Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has formally launched its official university gazette, The Weavers.

The Weavers takes its name from BiPSU's strategic development plan, WoWBiPSU 2.0, which stands for Weaving of Worthiness for BiPSU.

University Media and Information Office (UMIO) Director Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion explained that the "weavers" are the individuals who work tirelessly to bring the university's vision to life, intertwining knowledge, values, and progress into a woven future.

"The Weavers serves as a platform for sharing vital news, updates, and achievements of the university," the director stated. "It underscores BiPSU's commitment to transparency, community engagement, and academic excellence."

The ceremonial launch of the first-ever institutional newsletter, held on September 11 at the Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC), was attended by University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., UMIO staff, officials from the University Integrated Media Center (UIMC) of Visayas State University (VSU), BiPSU's ICT personnel, and members of The Pillar, the university's official tertiary student publication.

The newsletter, which will be released quarterly, will be available in both print and electronic formats.

The first issue of the publication covers the months of July and August.

#WoWBiPSU

Aiming to document the university's legacy in a tangible publication, Biliran Province State University, through its University Media and Information Office (UMIO), conducted a workshop on crafting a coffee table book on September 11 at the Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC).

Themed “Capturing the University Spirit: Crafting a Legacy of BiPSU’s Accomplishments (2017-Present),” the event focused on showcasing the university's significant achievements from 2017 to the present, highlighting its growth, innovation, and community impact.

The workshop aimed to equip the UMIO team, along with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) personnel and members of The Pillar Publication, BiPSU’s official tertiary student publication, with the necessary skills and knowledge to integrate stories with images and designs, creating a compelling publication.

The resulting coffee table book will serve as a valuable tool for engagement, enabling alumni, students, and the wider community to connect with the university's narrative and celebrate its successes.

In his inspirational message, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. emphasized the importance of the coffee table book as a tangible representation of the university's identity and collective achievements.

“I want to remind everyone that this project reflects who we are and what we've built together,” Dr. Cañezo stated. “We owe it to ourselves and to future generations of BiPSU to make sure this project isn’t just good enough, but truly represents the best of us.”

He also highlighted the enduring value of the coffee table book in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing its role as a lasting legacy that celebrates BiPSU's progress and inspires future generations.

The event featured three distinguished resource speakers: Dr. Ulderico B. Alviola, Head of the Department of Development Communication, who discussed Content Development for the Coffee Table Book; Mr. Neil Bryan Fulache, who shared insights on Photography and Capturing the Best Images for the Coffee Table Book; and Mr. Paul Vincent Fornis, who spoke on Design and Layout of a Coffee Table Book.

UMIO Director Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion further emphasized that the coffee table book transcends being a mere collection of stories and images, serving as a tangible expression of the university's spirit, vision, and enduring legacy.

Moreover, during the said activity, UMIO also launched The Weavers, the university's official gazette.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University, through University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., attended the ceremonial declaration of stable internal peace and security, supporting a province free from insurgency threats.

The said activity, held at Fragoch Tourist Inn, Naval, Biliran on September 11, was organized by the Provincial Government of Biliran, in partnership with the Department of the Interior Local Government (DILG) Biliran, Philippine National Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

President Cañezo expressed his commitment to ensuring that BiPSU remains a "cradle of knowledge, not of rebellion," reaffirming that the university will not be a platform for insurgent recruitment or ideologies aimed at undermining democratic institutions. 

In his message, BiPSU President pledged that the university will continue to promote peace and educate the youth on the importance of national loyalty and the dangers of rebellion. He also commended the collective efforts of government institutions, law enforcement, and the local community in addressing the insurgency challenges that had once plagued the province.

Key government officials present during the said event include Hon. Gerard Roger M. Espina, Biliran governor; Hion. Brigido Caneja III, Biliran vice-governor; Lt. General Ernesto C. Torres Jr.; executive director and undersecretary of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC); Police Brigadier General Reynaldo H. Pawid, regional director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office VIII; municipal mayors, and other various representatives from different sectors. 

The BiPSU president emphasized that peace is the key to unity and national progress, and ended his message by acknowledging the AFP, PNP, NTF-ELCAC, and other agencies for their tireless work in securing this victory for the province.

Sharing the same mission of empowering future educators and strengthening the foundation of quality education, Biliran Province State University signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) Biliran Division, renewing the long-standing partnership between the two institutions.

President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. represented BiPSU, while Biliran Schools Division Superintendent Ms. Lani H. Cervantes represented DepEd Biliran during the signing, which was held on September 9 at the Hyflex and Audio Visual Center (HAVC).

The MOA outlines the commitment of both parties to improve the quality of basic education in DepEd Biliran Division by focusing on the pre-service education of teachers. 

The agreement highlights several provisions, such as developing the competencies of Beginning Teachers in alignment with the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST), and applying their theoretical knowledge and pedagogical skills in real teaching-learning situations. Additionally, it aims to provide teacher interns with a comprehensive and realistic perspective of the teaching-learning process and day-to-day school activities. 

The agreement further underlines the importance of preparing interns to face the challenges of teaching in the new normal, especially with the changes brought about by recent global events.

Both parties also believe that aside from the usual teaching internship, an intensive field study is necessary to adequately prepare teacher interns for their future roles. As part of the agreement, BiPSU will coordinate with the Schools Division Superintendent and identified school heads to deploy Practice Teachers (PTs) and Field Study Students (FSSs). A maximum of two PTs will be assigned to a Cooperating Teacher (CT) per term, ensuring focused mentorship.

In his message, Dr. Cañezo reflected on the accomplishments achieved through the collaboration between BiPSU and DepEd Biliran Division, expressing his gratitude for their continued partnership in preparing future educators. 

“DepEd Biliran is truly our strong partner for many years in ensuring that our pre-service teachers are well-trained in the field before graduating,” Dr. Cañezo said. “We are very thankful to DepEd Biliran for weaving the future of our future educators with us.”

The university president also emphasized the significant role DepEd Biliran plays in contributing to BiPSU’s high passing rates and topnotchers in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), as it serves as the training ground for the university's teacher education students during their internship. 

“If we want to strengthen basic and higher education in the province, we also need to strengthen the internship program for our education students,” Dr. Cañezo added.

The ceremonial signing was witnessed by Vice-president for Academic Affairs Dr. Susan S. Bentor, School of Teacher Education (STEd) Dean Dr. Maribelle N. Zipagan, and Education Program Supervisor in Filipino Dr. Wilma S. Carreon.

Also present during the signing were Dr. Grace L. Concepcion, BSEd Program chairperson; Dr. Jinky M. Macabago, BECEd and BSNEd Programs chairperson; Dr. Joan J. Sinagpulo, BPED and BTLEd Programs chairperson; Dr. Greg O. Siat, BEED Program chairperson, STEd faculty members, student leaders, and education students.

Meanwhile, Dr. Zipagan expressed her enthusiasm about the renewal of the partnership, noting that it will open more opportunities for future educators. “Today, we not only celebrate past achievements, but also look forward to further enhancing and expanding this partnership to meet the evolving needs of education,” Dr. Zipagan said.

#WoWBiPSU

After more than a year of hiatus, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its Cultural Affairs Development Unit, has revived its University Chorale Group under the direction of a new choir master.

Over 150 students participated in auditions on September 6 at the University Hyflex Audio Visual Center (HAVC) with Maestro Clark Gravoso, a composer, songwriter, music teacher, and musical arranger; and Cultural Affairs Development Unit Director, Mr. Kevin Tanguihan.

University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. highlighted the revival of the chorale group as a key priority of his administration. He emphasized the university’s mission to nurture student talents and encourage their involvement in various organizations.

In support of this initiative, Dr. Cañezo announced that the university will provide scholarship grants ranging from P10,000 to P20,000 per academic year for chorale members. He also affirmed his commitment to supporting the group. “Rest assured that the administration is always here to support you,” Dr. Cañezo said.

To enhance its academic portfolio and address the legal education needs in the region, Biliran Province State University is making strides towards offering a Juris Doctor program. 

From September 4 to 5, a seven-member delegation from BiPSU conducted a series of benchmarking activities and consultations in law schools and institutions in Manila to gather insights and best practices in legal education. The team aimed to learn about law school administration, operational strategies, facilities management, faculty recruitment, curriculum design, and student support systems.

The delegation, led by BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., included key university officials namely, Atty. Guiller G. Delfin, legal officer; Danica A. Ybañez, records officer; Joe Bryan C. Cadiente, university librarian; Roderick A. Delda, Engineering and Physical Development officer; Paul Matthew S. Bentor, information technology officer; and Engr. Maria Jobel A. Arcabado, engineering and physical development staff. 

On September 4, the BiPSU delegation held a benchmarking visit at Arellano University in Manila, where the team was welcomed by Atty. Domingo M. Navarro, dean of the Arellano University School of Law (AUSL), Atty. Gabriel P. Dela Peña, executive director of the AUSL, and former Supreme Court Associate Justice, Hon. Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. The entire AUSL administrative and support staff expressed their honor at BiPSU's choice of Arellano for its first benchmarking efforts. 

Meanwhile, the delegation moved to San Sebastian College-Recoletos College of Law (SSC-R Law) in the afternoon, where they were welcomed by Atty. Teodoro A. Pastrana, SSC-R Law dean; Atty. Aristotle M. Dumalo, associate dean; and Mr. Darius Vien Darunday, president of the SSC-R Law Executive Council and a BiPSU alumnus. 

Dean Pastrana, who is also the President of the Philippine Association of Law Schools, pledged to support BiPSU in its plan to establish a Juris Doctor program.

The visit to both law schools also included a tour of their facilities, including classrooms, moot courts, libraries, ICT rooms, and faculty lounges. 

During the visits, Dr. Cañezo explained BiPSU's motivation to open a law school. "This initiative is about providing opportunities for the less fortunate and deserving students of Biliran.” In addition, Dr. Cañezo also shared that “BiPSU aims to produce competent legal professionals who will serve both our province and the nation.”

After visiting AU School of Law and SSC-R College of Law, the BiPSU delegation held a consultation visit with the Legal Education Board (LEB), led by its Chair, Commissioner Jason R. Barlis, CPA, and Commissioner Voltaire G. San Pedro. The delegation sought guidance on the application process for opening a law school, including the requirements and procedures set by the LEB — a regulatory body of all the public and private law schools in the Philippines. 

In his Facebook post, Dr. Cañezo echoed that it is the advocacy of LEB to make legal education accessible to as many people as possible, reflecting LEB's support for BiPSU's initiative to apply for a JD program in the province.

The second day concluded with a meeting with Atty. Raul S. Grapilon, President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) — Biliran Chapter. The university sought the endorsement and support of the IBP Biliran Chapter, aiming to ensure the proposed law program meets the needs of the local legal community.

Moreover, it can be recalled that the Naval Institute of Technology (now BiPSU), in consortium with the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), initially offered a Bachelor of Law (LLB) program in 2003. However, the program was discontinued in 2011. 

As shared by Dr. Cañezo, the current administration of the university is taking high leaps in offering a Juris Doctor program, that is, completely different from its set-up 13 years ago. 

Moving forward, all Biliranons and residents from nearby towns are highly encouraged to participate in an upcoming survey, which will be launched soon. The responses will be invaluable in helping BiPSU finalize its curriculum design and other academic initiatives, in line with the university's commitment to academic freedom.

#WoWBiPSU

Expanding its global reach in futures and foresight thinking initiatives, Biliran Province State University has officially entered into a partnership agreement with the Asia-Pacific Futures Network (APFN).

The university formalized this collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with APFN, a prominent global community of futures practitioners and learners dedicated to revolutionizing foresight practices. The ceremonial signing took place on September 4, during the 10th APFN Conference held at Chulalongkorn University’s Sasin School of Management in Bangkok, Thailand.

This partnership is designed to promote joint research activities, collaborate on foresight-driven government projects, develop localized Futures Studies programs in native languages, and integrate Asian philosophies, cultures, and experiences into Futures Studies and practices.

BiPSU was represented by Mr. Joedel Peñaranda, Director of the Strategic Innovation and Knowledge Laboratory (SIKLAB) and Executive Assistant to the President, Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr.; while Pathfinder and Director of Strategy, Performance, and Learning at the SPC Pacific Community, Dr. Emily Sharp, represented APFN.

Witnesses of the ceremonial signing included Dr. Jost Wagner, APFN Chief Navigator and Director of The Change Initiative; Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, BiPSU’s Research & Development Director; and other futures and foresight practitioners and learners from various countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Moreover, BiPSU is the only institution in the Philippines to have signed a partnership with the global futures network during the conference. “We are honored to be one of the only two institutions APFN has signed an MOU with, alongside the Dubai Future Foundation,” EA Peñaranda said.

EA Peñaranda and Dr. De Paz also attended the two-day 10th APFN Conference. Established to unite futurists in the Asia-Pacific region, the conference serves as a platform for analyzing trends, creating new knowledge, and linking futures theory with practice, supporting the growth of Futures Studies and strategic foresight across the region.

Prior to the conference, they also participated in the Futures-Thinking and Transformational Change Master Class special course held at Pratumwan Princess Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand on September 2-3.

Globally recognized futurists, Prof. Sohail Inayatullah and Dr. Ivana Milojevic were the speakers at the two-day intensive workshop.

The SIKLAB Director expressed optimism about the engagement with APFN and its potential benefits for the university and BiPSU’s knowledge laboratory.

“Tonight was truly a humbling and wonderful experience,” EA Peñaranda said. “May this engagement result in more future-proof, foresight-driven, democratized activities for the benefit and empowerment of our people.”

#WoWBiPSU

Two Biliran Province State University Officials have been selected as fellows for the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Higher Education Leadership Mentoring (HELM) Fellowship Program 2024.

Dr. Ralph Arvic Arcenal, Associate Professor IV and University & Board secretary; and Mr. Joedel Peñaranda, director of the Strategic Innovation & Knowledge Laboratory and Executive Assistant to the President, received confirmation of their acceptance on September 4.

The UPLB HELM Fellowship Program is designed to provide leaders in higher education institutions (HEIs) with immersive learning opportunities to enhance their leadership and management skills. The program offers fellows a chance to engage with UPLB leaders and gain exposure to best practices in academic leadership and institutional administration.

The fellowship will immerse the BiPSU officials in various units of UPLB, depending on their chosen leadership tracks, such as academic affairs, administration, research, and public service.

Moreover, it aims to cultivate their leadership capabilities through practical engagement and collaboration with experienced UPLB leaders.

The duration of the fellowship ranges from five to thirty days, during which fellows are expected to submit a work plan, complete targeted activities, and deliver an exit presentation to their host and home institutions. Through this experience, the program seeks to develop leadership talents that will contribute to the advancement of their respective universities and the wider HEI community.

#WoWBiPSU

Revolutionizing teaching methods and providing hands-on experience for its students, Biliran Province State University set a history as it pioneered in acquiring the latest edition of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).

"BiPSU is the first SUC in the Philippines to acquire SCADA 3 because other universities have only SCADA 1 and SCADA 2," Mr. Edmund Guzman, consultant and technical training manager of Hytec POWER Incorporated, revealed in his statement during the orientation on SCADA handling held September 3 at the engineering laboratory room.

In its move to advance its engineering program through the provision of upgraded equipment for instructional laboratory and research use, the School of Engineering (SOE) proposed to procure SCADA in 2021.

Subsequently, SOE, through the Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), was granted the amount of 10-million for the Modernization of Engineering Laboratories for the Delivery of Cutting-Edge Higher Education. In January 2022, BiPSU received its SCADA 3 from its supplier, De Lorenzo Global.

SCADA system, a crucial component of the state-of-the-art electrical engineering laboratory, enables students to precisely simulate power plant operations and control.

The said initiative is part of the #WoWBiPSU 2.0 development plan of the university headed by BiPSU President Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., which underlines the administration’s efforts in providing quality and relevant education.

In a statement, Dr. Cañezo reaffirmed his commitment in advancing education in BiPSU as a higher education institution. “This is one of the priorities of this administration, to revolutionize methods and provide hands-on training for our students through our cutting-edge facilities,” Dr. Cañezo added.

In a proposal, the engineering school explained that the equipment-trainer is beneficial for the students as it would allow them to do high-level simulation of the operations, control and supervision of the power plant and power generators.

Additionally, during the previous semester’s start of the limited face-to-face classes of BiPSU, the Electrical Engineering Department had already utilized the newly acquired  equipment by conducting series of trainings to the electrical engineering faculty as well as the senior electrical engineering students

According to Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, dean of the School of Engineering (SOE), in order to advance the technology that university has, the engineering school recently upgraded its SCADA 3 by acquiring additional equipment to complete the power generation system of the electrical smart grid.

Moreover, the cost of the equipment upgrade composed of a generator for parallel power operation simulations, conventional machine trainer, and power generation protection, amounted to Php6,200,000.00

The SCADA-upgrading secured a funding of Php5,000,000.00 from CHED’s Institutional Development and Innovation Grant (IDIG), with a counterpart contribution of Php 1,276,000.00 from BiPSU.

In an interview, Engr. Pelesco emphasized that the upgrade is groundbreaking for engineering education. "This equipment-trainer will revolutionize our teaching methods and provide students with hands-on experience in power generation systems," Engr. Pelesco said.

Engr. Pelesco added that the project's primary goal is to enhance the knowledge and skills of BiPSU's BSEE students in operating and controlling power generation components within smart grid systems using SCADA technology, meeting industry demands.

This project will also provide cost savings for students who no longer need to seek industry immersion outside the province and for electrical engineers in the area who can avail of the university's training programs.

Furthermore, aside from its benefits for the students, the upgraded laboratory will also enable faculty members to conduct research studies on power generation system performance under various conditions.

Meanwhile, Engr. Neil S. Sereño, chairperson of the Department of Electrical Engineering, expressed gratitude to the administration for supporting the department with this new equipment.

"I just want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the support extended to the School of Engineering and to the BS Electrical Engineering department" Engr. Sereño expressed.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University welcomed delegates from the Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT) - Tabango Campus for a benchmarking visit to explore the best practices of BiPSU’s School of Teacher Education (STEd) today, September 3.

The PIT delegation, composed of five faculty members from the College of General and Teacher Education (CGTE), observed BiPSU’s science laboratory facilities and its best practices in practice teaching for both elementary and secondary education.

During the activity held at the Convergence Room at the Office of the President, Ms. Cyril Mae Padar, STEd On-the-job Training (OJT) coordinator, presented the practices of the internship program of the teacher education school. The presentation was followed by a series of inquiries and consultations.

The PIT delegation expressed interest in enhancing their own laboratory facilities and practices, aligning with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 46, series of 2012, and in adopting effective teaching practices as highlighted in CHED Memorandum Order No. 20, series of 2013.

They also shared that they chose BiPSU as their benchmarking site because of the university’s outstanding practices in managing its internship program, particularly after successfully sending on-the-job trainees to Thailand for an International Teaching and Cultural Internship program recently this year.

Members of the PIT delegation include Dr. Anna Jasmin L. Daantos, head of the General and Teacher Education; Mr. Rodrigo A. Yari, Jr., chairperson of BSED-Science program; Mr. Al John L. Barte, PST coordinator; Architect Francis Giles Zafra; head of Infrastructure Engineering and Services; and Mr. Johndel Alvarez, BSED Science faculty member.

Meanwhile, present from STEd at the benchmarking activity were Dr. Maribelle N. Zipagan, STEd dean; Dr. Grace L. Concepcion, BSED program chairperson; Dr. Jinky M. Macabago BECED and BSNEd programs chairperson; Dr. Joan J. Sinagpulo, BPED and BTLEd program chairperson; Dr. Greg O. Siat, BEED chairperson; and faculty members, Dr. Jose Niño Ramos, Mr. Greggo Legaspi, and Mr. Sherwin Sarzuelo.

Dr. Zipagan expressed her gratitude for hosting the benchmarking event. “We are privileged to be chosen for this benchmarking activity,” she said.

Meanwhile, during a courtesy visit paid by the PIT delegates, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. emphasized BiPSU’s openness to sharing knowledge and practices with other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), reaffirming the university’s commitment to strengthening ties with other educational institutions.

“I’m not saying that we have everything here in the university,” the University President said. “But rest assured that we are always open to sharing what we have here in BiPSU.”

#WoWBiPSU