Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) reaffirmed its commitment to institutional excellence and continuous improvement by actively participating in the Seminar-Workshop on Outcomes-Based Quality Assurance (OBQA): An Overview for New Accreditors, Internal Quality Assurance, and Non-Academic Personnel. Held from July 9–11, 2025, at Century Park Hotel, Malate, Manila, and organized by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP), the event became a pivotal moment for BiPSU in the weaving of worthiness—a deliberate and intricate process of integrating quality assurance into the fabric of its institutional identity.

BiPSU was represented by key academic and administrative officials, including Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Jovy Dia Saniel, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences; Dr. Naneta M. Panit, Dean of the School of Teacher Education (Biliran Campus); Dr. Chona Sabinay, Dean of the School of Technology and Computer Studies; Dr. Maffel A. Piol, Dean of the School of Management and Entrepreneurship; Hon. Vennie G. Coton, Faculty Regent; Dr. Jason V. Ang, Dean of the School of Teacher Education (Main Campus); Engr. Carmel Sigrid Docallos, Dean of the School of Engineering; Mrs. Doris Palero; Ms. Apple Joy Visitacion; and Mr. Robert P. Jordan, ISO Internal Quality Auditor.

The three-day workshop delivered foundational training on AACCUP’s accreditation framework, with a strong focus on outcomes-based approaches for institutional development.

AACCUP Executive Director Dr. Milabel E. Ho opened the event with a presentation tracing the agency’s evolution and its alignment with global benchmarks such as ISO standards, world university rankings, COPCs, and institutional self-assessment. She emphasized that quality assurance extends beyond teaching, underscoring the vital role of non-academic personnel.

Dr. Raul F. Muyong, Director IV of CHED’s Office of Institutional Quality Assurance and Governance (OIQAG), provided practical insights into the revised rating system and survey instruments, sharing real-world accreditation experiences to contextualize the reforms.

AACCUP President and Board Chair Dr. Anthony M. Penaso highlighted key accreditation findings, stressing the importance of coherence between documented evidence and actual institutional practice.

The seminar’s keynote address came from newly appointed CHED Chairperson Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis, who presented the ACHIEVE Agenda—CHED’s strategic roadmap for the next three years. Citing EDCOM 2’s findings on past performance gaps, she called on higher education institutions to prioritize evidence-based decision-making in strengthening instruction, research, extension, and infrastructure.

The seminar brought together over 520 participants, including academic leaders, QA officers, and support staff from across the country.

Through its active engagement in this national capacity-building initiative, BiPSU strengthens its long-term commitment to cultivating a deeply embedded culture of quality. As it aligns with evolving accreditation standards and global best practices, the university continues to chart its path as a quality-driven institution committed to excellence.

#WoWBiPSU

Manifesting its heightened global presence, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) weaves its participation in the Asia-Pacific Summer Program (APSP) 2025 and the Asia-Pacific Faculty Development Program (APFDP), to be held on July 19–27 at Daffodil International University (DIU) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

This internationalization effort signals BiPSU’s deepening commitment to holistic, globally competitive education, where global exposure and cross-disciplinary competencies have become essential for both emerging student leaders and higher education professionals.

Through the APSP and APFDP, the university strengthens its mission of raising global citizenship and academic excellence among its constituents.

The delegation brings together 17 students from various schools of Naval and Biliran campuses, namely: Gil Irinco, Cris Ann Noquera, Jyca Shalem Honrejas, Kent Sibayan, Kristian Nartea, Arnel Rositasi, Luis Gelizon, Raffie John Michael Alpuerto, Rogelio Cale III, Marigold Inot, Sofia Anne Fuentes, Jasten Arrogante, Rubie Jane Aballe, Kyla Juntilla, Christian Jay Gonzales, Jake Ryan Mangubat and Jomari Kundiman.

Accompanying them are five esteemed educators, comprising: Ms. Florabelle Corpin, Adviser of The Pillar Publication; Dr. John Cavin Sabonsolin, Chairperson of the Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BACOMM); Mr. Vincent Justine Realino and Ms. Precious Mae Alcero, Faculty Members of the BACOMM; and Ms. Chiejeaca Jehanna Yu, Director of the International Affairs Office (IAO).

“This international engagement empowers our students and faculty with advanced knowledge, intercultural insight, and practical skills that transcend the boundaries of local learning,” spoke Prof. Victor C. Cañezo Jr., BiPSU President, during the official send-off on July 15. “Show the world the brilliance of BiPSUnistas that cross beyond local borders.”

Following the courtesy call, Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and IAO Director Ms. Yu led a pre-departure orientation at the Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC), wherein Ms. Yu outlined the travel itinerary and event schedule and Dr. Zipagan provided crucial international travel reminders, stressing the importance of cultural sensitivity, proper flight etiquette, and proudly representing both the university and the country.

The APSP offers students from any academic background a dynamic platform for academic enrichment, cultural immersion, and collaborative experiences through lectures, workshops, field visits, and heritage tours. Concurrently, the APFDP provides faculty participants with professional growth in areas such as pedagogy, curriculum innovation, digital education, assessment strategies, and research methods.

BiPSU’s involvement in these international programs reflects its continuous pursuit of quality, relevance, and excellence—positioning its students and educators as active contributors in the global academic and professional arena.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) ushered in the start of the new academic year with a solemn university-wide blessing of its classrooms, laboratories, offices, and other facilities on Monday, July 14, 2025. The  ceremony was held to seek divine guidance and foster a positive atmosphere for the thousands of students, faculty, and staff returning for their classes.

In a well-coordinated and meaningful event, the blessings were conducted simultaneously across the university's different schools and main administrative buildings. To facilitate this, several priests  were invited to officiate the sacred rites in various assigned areas, ensuring that all learning and working spaces were consecrated for the year ahead.

University officials, deans, faculty members, and non-teaching personnel gathered in their respective departments as the priests moved through the hallways, sprinkling holy water and offering prayers for wisdom, safety, and success in the coming academic year.

"This blessing sanctifies our mission," said University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP. "We are not merely constructing buildings or delivering lectures; we are engaged in the profound weaving of worthiness in every student. This prayerful start reinforces our commitment to fostering not just intellectual competence, but also the moral and spiritual confidence that allows our graduates to contribute meaningfully to society.”

The event concluded with a palpable sense of optimism and renewed spirit among the attendees. With its facilities blessed and the community united in prayer, BiPSU is now fully prepared to embark on a productive and grace-filled academic year.

Researchers from Biliran Province State University - Biliran Campus (BiPSU - BC) proudly represented the university at the 57th Annual Scientific Conference of the Pest Management Council of the Philippines, Inc. (PMCP), held from July 7 to 11, 2025, at Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Mr. Jofil A. Mati-om, from the School of Agri-Fisheries of BiPSU–Biliran Campus, presented the study titled “Assessment of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Damage in Coconut Farms of Biliran, Biliran Province, Philippines.” The research was co-authored by Reymund V. Vergara, Christian Ulysses G. Cagasan, and Rossan U. Piamonte.

Surveying nine coconut-producing barangays in the Municipality of Biliran, their study reveals varied levels of infestation by the destructive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB). The team emphasized the importance of community-based pest control and local government involvement in protecting livelihoods and sustaining coconut farming, a vital source of income for Biliran communities.

The study was among the 26 scientific papers selected for presentation from across the country at the national conference, which carried the theme “Strengthening Partnership and Innovation in Pest Management: Towards a Sustainable and Food Secure Philippines.” The event brought together researchers, scientists, and experts dedicated to advancing solutions in pest management and sustainable agriculture.

The team’s participation underscores BiPSU’s unwavering commitment to meaningful research and its ongoing pursuit of development for the local community and beyond.

#WoWBiPSU

The leadership of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU),  led by its President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, joined by Vice Presidents Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Dr. Roland A.  Niez, and Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Rogelio J. Espina, MD, FPOA, fondly referred to as the "Father of the BiPSU Charter." Under Governor Espina’s leadership, Naval State University was transformed into Biliran Province State University in 2019 through Republic Act No. 11170.

During the visit, BiPSU provided an update on its current enrollment for the 1st semester of Academic Year 2025-2026. As of July 14, the university reported a total of 11,724 enrolled students across its two campuses, with 8,715 students (74.32%) hailing from Biliran Province.

The BiPSU leadership also presented plans for upcoming national and international events scheduled for September and October, which the university will proudly host. Governor Espina expressed his full commitment to supporting these events by ensuring the province’s readiness in terms of tourism, transportation, and security.

In a shared vision for the province’s progress, Governor Espina discussed his plans to establish review centers to further equip Biliranons, a move hailed as another milestone for the community.

BiPSU extends its heartfelt gratitude to Governor Espina for his unwavering support and partnership, which continue to empower the university and the weavers of Biliran’s bright future.

#WoWBiPSU

Twenty-five Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) students from Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) recently completed a 35-day internship program at Biliran Electric Cooperative (BILECO). The program concluded with BILECO’s inaugural exit ceremony, a milestone event celebrating the interns’ dedication and professional growth. Each student received a certificate of completion and a token of appreciation for their commitment and hardwork.

Under the leadership of Engr. Gerardo Oledan, General Manager of BILECO, the BiPSU students seamlessly integrated their theoretical knowledge with practical skills, working directly with live electrical systems and gaining invaluable real-world experience.

BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, expressed his gratitude, stating, "Thank you, BILECO thru GM Gerardo Oledan for nurturing our BS Electrical Engineering OJT!"

This achievement underscores BiPSU’s commitment to preparing its students for successful engineering careers through meaningful partnerships like the one with BILECO.

Congratulations to the interns—world-ready weavers, your journey as future engineers is off to a brilliant start!

#WoWBiPSU

On July 10, 2025, the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Biliran and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), launched a transformative "Responsible Parenthood Extension Program" across eleven barangays in the Municipality of Biliran. This initiative, a part of the Integrated Community Extension Services Program (ICESP), aimed to strengthen the social fabric, promote equality-driven transformation, and foster sustainable economic growth within the communities.

The program featured a series of engaging seminars led by SAS faculty, designed to equip parents with essential knowledge and skills for responsible parenting. Topics included effective communication, child development strategies, financial literacy, and fostering emotional resilience in families. The sessions encouraged open dialogue, allowing participants to share challenges and insights on raising children in today’s complex world. “We recognize that empowering parents with the right tools can create stronger families and healthier societies,” said a faculty member, emphasizing the program's mission to drive positive change from the household level outward.

Targeting underprivileged beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the initiative prioritized accessibility and inclusivity. By providing technical assistance and fostering knowledge-sharing, BiPSU ensured that participants gained practical tools to cultivate nurturing, supportive family environments. The program also addressed local needs, such as conflict resolution and stress management, tailoring content to the unique challenges faced by  communities.

The Responsible Parenthood Extension Program reflects BiPSU’s unwavering commitment to community development and family empowerment. By investing in parental education, the university is laying the foundation for resilient, equitable communities that can thrive economically and socially. The initiative’s success has sparked discussions about expanding its reach to other municipalities, with plans to incorporate additional workshops on mental health and entrepreneurship.

This milestone underscores BiPSU’s role as a catalyst for change, weaving together targeted education and community engagement to transform lives. As families apply their newfound knowledge, the ripple effects are expected to strengthen community bonds and promote sustainable development across the province.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) continues to solidify its position as a global leader in innovation, having been recognized as one of the Global Top 400 Innovative Universities in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025, as announced on July 10 during the 5th Hanseatic League of Universities Conference in Dumaguete City.

Since its debut in the WURI rankings in 2021, BiPSU has been consistently ranked in the said impact ranking system demonstrating a remarkable trajectory, reflecting its unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, ethical practices, and societal impact 

BiPSU’s performance in the 2025 WURI rankings underscores its strengths across key categories, achieving a global rank of 53rd in Ethics and Integrity (A6), 51st worldwide in Technology Development and Application (A7) and 61st globally in University Brand and Reputation (B8) categories.

Further, this year’s ranking included 87 countries, 1253 universities and 4866 innovative programs across the 16 categories.

The WURI ranking system evaluates universities based on their tangible contributions to society, emphasizing innovative education, industrial applications, entrepreneurial spirit, ethical values, and crisis management. 

“BiPSU has leveraged this platform to showcase its innovative initiatives, from pioneering research to community-driven initiatives. Unlike traditional rankings, WURI focuses on real-world impact, making BiPSU’s consistent presence in the Global Top 400 a clear indicator of its role in the weaving of worthiness, shaping a better future. The university’s achievements underscore its mission to produce graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also equipped to drive transformative change in their communities and beyond,” said BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP."

BiPSU’s continued recognition in the WURI rankings underscores its dynamic approach to education and innovation. By weaving ethical values, technological advancement, and global engagement into its framework, the university stands as a beacon of progress, significantly contributing to addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development.

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On June 10, 2025, the pursuit of equitable and inclusive education took center stage at Biliran Province State University (BIPSU) as its School of Technology and Computer Studies (STCS) successfully hosted the illuminating seminar-workshop, "Teaching with GAD-ttitude: Seminar-Workshop in Creating Inclusive Instruction, Extension, and Research Activities." The full-day event underscored the university's commitment to embedding Gender and Development (GAD) principles deeply within its academic and outreach frameworks. The full-day event, attended by the faculty of the School of Technology and Computer Studies, underscored the university's commitment to embedding Gender and Development (GAD) principles deeply within its academic and outreach frameworks.

The event commenced with an opening ceremony, featuring welcome remarks by Dr. Reynold G. Bustillo, BSIS Program Chairperson. Dr. Bustillo underscored the importance of integrating GAD principles into teaching, research, and extension activities, positioning these efforts as essential for addressing societal challenges. 

The core of the workshop was a series of expertly delivered talks designed to provide both theoretical understanding and practical application of GAD principles. The first session, "Integrating the GAD Approach into Your Syllabus," was led by Dr. Annel Ruth D. Celis, Chairperson of the Bachelor of Arts in Economics Program. Her presentation offered faculty members actionable strategies for meticulously weaving gender-sensitive language, case studies, and perspectives into their course outlines and lesson plans, ensuring that the curriculum itself promotes gender equality.

Following this, Mr. Fernando E. Quiroz Jr., a former Head of GRASS of the BIPSU-GAD Office, presented "Integrating a Gender Lens in Academic Inquiry." His insightful discussion highlighted the imperative of conducting research through a gender-sensitive lens, emphasizing how such an approach can unveil nuanced societal dynamics and lead to more comprehensive and impactful findings. He provided guidance on formulating research questions, selecting methodologies, and interpreting data in a manner that accounts for gender differences and inequalities.

The morning session concluded with "Planning Inclusive Tech-Based Outreach Projects," a compelling talk by Dr. Marianne B. Dagaylo-An, Director of the GAD Office. She elucidated how technology can be harnessed as a powerful tool for social good, particularly in designing outreach programs that are accessible, relevant, and beneficial to all genders and marginalized groups within the community. Her presentation offered practical frameworks for developing projects that actively address gender-specific needs and challenges.

A key highlight of the afternoon was the "Research & Extension Services Proposal Presentation." Mr. Glenn Gumba, STCS Research Chairperson, and Ms. Jhanna Mariel A. Merino, STCS Extension Services Chairperson, showcased exemplary proposals that demonstrated integration of GAD principles. These presentations served as tangible examples of how faculty can translate the theoretical concepts learned into concrete, GAD-responsive research and community engagement initiatives. Each presenter acted as a skilled weaver, demonstrating how to seamlessly blend GAD principles into their respective fields.

The seminar-workshop concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Cheryl A. Ebajo, BSIS Program Chairperson, who reiterated the significance of continued commitment to GAD mainstreaming within the university. She stressed the importance for all faculty to continue to weave these inclusive practices into their daily work. 

The "Teaching with GAD-ttitude" seminar-workshop stands as a testament to #WoWBIPSU's proactive approach in cultivating a truly inclusive and gender-responsive academic and community environment, empowering its faculty to be agents of positive social change through their instruction, research, and extension activities.

[This article aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 5: Gender Equality.]

On July 9, 2025, Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, President of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) and Regional Chairperson of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), attended the 2025 PASUC Midterm Convention and General Assembly at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

In a statement, Prof. Cañezo expressed his honor in joining fellow state university and college (SUC) leaders during the event, particularly highlighting his participation in the processional alongside other regional PASUC chairpersons. “I was deeply humbled to join this significant gathering of academic leaders,” he said.

During the convention, Prof. Cañezo took time for a photo opportunity with Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, the event’s keynote speaker, and personally thanked her for her steadfast support of BiPSU. “On behalf of BiPSU, I sincerely thank Secretary Pangandaman for her continued commitment to our university’s growth and mission,” he said. He also acknowledged the DBM’s role, stating, “We are grateful to the DBM for believing in our vision and empowering BiPSU to reach greater heights.” Prof. Cañezo highlighted the recommended budget of over PHP 732 million for BiPSU for Fiscal Year 2026, expressing his appreciation for this significant allocation.

The PASUC convention serves as a platform for SUC leaders to discuss issues in higher education, share best practices, and strengthen collaborations to advance the country’s state universities and colleges.

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[This article aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals No. 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]