The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has issued a definitive declaration of safety following the magnitude earthquake that struck near Cebu on September 30, 2025, and was strongly felt across Biliran province. The university's prompt assessment, completed on October 1, 2025, confirmed that all its facilities remain structurally sound and safe for occupation, clearing the path for an immediate and complete resumption of normal operations.

University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, made the reassuring announcement early on October 1st, underscoring the effectiveness of the university’s emergency protocols. "The BiPSU Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Security Unit reported to my office that no damage was found in any of our buildings after the magnitude earthquake that hit Cebu and was felt here in Biliran," President Cañezo stated. "Per DRRM’s assessment, all buildings are safe for occupancy. We are thankful for the swift action of our personnel."

This rapid and comprehensive confirmation of structural integrity, taking less than a day after the event, is crucial, not only for ensuring the physical safety of students and staff but also for maintaining the continuity of academic life. It allows the university to swiftly move past the disruption, demonstrating an agile and prepared response to natural phenomena common in the region. The immediate return to classes and administrative duties minimizes academic loss and reinforces a culture of preparedness.

Beyond the logistical confirmation of safety, President Cañezo leveraged the moment to deliver an inspirational call for unity and sustained effort, aimed at strengthening the community's collective spirit. His message resonated with the characteristic resilience of the BiPSU community: "Tuloy po ang trabaho, BiPSUnistas! Stay safe and let’s continue to look out for one another."

This swift return to work highlights the deep-seated resilience of the academic community. It reinforces the core values that contribute to the weaving of worthiness at BiPSU—the collective effort and unwavering commitment to excellence and service, even when faced with natural disruption. The shared experience of weathering the quake on September 30th and immediately uniting to resume the mission of education solidifies the bond between faculty, staff, and students, proving that the university's strength is built on more than just concrete and steel. It is rooted in the shared responsibility and mutual support that defines the BiPSU spirit. The university continues to monitor the situation while focusing on its core mandate of fostering a secure and conducive environment for learning and development.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) demonstrated its unwavering commitment to its students' welfare as University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., accompanied by a dedicated team of university officials, faculty, and staff, personally visited students deeply affected by the devastating Typhoon Opong on September 29, 2025. The outreach focused specifically on Barangay Bilwang, Kawayan, Biliran, identified as one of the areas hit hardest, where the typhoon's fury resulted in numerous totally damaged houses.

The visit went beyond a mere formality. President Cañezo and his team took the time to speak with the students and their families, genuinely checking on their condition and assessing the immediate impact of the disaster on their lives. This face-to-face interaction underscored the university's concern and provided crucial on-the-ground information about the specific needs of the affected community members.

In a tangible gesture of immediate support, the university team extended a small amount of financial assistance to each of the students. While this emergency aid provided crucial help for immediate necessities, BiPSU is looking toward a more long-term, comprehensive solution to ensure these students can rebuild their lives without sacrificing their education.

This commitment to the students' future is encapsulated in the university’s proactive plan to enroll them in the Affirmative Action Scholarship Program. This initiative aims to significantly ease their financial burden moving forward, recognizing that recovering from a calamity of this scale often means diverting funds away from educational expenses. By securing scholarship slots, the university seeks to ensure the continuity of their studies, a vital step in helping them regain a sense of normalcy and stability following the catastrophic event.

This scholarship plan, however, is subject to the final approval of the Board of Regents. The university administration remains optimistic, emphasizing the necessity of supporting students who have faced such tremendous adversity. The initiative reflects the university’s role not just as an educational institution, but as a responsive and caring anchor for the Biliran community during times of crisis. BiPSU's actions send a clear message: the university stands firmly behind its students, helping them navigate tragedy and secure their academic dreams.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has officially entered into a Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) with the BiPSU Faculty Association (BiPSUFA), marking a significant milestone for the welfare and empowerment of the university's teaching personnel.

The formal signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place today, October 2, at the OP Convergence.

In a statement, University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, expressed his strong support for the initiative. "Today, October 2, at the OP Convergence, we officially signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) of our dear faculty members here at BiPSU," he stated.

President Cañezo commended the efforts of the faculty leaders who spearheaded the agreement, extending his congratulations to the BiPSUFA officers, led by their President, Engr. Jude D. Banico, "for successfully making this possible." He also gave "special thanks as well to our very active Faculty Regent, Hon. Vennie Coton, for his guidance and invaluable support to our faculty."

The President underscored the importance of the newly signed agreement, describing it as a "formal recognition of the rights and welfare of our BiPSU faculty and a manifestation that we are really working hard for the continuous improvement of our university."

He concluded his remarks by emphasizing the positive impact of the CNA, calling it "another WoW for the empowerment of our faculty!" The agreement is anticipated to enhance the working conditions, benefits, and overall morale of the BiPSU faculty members.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has been recognized as a top-performing agency in the implementation of the Gender and Development (GAD) Budget Policy, receiving a prestigious award from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).

The university was honored for its exceptional commitment and remarkable performance in allocating and using its 2024 GAD Budget to advance gender equality and women's empowerment. The recognition ceremony for the 2024 Top-Performing Agencies in the GAD Budget was held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Quezon City.

BiPSU President, Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, accepted the award on behalf of the university. He was joined by Gender and Development Director Marianne Dagayloan and Mr. Edison Ralar. This commendation highlights BiPSU's exemplary practices in promoting gender-responsive programs and projects.

"This award is a testament to the collective dedication of the entire BiPSU community to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment," stated Prof. Cañezo. "Through the weaving of worthiness into our policies and programs, we aim to empower every individual and ensure that gender equality is not just a goal, but a lived reality. We are deeply honored by this recognition from the Philippine Commission on Women and remain committed to continuously strengthening our GAD initiatives."

According to the PCW, BiPSU achieved a remarkable milestone by ranking 10th among all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) with the highest GAD Budget Expenditure. This recognition serves as a testament to the university's leadership and unwavering dedication to gender-responsive governance.

The PCW expressed its confidence that this achievement will motivate BiPSU to continue its excellence in upcoming assessment periods. The university's consistent efforts have positioned it as a model for advancing gender equality commitments and inclusive governance across the country.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has officially launched a call for suppliers and contractors to take part in a Market Scoping Activity for the Procurement of Academic Digital Innovation and ICT Systems, which will be held on October 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at the OP Convergence Room. The project, which is worth Php 56,615,000.00, is part of BiPSU’s ongoing initiatives to improve its ICT systems and embrace digitalization across academic and administrative services.

Mayor Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina has pledged ₱1 million to support research and innovation at Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), committing the funds to be included in next year's budget. The announcement was made during the opening of the 2025 Researchlympics (Research, Innovation, and Extension Exhibit) at the BiPSU Students Center on September 23, 2025.

Mayor Espina, along with BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo Jr.,EdD, CHRP, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the event.

In her message, Mayor Espina highlighted that the commitment aligns with the local government's Isaliksik Inobasyon program, part of the wider DASIG initiatives. She congratulated the faculty, students, and researchers for their successful projects, and urged them to apply their work to the local community.

"BiPSU believes in Weaving of Worthiness and, true to that fact, you have reached international recognition, but I am bringing you home also by asking you to implement your researches here, to the community where it matters greatly," she said.

The ₱1 million funding is intended as a startup capital for BiPSU's researchers, faculty, and students whose exemplary projects can be commercialized or implemented within the community.

Following the ceremony, Mayor Espina and Prof. Cañezo toured the exhibits, listening to presentations from various schools about their innovative products.

Prof. Cañezo expressed his gratitude for the mayor's support, stating that the funding is "a big boost in turning ideas into real solutions that can impact our communities, especially LGU Naval." He also thanked the university's Research, Extension, and Innovation Offices, along with the students and faculty, for their passion and creativity.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) successfully hosted the 2025 International Conference on Methodological Advances in Research (ICMAR) from September 16 to 19, bringing together leading researchers, academics, and institutional leaders from across the Philippines and abroad. 

Themed, “Innovative Pathways: Advancing the SDGs through Transformative Research Methods,” the four-day hybrid conference spotlighted the crucial role of evidence-based research in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The international gathering opened on September 16 with its virtual leg, featuring 197 online paper presentations via Zoom, showcasing the expanse of research pursuits.

Meanwhile, the in-person conference commenced on September 17 at the university gymnasium, beginning with the traditional arrival of honors for distinguished guests, including Naval Mayor Hon. Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina, keynote speaker Dr. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III of Global Health Focus, plenary speakers Dr. Ehatasam Ul Hoque Eiten and Ms. Tahsina Yasmin of Daffodil International University (DIU), and consortium leaders led by Dr. Jude A. Duarte, president of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) and chair of the Visayas-Mindanao Consortium for Journal Publication, Inc. (VMCJPI).

In his welcome address, BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. issued a bold call to action, urging researchers to move beyond rhetoric and instead build “tools that tell leaders what works.” 

He further emphasized three key deliverables for the research community: better designs through robust methodologies such as quasi-experimental and mixed-method approaches; better measures aligned with SDG targets and disaggregated by demographics to ensure inclusivity; and better routes to action through practical outputs such as policy briefs and implementation guides for schools, hospitals, and local governments.

“This is why ICMAR matters; there is a working session on method, evidence, and use,” Prof. Cañezo said. “It is the kind of ecosystem we strive to build—one where strong methods lead to real impact.”

Mayor Espina, in her message of support, praised BiPSU’s leadership in hosting the international event. To honor participants, the mayor hosted a BiPSU Night at the Naval People’s Park—a cultural celebration coinciding with the town’s Pueblo Day festivities.

The intellectual core of ICMAR was defined by keynote and plenary lectures, wherein Dr. Prisno delivered an inspiring address on the critical role of global health research.

Additionally, Dr. Eiten presented “From Ideas to Impact: How Research Drives the Sustainable Development Goals,” highlighting how innovative methodologies transform concepts into strategies for SDG achievement. Complementing his talk, Ms. Yasmin delivered “Innovation for a Sustainable Future: Transformation in Higher Education Institutions,” emphasizing the role of universities in reimagining systems and practices to address sustainability challenges worldwide. 

Parallel sessions held on September 17 and 18 sustained the momentum of scholarly exchange, with more than 200 papers presented across fields such as education, health sciences, business, technology, and community development. The sessions culminated in the awarding of Best Papers and Best Presenters, recognizing outstanding contributions from among the participants.

ICMAR 2025’s success was attributed to the collaborative effort of the VMCJPI Technical Working Group, composed of vice presidents and research officials from 18 state universities and colleges nationwide, which include Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), BiPSU, Bukidnon State University (BukSU), Bohol Island State University (BISU), Cebu Normal University (CNU), Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Guimaras State University (GSU), Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), Leyte Normal University (LNU), Negros Oriental State University (NOrSU), North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST), Samar State University (SSU), Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU), University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), University of Northern Philippines (UNP), and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR). 

During the closing program on September 18, the consortium recognized the Best Paper awardees across four strands, to wit: in Social Sustainability, the award went to Jonecis A. Dayap of the USJR for “Mathematical Model of Dengue Transmission Dynamics with Adaptive Human Behavior;” for Inclusive Development, Mark John M. Martinez of ASSCAT was awarded for “Mapping the Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis of ASEAN Countries’ Special Education Research;” in Sustainable Economic Development, Rhea Joy D. Flora of GSU won for “Soil Fertility Assessment of Guimaras’ Mango Plantations;” and in Environmental Sustainability, Mary Jane Madario of the UEP earned recognition for her study on the antibacterial properties of sea moss.

Winners of the Best Paper Presentation were also announced, to wit in the Virtual Category, recognition went to Jelyn M. Magno of BiPSU, Katherine B. Akut of BukSU, and Velinda T. Gorduiz of SLSU for their research on social media and literature, faculty development trends, and machine learning applications, respectively. In the Onsite Category, awards were given to Jonecis A. Dayap of USJR, Steve I. Embang of  NMSCST, Alberto E. Lastimado Jr. of NEMSU, and Cyril A. Cabello of Cebu Technological University–Moalboal Campus for their works spanning dengue modeling, teacher education, turbine optimization, and water quality assessment.

This year’s international conference concluded on September 19 with a cultural immersion and post-conference meeting, offering participants a deeper connection to Biliran’s heritage while strengthening professional and institutional collaborations.

In just four days, ICMAR 2025 proved to be more than an academic gathering but a platform where research met reality, collaboration turned into solutions, and BiPSU affirmed its role as a university weaving the Philippines into the global fabric of transformative research.

#WoWBiPSU

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) conducted an orientation for the new Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong-Dunong Program-TES (TDP-TES) grantees at the BiPSU gymnasium on September 5, 2025.

The event took place in two sessions. The morning session, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN, was for students from the SCJE, STCS, STED, and SNHS. The afternoon session, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, was for students from SAS, SOE, and SME.

The program featured a welcome message from Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Vice President for Student Affairs, and an orientation on the Tulong-Dunong process by Ms. Ginny M. Quimada, UniFAST Regional Coordinator. Ms. Shiela C. Salentes, the TES/UniFAST Focal Person, also addressed the grantees.

In a statement, BiPSU President Prof. Víctor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, congratulated the scholars and encouraged them to maximize the opportunity.

"This scholarship is an investment in your future," said Prof. Cañezo. "I urge you to study hard and use this support to achieve your dreams. The entire BiPSU community is here to support you."

#WoWBiPSU

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has clinched the top provincial award for its outstanding work in the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) initiative. BiPSU President Prof. Víctor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, proudly accepted the honor on September 3, 2025, at the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) held in Tacloban City.

The recognition is a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to its communities, highlighting a "weaving of worthiness" built through diligent work and partnership. This CEST program, led by Dr. Vilma P. Gayrama, the Project Coordinator and Chairperson of BiPSU-Biliran Campus Extension Services, has fostered impactful, science-based interventions that empower local lives.

The university's successful projects include the "Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Interventions for the Economically Challenged Community of Brgy Bato, Biliran, Biliran," which benefits the Marian Adorers of God the Father and the Eucharist (MAGFE). This and other initiatives demonstrate the university's dedication to improving lives through S&T.

Another prime example also is the "Empowerment of Mother Crucifix Caputo Community through Science, Technology, and Innovation Interventions." This specific project, which received vital financial support from DOST PSTO-Biliran, aims to strengthen the Mother Crucifix Caputo Community (MCCA) social enterprise in Villa Cornejo, Kawayan, Biliran. By focusing on enhancing turmeric production, the initiative is improving farm productivity and weaving a ripple effect of positive change.

President Cañezo expressed his profound gratitude, stating, "This award belongs to all of us. I extend my deepest gratitude to the DOST for their unwavering support, to the dedicated team at BiPSU Biliran Campus for their hard work, and to the brilliant leadership of Dr. Vilma Gayrama. Their commitment is the true measure of our success."

#WoWBiPSU

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) welcomed auditors from TÜV Rheinland for the official start of its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Stage 1 External Audit. The audit, a crucial step toward international certification, was marked by an Opening Meeting at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC), which included an inspiring address from the University President.

TÜV Rheinland auditors Ms. Rhene Rose Zara and Mr. Rolando Remitar were formally greeted by BiPSU’s key officials, internal auditors, faculty, and staff. The event set a tone of readiness and purpose, with the university embracing the audit as a means to uphold its core values and mission.

In his opening remarks, BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, defined the audit as a vital step in the university’s commitment to its "Weaving of Worthiness" (WoW BiPSU) standard. "Worthiness, more than just being a slogan, is the standard we set for how we teach, serve, and lead," said President Cañezo. "ISO 9001 helps us show that worthiness in a way anyone can test, track, and trust. When we say WoW BiPSU, we do not only speak of ideals; we speak of systems that deliver on those ideals."

The audit’s scope is extensive, covering the university's Naval and Biliran campuses and spanning all its academic and administrative processes, including arts and sciences, nursing, engineering, technology, criminal justice, and graduate studies, as well as its research, extension, production, and student services.

President Cañezo spoke candidly about the university's journey, acknowledging a gap in its previous ISO certification. He emphasized that this period of transition was treated as "a test of our system," and that the university followed the standard's demands for corrective action and continual improvement.

The president also provided a clear directive to the BiPSU team, urging them to link every answer to the university's vision, think from the perspective of students and citizens, and "stand on evidence." He encouraged them to view audit findings not as failures but as "gifts" for improvement. "If we do this right, we do not just pass. We learn. We sharpen," he stated.

The Stage 1 audit is designed to confirm the university's readiness for the next phase of certification. It involves a site familiarization tour and a review of the university’s objectives and plans.

President Cañezo concluded with a rallying cry, urging the team to be "steady, candid, and thorough" and to demonstrate that "quality and worthiness are one and the same at BiPSU." The university awaits the results of this initial stage, confident in its preparation and commitment to excellence.

#WoWBiPSU