contributing to the family while building her own savings.

“Hindi naman ako magastos and I have a lot of savings from my extra hustles in the mountains,” Neña shared. Her self-reliance was a point of pride—not just for her, but for her mother, too. “I did it so Mama wouldn’t have to worry about giving me baon for school,” she revealed.

She also admitted that it was tough at times, especially when she missed out on nap time like other kids her age. “Reason why hindi na ako tumangkad kasi hindi ako nakakatulog tuwing tanghali like some of the kids my age," she joked. 

But this early exposure to both work and academics laid the foundation for her future achievements. Despite the extra responsibility, Neña graduated as the class valedictorian in Mainit Elementary School in 2014, and kept excelling as a consistent achiever during her high school at Information and Communication Technology High School of Eastern Biliran (ICTHSEB).

From procrastinator to perseverant

In 2020, she enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Forestry at BiPSU-Biliran Campus. In her early college years, Neña admits she struggled with procrastination, a habit that developed in part due to the pandemic’s disruption. Adjusting back to academic life was difficult, and although her focus at the time was simply to pass, the idea of excelling wasn't yet a priority.

“I persevered,” she admitted. “But only because I want to have passing grades. I did not mind being at the top.”

This changed in her later college years. By her third and fourth year, Neña had transformed her habits, rising early—often at 4 a.m.—to prepare for exams, take notes, and gradually work her way up to passing, and sometimes topping, semi-final and final exams.

Eventually, she earned her Forestry degree just on May 23 this year. 

Mindset of a topnotcher

Right after graduation, she availed of the free review program of BiPSU together with her 10 classmates. During the review for the Forester Licensure Examination, they were housed at Biliran Campus for five months.

Neña revealed that her review journey was rigorous and systematic. Beginning in June, the review spanned five intensive months, and while the initial weeks were challenging, Neña’s approach took shape in August.

She dedicated time to write down all questions and formulas on bond paper to retain the concept to her memory. “Sometimes you have to write it with your own hand to fully understand it,” she shared. Aside from writing, she also created flow charts and calendars to count down to exam day, making sure every day counted in her review plan.

By September, her routine was set. Neña woke up early each morning to tackle a self-imposed quota of 300 to 500 questions, which helped her monitor her progress and identify areas for improvement across the four major exam subjects.

Neña’s study strategy became even more intensive when October came, with wake-up times shifting to 4 a.m. to allow for additional practice. She reduced distractions like social media and refrained from visiting home for two months, focusing on building confidence and retention through her study methods.

During her review, she has not just mastered content but also harnessed how to self-motivate. She kept a hand-written note in plain sight—a single question that she read every day: “Top ten or just passing?” This simple question became her motivation and reminder throughout the grueling review process.

Whenever she felt weary or distracted, she reminded herself of the choice she had: to merely pass or to push herself to be among the best. “It became my mantra,” she explained. “Every time I looked at it, I’d ask myself if I was really putting in the effort for a top spot, and that little reminder kept me accountable to my goals.”

On October 29-30, she took the October 2024 Licensure Examination for Foresters in Tacloban City. 

Winning moment

The moment Neña found out she had topped the board exam was as surreal as it was overwhelming. Busy in her kitchen, reading a Wattpad story while cooking, she didn’t expect her life to change that day. 

A text from her sister congratulating her on being ranked first took her by surprise, and at first, she brushed it off. Curiosity finally won, and as she read the message again, reality began to dawn. Then a classmate called, confirming the news. 

Still in disbelief, it took a few moments before the truth settled in, and when it did, tears and laughter filled her kitchen as she tried to process her joy.

Neña had never set her sights on being Top 1; her dreams felt more grounded. She’d prayed for Top 2, and later, she’d even set her hopes on simply passing. But as she began to laugh through her tears, she imagined God gently reminding her not to doubt herself. 

“It’s like God was saying, ‘Who are you kidding? You’re a child of God. Don’t downplay your capabilities and efforts’,” she said.

A place in history

Neña’s achievement isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a historical milestone for Biliran Province State University. As the first topnotcher in forestry from BiPSU-BilCam and the first rank one notcher in the entire BiPSU system, Neña has set a new standard and proved that great accomplishments can come from humble beginnings.

“I hope that by being the first, I’m showing others that you can achieve big dreams, no matter where you come from,” she says. “It’s not about having everything; it’s about giving everything you have.”

Neña hopes that her story will inspire others to pursue their dreams, especially those who, like her, come from modest backgrounds. She believes that anyone can succeed with perseverance and a genuine connection to their purpose and dreams.

Presently, Neña is still enjoying her success. After topping the board exam, she plans to do a job that would give her genuine fulfilment.

Asked about the specific path she wanted to pursue, she just shrugged off. 

“It's the world to show and it's a quest for me to find out,” she smiled.

#WoWBiPSU

Out of the 33 entries from various universities nationwide, Lloyd Francis M. Diaz, a first year student of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management from Biliran Province State University, secured a spot in the top 15 during the Mx. Turismo 2024 Preliminary Rounds, held online today, November 9. 

The preliminary competition, streamed live on Facebook, featured three categories, which include the Philippine national costume, talent competition, and tourism professional attire. 

Lloyd, the only candidate among the representatives from the Eastern Visayas Region in the Top 15, joins finalists from other higher institutions, including De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (Manila), WCC Aeronautical and  Technological College- North Manila, Sorsogon State University,  Immaculate Concepcion College of Arts and Technology, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila, Benguet State University, Far Eastern University, STI College Global City, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Laguna, and Don Honorio Ventura State University. 

Candidate No. 3, Lloyd Francis M. Diaz, wore a Philippine national costume inspired by Biliran’s farmers and indigenous tribes, highlighting the island’s rich culture and farming heritage. Made from materials like abaca and wooden palm leaves, the costume was carefully handcrafted by local artists.

Among the judges during the preliminary competition were Miss Universe Philippines 2000, Nina Ricci Alagao,  John Christopher Mesana, institutional research consultant of the National Commision for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and Jerryson Salvador, supervising head of the ABS- CBN Film Production and Star Music. 

Dr. Estelito R. Salut, Diaz’s coach, expressed pride in his student’s achievement, stating, “All for BiPSU, and putting BiPSU and the School of Management and Entrepreneurship on the map as one of the best tourism schools in the country.”

In a statement, Dr. Mafel Piol emphasized,"This is the first time in SME's history that we were able to send participants to join a national competition, and we are truly grateful to Dr. Canezo for allowing us to be part of this prestigious conference."

BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Canezo, Jr. also shared his joy after knowing this accomplishment said, “Lloyd’s success in reaching the finals is a proud moment for BiPSU. It only shows that we have a high caliber of our students particularly in the field of tourism management. We continue to support him and wish him the best as he represents BiPSU on a national stage.”

Diaz will be competing in the Mx. Turismo 2024 Finals and Coronation at University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Quezon City, on November 16, to be assisted by the coach, Dr. Salut. The final round will feature a 50% weight on extemporaneous speaking, 20% on casual attire, and 30% based on the performance in the preliminary rounds.

Meanwhile, 24 participants including Diaz, 18 of whom are students, are expected to represent BiPSU in the 9th Youth for Tourism and Hospitality International Conference (Y4TH) on November 16, 2024, with the theme, “Tourism for Peace, Cross-cultural Understanding, and Social Change,” anchored on the 2024 World Tourism Day theme: Tourism and Peace.

However, their participation will depend on the announcement of results of the various inter-school competitions they have participated in, such as the Destination Marketing Competition, Research Infographic Poster Presentation, Travel Brochure-Making Competition, Travel Vlog Competition, Tourism Start-Up Competition, and Mx. Turismo.

The conference is aimed for students to iterate on their knowledge and contribute to the development of tourism as an academic discipline.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal No. 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions]

Charles Jarret P. Bernil, a first-year Civil Engineering student from Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) School of Engineering, emerged as the champion at the 28th Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) Regional Championship, held at the Roof Deck, Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City, November 8. 

Representing the province, Bernil outperformed 21 competitors coming from the different state universities and colleges and private higher education institutions across Eastern Visayas, proving his exceptional command of statistics—a key focus of the nationwide PSQ.

"I'm still in shock, not really expecting to win because there were strong competitors from other universities. I’m very thankful to my coach, my family for their support, and of course to God for hearing my prayers. This is for BiPSU!"

This annual competition aims to assess the statistical knowledge of college freshmen as acquired from their high school curriculum.

Engr. Lilibeth D. Amador, Bernil’s coach, expressed pride and admiration for her student’s achievement. “Being a part of the regional competition was already a huge blessing for us. I’m proud of our students and what they have achieved." 

“Before his win, we were on a roller-coaster of emotions, cheering with hopes high, and he managed to seal our emotions, proving to us that he has more to give,” Engr. Amador added.

Meanwhile, BiPSU President Dr. Victor Cañezo, Jr. also extended his congratulations to Bernil, commending his hard work and determination. “Charles has made BiPSU proud with this achievement. We look forward to supporting him as he competes on the national stage.”

The second and third places were claimed by Heart Eveange Lhynne Mae E. Progelia of Northwest Samar State University and April Anne Dublas of Visayas State University-Main Campus, respectively.

Bernil received an Infinix XPAD and a plaque for his accomplishment. He is set to represent Region VIII in the upcoming national PSQ competition, bringing honor to BiPSU and the entire Biliran in December, this year. 

Congratulations, Charles!

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with SDG No. 4: Quality Education]

Biliran Province State University - Biliran Campus (BilCam) celebrated the recent achievement of its October 2024 Forester Licensure Exam (FLE) passers with a hero’s welcome, formally honoring topnotcher Neña Rose Corpin with a P100,000 incentive for securing the first rank nationwide. 

The celebratory event, attended by University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., along with BilCam key officials, faculty members, and students, began with a festive parade around the campus. 

A ceremony was held after to present certificates of recognition to the newly licensed foresters, namely Angela C. Camarines, Jesus Dequiña, Ro-anne M. Ejorcadas, Maria Jessica P. Gelizon, Ara D. Lamoste, May Nuevo, Manilyn G. Quinte, Angeline J. Solis, Noemi D. Tinos, and topnotcher Corpin.

BiPSU achieved an impressive 90.91% overall passing rate in the October 2024 FLE, as officially reported by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board for Foresters on November 5.

Moreover, during the ceremony, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., officially presented the topnotcher with a P100,000 cash incentive.

The university president earlier iterated the university’s commitment to recognizing and incentivizing top-performing graduates, emphasizing that the PHP 100,000 incentive is part of a Board of Regents (BOR)-approved program designed to encourage students to excel in national licensure exams. “We want to make our topnotchers feel that we truly appreciate the honor they bring to the university,” Dr. Cañezo stated. 

This achievement marks Corpin as the sixth topnotcher under Dr. Cañezo’s administration, all of whom received incentives and offers for regular teaching positions. 

In line with this program, Dr. Cañezo publicly announced that BiPSU has extended an offer for Corpin to join the teaching faculty of the School of Agribusiness and Forest Resource Management (SAbFoRM), though Corpin has yet to confirm her decision.

Meanwhile, in her message, Corpin revealed that she prayed to land in the top 10 of the board exam but did not expect to rank first.

“I felt like the top one was too high for me to reach," she said. “After taking the board exam, my prayer changed—I prayed that even if I only placed in the Top 8 or whatever He could give, I would accept it as long as I passed the board exam and became a forester.”

Corpin achieved an outstanding rating of 92.60%, outperforming 1,573 examinees nationwide.

#WoWBiPSU

Harnessing Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) four pillars for student project innovation and development, School of Engineering (SOE) convened 3rd year to 4th year engineering students for a DOST Seminar at the university student center, November 5.

The said seminar aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application, encouraging students to develop projects that address societal needs, industry challenges, and technological advancements.

In his message, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. expressed optimism that the said seminar will equip students to become not just engineers, but empowered leaders who can drive positive change in society.

“Through today’s program, our students will gain insights into project planning, sustainable design, and the latest in technology transfer—skills that are vital not only for academic success but for making meaningful contributions to their fields,” Dr. Cañezo said.

The event featured Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, Research and Innovation Office director, and Mr. Jeruel Espinazo, Innovation Office director, discussing the topics “Creating a Strong Research Environment for Engineering Students” and “Commercialization Pathway for BiPSU Researchers,” respectively.

Meanwhile, Dr. Romeo L. Dignos, DOST provincial director, and the event’s keynote speaker, tackled “Engineering Research as Enabler of DOST Strategic Pillars.” 

In his message, Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, vice president for Administration and Finance and SOE dean, emphasized that the research and technopreneurship projects are critical milestones in students’ academic journey. 

“We want them to embody the principles of innovation and to reflect the real-world applicability that aligns with BiPSU’s values and the Department of Science and Technology's research agenda,” he said.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No: 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure.]

Neña Rose Corpin, an alumna of Biliran Province State University - Biliran Campus, made history as the first topnotcher from BiPSU's School of Agribusiness and Forest Resource Management (SAbFoRM), securing the top spot in the October 2024 Forester Licensure Exam.

Corpin, a native of Caibiran, Biliran, achieved an outstanding rating of 92.60%, outperforming 1,573 examinees nationwide.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry in May this year. After graduation, she and her 10 batchmates took advantage of BiPSU’s free review program.

In an interview, SAbFoRM Dean Dr. Randy Villarin shared that BiPSU has been offering a free review program for its graduates since 2018, where they house their graduates and provide review masters. This is to ensure that they are well-prepared for the national licensure exam. 

"For more than four months, we conducted an in-house review for our Forester exam takers," Dr. Villarin said. "We provided everything: a review master, free accommodation, and review materials."

Dr. Villarin also mentioned that transportation arrangements were made for Corpin and her fellow examinees to ensure smooth travel to and from the examination center.

SAbFoRM achieved an impressive 90.91% passing rate in the October board exams, significantly surpassing the national passing rate of 58.96%.

After these recent achievements, Dr. Villarin expressed his gratitude to the BiPSU administration. "I'm very grateful to the administration, led by Sir Victor, for supporting and believing in us," he said.

In an interview, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. stated that BiPSU’s recent accomplishments speak about the university's dedication to delivering quality education and services, extending even to its alumni.

"We take pride in Ms. Neña, all our new registered foresters, and our SAbFoRM dean and faculty members," Dr. Cañezo said. "I hope that this achievement marks the beginning of more victories for our BiPSU Biliran Campus.”

In recognition of Corpin’s achievement, Dr. Cañezo announced that the university will provide a P100,000 incentive and a regular teaching item for her. 

#WoWBiPSU

With the commitment to establishing a research- intensive institution, Biliran Province State University marked an increase in its scopus-indexed publications with the latest count reaching 43 scopus documents as of November 2024 - more than doubled its output from just 19 international scopus publications in 2023.

Research Director Dr. Pearl Irish De Paz confirmed this achievement, which was also acknowledged by Dr. Don Eliseo Prisno, Founder of GHF- University Excellence, in a recent post. Dr. Prisno, who was recently named 2024 World top 2% scientist, praised BiPSU for hosting numerous research initiatives this year that contributed to this increase. 

“When I started engaging with BiPSU a few months back, we were just at 19,” Dr. Prison stated. “We are rising very fast with all the intensive research initiatives we are implementing.”

Dr. Prisno highlights BiPSU’s swift progress, attributing it to the efforts of the university’s faculty and researchers. He noted that BiPSU’s publications stand out for their scientific quality, often surpassing outputs from many institutions in the country, which has led to increased research funding. “Keep up the good work, BiPSU! Towards a research-intensive university!” he added.

Strengthening partnerships for Research Excellence

It can be noted that BiPSU began its partnership with GHF- University Excellence earlier this year, formalizing a memorandum of agreement on January 18, 2024. Such collaboration was established to enhance the university's research and innovation, specifically by focusing on publishing papers in Scopus-indexed journals.

Through its engagement with GHF, BiPSU aims to improve its standing on world university platforms, further aligning with its goal of becoming a research-intensive institution.

Faculty EMpowerment Program

As part of its ongoing initiatives, BiPSU has launched a series of faculty development programs under its educational mentorship, or EMpowerment, initiative. Spearheaded by the Research Development Office (RDO), these programs were designed to strengthen faculty expertise, with a particular focus on research mentorship. 

Launched in July this year by the administration headed by University President, Dr. Victor C. Canezo, Jr., the EMpowerment program has already made a positive impact, equipping faculty members with enhanced skills to contribute more effectively to BiPSU’s research goals and elevate the university’s current academic standing.

Recently, BiPSU conducted a three-day research mentorship program focused on Scopus publication, held from October 23-25, 2024, at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC). The program was led by Prof. Prisno, along with Mr. Jerico Ogaya, Dr. Prisno's program manager.

The mentorship program aimed to boost faculty research capabilities by providing strategies for identifying reputable Scopus-indexed journals. It also included writeshop and mentoring sessions where participants presented their manuscripts and received feedback from Dr. Prisno, ensuring their papers met the publication standards of Scopus journals.

In- House Review for Research and Development Outputs successfully conducted

BiPSU RDO also conducted In-House Reviews for research and development (R&D) outputs which involved various schools from the Naval and Biliran campuses, aimed to ensure the quality of R&D outputs by BiPSU’s faculty researchers with the assistance of external experts, increasing their chances of publication in reputable research journals.

In the previous interviews, Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, RDO Director, emphasized the significance of these mentorship programs, stating, “Through this workshop, faculty members are taught how to write publishable papers and are also guided in submitting their papers to Scopus-indexed journals.” 

50k Research Incentives grants for Researchers

BiPSU’s commitment to research excellence is strengthened by significant grants, including a ₱50,000 research incentive awarded to researchers who successfully publish in Scopus-indexed journals. This financial support not only enhances the university’s research infrastructure but also helps attract and retain talented researchers dedicated to producing impactful work.

Recently, BiPSU acknowledged the achievements of nine (9) faculty members who published articles in Scopus-indexed journals, awarding each of them this incentive. This initiative is made possible through Board of Regents (BOR) Resolution 25-11 and the revised BiPSU Research and Innovation Manual dated June 30, 2021.

University President Dr. Victor C. Canezo Jr. expressed pride in BiPSU’s achievements, stating, “The progress we’re witnessing is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, researchers, and staff, who are unwavering in their commitment to enhancing our university's standing. Each publication brings us closer to our goal of becoming not just an internationally recognized institution but also a research-intensive university. I am confident that BiPSU will continue to serve as a hub for impactful, high-quality research.”

Dr. Canezo claimed that several more publications are anticipated in the coming months. “BiPSU is well on its way to achieving its goal of increasing the number of Scopus-indexed publications and ensuring that we continue to weave a legacy of worthiness,” he affirmed.

[This article aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals 4: Quality Education, SGD 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]

In recognition of their support in the university’s efforts to be a center of excellence in research and development, Biliran Province State University awarded research incentives to nine faculty members who have successfully published articles in Scopus-indexed journals.

The awards were personally handed by University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., along with Vice Presidents Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Dr. Susan Bentor, Dr. Roland Niez, Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, Faculty Regent Hon. Vennie Coton, Student Regent Hon. Aluah Kane Cabalhin, and Research and Development Office Director Dr. Pearl Irish De Paz. This cash incentive initiative was made possible through Board of Regents (BOR) resolution 25-11 and the revised BiPSU Research and Innovation manual dated June 30, 2021.

In an interview, Dr. Cañezo reinforced the university’s dedication to empowering and encouraging its employees to publish research papers and articles in internationally indexed journals.

“We believe that supporting our faculty in this way will not only elevate BiPSU’s academic standing but also contribute to the broader academic and scientific community,” Dr. Cañezo said. “We are proud to have dedicated faculty members who are leading the way in research innovation.”

Among the awardees were Dr. Cañezo himself and Dr. Niez, who collaborated on the paper titled "Predictors and Prevalence of Alcohol and Cannabis Co-use Among Filipino Adolescents: Evidence From a School-Based Student Health Survey." Dr. Alexander Rex Sañosa from the School of Management and Entrepreneurship was also recognized for his work, "Does Tourism Fatigue Impact Support for Natural Protected Areas' Sustainability?"

The School of Teacher Education (STEd) had several awardees, including Reymark S. Pabelando for his publication, "Manipulative Skills and Science Performance among Grade 9 Learners." Additionally, STEd faculty members Mae V. Ceblano, Dr. Vilma P. Gayrama, and Dr. Naneta M. Panit were awarded for their two research papers, "The Influence of Technology on Self-Determination: The Case of Self-Regulated Learning in an Island University" and "A Call for Gender-Neutral and/or Sensitive Pedagogy: Gender Invariance and Moderation in Self-Determination and Technology-Use Efficacy in Self-Regulated Learning."

From BiPSU Biliran Campus, faculty members Judife Magallanes and Ruffy Rodrigo received the incentive for their papers "Postharvest Quality of White-Fleshed Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus) var. Vietnam White as Influenced by Preharvest Fruit Bagging" and "Tree Structure and Diversity Shape the Biomass of Primary Temperate Mountain Forests," respectively.

Dr. Cañezo encouraged all BiPSU employees to pursue similar opportunities and reaffirmed the university’s support for research endeavors that place the institution on the global academic map.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Specifically, the initiative supports Target 4.3 (equal access to affordable quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education) and Target 4.b (expanding scholarships for developing countries to support advanced educational and research programs).]