Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) conducted a seminar titled “Gender Equality and Diversity in Handling Customers and Clients in the Workplace” today, July 17, at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio Visual Center (HAVC). The seminar, organized by BiPSU’s Gender and Development (GAD) Office and the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), was attended by frontline service providers from various university offices.

The event aimed to equip BiPSU’s frontline service providers with skills to handle various clients, especially those with diverse social orientations, gender identities, and expressions (SOGIE). Additionally, it sought to improve the understanding of client satisfaction measurement among service providers.

The one-day event featured discussions led by resource persons both from within and outside the university. Mr. Victorino D. Mendiola III, Assistant Manager at Starlegends Adventures, Inc., led the morning session with a discussion on “The Art of Service Excellence: The Essentials for a High-Quality Service.” In the afternoon, Mr. Fernando Quiroz, Jr., Head of BiPSU Gender Research and Admin Support Services (GRASS), covered “GAD Sensitivity and Inclusivity in the Workplace.” Moreover, Mr. Vincent Justine L. Realino, Acting Director of BiPSU University Media and Information Office (UMIO), presented guidelines on the implementation of the “Harmonized Satisfaction Measurement.”

BiPSU key officials present during the seminar included Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rossini B. Pitao, Supply Officer III Mr. Joemard Calvez, and Human Resource Management Officer Ms. Arrah Mae B. Tambis.

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PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES — Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) participated in the 2024 National Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly at the SMX Convention Center, Manila, on July 15-17.

Among the representatives were Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Vice President for Student and External Affairs; Hon. Vennie G. Coton, Faculty Regent; Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin, Legal Officer III; Mr. Joedel O. Peñaranda, Executive Assistant to the President; Dr. Ralph Arvic Arcenal, University and Board Secretary; Dr. Concepcion Gayrama, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Administration; Atty. Pahmi Ampaso, CAO - Finance; Dr. Sheila Day A. Gabuya, Supervising Administrative Officer - Finance; Dr. Alvin L. Ampong, Director for Extension Services; Ms. Ammabelle Sabagkit, Cashier III; and Ms. Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion, Information Officer II and Special Assistant to the President for Appointments and Public Affairs.

Anchored on the theme “Advancing Competitiveness of SUCs for National Development,” this year’s convention aimed at strengthening State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) as contributors to the nation’s growth, enhancing programs and initiatives, and aligning these with the needs of the global society.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquilo, PASUC National President, elaborated on key components of the convention, which included examining the current state and future directions of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), identifying opportunities and challenges related to financial frameworks, and exploring innovative approaches necessary for maintaining and improving the quality of education amidst fiscal challenges. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing the global competitiveness of SUCs.

“We need to highlight the role of quality assurance in maintaining and elevating educational standards to ensure that the benefits of higher education are maximized and sustained,” he added.

Meanwhile, PASUC President Dr. Ronquilo also presented the President’s Report for 2022-2024, highlighting accomplishments in governance and management, representation and partnerships, and various programs, activities, and projects implemented.

“We still have a lot to do, and it is important to remember that we will be measured by our actions, not our intentions,” he emphasized.

Other highlights during the event included discussions on the Philippines Free Higher Education: Issues, Challenges, and Ways Forward; Positioning Philippine SUCs in a Competitive Global Village; The Imperatives of Quality Assurance: Ensuring the Gains of Higher Education; Health, Wellness, and Longevity; the ROSSS Phase II: Inspiring Productivity and Efficiency of SUCs Workplace; Scaling Research and Innovation Ecosystems: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities; and Artificial Intelligence: Engineering a Smart Campus for Sustainable Development.

This year’s PASUC convention also featured prominent speakers from national and international organizations and other partner agencies, including Hon. Ralph G. Recto, Secretary of the Department of Finance and principal author of the Universal Access to Quality and Tertiary Education Act.

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The Federation of Supreme Student Councils (FSSC) of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) concluded the Pandayan 2.0 Annual Student Leaders Convergence 2024, held from July 10 to 12 at the BiPSU Gymnasium. The event aimed to enhance the leadership skills of student leaders and equip them with knowledge in managerial and governing tasks.

The three-day event featured two plenary sessions. The first, "Strategic Foresight and Futures Thinking in Student Leadership," was led by Mr. Jezreel Larry R. Caunca, Professional Futurist and Foresight Coordinator at UNESCO Chair on Anticipatory Governance and Regenerative Cities. The second session, "Futures Thinking of the Student Leaders in the New Generation," was discussed by Dr. Mark Michael O. Unlu-Cay, Executive Assistant III of the Office of the President of the National Youth Commission.

Breakout sessions were also held at various venues during the second day, including the Academic and Wellness Center, the Student Lounge, Hostel Function Hall B, and the BiPSU Gymnasium. The resource persons for these sessions included Mr. Eduardo R. Alamzan, Project Evaluation Officer of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Atty. Pahmi Hadji S. Ampaso, Chief Administrative Officer-Finance of BiPSU Budget Office; Mr. Mark Christian R. Almazan, FSSC Adviser; Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin, BiPSU Legal Officer; Mr. Christler B. Calizo, BiPSU Procurement Officer; Mr. Vincent Justine L. Realino, Acting Director of BiPSU University Media and Information Office; and Dr. Ralph Arvic T. Arcenal, University and Board Secretary.

Additionally, a Social Night on the second day provided entertainment to the participants, with the Mr. and Ms. Pandayan 2024 contest as the highlight.

On the third day, team-building activities were conducted to promote collaboration and strengthen relationships among the participants. These activities aimed to build a sense of unity and improve teamwork among the student leaders.

In his message during the closing program, incoming Student Regent Hon. Aluah Kane Cabalhin emphasized that he is expecting full support from the Supreme Student Council (SSC) and student organizations throughout the academic year.

"Your leadership does not end after this third day. We have a big year ahead of us," Hon. Cabalhin said.

"From the first day of School Year 2024-2025 until the last day of 2025, I expect 100% full support from the Supreme Student Council and all student organizations," he added.

The activity, themed "BiPSU Student Leaders Advancing Future-Proof and Sustainable Student Leadership," was attended by incoming SSC officers and representatives from various student and course-related organizations.

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As the first semester of the Academic Year (AY) 2024-2025 approaches, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) held a Training Workshop on Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). The event took place at the BiPSU gymnasium from July 15 to 16.

The workshop aimed to equip all BiPSU's teaching personnel with strategies to utilize the remaining hour of the three-hour weekly allotment for their courses, in response to the university's implementation of a shifting class system for the upcoming semester.

In his welcome message, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. explained that the new class system, integrated with ODeL, could enhance education quality by reducing direct teaching hours to four to five hours daily. This adjustment allows teachers extra time for research, breaks, or module preparation.

“Actually, this ODeL, we believe that this will enhance the quality of education by reducing teaching hours from four to five hours only,” Dr. Cañezo stated.

“For example, for Shift 1, you’ll come here by 7 in the morning but you’re only supposed to teach from 7 to 1 o’clock in the afternoon. Since you are to serve eight hours, you’re still up to 4 o’clock here but your 1-4pm will not have any teaching loads. You can have your time for research, or some break, or even work on your modules,” he added.

The event featured three resource speakers. Prof. Lorena Jean D. Saludadez, Assistant Professor at the UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), discussed “Navigating and Winning A.I in Assessment Strategies;” Dr. Rita C. Ramos, also an FMDS Assistant Professor, presented on “Best Practices in ODeL Delivery;” and Mr. Lexter J. Mangubat, Deputy Director at the Education Media Production, addressed “Teaching Approaches and Pedagogies in the ODeL Setting.”

It is worth noting that classes for the first semester will start on July 22 for college students, July 29 for Laboratory High School (LHS) students, and August 3 for graduate students.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its Sports and Athletics Services Office (SASO), recently concluded a week-long Summer Concentration Program for its student athletes, dubbed as "Tigers," from July 8 to 14. The program aimed to prepare the athletes for the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association VIII (SCUAA-8) Regional Meet 2024.

The Summer Concentration Program included rigorous training sessions, skill development activities, and performance evaluations to improve the athletes' abilities and prepare them for the upcoming SCUAA-8 Regional Meet. BiPSU seeks to improve its overall ranking in the SCUAA-8 Regional Meet, where it previously garnered 117 medals, including 17 golds, 51 silvers, and 49 bronzes.

During the opening program on July 8, medalist athletes from the SCUAA-8 Regional Meet 2023 received their monetary incentives for the second semester of the Academic Year (AY) 2023-2024. Gold medalists were granted P10,000 per semester, amounting to P20,000 for the entire academic year, while silver and bronze medalists received P5,000 per semester, totaling P10,000 for the year. Medalist athletes had previously received their first semester scholarship grants on December 20, 2023.

Additionally, selected non-medalist athletes from the recent regional sporting event are set to receive a one-time scholarship grant of P7,500 at the Cashier’s Office in the first semester of AY 2024-2025. These non-medalist grantees were chosen based on their consistent effort, willingness to learn, and commitment to their sports.

The week-long summer concentration program concluded with a team-building activity at Lavin Resort, Larazzabal, Naval, Biliran, on July 14, where student-athletes and coaches participated.

It can be noted that this year’s SCUAA-8 Regional Meet will be held at Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) from December 8 to 14.

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Biliran Province State University’s Panamao Dance Company (BiPSU PDC) showcased the localized folk dance “Kinhas” during the Visayas Cultural Show “Bailes y Canciones” at the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Fair 2024 held at the KCC Mall, Zamboanga City, yesterday, July 10.

The "Kinhas" folk dance, choreographed by BiPSU’s Cultural Affairs and Development Unit (CADU) Director Mr. Kevin C. Tanguihan, originated from Cabucgayan, Biliran. It depicts the local livelihood of searching for seashells and illustrates the coastal lifestyle of the natives.

Other performers from the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region 8 for the said cultural show included Leyte Normal University (LNU), Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), and University of Eastern Philippines (UEP).

Present at the event were BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., Vice President for Student and External Affairs Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, and Food Research and Development Office Director Mr. Marclin G. Aguilar.

The SUC Fair, held from July 9-11, 2024, is an annual event initiated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). It serves as a platform to recognize the contributions of stakeholders in advancing higher education, research, and development, celebrating the CHED anniversary with a focus on innovations, cultural and arts preservation, and enhancing the quality of higher education.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through the Federation of Supreme Student Councils (FSSC), has officially started the Pandayan 2.0 Annual Student Leaders Convergence 2024. The event, themed “BiPSU Student Leaders Advancing Future-Proof & Sustainable Student Leadership,” began with an opening program today, July 10, at the BiPSU Gymnasium.

In a welcome message from BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., delivered by his Executive Assistant Mr. Joedel O. Peñaranda, the importance of student leaders' participation was highlighted. "You being here is not an accident. Maybe you were forced to be here, or you’re simply curious about the opportunity, but the universe listens, and it has conspired that you belong to be here today," he stated.

The first day of the event features resource speakers such as Mr. Jezreel Larry R. Caunca, Professional Futurist and Foresight Coordinator, UNESCO Chair on Anticipatory Governance and Regenerative Cities, and Dr. Mark Michael Unlu-cay, NYC Office of the Commissioner Representing Visayas.

The three-day convergence includes plenary sessions and workshops designed to enhance the leadership skills of student leaders. A Social’s Night will be held on the second day, July 11, at the same venue.

The event is attended by incoming Supreme Student Council (SSC) officers and selected representatives from various student organizations.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) hosted the 1st Eastern Visayas Youth for the Futures Forum from June 25 to 27 at the BiPSU Main Campus. The event was organized in collaboration with the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges VIII (PASUC8), the Strategic Innovation and Knowledge Laboratory (SIKLAB), An Lantugi Debate Society (ALDS), the UNESCO Chair on Anticipatory Governance and Regenerative Cities at Northwestern University, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Biliran Province, and the Biliran Local Governance Resource Center.

The first day included presentations from experts on futures research. Prof. Shermon O. Cruz, UNESCO Chair on Anticipatory Governance and Regenerative Cities, delivered the keynote speech. Dr. Cristie Ann Jaca from Cebu Technological University (CTU) spoke about the 3A Instructional Model as a Futures Thinking Teaching Method. Mr. Joedel Peñaranda, ALDS Adviser and SIKLAB Director, gave an introduction to Futures Thinking.

The event also featured the 1st Regional Futures Debate Spar, where debaters from ALDS, BiPSU’s official debate society, were declared the grand champions.

ALDS members Jay Lawrence E. Pentados and John Jedidia Z. Maas won in the gold category. BiPSU’s Clarisse Quiñones, Eastern Samar State University’s (ESSU) Emika Badillo, and BiPSU Laboratory High School’s (LHS) Wayne Luay, Jr., were recognized as top adjudicators. Gabrielle Tabunda of ESSU was named the finals' best speaker. BiPSU’s Lawrence Pentado and Visayas State University’s (VSU) Dhea Angela Capuyan were honored as the second-best speakers, followed by VSU’s Harriette Lynne Nabonillo, ESSU’s Keith Baquilod, BiPSU’s John Jedidia Maas, BiPSU’s Crystel Demate, BiPSU’s Remmie Joy Baluna, BiPSU’s Alistir Pacheco, BiPSU’s Rafael Dacara, BiPSU’s Ace Arante, and BiPSU’s Francis Negad, who placed fourth to tenth.

Themed “Pioneering Futures Research through Critical Discourse," the forum was attended by participants from various state universities and colleges in Eastern Visayas, including BiPSU, ESSU, and VSU. The event aimed to create a community of forward-thinking individuals by encouraging the adoption of strategic foresight and critical discourse on future research among faculty and students.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) held a Key Management Meeting at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio Visual Center (HAVC) on July 3 to ensure a seamless opening of classes for the Academic Year 2024-2025 and address important institutional matters.

Led by BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., alongside Vice Presidents Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra (Student and External Affairs), Dr. Susan S. Bentor (Academic Affairs), and Dr. Rossini B. Pitao (Administration and Finance), the meeting focused on essential agenda items including academic year preparation, program compliance, SUC levelling, and enrollment updates.

Dr. Cañezo emphasized the university's commitment to fostering student development and highlighted the importance of institutional readiness.

"Institutional readiness is crucial for BiPSU as we aim for a WowBiPSU 2.0 experience—a supportive environment where students can discover and achieve their full potential," stated Dr. Canezo.

Dr. Cañezo also announced upcoming faculty development workshops and trainings in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and De La Salle University (DLSU).

Additionally, Dr. Cañezo shared that he had recently concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to strengthen partnerships. A team from UPLB's College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) will visit in August to assess the agri-fisheries programs at BiPSU Biliran campus.

Dr. Canezo also called on all officials to actively promote BiPSU's new Vision, Mission, and Core Values.

The meeting was attended by BiPSU key officials, including the deans, directors, unit heads, and program chairpersons.

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LOS BAÑOS, LAGUNA — Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 2 at the UPLB campus to enhance educational initiatives through collaborative activities.

The MOU includes the exchange of faculty researchers and students, collaborative research and extension projects, lectures, symposiums, capacity-building programs, and the exchange of academic and information materials. Both universities will also engage in other mutually agreed academic cooperation.

BiPSU was represented by President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., Legal Officer III Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin, and Executive Assistant to the President Mr. Joedel Peñaranda. Meanwhile, UPLB was represented by Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., Vice Chancellor for Administration Dr. Rolando T. Bello, and Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension Dr. Nathaniel Bantayan.

Other attendees of the ceremonial signing included CLSU President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, WPU President Dr. Amabel Liao, Catanduanes State University President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, officials from the International Rice Research Institute, and representatives from other state universities and colleges. Moreover, also present was Dr. Adeliza A. Dorado, Associate Dean for Instruction, representing Dr. Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr., Dean of UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS).

Dr. Cañezo highlighted the significance of the partnership in expanding academic cooperation and enhancing BiPSU’s agricultural program at its external campus in Biliran, Biliran, benefiting both faculty and students. He emphasized UPLB's excellence in agriculture as a key factor in the collaboration.

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