"Unlike previous years, where cultural shows were at the forefront, this time we are concentrating on research and innovation," University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. said during the flag-raising ceremonies this morning.

Biliran Province State University's (BiPSU) Karatedo Team delivered a stellar performance at the 3rd Listo Berto Invitational Karatedo Tournament last August 11, in Tunga, Leyte, securing a total of 14 medals.

The team, composed of 12 student-athletes, competed in various categories, in order to bag five gold, five silver, and four bronze medals.

The tournament, renowned for bringing together top karatedo athletes from across the region, provided a competitive stage where the BiPSU athletes demonstrated both prowess and determination.

Alexis Kay Doble excelled in the Individual Kata Advance category, winning gold, and also secured a silver in the Individual Kumite Advance. Mike Javeson Paanod clinched gold in the Individual Kumite Novice 67kg, while Joey Petallana dominated the Individual Kumite 60kg division, also taking home gold. 

In addition, Jonnel L. Vallejos achieved gold in the Individual Kumite Novice 55kg and a bronze in the Synchronized Kata, while Samantha De los Santos and Ana Beth Matugas each won gold in their respective kata and kumite categories.

Moreover, Francis Adrian Guiritan and Melvin D. Esmeralda, who both earned silver medals in the Individual Kumite Novice 55kg and Advance 56kg categories, respectively. Geoff Lawrence Delantar secured a silver in Individual Kumite Advance 55kg and a bronze in Synchronize Kata. Mitchel Alistair D. Cruz earned silver in the Advance Kumite 75kg, while Mark Luna contributed with a bronze in the Synchronized Kata.

Sensei Dante Ylanan and Assistant Coach Meggan Ruth Custodio assisted the team.

Coach Ylanan emphasized that the medals earned by his athletes reflect the power of perseverance, determination, and rigorous training. “This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our athletes,” Coach Ylanan remarked.

Moreover, in a statement, Engr. Carmel Sigrid Docallos, director of the University Sports and Athletic Services, mentioned that the exceptional display of skill and determination by the team not only underscores their dedication and hard work but also reflects the strong support provided by the university’s administration

"As we are incredibly proud of what they have achieved, this success is for all of the BiPSUnistas,” Engr. Docallos said. “This achievement is made possible by the steadfast support of our current administration, led by Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr. His encouragement and commitment to our athletic programs have been instrumental to our success.”

This victory adds to the growing list of accomplishments for the university's athletic programs.

In celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Biliran Province State University and the Spain-based foundation, Fundacion Hakuna, conducted a joint community service initiative at Palayan Elementary School in Sitio Palayan, Brgy. Caucab, Almeria on August 9.

The Presidential Management Team (PMT) of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) conducted its Mid-Year Performance Review and Evaluation at the Sorsogon State University (SorSU) Dormtel Hall, following a benchmarking activity held at the same venue on August 7.

The purpose of the event was to assess the progress of the university’s goals, ensuring alignment with the strategic plan, and providing an opportunity for the team to evaluate accomplishments, identify challenges, and make necessary adjustments to meet annual targets.

BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. provided an overview of the rationale behind the review, stating that the main objectives were to gauge compliance with the development plan for 2024 and to formulate catch-up plans for the various deliverables for the year. The focus was on four programs: Higher Education, Advanced Education, Research, and the Technical Advisory Program.

“Our mid-year review is crucial for ensuring we are on track with our goals and making necessary adjustments to meet our targets. We are committed to maintaining high standards in all our programs and striving for excellence,” Dr. Cañezo stated.

The team, led by Dr. Cañezo, reviewed the status of their 2024 Midyear Performance Review General Appropriations Act (GAA) targets. Institutional Planning Office Director Engr. Jessie Mari Cerera and Engr. Ronn Lennard Napala presented the status of these targets along with the WOW BiPSU Development Plans.

Engr. Cerera highlighted that 12 out of 14 mid-year performance indicator targets had been completed. Additionally, 9 out of 14 annual performance targets had been met, with focus areas needing attention, including employability, research indicators, extension training, and accomplishments in completed and published research.

The PMT is composed of Executive Assistant Joedel Penaranda and four Special Assistants: Dr. Estelito Salut, SA for Academic and Student Affairs; Jeson Vinas, SA for Research and Biliran Campus Affairs; Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion, SA for Appointments and Public Relations; and Danica Ybanez, SA for Administration and Finance. The event was also attended by Board and University Secretary Dr. Ralph Arcenal, Director of IPO Engr. Cerera, Planning Officer I Engr. Napala, University Job Placement Officer Dr. Miguel Supremo, Director of Management and Information System Dr. Homer R. Ampong, University Registrar Marilyn Q. Ignacio, Information Officer I Mark Ronnie M. Mangco, and Private Secretary Analyn Yusoia.

Meanwhile, another Mid-Year Performance Review will be organized on August 20-21, to be attended by the offices under Academic Affairs, including the deans and other key officials.

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Marking the first in a series of activities under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) and Fundación Hakuna, BiPSU hosted a knowledge and culture sharing session with members of the Spanish-based foundation on August 7 at the BiPSU Prayer Room.

SORSOGON CITY—To ensure continuous improvement and adoption of best practices, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), led by University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr., visited Sorsogon State University (SorSU) for a benchmarking activity from August 7-8.

Seventeen (17) delegates from BiPSU arrived on August 7 and were warmly greeted with a folk dance presentation by SorSU dancers.

On August 8, the BiPSU delegation paid a courtesy visit to SorSU President Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, followed by the main benchmarking activities at the Dormtel Conference Hall, attended by various key officials including Mr. Gerald Fulay, SorSU’s VP for Administration and Finance; Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort, SorSU’s VP for Academic Affairs; Campus Directors from SorSU-Sorsogon City, Magallanes, and Bulan Campuses; and other key officials.

The 2-day benchmarking activity focused on exchanging ideas and learning about key areas such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), Quality Assurance, Instructional Materials, and the Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS).

In her welcome remarks, Dr. De Jesus mentioned that all SUCs have their own strengths and weaknesses, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared learning between BiPSU and SorSU.

“As a matter of fact, this morning, in a simple conversation with President Cañezo, marami na akong natututunan,” she said. “Simple conversation will always end up as something that will benefit our university.”

President De Jesus also revealed that she will be visiting BiPSU on August 16 for the MOA Signing with BiPSU.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cañezo underscored the significance of benchmarking in building connection and collaboration.

According to him, there is always a need to connect with other universities in order to improve the quality of education in SUCs. “We will not compete with other SUCs, but we are here to complement each other,” President Cañezo said. “I hope that in some way, we will learn from each other.”

Following the benchmarking activities, SorSU will organize a campus tour for the BiPSU delegation to visit their various offices this afternoon. Moreover, after the visit, BiPSU will be conducting a Mid-Year Performance Assessment to enhance compliance with institutional targets and develop catch-up plans for areas needing improvement.

The delegation is set to visit Bicol University for another benchmarking activity tomorrow, August 9.

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Strengthening its cooperation with international institutions, BiPSU entered into a formal partnership agreement with a Spanish-based organization, Fundación Hakuna, on August 6 at the Office of the University President.

Composed of professionals from various fields, Fundación Hakuna is an organization from Spain dedicated to transmitting universal values through music, education, and social action, and promoting volunteering and social participation among young people to help those most in need.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was officially signed by BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr. and representatives from Fundación Hakuna, Elena Madonado Perez-Hidalgo and Gabriel Diosdado Ramos. The signing was witnessed by Dr. Maribel Zipagan, Dean of the School of Teacher Education, Dr. Mafel Piol, Dean of the School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin, Director of the Internationalization Affairs Office, Mr. Joedel Peñaranda, Executive Assistant to the President, and Engr. Carmel Sigrid D. Docallos, Director of the Sports Development Office.

The partnership between the university and the foundation aims to develop and promote international understanding and goodwill between the two institutions.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two institutions will collaborate on promoting programs, including the exchange of students, exchange of faculty and researchers, exchange of academic information and publications, and joint research activities.

In an interview, University President Dr. Cañezo emphasized the importance of opening the university to international linkages.

“Our collaboration with Fundación Hakuna opens new avenues for academic growth and cultural exchange,” Dr. Cañezo said. “It is a significant step towards enriching the educational experience for our students and faculty.”

Moreover, the agreement specifies that both institutions will elaborate on specific areas of cooperation, detailing the terms and conditions of their collaboration.

The University President believes that the cooperation is a mutually beneficial partnership. “By partnering with BiPSU, the foundation can enhance its global outreach, gain insights into the academic and cultural environment of the Philippines, and establish networks for future collaborations,” Dr. Cañezo added.

Meanwhile, around fifty foreign professionals from Fundación Hakuna will conduct a series of activities during their two-week stay in Biliran.

A Spanish lesson will be conducted for BiPSU students, followed by a football match on August 7.

Additionally, there will be an extension service on August 8, and a cultural show on August 10.

Moreover, a Workshop on Design Thinking and Spanish Lessons is scheduled for August 12 at the BiPSU Gymnasium, to be participated in by various students.

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BiPSU adds another unit to its growing transport fleet as its second minibus officially arrived today, August 6.

The vehicle, amounting to P4.6 million, has a maximum seating capacity of 29 and will be used for conveying university employees and students to official engagements and activities both inside and outside the province. The new minibus, equipped with modern amenities, was funded through the university’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF) 2024.

Meanwhile, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., Faculty Regent Hon. Vennie S. Coton, Student Regent Hon. Aluah Cane Cabalhin, VP for Student and External Affairs Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, and other university key officials and Toyota-Tacloban representatives attended the inaugural activity for the university vehicles today, August 6. During the activity, the new transport vehicle, along with BiPSU’s older minibus and four passenger vans, was blessed by Fr. Christian Conde.

In a statement, Dr. Cañezo explained that this addition is part of the university’s commitment to providing safe and reliable transportation for its clientele.

“I believe this new minibus will greatly enhance our transport capabilities, ensuring that our employees and students can travel comfortably and efficiently to their destinations,” Dr. Cañezo said. “Our investment in this transport vehicle speaks of our dedication to improving the university’s services.”

Moreover, another passenger van is expected to arrive later this year.

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In solidarity with the celebration of the 57th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) participated in the Virtual Simultaneous Flag-Raising Ceremonies held today, August 5, at the BiPSU Gymnasium. The event was virtually attended by all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country.

Themed "Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience," the activity, organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), focused on historical milestones and future aspirations, including sustainable development and ongoing efforts to promote unity and collaboration among member countries.

University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., along with key university officials and students, graced the event, wearing Cambodian attire as assigned by CHED Regional Office VIII.

In his virtual message, Mr. Daniel Espiritu, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, encouraged CHED to continue engaging fellow ASEAN Member States in finding better ways to harness the skills, talents, and potential of young people.

“This will prepare ASEAN human resources to be agile, resilient, competitive, and future-ready,” said Assec. Espiritu.

Additionally, CHED Regional Office VIII released a memorandum on Friday, August 2, mandating SUCs to attend the virtual activity.

Following the flag-raising, BiPSU continued with its regular 3As program, where employees from the School of Criminal Justice Education (SCJE) presented on Awareness, Accomplishments, and Actions, reflecting the university's ongoing initiatives and contributions.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) granted the Tulong Dunong Program - Tertiary Education Subsidy (TDP-TES) scholarship to over 494 students, including fresh graduates, for the first semester of the Academic Year (AY) 2023-2024, on July 31 at the university sports center.

Facilitated by the Cashier’s Office, led by Ms. Ammabelle Sabagkit, Administrative Officer V, the university awarded scholarships of about P7,500 each, totaling P3,705,000.00.

Additionally, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. urged scholars to be thankful for the cash grants received, emphasizing the significance of this support in their academic pursuits.

“I would just like to emphasize that whatever amount you receive today, whether small or large, let us be grateful. Be grateful to your alma mater, parents, government, and to yourself,” Dr. Cañezo stressed.

Moreover, Ms. Shada Marie Marcos, a newly graduated Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (BSEd) student majoring in Social Studies, expressed her gratitude and shared how the TDP-TES scholarship provided crucial financial support and guidance, enabling her to pursue her studies without the burden of financial stress.

“This scholarship will help me, especially as I prepare for the licensure examination. It’s a big help (‘dako siya’g tabang’) in sustaining my needs, such as food and boarding house payments,” Marcos said.

However, according to the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), the release of the scholarship funds for the first semester of AY 2023-2024 is still ongoing, as several scholars have not yet completed their requirements.

In an interview, UniFAST Focal Person Shiela C. Salentes revealed that the cash release for the second semester is already in the process of billing, which will benefit a total of 890 scholars for TDP-TES and 42 scholars for TES.

The schedule for the distribution of the second semester scholarship grant has not yet been announced.

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