Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) became the center of youth empowerment in the province on January 24, 2026 as it hosted the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for a high-impact Voter Education Caravan at the university gymnasium.

The event, headlined by the visit of COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, was aimed at preparing the academic community for the upcoming 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

The university gymnasium was filled with students from the National Service Training Program (NSTP), representing the Literacy Training Service (LTS), Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), including the Navy. The gathering focused on strengthening voter awareness and instilling a deep sense of civic responsibility among the students.

A Partnership for Democracy

Earlier in the day, the university and the commission formally solidified their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This partnership is envisioned as a weaving of worthiness, intertwining the university's academic values with the commission’s mandate to protect the integrity of the ballot.

By merging education with civic duty, the initiative aims to produce graduates who are not only skilled professionals but also guardians of democratic institutions.

In his statement, the University President Prof. Victor Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP emphasized this dual role of the university.

"Through this partnership, we believe in the idea that education is also about forming informed, responsible, and active citizens," the President said. "When we help our people understand their right to vote, we also strengthen our democratic institutions and safeguard the sanctity of the ballot."

Call to the Youth

With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the event served as a platform to challenge the youth to take their roles seriously. The President issued a direct call to the "BiPSUnistas," particularly those eligible to vote for the first time and those aspiring to run for the Sangguniang Kabataan.

"To our dear BiPSUnistas, especially our first-time voters and SK aspirants: be informed and be engaged," the President urged.

The caravan concluded with a renewed commitment from the student body to participate actively in the democratic process, marking a significant milestone in the university's extension services.

#WoWBiPSU

PHANG NGA, THAILAND – Six students from the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME) have officially commenced their international internship journey, marking their first day of duty at the prestigious JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa.

The milestone event began with a comprehensive orientation led by Ms. Pueng, the resort's Internship In-Charge, where the students were introduced to the property's operational standards, policies, and expectations. Following the briefing, Mr. Kram from the Human Resources Department facilitated an ocular tour, providing the interns with firsthand exposure to the resort's world-class facilities and dynamic work environment.

The interns have been deployed to various specialized departments to gain hands-on experience in international hospitality operations. Dale Jhomes Dadizon Brun has been assigned to the Waterfront, while Jonathan Dejarlo Macabus joins the team at Olive. Marianne Leah Sheree Cotianqco will be training at Drift, and Arnel Gonzales Jr. will take on duties at Sala. Rounding out the group, Anamae Pilande has been stationed at Sakura, and Mayvida Cuizon will be gaining experience in Room Service.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa is renowned as a premier luxury beachfront destination, celebrated for its lagoon pools and exceptional dining. Beyond its amenities, the resort serves as a vital training ground, offering a global learning environment where BiPSU interns are immersed in professional hospitality practices, cross-cultural teamwork, and guest service excellence.

University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. lauded the development, emphasizing that this international engagement is a testament to the university's continuous "weaving of worthiness" in its academic service.

"We are incredibly proud to see our students stepping onto the global stage. This partnership with JW Marriott allows us to translate our vision of global competitiveness into reality, ensuring that a BiPSU education produces graduates who are not only skilled but are also ready to lead in an international setting," Prof. Cañezo stated. #WoWBiPSU #WoWBiPSUnista 

[𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘪𝘗𝘚𝘜 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱]

At six years old, Jeah Desabille Ancero did not bargain for toys, candy, or playtime. She bargained for a classroom.

Hailing from Libtong—an upland barangay in the capital of Biliran—Jeah’s journey began with a fight for survival that few could imagine. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), her world had shrunk to the sterile confinement of a hospital room in Cebu. When her doctor forbade her from enrolling in school to focus on chemotherapy, telling her, "Jeah, school can wait," the frail six-year-old fired back with a wisdom born of desperation.

"Doc, school might wait, but my age won't run with it. What if I die without ever seeing the inside of a classroom?"

That desperate plea—the terror of dying without ever experiencing a normal childhood—fueled a grueling 17-year odyssey. It was a journey that led her to the graduation stage in May 2025 as a Cum Laude, and finally, to the roll of passers in the September 2025 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

The Weaver’s Knot: A Family’s Sacrifice

Jeah’s victory was not woven by a single thread. She recalls the agony of isolation in Cebu, living in boarding houses and hospital wards, separated from her father and siblings in Biliran.

"People didn't know our story," Jeah recalls. She watched her mother swallow her dignity, going from police stations to TV stations, begging for blood donors and financial aid. Her mother was sometimes mistaken for a scammer, yet she never stopped walking, never stopped asking. Meanwhile, in Biliran, her father sold their land and pawned their possessions—almost losing their home—just to send money every other day.

"I felt like I wasn't my parents' child anymore because of the amount of stranger's blood transfused in me," Jeah admits, recalling the physical torture of spinal injections, a misdiagnosed appendix surgery, and days of endless vomiting.

Overcoming the Stigma

When Jeah finally returned to school at age 11, entering Grade 1, the battle shifted from physical to emotional. Wearing a wig and double masks to protect her compromised immune system, she became a target for bullies.

"They said I was contagious," she remembers. "There were times I wanted to quit."

But Jeah persisted. She passed the Alternative Learning System (ALS) exams to jump from Grade 4 to Grade 7, refusing to let the lost years define her future.

The Hustle of a Solo Mother-Student

In her Senior High School, life threw another curveball: Jeah became a single mother. Battling postpartum depression and the trauma of a C-section, she transformed into a working student with an unbreakable resolve.

To spare her parents further financial burden, Jeah became a master of the hustle. She sold goods, delivered suman, taught dance, and worked as a nail and makeup artist late into the night.

"I went to school in the morning, worked at night, went home on Saturdays to be a mom, and worked Sundays for my Monday allowance," she shares. "Behind the smiles on social media was a woman crying every night, battling pressure and exhaustion."

A Testament to the BiPSU Spirit

In May 2025, Jeah marched as a victorious Cum Laude graduate of the Bachelor in Special Needs Education program at Biliran Province State University (BiPSU). And she didn't stop there. Just months later, she conquered the September 2025 Board Licensure Examination for Teachers, officially becoming a Licensed Professional Teacher.

It is poetic that Jeah chose Special Needs Education. Having known what it is to be judged for being different, to be excluded, and to be physically vulnerable, she has now earned the license to serve children who face their own unique battles.

Her journey is a definitive reflection of a victorious BiPSU- an institution that does not just produce academic achievers, but weaves worthiness into students who possess the grit to overcome insurmountable odds.

A Message of Gratitude and Hope

Now standing on the other side of the struggle, Jeah shares a powerful message for those who walked with her, including a special note of gratitude to the university leadership:

"To our University President, Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., thank you for leading an institution that opens its doors to dreamers like me. Thank you for fostering a BiPSU that values not just our grades, but our stories and our survival. Your vision for a 'Victorious BiPSU' gave me a home where I felt I could finally win."

"To the students who are struggling right now: If life feels heavy and unfair, please know this—your situation today is not your final destination. I was once delayed, doubted, and almost defeated, but I learned that progress is still progress, even when it’s slow. Don’t compare your timeline to others. As long as you keep going, God has purpose. Life may delay you, break you, and test you but it will never defeat you if you refuse to give up."

She also extends her deepest gratitude to those who served as her pillars:

"To my teachers from elementary to college: Thank you for seeing the potential in me even when I was unsure of myself. You did not only teach lessons from books, but lessons about patience, compassion, and believing in one’s worth. You molded me not just into a graduate, but into a future teacher."

"To my friends: Thank you for staying, for understanding my silence, for cheering me on in moments I almost gave up. Your presence reminded me that I was never alone in this fight."

"This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to everyone who believed, prayed, helped, and walked with me through the hardest seasons of my life. God did not save me just to survive—He saved me so I could testify."

From a hospital bed where she begged for a chance to learn, to the professional world where she now stands ready to teach, Jeah has proven that the will to live is the strongest medicine of all.

#WoWBiPSU #WoWBiPSUnista

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) celebrates a milestone in academic and professional excellence as Atty. Vicente Q. Solteo, Jr. successfully passed the September 2025 Bar Examination.

Atty. Solteo, who currently serves as the Chairperson of the Doctor of Management Program under the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), is among the country’s newest batch of lawyers. His achievement brings a wave of inspiration to the campus, reinforcing the university's reputation for housing world-class faculty and administrators.

Atty. Solteo’s path to the legal profession is a testament to the success of regional academic collaborations. He is a product of the Naval State University and the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) College of Law Consortium, a program designed to provide top-tier legal education within the region.

University officials noted that his success is particularly remarkable given his dual role. While preparing for one of the most difficult licensure exams in the country, Atty. Solteo continued to lead the university’s doctoral scholars, maintaining the high standards of the Doctor of Management program.

Reflecting on his achievement, Atty. Solteo expressed profound appreciation for the community that supported his journey.

"With gratitude and humility, I share that I have passed the 2025 Bar Examinations," Atty. Solteo said. "This milestone reflects my years of learning, perseverance, and the support of family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. I look forward to continuing my work in teaching, research, and service—now guided by a deeper commitment to the law, ethics, and public trust. Thank you to everyone who journeyed with me. To God be all the glory!"

The university administration highlighted how Atty. Solteo embodies the "Excellence" pillar of BiPSU’s core values. His success serves as a powerful inspiration to the entire academic community and proves that BiPSU leaders are world-class and capable of transcending boundaries in both education and professional practice.

The news has sparked an outpouring of support from colleagues and students alike. As the Chairperson of the Doctor of Management Program, Atty. Solteo is expected to bring a fresh legal perspective to the School of Graduate Studies, further elevating the quality of leadership and governance instruction at the university.

The BiPSU community joins the entire province in saluting Atty. Solteo for his latest achievement. His journey from an academic leader to an officer of the court stands as a shining example of the university’s mission to produce brilliant and service-oriented professionals.

Congratulations, Atty. Vicente Q. Solteo, Jr.!

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) celebrated a landmark achievement as the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) posted a perfect 100% passing rate for its 2025 batch of first-time takers in the Nurse Licensure Examination.

During the Testimonial Dinner held on January 13 at the university gymnasium, BiPSU President Prof.  Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP lauded the 78 newly registered nurses for their "brilliance," noting that the university’s performance significantly surpassed the national passing rate of 90.04%.

In his congratulatory message, the University President emphasized that the nursing department's success is part of a broader "weaving of worthiness" within the institution. He highlighted the university’s recent success in producing four topnotchers in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) and issued a bold challenge to the SNHS.

"We believe—no, we claim—that the next BiPSU topnotcher will soon come from the Nursing Program," the President stated. "With the discipline and support system that we have built, that moment is not a matter of if, but when."

The celebration also served as a platform to announce a major institutional milestone. The SNHS has officially submitted its application for the Center of Excellence (COE) status, which is currently under review by the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Office of Programs and Standards Development.

The President attributed the success to Dean Jovy Dia  R. Saniel and the faculty's strategy of maintaining strict academic policies, providing continuous mentorship even after graduation, and fostering industry integration through alumni networks and hospital partnerships to ensure graduate employability.

Beyond academic rigor, the university head took a moment to recognize the emotional and financial backbone of the board passers: their families.

"They were there when you had breakdowns before the boards. They prayed with you, sacrificed with you, and believed in you even when you doubted yourselves," he said, addressing the parents and guardians in attendance.

As the 78 new nurses prepare to enter the healthcare workforce, the university remains confident in their readiness. The President concluded by urging the graduates to carry the BiPSU brand with integrity, reminding them that while they were prepared to pass the exam, they were ultimately "prepared to work" and serve with heart.

#WoWBiPSU #WoWBiPSUnista

To ensure a seamless transition into the international hospitality industry, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its International Affairs Office (IAO), conducted a comprehensive Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) students bound for the Kingdom of Thailand.

The orientation, held on December 16, 2025, at the BiPSU Hostel Conference Hall, served as a final briefing for the interns before they embark on their six-month Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP) from January to July 2026. This milestone represents a continuous weaving of worthiness into the students' academic journeys, reinforcing the university's commitment to molding professionals of character and global competence.

University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, expressed his full support for the departing interns, highlighting the significance of international exposure in modern education.

"Our goal is to transform our students into 'world-ready' professionals," Prof. Cañezo stated. "This internship in Thailand is not just an academic requirement; it is a platform for our BiPSUans to showcase Filipino hospitality while absorbing global best practices. We are proud to see our students step out as confident ambassadors of excellence, proving that BiPSUans can thrive anywhere in the world."

The seminar focused on bridging the gap between classroom theory and the rigorous demands of the global workforce. Key officials led intensive sessions covering administrative, cultural, and logistical requirements.

Ms. Chiejheaca Jehanna Yu, IAO Director, outlined the core objectives of SIAP and emphasized the "do’s and don’ts," reminding students that they carry the university’s reputation abroad.

Dr. Ryan Teofel Arpon, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officer (LEDIPO) of the Provincial Government of Biliran, provided an in-depth look at Thai culture, focusing on social etiquette and the wai (the traditional Thai greeting).

Mrs. Eden Calvez, SIAP Coordinator, provided practical details regarding workplace policies and accommodation, drawing from a recent site visit to the host industries in Thailand.

This initiative is a centerpiece of the School of Management and Entrepreneurship’s (SME) mission to produce graduates who are not only technically skilled but also globally competitive. By providing a clear roadmap—from workplace rules to cultural nuances—BiPSU aims to minimize "culture shock" and maximize the students' learning potential.

As these BHM students prepare to depart, the university reaffirms its mission to foster international partnerships that provide high-impact learning opportunities, ensuring every BiPSUan is prepared to excel in the international arena. #WoWBiPSU

[𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘪𝘗𝘚𝘜 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘈𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦]

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) once again demonstrated its artistic prowess and cultural vibrancy, securing the Overall 1st Runner-Up spot in the recently concluded 2025 Regional Culture and Arts Festival.

Competing against top state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the region, the BiPSU delegation showcased exceptional talent across various disciplines, including performing arts, visual arts, literary contests, and musical competitions. The university's stellar performance solidified its standing as a formidable contender in the regional cultural landscape.

The distinction serves as a testament to the hard work, discipline, and creativity of the student-artists and their coaches, who have undergone rigorous preparations to represent the institution.

University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, commended the delegation for bringing honor to the province and the institution. The administration highlighted that this victory is not just a win for the participants, but a celebration of the university's commitment to preserving and promoting culture and the arts.

The BiPSU community celebrates this milestone with the banner cry #WoWBiPSU, looking forward to even greater heights in future national and regional competitions.

#RCAF2025 #WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has solidified its legacy of institutional excellence, earning a prestigious Certificate of Commendation from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) that marks the institution’s fourth consecutive year of being recognized as a CHED Icon awardee for outstanding performance in internationalization and sustainability.

The commendation was officially received by Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, during the Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability Awards 2025 held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

The award recognizes BiPSU's "noteworthy performance" and its role in serving as an "exemplary champion of the future of Philippine higher education, demonstrating commitment to quality, community engagement, internationalization and sustainability."

The latest recognition highlights BiPSU’s inclusion in the TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION IMPACT RANKINGS 2025 (1501+ overall) and its impressive placement among the world's best in the World University Rankings for Innovation 2025 (WURI) at rank 233.

Last year, University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP was personally adjudged the prestigious Internationalization Leadership Award by CHED. This continuous stream of recognition highlights the administration's strategic efforts in the weaving of worthiness that has elevated BiPSU's reputation and led to this latest collective university recognition.

"This four-year streak as a CHED Icon awardee is a source of immense pride, not just for BiPSU, but for the entire Biliran province," said University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP. "It validates our belief that a state university can and must compete globally while staying deeply committed to its local community. We dedicate this recognition to our hardworking faculty, staff, and students who make the pursuit of excellence our daily mission."

The continuous success is a testament to the collective efforts of the entire BiPSU community in fostering a culture of innovation, academic excellence, and sustainable development. The university looks forward to building on this momentum, continuing its path as a top-performing institution dedicated to research, outreach, and nation-building.

#WoWBiPSU #CHEDIconAwards2025

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) successfully concluded its four-day AACCUP Online Accreditation Survey Visit on December 12, 2025, with University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, declaring that excellence at the institution is "lived daily, not only during accreditation visits."

Delivering the Statement of Commitment during the virtual closing program, Prof. Cañezo lauded the resilience of the university workforce and reaffirmed BiPSU’s trajectory toward becoming an internationally recognized institution.

The rigorous assessment covered two critical phases of quality assurance. The Level II Accreditation survey, conducted on December 9, evaluated the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Physical Education, Special Needs Education, and Technology and Livelihood Education (Biliran Campus).

This was followed by the Level III Phase 2 Accreditation on December 10, which scrutinized the BS Computer Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, and Doctor of Education programs.

In his address, Prof. Cañezo emphasized that the university's tagline, "Weaving of Worthiness" (WOW), is more than a slogan—it is a strategic direction.

"Worthiness is crafted, Quality is sustained, and Excellence is lived daily,"  Prof. Cañezo stated. "To our accreditors, your recommendations will serve as new threads—guiding us to improve our programs... Rest assured, we will weave them into our development plan to ensure that our path moving forward remains clear."

The President acknowledged the "sleepless nights" and the "virtual setup challenges" faced by the faculty and staff, commending the Deans of the Schools of Engineering, Graduate Studies, and Teacher Education (Naval and Biliran campuses).

"You have demonstrated our core values—Brilliance, Innovation, Progress, Service, and Unity," he told the faculty. "Your unity is indeed the thread that strengthens our institution."

He also extended gratitude to the team of accreditors led by Overall Coordinator Dr. Roland M. Valencia of Rizal Technological University, thanking them for the "gift of honest evaluation."

Looking forward, Prof. Cañezo assured stakeholders that the results of this accreditation are pivotal to BiPSU’s mission of producing globally competitive graduates. "I reaffirm BiPSU’s commitment to continual improvement... We believe in the principle that no learner should be left behind," he concluded.

The successful accreditation marks a significant milestone for BiPSU as it closes the year, strengthening its mandate to provide relevant instruction and research to the province of Biliran and beyond.

#WoWBiPSU

Radiating the university’s core value of Brilliance on the national stage, the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) delegation reigned supreme at the 63rd National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute (NRYLI), capturing two championships and three podium finishes at the Chavit Coliseum from December 5 to 8.

Outshining a field of over 500 student leaders and campus journalists from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the archipelago, the BiPSUnistas delivered a masterful performance, headlined by decisive victories in the academic and literary categories.

Mark Kevin Sambitan and Crystel Demate spearheaded the university’s triumph, clinching the championship titles in the Quiz Bee and Extemporaneous Speaking competitions, respectively.

Sambitan is a senior Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies student, while Demate is a sophomore Bachelor of Arts in Communication student.

Sustaining the winning streak in journalism, Nica Mae V. Bagion, Managing Editor for Print Media of The Pillar Publication, secured 2nd Place in Filipino Editorial Writing. Bagion is a third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science student.

In the culture and arts category, Trisha Marie Ibañez, a senior Bachelor of Arts in Communication student and member of “The Pepe’s Youth,” snagged 2nd Place in the Makabayang Sayawitan competition.

Completing the delegation’s haul was Kiezha Cabaltierra, a third-year Bachelor of Nursing and Health Sciences student, who earned a runner-up distinction in the On-the-Spot Painting contest.

Lauding the delegation's performance, University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP emphasized that these victories are a tangible manifestation of the Brilliance that BiPSU aims to instill in every student.

“This triumph is not just a display of talent but a testament to our students' dedication to leadership and nation-building, mirroring the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal. You have personified Brilliance in action, and the entire BiPSU community celebrates this milestone as you continue your weaving of worthiness into the national narrative,” Pres. Cañezo said.

The NRYLI is a premier annual convention that convenes the country’s top student leaders to promote nation-building through the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal. 

#WoWBiPSU #WoWBiPSUnista