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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State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) from Eastern Visayas, along with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) team led by Director Imelda C. Laceras, gathered at the Summit Hotel in Tacloban City for the Pagpupugay sa Serbisyong Bayan: Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges Region VIII (PASUC8) Tribute and DBM Awards for Top Performers 2023. The event, organized by Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), took place on June 27.

The event aimed to recognize the contributions and efforts of SUCs in advancing higher education across Eastern Visayas.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., PASUC8 and BiPSU President, praised the quick adaptation of SUCs to flexible learning and innovative strategies during the pandemic, emphasizing their resilience and ability to overcome challenges.

“During the pandemic, you, our leaders, and our faculty swiftly adapted to flexible learning and HyFlex modalities, addressing the digital divide and developing new strategies,” said Dr. Cañezo.

“Truly, our being here this afternoon means that we stood the test of time and were able to come through despite adversities,” he added.

The event also introduced new SUC presidents, including Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes of Visayas State University (VSU) and Dr. Jude A. Duarte of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), and paid tribute to former Samar State University (SSU) President Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso.

Additionally, DBM honored SUCs with awards, with BiPSU receiving seven recognitions, the most among all SUCs in the region.

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TACLOBAN CITY ― In the recently concluded Pagpupugay sa Serbisyong Bayan: Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges Region VIII (PASUC8) Tribute and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Awards for Top Performers of 2023, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), under the leadership of BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., has been recognized with seven (7) awards on June 27 at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.

The awards included recognition as Physical Performance Achievers for achieving 100% of the physical targets under the Higher Education Program; Achievers for "100% of undergraduate programs with accreditation"; Top Financial Accomplishment Award with an average Budget Utilization Rate (BUR) of 99.10%, ranking 1st among state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the region; Top Obligations BUR Performer with an obligations BUR of 99.75%, also ranking 1st regionally; Top Disbursements BUR Performer (Disbursements over Obligations) with a disbursement BUR of 98.44%, ranking 2nd; 100% Disbursements BUR Performer for achieving 100% actual disbursements over total authorities received; and Income Collection Rate Achiever with an income collection rate of 110.51%, placing 5th among all regional SUCs.

DBM Director Imelda C. Laceras, in her address, emphasized the importance of not becoming complacent, regardless of the number of awards received.

“Regardless of the number of awards you received―mayroong isa, may dalawa, may tatlo, even ‘yung pinakamadami na na-receive―don’t be complacent. In other words, keep and remain motivated no matter what,” Dr. Laceras stressed.

The event was attended by Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII (CHEDRO8) Director Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, SUC presidents, key officials across Eastern Visayas, the DBM team led by Director Laceras, and former SSU President Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso.

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Tacloban City—To enhance the university’s capacity in land use development and urban planning, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) partners with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) by formally signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the People's Center in Tacloban City today, June 26.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is mandated to provide technical assistance to local government units including SUCs in building their capability to undertake housing and urban development management. This includes formulating Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUPs) and local shelter plans (LSPs), as well as ensuring compliance with housing and urban development laws, standards, and guidelines.

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP), BiPSU aims to guide and regulate land utilization and developments in accordance with Republic Act No. 11396, an act Requiring State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to Prepare and Implement a LUDIP. 

The MOA outlines specific roles and responsibilities for both parties. DHSUD's responsibilities include assigning point person/s for coordination of project activities with the BiPSU Technical Working Group (TWG); providing capacity-building through training workshops, including Basic and Advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) Training, Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) Training, and Campus Land Use Plan Training; offering technical assistance and coaching on LUDIP document preparation on sustainable and resilient land use; and responding to BiPSU queries regarding land use concepts, mapping, CDRA, and other related concerns.

Meanwhile, BiPSU is responsible for organizing and mobilizing a TWG to implement the project based on the agreed methodology and work plan; assigning point person/s for coordination with DHSUD; arranging fieldwork activities and workshops; engaging with stakeholders; submitting and presenting the LUDIP to DHSUD for review before submission to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); and disbursing project funds as per the approved budget and reprogram funds, if necessary.

Present at the signing ceremony from BiPSU were Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., University President, Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, Dean of the School of Engineering and LUDIP Chairperson, and Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, Director for Research Development Office. Representing DHSUD were Atty. Michael Victor C. Tezon, Regional Director, and Anna Marie Camille L. Bantaculo, OIC Division Chief - ELUPD DHSUD VIII.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) welcomed a benchmarking team from Bohol Island State University (BISU) on June 21 at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio and Visual Center (HAVC). The visit aimed to facilitate the exchange of insights and best practices related to BiPSU’s QS Stars Rating application, accreditations, certifications, assessments, learning management system (LMS), student publication, instructional materials development, quality delivery of graduate studies, and various academic and administrative practices.

The BISU benchmarking team comprised Mr. Rufino M. Lorejo, Quality Assurance Office (QAO) Director; Mr. Francis A. Delusa, International Relations Office (IRO) Director; Mr. James Lloren Baluyos, IRO Program Coordinator; and Ms. Dera Joyze B. Soliva, QAO staff.

Throughout the visit, various discussions were held to share and explore effective practices and strategies. BiPSU Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA) Director Mr. Carlito Cabas, Jr. provided an overview of the university's QAA processes and accomplishments. Human Resource Management Officer Ms. Arrah Mae B. Tambis discussed matters related to tuition, faculty salary, and financial support. The Pillar Publication Adviser Ms. Florabelle Corpin elaborated on student publication practices, while Executive Assistant III Mr. Joedel O. Peñaranda spoke about BiPSU’s QS Stars Application.

A roundtable discussion was also held to address clarifications, queries, and suggestions for both BISU and BiPSU.

Other BiPSU key officials present included Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Susan S. Bentor, International Affairs Office (IAO) Director Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin, Information Technology Officer Engr. Paul Matthew S. Bentor, Student Development Services Office (SDSO) Director Dr. Norma S. Duallo, Records Officer III Ms. Danica Ybañez, and University Media and Information Office (UMIO) Acting Director Mr. Vincent Justine L. Realino.

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Mr. Joshua M. Ayade, a graduate of the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) major in Mathematics from Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), achieved a remarkable feat by securing sixth place in the March 2024 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) secondary level, with an impressive rating of 91.60%.

Ayade's journey was not easy. As the eldest son of five children, he faced significant financial challenges. His father had to stop working as a driver due to health issues and turned to swine production to support the family. Meanwhile, his mother worked in a local cassava chipping cooperative to help make ends meet.

Despite these challenges, Ayade pursued his tertiary education with determination. As a Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholar, he excelled academically and graduated magna cum laude in 2023. His parents’ steadfast support continued through his board exam review period.

Ayade's preparation for the LEPT included understanding his learning style, maintaining a regular exercise routine, and ensuring adequate sleep. He enrolled in the Falculan Twins’ Review Center (FTRC) and relied on his faith to guide him through the process.

On the day the results were released, Ayade was in Palo, Leyte. Upon confirming his rank, he felt immense gratitude, attributing his success to his family's support and his faith.

In an online interview, Ayade shared his advice for future board takers, emphasizing the importance of starting small but being consistent.

"One principle that I hold on to is the quote that says, 'Great things come from small beginnings.' Kung nararamdaman niyong andami niyo pang kailangan aralin, huwag kayong mag-alala kasi yan din ang pinagdaanan ko. If you want to achieve great things, a small start will do. Hindi naman kailangang malaki agad yung unang hakbang, kahit paunti-unti lang basta't consistent. Kung hindi niyo alam saan magsisimula, aralin niyo kahit ano, kasi makatutulong yan in one way or the other,” he said.

In recognition of his achievement, Ayade received a cash incentive of 100,000 pesos from the university and will be offered a regular teaching position, subject to Civil Service Commission (CSC) rules and regulations.

Mr. Ayade joins the ranks of previous LEPT topnotchers from BiPSU’s School of Teacher Education (STEd), including Ms. Kayla O. Mercader, Ms. Jennie A. Genoguin, and Mr. Sherwin C. Sarzuelo.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) welcomed a team from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Office of the Institutional Quality Assurance and Governance, for the monitoring and evaluation of the university’s CHED-Higher Education Development Funded Project titled “Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) Development” today, June 20.

The purpose of the visit is to help identify areas for improvement and enhance the implementation of the LUDIP project. The insights and recommendations provided by the CHED team are crucial as BiPSU strives to advance its infrastructure and development to better serve its academic community.

The visiting team from CHED Central Office included Engr. Reyen M. Sabate, Chief Education Program Specialist; Ms. Theresa M. Maestro, Education Program Specialist I; Ms. Estela O. Padilla, Project Technical Staff III; Prof. Romeo C. Pati, Technical Expert from the University of Rizal System (URS); and Engr. Nelly L. Labrada, Education Supervisor II from CHED Regional Office (RO) VIII.

Representing BiPSU were University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr.; LUDIP Technical Working Group (TWG) Chairperson Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco; Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, Director of the Research and Development Office (RDO); Atty. Pahmi Hadji S. Ampaso, Chief Administrative Officer-Finance; Engr. Ramon L. Pitao, Jr., Chairperson of the Mechanical Engineering Department; Mrs. Sheila Day A. Gabuya, Supervising Administrative Officer-Finance; Engr. Ronn Lennard R. Napala, Planning Officer I; Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion, Information Officer II; and Ms. Jesica Myka B. Quijano, Project Development Officer I.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Canezo expressed his appreciation for their visit and support saying, “We are delighted to host the CHED team and are grateful for their visit and support in ensuring the success of our LUDIP project. Their expertise will help us achieve our goals for campus development and infrastructure enhancement.”

The event included Engr. Pelesco’s presentation of the LUDIP Grant Terminal Report, followed by an evaluation conducted by the CHED-OIQAG team.

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