In a significant boost to student welfare, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) successfully concluded the three-day distribution of the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Batch 15 stipends on November 28, 2025, releasing a total of Php 19,080,000.00 to qualified beneficiaries.

Spearheaded by the University’s UniFAST Office in strict coordination with the Cashier’s Office, the distribution took place at the BiPSU Student Center. A total of 1,908 BiPSUnista grantees received their financial assistance, with each beneficiary receiving Php 10,000.00 to aid in their educational expenses.

"Spend it Wisely"

Following the successful release, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. issued a statement acknowledging the strong support of the national government while reminding students of the deep responsibility that comes with the financial aid.

"Spend it wisely for your education," Dr. Cañezo urged the beneficiaries.

In his message, the President underscored that the stipend is not merely a privilege but an investment in their future. He called on the grantees to prioritize academic necessities—such as learning materials, connectivity for research, and uniform costs—over non-essential spending, ensuring that the grant serves its true purpose of easing their path to graduation.

He further emphasized the collective effort behind the funding, highlighting the contribution of the Filipino people.

"Thank you to our taxpayers and the Philippine government for the 19M plus grant for our BiPSU students," he added, reminding the BiPSU community that every peso disbursed is derived from the hard work of fellow Filipinos, and thus should be utilized with gratitude and integrity.

Systematic Distribution

To ensure an organized, safe, and efficient disbursement process, the University implemented a sequenced schedule based on grantee lists.

The release kicked off on November 26, servicing the first 640 grantees. Operations continued smoothly on November 27 with another 640 beneficiaries, and concluded today, November 28, with the final batch of 628 students.

University officials commended the grantees for strictly adhering to their assigned schedules, which resulted in a swift process and zero untoward incidents at the venue.

About the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES)

The release of these funds underscores the government's ongoing commitment to accessible education.

The Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) is a core component of Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. Administered by the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the program prioritizes students from lower-income households.

Unlike the Free Higher Education provision—which automatically covers tuition and miscellaneous fees for students in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)—the TES is an additional grant designed to support the "cost of education." This includes expenses often overlooked, such as Books and learning materials; Transportation and travel costs; Board and lodging; and other education-related personal expenses.

With the Batch 15 release now 100% complete, the BiPSU administration remains committed to efficiently facilitating government grants and scholarships, ensuring that every eligible BiPSUnista receives the support they are entitled to under the law. 

#WoWBiPSU

BANGKOK, Thailand – Weaving a new thread in its internationalization initiatives, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has sent a delegation of student leaders and faculty advisers to Thailand to participate in the 2025 Global Strategy in Action: Masterclass in Leadership and Management for Student Leaders and Cross-Cultural Immersion.

Running from November 24 to 30, 2025, the week-long engagement is organized by the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP). The program is designed to strengthen leadership and management competencies through practical learning experiences, tactical discussions, and global networking opportunities.

A Journey of Strategic Leadership

The delegation, composed of seven student leaders and three faculty advisers, arrived in Bangkok on November 2422. The mission is clear: to improve understanding of strategic leadership, policy formulation, and organizational management—key essentials for advancing effective campus governance.

The academic sessions officially commenced on November 25 with a Masterclass on Leadership facilitated by Professor Michael Slater, Executive to the President and MBA Lecturer at Siam University.

Immersive and Environmental Learning

Moving beyond the four walls of the classroom, the team transitioned to environmental stewardship on November 264. The delegation traveled to Pattaya City to engage with Thailand’s green initiatives. This immersive experience included participation in sea turtle conservation efforts and the protection of mangrove forests, highlighting the importance of sustainability in modern leadership.

Showcasing Filipino Academic Excellence

A pivotal moment of the trip occurred on November 27 during a visit to Kasetsart University, where the team was warmly welcomed by Associate Professor Ratchot Chompunich, Vice President for Student Development.

During this leg of the visit, BiPSU faculty advisers took the stage as lecturers to share Filipino cultural and academic perspectives with their international counterparts. Atty. Pahmi Hadji Salic Ampaso, an SGS Faculty and FSSC Adviser, presented on "Bayanihan: The Spirit of Filipino Community and Solidarity". This was followed by a discussion on "Bridging Cultures, Sharing Futures: A Filipino perspective on culture, globalization, and ASEAN friendship" led by SME Faculty and Executive Assistant III Ms. Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion. Completing the series, STED Faculty and FSSC Adviser Dr. Ralph Arvic Arcenal delivered a talk titled "Language, Identity, and Diversity: Understanding the Many Voices of the Philippines".

This session also featured an engaging dialogue between BiPSU representatives and Kasetsart’s Student Affairs Services (SAS) officials.

Ongoing Exchange and Culture

The program continues today, November 28, at Siam University with a second Leadership Masterclass led by International Director Dr. Yhing Sawheny, focusing on "Reinventing Higher Education"11. This is being followed by a roundtable discussion and a Cultural Exchange Program where the BiPSU delegation will present Filipino culture alongside Thai student presentations.

The student delegation representing the university includes Mr. Prince Carl Palconit, Ms. Remmie Joy Baluna, Ms. Loida Jean Verian, Ms. Andrea Nicole Capul, Ms. Rose Ann Mae Logro, Ms. Princess Mahilom, and Mr. Junmark Cabalquinto.

This participation marks a significant step in progressing BiPSU as a globally recognized institution, fostering innovation and sustainable approaches for effective organizational growth.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has showcased the embodiment of its core value, "Brilliance: We excel in what we do," after its Batch 2025 fresh nursing graduates achieved a remarkable, flawless 100% passing rate in the recently concluded November 2025 Nurses Licensure Examination (NLE). This outstanding achievement serves as a powerful testament to the university's commitment to excellence and the successful weaving of worthiness into its academic programs.

University President, Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. EdD, CHRP, confirmed the overwhelming success for the new batch of registered nurses, highlighting their exceptional performance. The Batch 2025 fresh graduates achieved a perfect 100% passing rate with 73 out of 73 takers passing. The University's overall performance in the November 2025 NLE further underscored its academic caliber, achieving a near-perfect 97.5% passing rate (78 out of 80 takers), significantly surpassing the national passing average for the examination. President Cañezo declared in a statement, "Congrats to BiPSU's New Nurses! Fresh Grad (Batch 2025) 73/73 takers 100% passing!".

The exemplary performance continues across various batches and categories for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS). The Batch 2018 first takers recorded a commendable success with 1 out of 2 passing. Furthermore, retakers demonstrated an impressive performance with 4 out of 5 successful examinees.

President Cañezo also lauded the efforts of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, whose dedication was crucial in achieving this feat: "Bravo School of Nursing and Health Sciences Dean Juvy Dia Saniel and Faculty! You made it a wow!". This outstanding showing in the November 2025 NLE proves that BiPSU not only strives for but achieves Brilliance, continually producing top-tier healthcare professionals ready to serve the nation with distinction.

BiPSU extends its warmest and most sincere congratulations to all successful examinees. Their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice have paid off, making them officially Registered Nurses. May they carry the BiPSU banner of Brilliance as they embark on their noble profession. Their success is our pride!

#WoWBIPSU

Strengthening its commitment to human capital development, the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) successfully concluded the "Career Development Workshop: Crafting Individual Development Plans (IDP)" on November 27, 2025, at the BiPSU HyFlex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC).

The day-long activity engaged non-teaching personnel from the Naval Campus in intensive sessions designed to align personal career aspirations with the university's strategic goals. The workshop served as a vital platform for strengthening employee competencies and refining the institution's strategic workforce planning.

BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, highlighted the administration’s focus on the professional trajectory of its employees.

"This workshop underscores our commitment to nurturing the professional growth of our non-teaching personnel," Dr. Cañezo stated. "By equipping them with the tools to craft their Individual Development Plans (IDP), we are ensuring that their personal career aspirations are woven into the very fabric of the University’s success and our mandate to deliver excellent public services."

The event was spearheaded by the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) and featured high-level resource speakers who guided the participants through the technicalities of career planning in the government sector.

Director Michael M. Dela Cruz, Provincial Director of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) - Biliran, facilitated the core training proper. Dir. Dela Cruz provided expert insights into the regulatory frameworks and practical applications of the IDP. Meanwhile, Dr. Reggie N. Nierra, Supervising Administrative Officer for Administration, led the session on the "Overview of BiPSU TAN and IDP Practice," contextualizing the concepts within the university's specific operational environment.

Through interactive discussions and guided workshops, attendees participated in the "Weaving of worthiness," a process that allowed them to identify professional strengths and areas for growth. The seminar culminated in a workshop session where participants drafted and finalized their Individual Development Plans, ensuring that every attendee left the venue with a concrete roadmap for their professional future.

The successful completion of the workshop marks another milestone in BiPSU’s efforts to foster a highly capable and motivated workforce dedicated to public service excellence. 

#WoWBiPSU

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) Agriculture Department has bolstered its capacity for sustainable farming after officially receiving a grant of composting equipment from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soil and Water Management (DA-BSWM) on November 29.

The turnover ceremony marked the delivery of a complete suite of machinery intended to establish a Composting Facility for Biodegradable Waste (CFBW). The equipment, acquired through the initiative of Ms. Rossan Piamonte, includes a rotary composter, shredding machine, compost presser, compost brewer, and compost sieving machine.

The grant was formally turned over by personnel from BSWM-Region VIII and received by the leadership of the Agriculture Department, including the Dean and the Chairperson.

This acquisition is part of the BSWM Composter Program, a national initiative aiming to empower State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to produce their own organic fertilizer. By converting organic waste into compost, BiPSU aims to promote organic farming, improve soil fertility, and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, thereby increasing farm productivity and lowering costs.

This initiative is a testament to BiPSU’s continued weaving of worthiness, demonstrating the university's commitment not only to academic excellence but also to environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices.

#WoWBiPSU

Highlighting the institution’s transformative journey from a provincial college to a globally recognized university, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) President Prof. Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr.,EdD, CHRP addressed international leaders at the Maritime Education and Training (MET) Workshop 2025, held at the Parklane, International Hotel, Cebu City from November 20-21.

Speaking before a diverse audience of academicians, lecturers, and executives from various Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) across the globe, Dr. Cañezo presented a talk titled “𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒏 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚: 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑰𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔.”

The presentation centered on BiPSU’s strategic narrative of resilience and excellence, detailing how the university has navigated the challenges of higher education to secure its place on the international map.

In his statement, President Cañezo described the experience as a profound honor, noting the positive reception from the international delegates.

“Nakakataba talaga ng puso to see the participants genuinely inspired by our story,” Dr. Cañezo shared. “In fact, right after my presentation, several of them approached me to express how our journey moved them.”

The impact of the presentation was immediate, with several international delegates expressing their intention to visit the province of Biliran soon to conduct benchmarking activities at the university to learn from its best practices.

President Cañezo extended his gratitude to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for the platform, specifically acknowledging Executive Director Samuel Batalla, as well as key officials Ma’am Presca and Sir Herbert, for the invitation.

“Thank you for giving BiPSU the opportunity to show how a small university from an island province can rise, strive, and take its place in the global map of higher education,” Cañezo stated.

He further credited the university’s success to the collective efforts of the BiPSU community—the "BiPSUnistas"—whose dedication continues to weave the institution’s worthiness.

The two-day workshop served as a convergence point for maritime educators to discuss trends, challenges, and innovations in the sector, making BiPSU’s inclusion a significant milestone in its internationalization efforts. 

#WoWBiPSU

Describing it as a "long night, but a meaningful one," Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. announced the successful approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget for BiPSU and other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) by the Senate Committee early Tuesday morning.

Prof. Cañezo, who also serves as the President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) in Region VIII, personally attended the deliberations at the Senate to represent the region's higher education institutions.

He reported that the budget was officially carried and approved at exactly 1:30 AM on November 25, concluding a marathon session that began at 9:30 AM the previous day.

Despite the grueling 16-hour wait, Prof. Cañezo emphasized that the effort was a necessary investment for the institution’s stakeholders.

"This long wait... was worth every second, knowing that our students, faculty, researchers, and partner communities will greatly benefit from this support," Prof. Cañezo stated.

He expressed deep gratitude to the legislators for their continued championing of public higher education.

"To our Senators, thank you for recognizing the value of public higher education. Your support allows us to continue the weaving of worthiness for our people," Prof. Cañezo concluded.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) continues to strengthen its global academic presence as Ms. Chiejheaca Jehanna G. Yu, Director of the International Affairs Office, successfully completed the prestigious Shanghai Open University (SOU) International Staff Exchange Fellowship Program. This milestone directly supports the university's mission of "Weaving BiPSU with the World and the World with BiPSU," expanding its reach in open, distance, and lifelong learning initiatives.

The two-week program, held from October 16th to October 29th, 2025, aimed to promote cooperation and enhance the quality of teaching and research in open and distance learning (ODL) between the two institutions.

Director Yu participated as a visiting scholar at the Institute of International Exchange, Shanghai Open University, based on an academic evaluation process that recognized her as a capable and conscientious researcher.

During her fellowship, Director Yu engaged in intensive academic and professional exchanges focused on best practices in open and distance education. She held in-depth discussions with key departments at SOU, including the International Exchange Office, the R&D Department, the School of Science & Engineering, and the School of Economics & Management.

Ms. Yu also facilitated knowledge sharing by delivering presentations on several contemporary topics in open learning, demonstrating BiPSU's expertise on the world stage. Her seminars included AI-Enabled Personalized Intelligent Teaching & Management, The Lifelong Learning Support Service System, Generative AI and the Development of TPACK for Teachers in Open Universities, and The Construction Path and Policies of Learning Cities.

Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, University President of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), lauded Director Yu’s achievement, “The successful completion of the SOU International Staff Exchange by Director Yu is a powerful testament to BiPSU’s commitment to academic excellence and global engagement. This experience is a concrete manifestation of our university mantra: 'Weaving BiPSU with the World and the World with BiPSU.' We are not just participating in global education; we are actively contributing to it and bringing the world’s best practices in ODL directly back to our students and faculty. This international cooperation will undoubtedly elevate our services and accelerate our growth as a leading institution in open and lifelong learning.”

The fellowship served the core purpose of enhancing academic exchange between BiPSU and SOU, cementing a vital international partnership. Ms. Yu’s activities also included participation in the International Conference on Digital Lifelong Learning and valuable field visits to SOU facilities, such as the Yangpu and Qingpu Branch Schools, a Smart Classroom, the College of Public Wellbeing, and the Shanghai TCM Museum.

The knowledge and networks established through this program are held at a crucial time for Biliran Province State University as it continues to expand its own reach in open, distance, and lifelong learning initiatives, ensuring that the BiPSU community benefits from global innovation in education. 

#WoWBiPSU

Aiming to modernize pedagogical methods and strengthen foundational education, the Biliran Province State University's  School of Teacher Education (STEd)  and Extension Services Office (ESO) successfully launched Project INSPIRE (Innovative Strategies for Professional Improvement and Research in Education) at Libtong Daku Elementary School on November 20, 2025.

Spearheaded by Dr. Robert P. Jordan, the Project Leader, INSPIRE focuses on fostering teacher growth, ensuring professional well-being, and solidifying the professional identity of educators. The project implementation runs from October 2025 to March 2026.

While the launch event focused on the 11 teachers of Libtong Daku Elementary School, the extension project has a broader scope, targeting a total of 37 educators in the district. Aside from the Libtong ES, the program is also set to benefit 16 teachers at Villa Consuelo Elementary School and 10 teachers at San Pablo Elementary School.

BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, expressed his full support for the initiative, noting that the administration is fully committed to bridging the gap between the university and local schools.

"Project INSPIRE exemplifies our dedication to sharing resources and expertise with our community partners. By strengthening our teachers, we are investing in the future of our youth," President Cañezo stated.

During the project presentation, Dr. Jordan emphasized that INSPIRE is designed to equip these teachers with contemporary tools to handle the evolving demands of basic education.

The launch featured a series of technical sessions headlined by expert resource speakers who introduced gamification and foundational strategies.

Mrs. Kayla O. Mercader discussed “Pedagogical Approaches in Early Childhood and Elementary Education,” with a specific focus on strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy.

Ms. Jenny A. Genoguin presented on “Interactive Instructional Materials and Different Game-Based Instructions,” highlighting methods to increase pupil engagement.

Ms. Nova Lyzza Ejorcadas conducted a session on “Designing Game-Inspired Learning Materials,” teaching faculty members how to create dynamic learning aids.

The event was attended by key university officials, including Dr. Alvin L. Ampong, Director of Extension Services, and Ms. Miramar M. Serrion, STEd Extension Service Chairperson and Assistant Project Leader. Mr. Bill Reniel A. Ariaso facilitated the program flow.

Following the workshops, the school’s representative expressed a strong commitment to applying the newly acquired game-based strategies and literacy approaches in their classrooms.

The successful launch of Project INSPIRE reinforces STEd’s mission to deliver relevant, sustainable extension programs, contributing to the university's collective weaving of worthiness by empowering teachers and uplifting the quality of community education.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), has successfully delivered another significant public service broadcast, with the airing of WoW BIPSU Extension in Action: A Community Extension Project through Radio Broadcasting centered on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) awareness, testing, and prevention on November 18 via Radyo Natin FM Naval.

The episode served as a timely and vital response to the growing HIV situation in the country and the pressing need for comprehensive health education in local communities.

Hosted by Mr. Lorenzo R. de la Cruz, University Media and Information Office (UMIO) director, the program opened with an overview of the national HIV surveillance report, citing that the Philippines continues to record one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the ASEAN region.

The latest data from the Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau (DOH-EB) estimates 252,800 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) nationwide as of June 2025, with more than 95,000 diagnosed with life-saving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

Zooming in on the local context, the episode revealed that Biliran province has recorded at least 124 HIV/AIDS cases, with several new cases detected in recent years—an indication that rural provinces are not exempt from rising infections. These numbers underline the critical importance of early education, routine testing, and community-driven prevention efforts.

Shedding light on the realities faced by PLHIV and the current response mechanisms in the province, the event featured Dr. Fortunato Casas, Jr., Development Management Officer of the Provincial DOH Office, and Mr. Dary Jake Dagalea, provincial HIV case manager, who shared a clear, data-driven discussion on HIV transmission, symptoms, testing processes, and the importance of early detection.

The experts noted that many diagnosed cases continue to fall under late detection, where patients only seek medical help when symptoms are already advanced—significantly affecting survival rates and quality of life. They further emphasized that HIV is not a death sentence, as modern ART allows PLHIV to live normal, productive lives.

However, this can only happen when individuals feel safe and supported enough to get tested early. Dagalea reiterated the availability of free and confidential services in the province, such as HIV screening, pre- and post-counseling, condom distribution, and ART enrollment. Local health facilities and provincial health offices work closely with DOH to maintain accessible services even in far-flung communities.

Moreover, the resource speakers discussed practical, community-based prevention strategies—abstinence, mutual monogamy, correct condom use, and avoiding risky behaviors. They emphasized the importance of open communication, especially between parents and young people, to normalize discussions on sexual health and responsible decision-making.

"Testing is not just an individual responsibility, it is a community effort," spoke Dagalea. "The sooner we overcome stigma and fear, the sooner we can protect lives".

Ms. Baby Danica B. Nuñez-Dalumpines, extension chairperson of the SNHS, reminded listeners that these cases can be prevented, managed, and controlled, only if communities choose information over stigma and care over silence. "Knowledge, self-care, and responsible decisions are the most effective defense against HIV," Nuñez-Dalumpines stated.

Expressing his support for the initiative, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. commended the program, emphasizing the university's mandate to serve the public beyond the classroom.

"Our commitment to 'weaving worthiness' includes ensuring the well-being of our community through relevant and timely information," Dr. Cañezo stated. "By addressing critical health issues like HIV, BiPSU reinforces its role as a partner in development and a catalyst for a healthier, more informed Biliran."

With this program episode, BiPSU ensured that life-saving information becomes accessible to all. This initiative reaffirmed its role in shaping a more aware, compassionate, and health-conscious society. The university will continue to uphold its mission of empowering communities and transforming lives through education, advocacy, and responsive extension work.

#WoWBIPSU #WoWBiPSUExtenstionInAction