In line with its commitment to community development, Biliran Province State University, in collaboration with the Land Bank of the Philippines Countryside Development Foundation, Inc. (LCDFI), successfully conducted a series of Financial Literacy Trainings from September 4 to 18. The initiative catered to 2,000 farmers and fisherfolk, aiming to enhance their financial management skills and improve their overall livelihoods.

This project is part of BiPSU’s extension services which aligns with the advocacies of LANDBANK through its corporate foundation, LCDFI. The foundation aims to uplift the socio-economic conditions of farmers and fisherfolk by strengthening their financial management capacity, improving financial resiliency, and  contributing to sustainable development in rural areas.

Said event was participated by 19 barangays under the Local Government of Kawayan, with over 100 to 150 beneficiaries attending from each barangay. The comprehensive program was designed to equip participants with essential financial skills, ensuring they are better prepared to manage their finances.

The training featured two teams of resource speakers composed of faculty from both Naval and Biliran Campus, with the first team namely Novie Sales, Allan Bacalla, Norman Andales. The second team included Jeruel Espinazo, Jeremy Balondo, Christian Ulysses Cagasan, Glenn Gumba and Candelito Belocura, Head of Continuing Education. Both teams delivered key discussions on topics such as sound financial and income management, responsible credit handling, and an in-depth understanding of the agricultural product value chain. Additionally, the training highlighted essential entrepreneurial skills specifically tailored for farmers and fisherfolk, emphasizing strategies for managing agricultural risks. 

In a statement, Dr. Alvin L. Ampong, director of BiPSU’s Extension Office, expressed his gratitude to everyone involved for the successful implementation of the training sessions. 

"This event would not have been possible without the all-out support of the BiPSU team, who have been with us from the start,” Dr. Ampong said. “I would like to especially thank our University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. for giving us the opportunity to bring this initiative to life and for his continued commitment to community empowerment."

Dr. Ampong further emphasized the significance of financial literacy for farmers and fisherfolk. "By improving their financial management capacity, we are not only empowering them individually but also contributing to the overall economic growth of our rural communities. This training serves as a crucial step in helping them achieve financial independence and improve their quality of life."

Additionally, the Extension Office Director thanked Mayor Atty. Manolo Rubi and the LGU of Kawayan. “We are honored to partner with the Local Government of Kawayan and look forward to continuing our collaboration to advance the socio-economic development of your community.”

For the beneficiaries, the Financial Literacy Training represents a valuable opportunity to enhance their financial well-being and strengthen their livelihoods. Through programs like these, BiPSU, LCDFI, and the LGU of Kawayan reaffirm their dedication to advancing the socio-economic conditions of farmers and fisherfolk in Biliran.

Also present during the said event were the facilitators namely, Dr. Teotima A. Ampong, Julie Anne A. Arnejo, Daryl Carl M. Balondo, Jhanna Mariel A. Merino, Melvie Joy M. Palahang and Edcel Mae Corrong. 

(This article aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: Goal 1: No Poverty - By enhancing the financial management skills of farmers and fisherfolk, the training helps to improve their economic situation and reduce poverty;  Goal 2: Zero Hunger - The training supports agricultural practices and economic resilience, contributing to food security and better livelihoods for those involved in agriculture and fishing; Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - By equipping participants with financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills, the initiative strengthens economic growth and promotes productive employment opportunities in rural areas; and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities - The program aims to uplift marginalized communities by providing them with tools and knowledge to improve their financial stability and economic opportunities.)

In a move to intensify academic growth and cultural understanding, Biliran Province State University and Adamson University (AdU) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the beginning of the official partnership between the two higher education institutions. 

This agreement sets the stage for collaborative educational exchange and cooperation in the engineering education discipline, reflecting the shared vision of both institutions to broaden horizons for their faculty, students, and researchers.

Signed at the OP Conference Room of AdU on September 16, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. represented BiPSU, while Adamson University was represented by its President, Fr. Daniel Franklin E. Pilario.

The MOU, centered on goodwill and academic development, aims to enrich the learning experiences of students and faculty members alike through various exchange programs, particularly in engineering programs. These include faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, cultural exchanges, and collaborative academic activities such as seminars and workshops.

Dr. Cañezo expressed his optimism about the potential for growth in instructional and research activities.

“We are so glad to have formally forged an official partnership with Adamson University,” Dr. Cañezo said, emphasizing the benefits of the linkage to both institutions. “This partnership represents an opportunity to broaden our faculty’s and students’ experiences, deepening their knowledge while building bridges with fellow educators and students from other regions.”

During the signing ceremony, plans were explored including tapping faculty members of the Adamson to be hired as part-time teachers in BiPSU, and offering graduate programs in engineering with BiPSU as the host university.

The agreement also underscored the importance of intellectual property rights, ensuring that any research or innovations resulting from this partnership will be jointly owned by both universities, in accordance with their respective academic policies. This ensures that both institutions benefit equally from the fruits of their collaboration.

One of the highlights of the MOU is the flexibility it offers both institutions. Each activity or exchange will be negotiated separately, allowing for tailored programs that best suit the needs and goals of both universities. Additionally, both BiPSU and AdU have committed to providing accommodations and support for visiting faculty and students, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all participants.

The signing was witnessed by Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, dean of BiPSU’s School of Engineering, and Dr. Merlinda A. Palencia, dean of AdU’s College of Engineering.

Adamson University, a private Catholic university operated by the Congregation of the Mission located in Manila, Philippines, is one of Metro Manila’s top universities. It ranked 88th in Asian University Rankings - South Eastern Asia recently this year.

#WoWBiPSU

In a bid to strengthen the expertise of its University Media and Information Office (UMIO) and Information Communication Technology (ICT), Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) organized a benchmarking visit to Visayas State University (VSU) Baybay, Leyte, on September 12, following a workshop on crafting a coffee table book.

The benchmarking activity aimed to equip BiPSU with valuable insights and strategies from VSU’s successful practices, particularly through the University Integrated Media Center (UIMC), to enhance its own media presence and communication efforts.

The 13-member delegation, led by UMIO Director Mrs. Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion, was welcomed by VSU’s Head of the Department of Development Communication, Dr. Ulderico “Derek” B. Alviola, and UIMC staff members Mr. Neil Bryan Fulache, Mr. Paul Vincent Fornis, Ms. Erica Gines, and Mr. Kenneth Mercado.

During the visit, BiPSU’s team explored the DYDC 104.7 FM development campus radio, the Information Communication Technology Management System (ICTMS), which made VSU the first in the region to implement full online enrollment, the Management Information System Office, its four-storey library building—the largest in the region—and the UIMC.

The team learned about VSU’s successful approaches to building and managing a campus radio station that can be heard across its university annexes, their high-end IT equipment, and the VSU University Learning Commons and its Filipiniana resources.

Moreover, during their brief session at the UIMC, they were oriented on crafting compelling content, leveraging social media platforms effectively, managing online reputation, creating a strong brand identity, and utilizing media relations to build positive relationships with stakeholders.

Director Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion expressed the value of this opportunity, emphasizing its importance for BiPSU, especially after the launch of its official gazette, The Weavers.

“We are grateful for this benchmarking with VSU and its UIMC for giving us the opportunity to be inspired by their best practices that we can adopt and adapt in our university media operations,” she stated.

The VSU UIMC has likewise promised close assistance for the crafting of BiPSU’s first coffee table book.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University, through its Research and Development Office (RDO), participated in a three-day research mentorship program on Scopus Publication, led by Prof. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno, GHF-University Excellence founder, and Mr. Jerico Ogaya, Dr. Prisno's research assistant and a distinguished researcher.

The event, which will run from September 12-14, is held at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC).

The said mentorship program is aimed at enhancing research capabilities and fostering a culture of academic excellence among faculty members across Naval and Biliran campuses.

Moreover, the first day focused on equipping participants with essential knowledge and strategies to identify reputable journals indexed by Scopus, a critical platform for academic publishing. On the same day, the writeshop and mentoring proper also commenced, which continued during the second day, September 13.

The writeshop and the mentoring session, as mentioned above, saw presentations of manuscripts by the participants and the giving of input by Dr. Prisno, ensuring that the research papers met the stringent requirements for submission to Scopus-indexed journals.

In an interview, Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, RDO director, emphasized the significance of the mentorship program to the university's research landscape. “Through that workshop, the faculty members are taught how to write publishable papers and as well as to be able to submit their papers to the Scopus-indexed journals,” she added.

Dr. de Paz also shared that the first batch of participants for the workshop comprised three faculty members, along with the research chairperson, from different schools, totaling forty participants, while the second batch, employing the same number of slots, will conduct their workshop in October and November this year.

Furthermore, the submission of papers to Scopus Journals will take place tomorrow, September 14, at the same venue, which will also serve as the culmination of the entire mentorship program for Batch 1.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) takes pride in its acceptance as an Associate Member of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU), as confirmed by the AAOU secretariat, September 13.  

The AAOU Secretariat officially confirmed this development, following the decision of the AAOU Executive Committee (Execom) members, who evaluated and unanimously approved BiPSU’s membership application.

This new affiliation positions BiPSU among institutions committed to promoting quality and accessible education across Asia. As part of the welcome, BiPSU is eligible for a discount on its first-year membership fee.

BiPSU President, Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr., expressed his gratitude and excitement for this achievement, stating that it marks a significant step toward expanding the university’s international reach and strengthening partnerships that enhance educational opportunities for students and faculty.

As a newly inducted member, BiPSU has been invited to the 37th AAOU Annual Conference, scheduled for October 15-17, 2024, in Islamabad, Pakistan. The university will be officially awarded its membership certificate during the said event, alongside other members of the AAOU. 

This membership opens doors for collaborative projects, research initiatives, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise, further strengthening BiPSU's role in the global academic landscape.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) welcomed Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Maria Francesca M. Del Rosario during her visit to the university on September 13.

Usec Del Rosario, who is in Biliran for the 2024 "Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat Fair," praised BiPSU’s infrastructure and campus development. “Parang private school yung BiPSU,” the undersecretary said.  

In a statement, Dr. Cañezo expressed his gratitude for hearing commendation from a national official. “We are honored by Usec Del Rosario's visit and grateful for her commendation of our campus development,” Dr. Cañezo said. “Her feedback highlights our dedication to maintaining a top-tier educational institution.”

The undersecretary was accompanied by DILG Biliran Local Government Operations Officer VI Carolina Ampong and DBM Regional Senior Budget and Management Specialist Solie T. Dosado.

Also present was the President of the Davao del Sur State College, Dr. Augie Estrellada Fuentes who paid a courtesy visit with President Cañezo. Dr. Fuentes was with Dr. Filomeno Alba, who led the conduct of the orientation on the electronic human resource management information Systems for BiPSU key officials.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University showcased its gender-responsive initiatives during a benchmarking session with Samar State University (SSU) at the University Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC) on September 12.

The event provided an opportunity for SSU to observe BiPSU's established practices in promoting gender equity and inclusive infrastructure.

In her welcome message, Dr. Susan S. Bentor, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized that the said benchmarking initiative facilitates a collaborative exchange of knowledge and experiences between BiPSU and SSU.

“By learning from each other’s strengths, we can identify areas for improvement and strengthen our respective gender and development programs,” said Dr. Bentor. 

Further, Dr. Marianne B. Dagaylo-an, Director of Gender and Development (GAD) Office, presented the university’s best practices in gender and development. Her session offered a deep dive into BiPSU's strategies for embedding gender sensitivity into their policies and programs, emphasizing the positive impact these practices have had on both faculty and students.

In addition, Engr. Jessie Marie Cerera, Director of Institutional Planning Office (PO), highlighted the Gender-Responsive Infrastructure (GRI) initiatives at BiPSU, discussing the various infrastructural changes and upgrades implemented to ensure a more inclusive environment for all members of the academic community.

Dr. Natalie Ann Acosta, SSU Graduate School’s GAD coordinator, shared their synthesis and action plans solely focused on infrastructures and eyeing for funding in 2024.

“We will have a consultative meeting and capacity building, trace our strengths and weaknesses along infrastructures for future improvement, and submit for funding,” Dr. Acosta shared.

University key officials present in the event included Dr. Bentor, Dr. Rossini B. Pitao, vice president for Administration and Finance; Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, vice president for Students and External Affairs, other key officials, and GAD personnel.

This event supported ongoing efforts of the university to enhance gender and development practices, with BiPSU leading the way in ensuring a more inclusive and supportive academic institution.

#WoWBiPSU

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.