In celebration of National Women’s Month, the Gender and Development (GAD) Office of Biliran Province State University organized a one-day seminar on breast and cervical cancer awareness and prevention on March 12 at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio-Visual Center.

Attended by students, faculty members, and administrative staff, the seminar aimed to provide crucial health information, focusing on early detection, prevention, and empowering women with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their well-being.

In her opening message, Dr. Marriane B. Dagaylo-an, director of the GAD Office, underscored the significance of advocating for breast and cervical cancer awareness and its implications to the women in the university. 

“We are not just marking the Women's Month celebration; we are actively investing in the health and empowerment of women and everyone within our university,” the GAD director said. “Breast and cervical cancer are significant health challenges, but they are also areas where knowledge, awareness, and proactive steps can make a life-changing difference.”

According to the National Library of Medicine, breast and cervical cancer were the two most common cancers among Filipino women in terms of incidence in 2020. Advocating for awareness and prevention is crucial, as early detection and timely access to treatment can significantly improve survival rates, particularly in areas with limited healthcare resources.

Dr. Judy Dingcong-Huilar, an obstetrician-gynecologist from the Biliran Provincial Health Office, led the discussion with a talk titled “Babae, Maging Handa: Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness and Prevention.” She emphasized the importance of routine check-ups, self-examinations, and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) to reduce cancer risks.

Meanwhile, Dr. Reggie N. Nierra, BiPSU’s supervising administrative officer for administration, shared her journey as a cancer survivor who was diagnosed with stage II-A breast cancer. “I choose to share my journey openly because I believe it is crucial for all of us to talk about cancer candidly,” she said.

She also encouraged the participants to help in fostering an environment of support and understanding. “Let us redefine what it means not just to survive but to live vibrantly and unapologetically, on our own terms,” she shared. “We can transform the narrative creating a community that thrives on support, understanding, and empowerment.”

This seminar marked the second event in BiPSU GAD Office’s month-long National Women’s Month celebration, which features a series of activities aimed at promoting gender equality and raising awareness on women’s health.

[This aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 5: Gender Equality]

A team from the School of Teacher Education (STEd) at Biliran Province State University Naval Campus is set to represent the province of Biliran in the regional fire safety quiz bee on March 21 in Tacloban City.

Composed of Mark Kevin Sambitan, Christian Lloyd Pomar, and Shebah Marcos, the team earned their spot in the regional competition after being crowned champions of the first ever Provincial Hot Shots: The Firefighter Quiz Battle held on March 12 at the BiPSU Highly Advanced Virtual Classroom (HAVC).

Coached by Sherwin Sarzuelo, the trio dominated all three rounds of the competition, scoring 60 points in the easy round, 120 in the moderate round, and 110 in the difficult round, securing a total of 290 points.

The event, held in celebration of Fire Prevention Month, was organized by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Biliran Provincial Office under the leadership of Acting Provincial Fire Marshal FSINSP Zardoz V. Abela. 

Seven schools from BiPSU Naval Campus and a delegation from BiPSU Biliran Campus participated in the collegiate-level competition, themed “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa”.

Meanwhile, the School of Engineering and the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME) claimed the first and second runner-up spots, respectively.

FO3 Cyril Rosales, chief of the Community Relations Unit of BFP Biliran, highlighted the importance of the event in promoting fire safety awareness among students. She also expressed gratitude to the BiPSU administration for its support.

"Thank you very much to Biliran Province State University, especially President Dr. Victor C. Canezo, Jr. and Vice President Dr. Susan Bentor, for assisting the BFP. We also extend our appreciation to all participants and coaches," she said. “This initiative reflects BiPSU’s commitment to educational programs that enhance fire safety awareness.”

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.]

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) officially opens the online application for graduation for the Academic Year 2024-2025. All eligible graduating students are required to complete the online registration on or before March 31, 2025.

For registration details, students may visit and register to the following link:

Naval Campus: https://tinyurl.com/5n995ccj

Biliran Campus: https://tinyurl.com/5xe698yf

However, students who are unable to access or register online may complete their application in person at the Office of the University Registrar during office hours. 

After completing the registration, students will receive a confirmation email. If the email does not appear in their inbox, they are encouraged to check their spam or junk folder.

Failure to complete the registration process on or before March 31, 2025 may result in exclusion from the official list of graduates.

Moreover, University Registrar Marilyn Ignacio has confirmed the required documents for submission to their office, which include the following:

1. SF 10 (Form 137-A)
2. PSA Live Birth (Photocopy)
3. Certificate of Grades (including School Year 2024-2025 second semester subjects)
4. Individual Checklist (Prospectus)
5. TOR with remarks: Copy for BiPSU (For Transferee Students)
6. PSA Marriage Contract (For Married Students)
7. 2 pcs 2x2 ID Pictures (white background, in Toga—one with cap and one without cap)

In compliance with data privacy regulations of the university, all personal and sensitive information submitted as part of the graduation registration process will be handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with the university's data protection policies. 

Students are assured that their data will only be used for the purpose of graduation processing and will not be shared without their consent.

Be sure to complete your registration on time to ensure your place among the graduating class!

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University has received a P1.3-million grant from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for its project titled Project 2 (Project 1A): Strengthening the Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management (IPTBM).

In a letter dated March 4, PCAARRD Executive Director Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora confirmed that the budget allocation represents the first year of the two-year implementation period, spanning from October 2024 to September 2026. 

The funding follows a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. and PCAARRD Executive Director Atty. Ebora.

Project Leader Assoc. Prof. Jeruel A. Espinazo explained that the project aims to enhance IPTBM at BiPSU by intensifying technology protection, commercialization, and intellectual property (IP) management in agriculture and aquaculture. 

“We need to bridge the gap between research and commercialization and ensure that innovative technologies developed in the university are effectively protected and translated into practical applications that benefit the agricultural and aquaculture sectors,” he said.

As part of Phase 2, the initiative focuses on expanding and improving existing programs, particularly in strengthening Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), optimizing patenting processes, and facilitating effective technology transfer to industry partners.

RAISE EV Project Technical Assistant Krishmar H. Centino also shared that the funding will support the 6Ps and 2Is framework, which includes Publication, Patent, Product, People and Services, Places and Partnerships, Policies, Social Impact, and Economic Impact. “The funding will be used to ensure that these outputs are achieved and even exceeded,” she said.

Meanwhile, University President Dr. Cañezo also expressed his gratitude to DOST-PCAARRD for their trust and support. 

“Strengthening our intellectual property and technology management means we can better protect and commercialize innovations that have the potential to transform agriculture and aquaculture,” the university president said. “With this, we strengthen our move to making a real impact in our communities."

IPTBM is under the RAISE Program of the DOST-PCAARRD which aims to provide the optimum environment for inventors, innovators, and investors and calls for the commitment of the regional stakeholders to collaborate to build a competitive agri-aqua innovation ecosystem that maximizes the potential of every science and technology innovation.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.]

Biliran Province State University and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Regional Office VIII have formalized their collaboration to enhance criminological research and public safety initiatives through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on March 11 at the BiPSU OP Convergence.

The agreement was signed by BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. and NAPOLCOM VIII Acting Regional Director Atty. Risty N. Sibay.

One of the highlights of the partnership is advancing data-driven crime prevention efforts and academic research in criminology. Under this collaboration, BiPSU will deploy enumerators from its School of Criminal Justice (SCJE) to assist in the 2025 Survey on Personal Safety, Fear of Crime, and Violence in Biliran Province.

This survey aims to assess public perceptions of safety, attitudes toward crime prevention, and the effectiveness of law enforcement services in Biliran Province. The findings will help develop and implement targeted interventions and policies to improve public safety.

During a short courtesy visit to the Office of the President, NAPOLCOM VIII Acting Regional Director Atty. Sibay also pledged to facilitate criminology internships for BiPSU students, providing them with practical exposure to law enforcement processes.

Additionally, BiPSU will share its research findings related to public safety and law enforcement with NAPOLCOM to contribute to evidence-based policymaking.

The NAPOLCOM VIII Acting Regional Director emphasized the importance of research-based approaches in enhancing public trust and effective governance in crime prevention. He also highlighted the need for research-driven policies.

“We need research studies that will serve as the basis for our policy formulation,” he said. “If BiPSU has research papers that we can use, we would be very grateful.”

Dr. Cañezo expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and emphasized its impact in community safety and policymaking.

"This partnership strengthens our commitment to equipping our criminology students with real-world experience while contributing to evidence-based policies that promote community safety," he said.

The ceremonial signing was also witnessed by key officials from NAPOLCOM VIII, including Atty. Rutchel G. Hechanova-Espinosa, assistant regional director; Atty. Gladys A. Centino, provincial officer of Biliran; Atty. Hermie F. Alcera II, CPA, chief of the Technical Services Division; and Marialuz C. Abarca, chief of the Planning and Research Section.

University officials in attendance included Board of Regents (BOR) member and SCJE Acting Dean Hon. Vennie G. Coton; Department of Criminology Chair Roselle G. Sabornido; and University Legal Assistant Atty. Sheena Estrella Bentor. 

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.]

Biliran Province State University's tertiary school publications—The Pillar Publication of Naval Campus and The Vista Publication of Biliran Campus—attended the 3rd National Campus Journalism Convention organized by Transforming Advocates and Champions (TRAC), held at the Grand Opera Hotel, Manila, from March 9-11.

Themed, "Empowering Journalists' Voices, Upholding Human Rights in Democratic Society," the national convention gathered almost 500 participants from the different secondary and tertiary institutions across the Philippines. The event featured renowned journalists and personalities including Regina "Ging" Reyes, former head of ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs; Howie Severino, documentarist at I-Witness; and Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Maria Lourdes Sereno.

The BiPSU delegation is composed of 19 journalists from both publications, along with three faculty members of the university namely, Ms. Florabelle Corpin, Mr. Vincent Justine Realino, and Mr. Arnel Gamez.

Meanwhile, The Vista Publication's incumbent Editor-in-Chief, Cris Ann Noquera, was hailed as the champion for Sports News Writing, competing against 32 institutions. She was coached by Mr. Arnel Gamez, a faculty member from the School of Teacher Education- Biliran Campus.

Furthermore, The Pillar Publication's Documentary Vlog team composed of Lyka Janina Brigole, Donato Besana, and Antonio Kristopher Paderanga, defended the title  as the second-runner up of the category. It can be noted that last year, the publication also won second-runner up in the Documentary Vlog competition.

Their documentary vlog titled "Tinta at Tapang: Ang Laban ng Campus Journalits," tackled the life of the campus journalists in the midst of the prevailing oppression and censorship. They were coached by Mr. Vincent Justine L. Realino, a faculty member from the School of Arts and Sciences.

The National Campus Journalism Convention is an annual event organized by TRAC that gathers campus journalists from the different institutions in the country and empower them to become better story-tellers of truth.

[This article aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education]

Biliran Province State University participated in the 38th AACCUP Annual National Conference and General Assembly held at Marikina Polytechnic College Sta. Elena, Marikina City on March 5-7. 

Themed, “Elevate, empower and expand QA in Higher Education,” this year’s conference was designed to enhance the overall quality of the education and ensure that higher education institutions integrate and adapt new technologies and digital tools in their program to raise their standards of quality assurance (QA)  utilizing innovative strategies and best practices, empower educators and administrators with the knowledge, competencies and values using tools needed to implement effective QA processes, and expand these practices by strengthening collaboration and sharing of experiences among institutions and partners in HEIs. 

Led by BiPSU President Dr. Victor Catigbe Cañezo, Jr., the delegation included Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, vice-president for Administration and Finance; Dr. Analiza B. Calles, director of Curriculum, Instruction and Faculty Development (CIFD); Engr. Jessie Mari D. Cerera, director of the Institutional Planning Office (IPO); Dr. Carlito C. Cabas Jr., director of Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA); Dr. Jovy Dia R. Saniel, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS); Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, dean of the School of Teacher Education (STEd); Dr. Randy Villarin, dean of SAB-Form; and Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion, director of the University Media and Information Office (UMIO).

Plenary talks on Building strong partnerships for QA, particularly on the importance of partnerships and best practices for  collaboration and communication with panel discussants including the Director of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) Muhammad Hasfarizal Bin Kamaludin. Dr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, president of Technological University of the Philippines; Dr. Daniel A. Ariaso, Sr, president of Cebu Normal University (CNU); and Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, president of Bukidnon State University, also joined the pannel. 

In his plenary session during Day 2 of the conference, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, president of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), enumerated the challenges and opportunities for SUCs, emphasizing matters regarding the  Revised Organization and Staffing Standards (ROSS), and PASUC programs and activities, among others.

The National PASUC President also congratulated the universities for continuing to raise the standards of education in the Philippines through the implementation of various programs and policies. 

“We are seeing progress among universities. And for that, I am congratulating our HEI presidents. I hope you will always inspire your presidents, because it’s not easy to deliver the full vision of the university,” shared Dr. Ronquillo. 

The conference also featured Dr. Juan Robertino Macaldo, manager of the Learning and Development and Management Office, who discussed advancements in adaptive learning technologies and pathways to quality. 

CHED Commissioner Hon. Shirley C. Agrupiz also graced the third day of the conference, with topics focusing on engaging stakeholders in quality assurance initiatives. 

During her talk, Commissioner Agrupiz encouraged HEIs to engage stakeholders in building a well- structured quality assurance framework. “Stakeholders must know their roles and responsibilities, including the students, faculty, administration and all other support systems,” she said. 

The commissioner also mentioned the important role of the presidents in quality assurance. “No pilot can ever fly a plane without knowing the direction he is traversing,” she said. “You can never be a compass, if you regret the training of quality assurance because building a well- structured quality assurance framework is a key to quality education.”

Meanwhile, the commissioner encouraged the participants to move forward with a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration, enhancing institutional resilience, and ensuring that all HEIs remain bastions of excellence in the Philippines. 

This year’s event also introduced the inaugural Manuel T. Corpus Champion Award, honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to championing quality assurance within their institutions. The award is named in tribute to Dr. Manuel T. Corpus, the esteemed founder of AACCUP.

#WoWBiPSU

[This news article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. 4: Quality Education.]

Aimed at boosting its reputation as a leading research institution, Biliran Province State University, through its Research and Development Office (RDO), conducted a two-day In-House Research Review for the School of Teacher Education (STED) faculty from March 5-6 at the BiPSU HAVC.

The research review, attended by STED faculty and researchers, sought to assess the current state of research at the university, identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, and develop strategies to elevate BiPSU’s research reputation both locally and globally.

Additionally, the review provided an opportunity to explore ways to enhance faculty, researcher, and student development through targeted training programs, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensure that research practices align with national and international standards.

In her message, Dr. Grace L. Concepcion, chairperson of the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) department, encouraged everyone to seize the opportunity to drive progress in advancing their research efforts.

“Let us take hold of this opportunity to strengthen our research culture, foster collaboration, and inspire one another to push the frontiers of our respective disciplines,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the committee of experts who provided professional critiques and suggestions for the presented research papers included Dr. Maricel Aguila Gomez, associate professor at Eastern Visayas State University- Ormoc Campus, and Dr. Gerald Jayson B. Balanga, associate professor and campus administrator at the Department of Languages and Literature of the Eastern Visayas State University - Dulag Campus.

Best papers were recognized during the closing ceremony of the event.  

Two papers tied for the first spot, including “Exploring the Most Significant Changes Experienced from Participating in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps): The Case of Beneficiaries in Naval, Biliran” by the team of Walter Balondo, Charis Marie C. Lato, Sheila Mae Paraiso, Mabeth M. Rosel, Sheila Bless L. Yubal, Vincent Justine L. Realino, and Kevin T. Lagat; and “A Generalized Model of Teaching Performance Determinants and the Moderating Role of Rewards and Recognitions” by Dr. Jason V. Ang and Iris P. Carlos.  

Dr. Ang and Aida C. Cabrera also secured second place with their paper, “When Times Get Tough: Understanding the Lived Experience of Supervisors in Sharing Expertise.”

Meanwhile, another paper by Dr. Ang, together with Iris P. Carlos, titled “Beyond the Chalkboard: Elucidating the 7 Pillars of Teachers’ Performance in Western Leyte,” earned third place in the best paper category.  

Dr. Ang tied with Jenny Genoguin for the first best presenter award. Dr. Ang presented their paper, “The Performance and Experiences of Novice School Heads in School Management,” while Genoguin won the title for their paper, “Play-Based Teaching in Developing Alphabet Knowledge Among Pre-School Learners.”  

Meanwhile, Dr. Ang also bagged three second best presenter awards for his papers titled “Partnership Appraisal: Challenges and Reforms to Leverage School Success”, “Beyond the Chalkboard: Elucidating the 7 Pillars of Teachers’ Performance in Western Leyte”, and "A Generalized Model of Teaching Performance Determinants and the Moderating Role of Rewards and Recognition”. 

For the third best presenter award, Dr. Ang again tied, this time with Kevin Lagat. Dr. Ang presented the paper “Self-Worth and Capacity: Stories of the Bullies and the Victims,” while Lagat discussed their paper, "Exploring the Most Significant Changes Experienced from Participating in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps): The Case of Beneficiaries in Naval, Biliran.”  

In his closing remarks, Dr. Gregg O. Siat, chairperson of the BEEd department, mentioned that taking on challenges in research helps create a positive impact on society, the university, and the organizations they are connected to.

“We may continue to accept challenges in our research undertakings for it is in this way we can give impact to society, to the school we are connected to and to the organization we belong,” he said.

This year, STED has completed a total of 85 research projects, which is a significant increase compared to the 17 completed papers presented last year.

[This article aligns with the SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.]

As part of the university’s mandate to provide quality extension services for the empowerment of the people and to promote a community-driven approach to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development, Biliran Province State University  Biliran Campus’ Department of Forest Science, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Biliran, conducted a two-day seminar workshop on mangrove forest management. 

The event, titled Mangrove Forest Nursery Operation Seminar-Workshop, was held on March 5-6 at the Municipal Function Hall in Biliran.

The initiative aimed to equip coastal communities and stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to establish, operate, and maintain mangrove nurseries effectively. The extension program was a response to findings from four research studies conducted by BiPSU faculty members, which identified gaps in effective community engagement and nursery operations crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of mangrove restoration initiatives.

Results from these studies emphasized the critical role of mangrove ecosystems in supporting biodiversity and enhancing community resilience. Furthermore, they underscored the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to protect and restore the mangrove forests in Biliran.

The two-day workshop gathered fifty fisherfolk from various barangays in Biliran, who actively participated in the discussions and hands-on activities facilitated by faculty members of the forest science department. 

Topics covered in the seminar including introduction to mangrove ecosystems, climate change and coastal ecosystems, mangrove nursery planning and site selection, seed collection and propagation techniques, nursery establishment and operations, community-based mangrove restoration, livelihood opportunities from mangroves, policy and legal frameworks for mangrove conservation, and agri-ecotourism and mangrove conservation.

In an interview, For. Melanie Moncada, program chair of the Forest Science department, shared that the department’s extension program is a response to the needs of the community. “The bottomline of the activity is to help the farmers and fisherfolk to have their sustainable livelihood through nursery mangrove seedlings production,” she said.

She also revealed that the proposal for the activity was initially pitched to Municipal Mayor Hon. Myra Cabrales on February 4, during which the mayor pledged the LGU’s full support for the initiative.

In an interview, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo emphasized that strengthening partnerships between the university and the local government in advancing coastal conservation efforts will create a lasting impact not only on the local community but also in the broader scope of ecosystem preservation.

“By empowering local communities with scientific knowledge and practical skills that our expert faculty members may share, the initiative contributes to long-term environmental sustainability and disaster resilience in coastal areas,” the university president stated.

To strengthen the partnership between BiPSU and LGU-Biliran in recognizing the ecological, economic, and social importance of mangrove ecosystems, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is set to be signed soon.

[This aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.]

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) recently hosted a Sectoral and Civil Society Organization (CSO) Consultation Meeting and Budget Partnership Agreement at BiPSU- Biliran Campus on February 28, to ensure efficient allocation of resources for the improvement of its facilities in FY 2026.

The consultation follows a similar meeting held earlier on February 27 at the Naval Campus, aiming to engage stakeholders in refining the proposed programs, projects, and activities for the external campus’ fiscal year 2026 capital outlay budget. 

Leading the consultation was Vice President for Administration and Finance, Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco,  Institutional Planning Office Director, Engr. Jessie Mari Cerera, and other BiPSU officials from both campuses. 

In his message, Engr. Pelesco emphasized the significance of this event, “This is a crucial step in aligning our budget plans with the needs and priorities of the university. We are not only focusing on the Naval Campus but also extending this initiative to our external campus, ensuring that both internal and external stakeholders are involved in the process”, he said.

Participants also include representatives of various CSOs, such as the Fisherfolks and Farmers of Brgy. San Roque Women’s Association, CLIRVEF Association, and LAMONITES, as well as BiPSU student council officers, faculty members, and other student representatives.

#WoWBiPSU

[This news aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]