The 2025 National State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (NSCUAA) Games officially opened on April 23 at the Cong. Pedro Palarca Romualdo (RPR) Grandstand in Mambajao, Camiguin Island, gathering thousands of student-athletes from 16 regions across the country.

Biliran Province State University sent a strong delegation of 109 members—60 of whom are student-athletes—to represent Eastern Visayas in this year’s national games. 

As the overall champion of the 2024 Regional SCUAA Games, BiPSU Tigers hold the largest number of participants among all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the region, contributing to Region VIII's 615-member contingent, including 370 athletes. 

The Eastern Visayas delegation is led by Philippine Association of State Colleges and Universities (PASUC) VIII President and BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr.

Meanwhile, The BiPSU delegation arrived in Camiguin as early as April 20 to allow athletes to acclimate and prepare for their respective events.

“We came four days before the opening to give our athletes enough time to adjust to their billeting and familiarize themselves with the actual game venues,” Dr. Cañezo said. “We want them to be comfortable and confident when they face competitors from other regions.”

BiPSU athletes are competing in various events, including Arnis (Men and Women), Athletics (Men and Women), Baseball, Beach Volleyball (Men), Chess (Men), Futsal (Women), Karatedo (Men and Women), Swimming (Men and Women), Taekwondo (Women), Volleyball (Men), and Basketball 3x3 (Women).

The opening of this year’s biggest athletic event started with an athletic parade. A welcome and fellowship night was also held on the first day.

Joining Dr. Cañezo at the national games are SUC presidents from across Region VIII, and the Regional Sports Director of Eastern Visayas and BiPSU’s own Sports Director, Engr. Carmel Sigrid Docallos.

With the theme “Advancing SUC Unity, Elevating Sports Excellence for Sustainable Development,” the 2025 NSCUAA Games will run until April 27, culminating in a grand closing and awarding ceremony.

[This aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and also contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]

Biliran Province State University’s Department of Communication (DepComm) has officially concluded its first-ever “Visual Perspectives: Storytelling through Film and Photography” event at the Hyflex and Audio-Visual Center (HAVC) and Ex-Pres and Retirees Nook on April 21.

The said event, organized by the junior students of the department of communication as part of their course requirement in Digital Photography, Documentary Film, and Sinesosyodad, aims to showcase the third-year students’ storytelling skills through filmmaking and photography. 

In his opening message, Department Chairperson Dr. John Cavin Sabonsolin highlighted the significance of the event, reiterating the role of communication students and the deliverables they produce.

“Every project, though different in style, shares a single conviction: storytelling is a responsibility to see, to listen, and to honor,” Dr. Sabonsolin stated. “Let the stories challenge your assumptions and enlarge your empathy.”

Meanwhile, the event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting of the photo exhibit at the Ex-Pres and Retirees Nook. The exhibit featured a gallery of photos under the theme “Life in Living,” which showcased the students’ photography skills and visual storytelling through pictures. 

Following the launching of the photo exhibit, two discussions transpired at the Hyflex and Audio Visual Center. Precious Mae T. Alcero, DepComm instructor, discussed “Beyond the Lens: Understanding Digital Photography in the Modern World,” while Joshua Usigan, DepComm instructor, talked about the topic “Color, Composition, and Chaos.” 

Moreover, the film viewing of the short film and documentary film entries took off in the afternoon part of the event, featuring five short film entries and seven documentary films which were opened for public viewing at the university HAVC. Subsequently, an awarding ceremony of the minor and major awards for the short film and documentary followed.

For the short film category, “Presyo” by Jasten Arogante was hailed first place, along with two major awards namely, Best Film and Best Director, and one minor award for Emerging Filmmaker. Meanwhile, “ABCD,” by Trisha Marie Ibañez won second best film, Best Actress through Edenia Mae Verunque, Best Supporting Actor through Jovie Caton, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, and Best Screenplay awards, while “Huling Sayaw” by Cedric Andaya and Junmark Cabalquinto clinched the third spot.

In addition, other awardees for the short film category include “Bisan Kinsa” by Kyle Dimple Gabato which won Social Impact Award, Best Production Design, Best Sound Design, and Best Supporting Actress through Kyle Dimple Gabato, while “Saksak ng Nakaraan” by Iah Mirarza won Best Actor award through Rafael Dacara.

On the other hand, in the documentary film category, “Nanay Suping” by Jasten Arogante was awarded as the Best Documentary Film and Best Director. Meanwhile, “Adrift” by Kryshan Louise Benzon won second Best Documentary Film and Best Cinematography, while “Undiagnosed” by Jean Llaneta clinched third place, along with the Impact Award and Best Research Award.

Other awardees include “5 Figures” by Trisha Marie Ibanez which won Best Sound Design, while Edenia Mae Verunque’s “Ilawom sa Pakigbisog” won Best Editing award.

Furthermore, in the photo essay competition, Crystel Demate, Zephaniah Macabus, Ivy Tapado, Hanna Yangan, and Mario Escobal’s “The System that Failed Her” was hailed as first place, along with Best Visual Storytelling and Best Narrative awards.

Additionally, Jasten Arogante’s “The Heart of Hardworks” clinched second place, Best Visual Composition, and Best in Post-Processing awards, while Dart Cuizon and Katrice Petallana’s “In a World that Changes, Love Remains the Same,” was awarded third place.

This is the first-ever student-led event of the Department of Communication that integrates three courses under the program, aiming to promote the power of photography and filmmaking in telling stories that matter and  driving social change.

[This article aligns with the SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.]

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) President Dr. Victor C. Canezo Jr. and other two BiPSU officials participated at the 30th China International Education Exhibition Tour (CIEET) and the 21st China Study Abroad Forum (CSAF 2025) held in Beijing, Wuhan, Shanghai and Guangzhou, China, after being invited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). 

BiPSU is one of only 17 Philippine universities selected to participate in this international academic gathering, sending two separate delegations to the event.

Dr. Analiza B. Calles, director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Faculty Development (CIFD), represented BiPSU in the first wave of delegates, attending the forum from April 8–13. Meanwhile, the second delegation was participated by Dr. Canezo and Dr. Maribel Zipagan, dean of the School of Teacher Education Naval Campus on April 19–23. 

With the theme “Quality, Trust, Safety: For the Sustainable Development of International Education,” the CSAF 2025 focuses on building a strong, sustainable, and secure international education environment. Moreover, the CIEET offers Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) a platform to promote the country’s educational offerings, explore potential partnerships, and engage with global academic stakeholders.

Along with BiPSU, other universities participated include Mariano Marcos State University, Romblon State University, Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology, Pangasinan State University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Davao Oriental State University, Rizal Technological University, Davao del Norte State College, Southern Philippines Agri- Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology of Southern Philippines, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, University of Southern Philippines, Davao del Sur State College, Agusan Del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology, Bataan Peninsula State University, Isabel State University, and  Marikina Polytechnic College. 

Strengthening International Collaboration

On April 10, BiPSU and 11 other Philippine universities formalized a partnership during a ceremony held at Zhongguancun Software Park in Dongbeiwang, Haidian District, Beijing. This partnership aims to strengthen capacity building particularly in areas such as micro-credentialing, job shadowing, student and faculty exchange programs.

The Philippine delegation included representatives from BiPSU, Davao Oriental State University, Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), Davao del Norte State College, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Rizal Technological University, Mabalacat City College, University of Perpetual Help System Laguna (UPHSL), and Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was countersigned by Dr. Calles on behalf of BiPSU, and witnessed by CHED Commissioner Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and May- i L. Fabros, third secretary and vice consul of the Philippine Embassy to the Peoples and Republic of China.

Under the five-year agreement, participating universities commit to dedicating resources and support for the program’s success, with key representatives overseeing activities, ensuring effective communication among all parties, and upholding quality standards to monitor impact and outcomes.

Dr. Calles described the experience as a valuable return on international engagement efforts. “The return of travel investment, as I may say, lies in the meaningful partnerships we’ve established with the 12 participating universities,” Dr. Calles said. 

She added that attending CIEET 2025 and CSAF 2025  highlighted the  importance of seeking international partners whose values align with BiPSU’s goals.

“This experience has shown the great value of building global linkages aligned with our strategic internationalization plan,” Dr. Calles noted. 

The CIFD Director also confirmed that a letter of cooperation was signed on behalf of BiPSU with Jiaxing University, represented by Dr. Pan Weiwei, director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Department. Dr. Calles emphasized that this initial agreement sets the stage for partnership between the two institutions, particularly in the areas of faculty and student mobility, joint research initiatives, and cultural exchange programs.

“The insights gained from this global platform reaffirm our vision—‘Weaving BiPSU with the World, and the World with BiPSU.’ This vision is not just a goal, but a necessary path toward developing globally competent graduates through an industry-responsive curriculum and internationally engaged faculty.”

Dr. Calles also attended sessions at the China Convention Center from April 11–12, participating in discussions on international education trends, including the “Values and Trends of International Education in the Era of Digital Intelligence.” She also visited the China Agricultural University and exhibitions from various Chinese universities during her final day in Beijing.

Continuing Global Engagement

Meanwhile, BiPSU’s second delegation, led by Dr. Canezo and Dr. Zipagan, participated in the event from April 19–23. Upon arriving in Guangzhou, the officials attended the China International Education Exhibition (CIEET) at the Dong Fang Hotel. 

Following the exhibition, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas of the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou, accompanied by CHED Commissioner Marita R. Canapi.

Additionally, they visited Guangdong Eco-Engineering Polytechnic, a provincial forestry vocational and technical school that has been serving the Guangzhou community for 57 years. 

The college offers programs in engineering, economics, management, agriculture, and various vocational fields. During the said visit, BiPSU explored potential partnerships particularly in the areas of engineering and agriculture.

They also toured Guangzhou City Polytechnic, where delegates engaged in discussions on potential collaborations in fields such as engineering, agriculture, and technology. During the visit, BiPSU and other delegates explored opportunities for academic exchanges, research partnerships, and the development of joint programs to enhance respective institutions' offerings and global cooperation. 

The former Internationalization Affairs Director, now dean of the STED, Dr. Zipagan shared her reflections following the visit: "Our university remains dedicated to strengthening global partnerships. These collaborations allow us to harness diverse perspectives and innovations, enriching our academic programs,strengthening student development, and supporting faculty growth,” she said. 

“I'm grateful for this opportunity and excited to contribute to our university's inspiring vision," added Dr. Zipagan. 

In a statement, Dr. Canezo also expressed his gratitude to CHED for including BiPSU in the list of participants. 

“Being invited and able to participate in this important event is truly a WoW for BiPSU,” the university president said. “This gave us a chance to widen our international partnerships and opened up global opportunities for our students and faculty,” he added. 

The BiPSU and PASUC 8 president exhibited pride in representing the Philippines at the international event. "This engagement allowed us to connect with other universities and explore potential collaborations," Dr. Canezo stated. "As the PASUC President in Eastern Visayas, I am eager to share the insights gained from this experience with universities in the region, so we can collectively grow and enhance our international initiatives."

#WoWBiPSU

Before heading to this year’s National  State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Games, Biliran Province State University held a special meeting and turnover of uniforms and equipment for the NSCUAA delegates at the university student center on April 18.

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) proudly sent off a total of 109 delegates, which includes 60 student-athletes who will represent the university and Eastern Visayas in the highly anticipated NSCUAA Games.

University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr. delivered an inspiring message to the athletes, urging them to compete with courage, discipline, and university pride.

“Remember, you are not just representing BiPSU—you are representing the Region. Compete with heart, stay grounded, represent the Region VIII with pride and always bring the #WoWBiPSU!,” reminded Dr. Cañezo.

The university president also emphasized the importance of expressing gratitude to the coaches and trainers, acknowledging their crucial role in shaping the athletes' performance.

"Our coaches are the backbone of our athletic program. They spend time training and guiding our athletes, teaching not just sports skills but also important life lessons,” Dr. Cañezo said. “We truly appreciate their hard work and dedication.”

Also present during the said meeting were Vice President for Student and External Affairs Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Supplier Officer Mr. Joemard Calvez, BiPSU and Regional Sports Director Engr. Carmel Sigrid Docallos, Sports Chair Ms. Henreyna Redublado, coaches and athletes.  

Moreover, delegates’ departure will take place on April 19, heading to Camiguin Polytechnic State College, the host college for the NSCUAA Games 2025 from April 22-27.

Best of luck to our BiPSU Tigers!

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No: 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequality), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)]

With eyes set on new academic frontiers and deeper academic synergy,  Biliran Province State University formally inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Normal University (PNU) on April 15, 2025, at the BiPSU HAVC.

BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. signed the MOU with PNU President Dr. Bert J. Tuga.

The understanding centered on entering into a formal partnership agreement based on the foundation of mutual trust for the mutual benefit and development of the two institutions and the promotion of international understanding and goodwill. 

It covers potential collaborations in student, faculty, and researcher exchange programs, joint research initiatives, curriculum development, capacity building, the exchange of academic publications, and co-hosting of international research conferences. Furthermore, the partnership supports both institutions’ commitment to internationalization and excellence in education.

In his message during the signing ceremony, Dr. Cañezo emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership. “This partnership signifies our shared commitment to nurturing future-ready educators and researchers, and creating a ripple effect of academic excellence not just in our institutions but across the nation,” he said.

Dr. Cañezo also expressed BiPSU’s gratitude to PNU for its openness to collaboration. “We are truly honored to be in partnership with PNU—the country’s National Center for Teacher Education,” he added. “More than a document, this MOU is a symbol of trust and shared vision.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Tuga clarified that while the MOU contains general provisions, specific agreements will be drawn up in the future based on identified programs and needs. “We could pull possible arrangements that we may have based on the identified needs of both institutions,” he said.

He also highlighted the collaborative and reciprocal nature of the partnership. “There are things that are already done at BiPSU, and it's not yet done at PNU,” Dr. Tuga added. “There are things we can share with you, and there are things that you can share with us in terms of institutional practices.”

Following the ceremonial signing, a consultation meeting was held where the two university presidents exchanged best practices. Dr. Tuga shared some of PNU’s institutional strategies, including a strengthened faculty development program, comprehensive curriculum alignment, and a “selective” student admission process. 

In response, Dr. Cañezo introduced BiPSU’s newly launched Electronic Human Resource Management and Information System (eHRMIS), an integrated system that streamlines HR processes—an initiative Dr. Tuga expressed interest in benchmarking.

The event was also witnessed by PNU Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Lordinio Vergara, along with BiPSU Vice Presidents Dr. Susan S. Bentor, Dr. Roland A. Niez, Dr. Vivencio Pelesco, Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Faculty Regent Hon. Vennie Coton and the deans of the School of Teacher Education from the two campuses’ Dr. Maribel Zipagan and Dr.  Naneta Panit. 

PNU, a public coeducational teacher education and research university established in 1901, was designated as the National Center for Teacher Education through Republic Act No. 9647 in 2009. The institution is widely recognized for its leadership in shaping teacher education standards in the Philippines.

A delegation from PNU, led by Dr. Tuga and Dr. Vergara, is currently at BiPSU as part of a team teaching program aimed at strengthening the newly formed collaboration. The visiting team also includes distinguished professors Dr. Celia Ilanan, Dr. Brando Palomar, Dr. Marivilla Lydia Aggarao, and Dr. Voltaire Villanueva, who will be engaging with BiPSU faculty and students through lectures and academic consultations.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.]

To ensure that the school continues to produce quality teachers who uphold the university’s values, the School of Teacher Education (STED) of Biliran Province State University Naval Campus conducted a Gender-Fair Communication Seminar and Welcome Back ceremony for Pre-Service Teachers (PSTs) on April 11 at the university gymnasium.

PSTs returned to the university to complete their graduation  requirements after completing their 360-hour Teaching Internship in the Department of Education.

Leading the seminar, Mr. Fernando Quiroz, former head of Gender and Development-GRASS, discussed the importance of creating gender-fair classrooms, and promoting inclusivity, respect, and equality among learners.

Moreover, Dr. Bienvenido G. Mergal, Education director of Southeast Asia Pacific Division (SSD) of Seventh-day Adventist Church, who also served as a guest speaker of the event, emphasized the value of education and how it equips future educators to serve this world. “Education is expensive, but it is more expensive to be ignorant,” Dr. Mergal said.

He also mentioned the possible partnership of BiPSU and SSD for international on-the-job training (OJT) for education programs in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Further, Senior Lecturer from the Falculan Twin’s Review Center Mr. Froilan Obeal led the interactive review session on Professional Education (ProfEd) subject to equip PSTs for the upcoming Pre-board examination on April 22.

Attendees of the event include Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Susan Bentor, Dean of STED Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, OJT coordinators, and ProfEd Experiential Learning (ExL) instructors, and students.

[This article aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) no. 4: Quality Education]

The vision of establishing a law school at Biliran Province State University is steadily moving toward reality, following a recent seminar workshop that discussed the application process and requirements for offering the Juris Doctor (JD) program at the university.

A Technical Working Group (TWG), composed of selected university officials, faculty members, and unit heads from various schools and offices, participated in an intensive four-day training from April 8 to 11, facilitated by resource persons from the Arellano University School of Law (AUSL).

The training aimed to equip BiPSU’s TWG with in-depth knowledge of law school administration, curriculum development, faculty training, and the operational standards set by the Legal Education Board (LEB) for JD programs. The activity also provided insights and best practices from AUSL, a renowned institution in legal education.

Founded in 1938, AUSL is recognized as one of the country’s premier law schools and ranked third among the top ten legal education institutions with the highest number of successful bar examinees from 2011 to 2022.

The AUSL delegation was led by Atty. Gabriel dela Peña, executive director of the Arellano Law Foundation, along with Lorina Pascasio, dean of Student Affairs; Atty. Maureen Kay E. Patajo, head of Administrative and Legal Affairs and Data Privacy officer; Jasmin P. Horlina, finance director; and Ronald M. Aguvida, supervisor at the Dean’s Office.

The three-day training, spearheaded by BiPSU’s Legal Officer Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the critical operational, administrative, and academic frameworks required for opening a law school.

Discussions focused on financial management and sustainability, institutional governance, administrative structures, formulation and implementation of academic policies, strategic program management, and compliance with regulatory requirements for securing permits and licenses. The training also addressed qualifications and responsibilities of deans and faculty members, effective curriculum delivery strategies, and the development of vital facilities and library resources essential for supporting quality legal education.

University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. expressed gratitude to the officials from Arellano University School of Law (AUSL) for their support in “BiPSU’s journey toward realizing its goal of establishing a law school.”

Meanwhile, in his message during the closing ceremony of the seminar, Atty. Gabriel dela Peña narrated the challenge the AUSL had to go through and endure over the years including “remaking the school and reviewing the policies after a significant decline of student population, in order to regain our stature and position amongst all other law schools in Metro Manila.”

“Where we are right now is a product of not just years, but decades of trying to pursue excellence in the field of legal education,” the AUSL executive director said. “The challenge also cascades to our BiPSU family for you to ensure that the program does not exist temporarily as a trending thing but actually as a move of transferring knowledge to the next generation.”

Atty. dela Peña also emphasized that BiPSU’s initiative to offer a Juris Doctor program will answer the drought of lawyers in the country. “With BiPSU’s move to start a law school, we can see more lawyers in Biliran.”

A vision materializing

In his message during the opening of the three-day training, Dr. Cañezo emphasized that the plan to establish a law school in the province is not just a dream of the university, but a shared aspiration of young Biliranons who envision a future in the legal profession and are committed to serving their community.

“This is more than just a milestone for BiPSU; it is a door of opportunity for our youth,” Dr. Cañezo said. “Through this initiative, we are empowering future lawyers from Biliran to achieve their dreams and serve our province.”

Dr. Cañezo also reiterated the impact that opening a law school would have on the province of Biliran, especially its potential to transform the local legal landscape.

A recently conducted feasibility study affirmed the growing demand for legal education in the province, with 74% of respondents expressing strong interest in pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree at BiPSU.

To further understand its prospective students, the study collected demographic data. Results showed that 37.4% of respondents are aged 20 years or younger, while 26% fall within the 21–25 age range. Another 14.6% are between 26–30 years old, with the remaining respondents spanning older age groups.

Occupational data revealed that 37.8% of respondents are full-time college students, while 30.1% are professionals working in government roles. 74.3% of those in government service hold permanent positions, indicating a stable pool of potential enrollees.

Atty. Delfin revealed that a significant majority—78.2%—of respondents expressed willingness to remain and work in the province after completing their law degree. This suggests that BiPSU's planned JD program could play an important role in strengthening the local legal profession and expanding professional opportunities within the region.

Meanwhile, during the training workshop, Dr. Cañezo shared that the university is targeting to submit its application for the Juris Doctor program on or before June this year.

Learning from reputed institutions

From September 4 to 5, a team from BiPSU, led by University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., conducted a series of benchmarking activities and consultations with law schools and regulatory institutions in Manila to gather insights and best practices in legal education. 

The delegation sought to deepen their understanding of law school administration, operational strategies, facilities management, faculty recruitment, curriculum design, and student support systems.

As part of their benchmarking activity, the BiPSU team visited Arellano University School of Law and the San Sebastian College-Recoletos College of Law (SSC-R Law). They also conducted a consultation with the Legal Education Board (LEB) to gain clear guidance on the application process for establishing a law school, including the specific requirements and procedures mandated by the LEB.

In line with their goal of ensuring that the proposed law program aligns with the needs of the local legal community, the team engaged with Atty. Raul S. Grapilon, President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) — Biliran Chapter, to seek endorsement and support from the province’s legal practitioners.

[This aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions]

Biliran Province State University, through the Cultural Affairs Development Unit (CADU) and in collaboration with the university Physical Education (PE) teachers, organized a free concert titled “National Arts Month 2025: A Celebration of Dance, Theater, Music, and Art,” at the university gymnasium on April 8.

Anchored with the theme, “Sinag Sining: Rhythms of Expression,” the event  aimed to promote and preserve our cultural heritage through performances and artistic expression in dance, music, theater, and visual arts.

The event featured performances in marching band exhibition, dance numbers, theater play, and choral renditions.

BiPSU Avant Tigers hyped the crowd with their marching band exhibition, followed by Panamao Dance Troupe with their series of dance performances including hiphop, and traditional and cultural. The Dance Sports Team also showcased their covers of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) songs through latin and standard dance styles.

Further, Teatro Biliran staged a comedy play from an excerpt of Mr. Felipe Durano-Bacay’s “Ambot, wa’ koy labot”.

University Chorale also showcased their renditions of classic Visayan songs. 

Said event was also graced by the University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., Vice President for Student and External Affairs Dr. Erwin Salvatierra, PE instructors, and students.

[This article aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals No. : Quality Education]

Biliran Province State University is setting a new bar in streamlining human resource operations after successfully launching the Electronic Human Resource Management Information System (eHRMIS), the first of its kind to be launched among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the whole region.

The launching of eHRMIS, held on April 8 at the OP Convergence Room after months of rigorous planning and system development, was attended by University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., Vice President for Student and External Affairs Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Vice President for Administration and Finance Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Susan Bentor, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services Dr. Roland Niez, school deans, directors, and unit heads.

The launching activity, led by the Human Resource Management Office, aimed to demonstrate how the system will improve employee management, HR processes and Records Management, such as payroll, and document tracking; and lay the foundation for smooth adoption and integration into BiPSU’s HR processes and Records Management.

Pioneering implementation

In his message, Dr. Cañezo mentioned that BiPSU is the first SUC in the region to implement an electronic HRMIS.

“Today, we officially launched the Electronic Human Resource Management Information System—this is a significant milestone in our pursuit of innovation and excellence,” Dr. Cañezo said.  "In fact, this initiative places BiPSU at the forefront of digital transformation among higher education institutions in the region, proving our commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence."

The eHRMIS integrates essential HR functions into a single, user-friendly platform. It covers critical areas such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll processing, performance evaluation, leave management, employee records archiving, and real-time document tracking. With this integration, BiPSU aims to eliminate redundant paperwork and minimize processing times for HR transactions.

The development of the eHRMIS took a long process. BiPSU, through the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), led a series of benchmarking activities, consulting with institutions that had successfully integrated digital HR systems and studying their best practices in electronic HR management.

In preparation for the system rollout, the HRMO, in partnership with the Management Information Systems (MIS) Office, also conducted a series of intensive training workshops for HR personnel and administrative staff. 

These trainings covered system navigation, data privacy protocols, document management, and troubleshooting processes, ensuring that employees were well-equipped to maximize the benefits of the new system.

Dr. Cañezo also mentioned that technology should be seen as an enabler not a replacement of human potential. “As I mentioned in our previous gathering, technology is not here to replace us but to re-focus our energies on meaningful tasks,” he remarked.

The pioneer implementation is part of the university’s commitment to improve and modernize its operations to enhance efficiency and service quality.

Groundbreaking move

The groundbreaking system is poised to revolutionize the university's internal operations, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and employee experience across the institution.

One of the most notable advantages of the new system is its ability to provide real-time data and analytics, allowing the university's leadership to make more informed, data-driven decisions. With centralized access to employee records, performance metrics, and payroll histories, the administration can better allocate resources, forecast staffing needs, and streamline compliance reporting.

Moreover, employees will now have direct access to their personal employment records and HR services through a self-service portal. This empowers faculty and staff to update their information, file leave requests, and track the status of their documents anytime, anywhere—promoting transparency and enhancing employee satisfaction.

Dr. Cañezo highlighted the wider impact of the initiative, emphasizing that the eHRMIS aligns perfectly with BiPSU’s strategic goals under the WoWBiPSU 2.0 development plan. "This is more than just a technological upgrade—it is part of our holistic effort to build a smart university that embraces digital solutions to better serve our internal and external stakeholders," the university president said.

The integration of electronic systems to HR operations is also expected to bring long-term benefits including cost savings on paper supplies, printing services, and manual labor hours.

[This aligns with SDG)16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.]

The successful collaborative teaching and faculty development program between Biliran Province State University and Adamson University (AdU) is generating buzz in the region, with Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) Ormoc Campus visiting BiPSU for a benchmarking activity.

EVSU Ormoc visited BiPSU on April 8 to learn more about the successful collaboration between BiPSU and AdU, particularly the implementation of the team teaching approach and faculty development program for BiPSU's engineering programs.

The delegation from EVSU Ormoc Campus, composed of 11 members, includes Engr. Joel Capala, head of EVSU Ormoc's Engineering Department; Engr. Antonio Naboya, Civil Engineering coordinator; Engr. Jomar Navarro, Electrical Engineering coordinator; Engr. Michael Mendoza, Mechanical Engineering coordinator; Engr. Phoebe Lanzaderas, head of the Institutional Planning and Development Office (IPDO), and faculty members Engr. Robert Navarro, Engr. Edrinald Estobañez, Engr. John Albert Laboga, Engr. Rechel Caliwan, Engr. Ruderico Endriano, and Engr. Jerico Agapito

In his message, Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, dean of the School of Engineering (SOE) and vice president for Administration and Finance, mentioned that the visit is a collaborative undertaking between BiPSU and EVSU Ormoc.  He highlighted the value of mutual learning and shared best practices between the two institutions.

"This activity is an opportunity for you to know our best practices here at the School of Engineering," Engr. Pelesco said. "And of course, it is also a great chance for us to know the best practices of EVSU Ormoc which we can learn from." 

Engr. Pelesco led the discussion and provided a comprehensive explanation of the process, organizational structure, operational guidelines, and specific requirements involved in establishing and sustaining a collaborative team teaching and faculty development program with a partner university.

He detailed the stages of partnership formation, including initial engagement and alignment of objectives, delineation of roles and responsibilities between institutions, curriculum mapping, faculty qualification standards, scheduling and coordination of team-taught courses, evaluation mechanisms to monitor teaching effectiveness, and strategies for continuous professional development of faculty members to ensure academic excellence and industry relevance in the engineering programs.

Moreover, the benchmarking activity was also attended by heads and faculty from BiPSU's SOE including Engr. Jude Banico, Electrical Engineering department chair; Engr. Jean Paul Logronio, Civil Engineering department chair; Engr. Ramon Pitao, Jr., Mechanical Engineering department chair; Engr. Bryan Bernil, SOE research chair and EE faculty member; Engr. Carmel Sigrid Docallos, CE faculty member and director of the Sports and Development Office; and Engr. Roosevelt Mendoza, EE faculty member.

The collaborative team teaching is a program where selected faculty from BiPSU and AdU worked together to teach courses in BiPSU’s engineering programs, including Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE), Computer Engineering (BSCpE), Electrical Engineering (BSEE), and Mechanical Engineering (BSME). The team teaching was delivered through online or blended learning platforms and in-person classes at BiPSU.

Meanwhile, another provision of the collaboration between the two institutions is the offering of graduate programs of the Adamson University at BiPSU. These include Master of Engineering majors in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering; and the Master of Science in Civil Engineering.

Both these initiatives are products of the collaboration of BiPSU and AdU, made official with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

[This aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]