In line with its dedicated mission to prepare students for professional success beyond the classroom, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its Job Placement Office (JPO), successfully conducted an orientation program of labor standards for college students and a local recruitment activity on June 10 and 11, respectively, at the Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC).

This dual initiative reflects the university’s proactive approach to student employability, aimed at equipping future graduates with essential knowledge of labor regulations while weaving immediate opportunities for local and global careers into their academic journey.

Featuring Mr. Gelo Catilogo, speaking on behalf of Mr. Francisco Segovia, Jr., OIC-Head of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Biliran Field Office, the orientation program brought together students from various academic disciplines to engage in a comprehensive discussion on crucial labor laws and standard workplace practices, empowering learners with the foundational know-hows essential for navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.

“Understanding your labor rights and obligations is the core of a dignified and productive career,” Catilogo stated. “As you transition from students to professionals, this awareness empowers you to advocate for fair working conditions and to contribute meaningfully to our nation's economic growth."

In his inspirational message, Dr. Erwin Salvatierra, Vice President for Students and External Affairs, encouraged students to view the future as a blank canvas awaiting their unique creation.

“Remember that success isn’t solely about the paycheck; it’s about the journey, the growth, and the impact you make,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, the local recruitment activity transformed the HAV-C into a nexus for career opportunities, specifically for those aspiring to join the global teaching community.

In partnership with QQ English Philippines, one of the country's premier English language institutions, the university welcomed Ms. Teodora M. Gimenez, Branch Manager, who led the on-site job fair.

Targeting aspiring educators, particularly in the field of English as a Second Language (ESL), the event offered qualified BiPSU graduates a direct avenue to employment in a dynamic and globally connected industry.

Successful candidates stand to benefit from paid training, accommodation and travel assistance, and performance-based incentives.

“This two-day activity is designed not just to inform, but to promote ethical employment practices and long-term sustainability across all sectors,” said Dr. Miguel Supremo, Jr., Head of the JPO. “We envision BiPSUnistas not only as job seekers but as future leaders, innovators, and advocates for decent and dignified work.”

With these initiatives, BiPSU reaffirms its commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically proficient but also ethically conscious, legally informed, and career-ready to contribute significantly to the economic landscape of Biliran Province and beyond.

By integrating essential workforce readiness components with direct career opportunities, the university is not merely educating; it is actively shaping a future-ready workforce, resilient, informed, and poised for impactful service to society.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, No. 4: Quality Education, and No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]

In a heartfelt effort to weave science into the fabric of local life, Balik Scientist Dr. Benildo de los Reyes has teamed up with Biliran Province State University’s School of Agribusiness and Forest Resource Management (BiPSU-SABFoRM) for a series of field visits across Biliran from June 4 to 13.

As part of his month-long engagement with BiPSU, Dr. de los Reyes is leading efforts to uncover R&D opportunities tailored to the unique context of Biliran, while also enhancing the university’s academic programs in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry.

“This is a strategic action towards our becoming of an internationally recognized university responsive to the needs of the local and global communities,” University President Prof. Victor Catigbe Cañezo, Jr. stated.

The journey kicked off on June 3 with an abaca planting activity at the BiPSU Biliran Campus held with a partner institution, followed by discussions between the Balik Scientist and program chairs of BS Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry. 

On June 4, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) conducted an orientation on the Balik Scientist program, and a roundtable discussion for BiPSU faculty focused on research proposal submissions.

Field visits and validations occurred in the Municipalities of Almeria and Caibiran to identify researchable agricultural issues, including a visit to the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services Office of Biliran.

Moreover, the Balik Scientist team also met with the Caucab Forest Savers Association to plan biodiversity conservation and visited the Mamanwa Tribe to assess community needs. The group, led by Dr. Randy Villarin, Dean of the SABFoRM, evaluated poultry and livestock operations at Canaan Hill Farms for potential research and development opportunities.

On Monday, June 9, the said program team conducted a site visit in Barangay Sanggalang, Biliran, Biliran where they examined a mangrove plantation managed by a local People’s Organization—one of the university’s community extension partners under the Department of Forest Science.

Discussions during the said visit focused on environmental research and sustainable livelihood initiatives for the local community.

Also, the team assessed the mangrove ecosystem at the BiPSU Biliran Lower Campus, identifying promising research areas related to mangrove and biodiversity conservation.

Another key stop was at the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Biliran, where the group discussed integrating cacao and coffee production into agroforestry systems under the Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) framework. These initiatives align with the priority crops identified by the DOST-PCAARRD.

The site visits likewise included the Tilapia Hatchery in Naval, Biliran, overseen by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), wherein the group explored potential research collaborations focused on inland aquatic resource development, another key area under DOST-PCAARRD’s agenda.

“I thank DOST and Dr. de los Reyes for this rare opportunity entrusted to BiPSU Biliran Campus,” shared Dr. Villarin.

Moving forward, Dr. de los Reyes and BiPSU will continue to pursue strategies to align the university and the province with national and global research standards.

Upcoming initiatives include participation in the Regional Abaca Coalition Meeting, a curriculum review, and a workshop on research proposal development and packaging, all aimed at strengthening BiPSU’s R&D capacity.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. 15: Life on Land, No. 14: Life Below Water, No. 2: Zero Hunger, No. 4: Quality Education, and No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]

Biliran Province State University’s (BiPSU) An Lantugi Debate Society (ALDS) clinched the Novice Championship at the Northern Luzon Intervarsity (NLIV), held online via zoom and discord from May 31 to June 1, after facing off against an Indian university team in the grand final round.

The competition, organized by Saint Louis University, featured universities from across the Philippines and other countries, debating socially relevant motions in the Asian Parliamentary format over multiple rounds.

Representing BiPSU were John Jedidia Maas, a second-year BS Civil Engineering student; Crystel Demate, a first-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student; and Chazonne Almazon, a second-year Bachelor of Secondary Education student majoring in Social Studies.

During the first and second preliminary rounds, the BiPSU team, taking the government side, debated the motions “This House would allow commercial surrogacy” and “This House believes that government benefits should be proportional to the taxes individuals pay”; however, they were unable to secure wins in these rounds.

Nevertheless, the team made a strong comeback in the third and fourth rounds as the opposition, winning both debates on the motions “This House believes that award-giving bodies should recognize male and female talents under a singular award category” and “Assuming feasibility, this House would adopt a uniform global carbon pricing scheme.”

In the grand final round, BiPSU went head-to-head with an Indian university team as the opposition on the motion, “This House believes that failing economies should prioritize the subsidization of existing start-ups over bailing out corporations.”

After the round, BiPSU Team ultimately secured the championship by a unanimous decision, with John Jedidia Maas earning the distinction of Novice Grand Finals Best Speaker.

In an interview, Crystel Mae Demate, one of the debaters, said that their recent win marks an important part of their preparation for bigger tournaments and reflects their dedication to making the university's support count.

"This victory is just one of the few steps that we believe is essential to prepare us for our upcoming tournament in UP Diliman because we want to make sure that every penny spent on us is worth it, especially since we are funded through the university’s income,” she said.

“I’m also very thankful to the administration for the support all throughout the competition and for giving us the opportunity to compete and bring the name of BiPSU with us,” added Demate.

The team was coached and mentored by Joedel Peñaranda, Atty. Guiller Delfin, Dr. John Cavin Sabonsolin, and Edwardo Almazan.

Moreover, the same team, with Dominic Chad Catipay from BSED-English serving as adjudicator, is planning to compete in the Santiago Ortega Cup from June 6 to 8, and will compete face-to-face in Philippine Intercollegiate Debating Championship (PIDC) at the University of the Philippines Diliman from June 12 to 18.

#WoWBiPSU

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

In preparation for the upcoming enrollment period for Academic Year 2025–2026 which officially starts today, June 2, the University Media and Information Office (UMIO) of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its ID Production Office, officially launched its Online Appointment System for ID Issuance on Friday, May 30.

Leading the initiative, UMIO Director Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion and ID Production Head Ralph Javines conducted a technical demonstration for all UMIO staff before the official implementation. This session aimed to ensure staff readiness in client assistance and to verify the system’s ability to deliver IDs in a timely manner, with a 10-minute turnaround goal.

The decision to adopt an appointment system came after the office experienced a significant surge in clients during previous enrollment periods. 

Long queues and service delays prompted the development of a digital solution aimed at improving efficiency, reducing waiting time, and delivering faster service. 

“This appointment system allows us to manage both our time and resources efficiently,” Ralph Javines, ID Production head, said. “More importantly, it ensures that students can receive their IDs quickly and without unnecessary hassle.” 

Javines reiterated that the system is only for officially enrolled students, and that they must complete their enrollment before scheduling an appointment.

UMIO Director also emphasized the importance of service innovation in responding to student needs. “This project shows our commitment to continuous improvement. By introducing digital systems or by going digital, we are making our processes faster, more organized, and more student-friendly,” she said.

BiPSU President Dr. Victor Catigbe Cañezo, Jr. commended the ID Production team for their proactive approach. “I appreciate the commitment of our staff to adopt practical and innovative solutions. This online system reflects our shared goal of providing fast, reliable, and student-centered services. It’s a step forward in building a modern and efficient university, in line with the principles of the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, as advocated by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA),” Dr. Cañezo said. 

Moreover, the university president also encouraged other offices within the university to follow suit by developing or adopting similar online appointment systems to further streamline services and enhance operational efficiency across all units.

The new system is designed to be simple and accessible. Students may book an appointment by visiting https://tinyurl.com/4663892j or by scanning the official QR code provided. Once the appointment is confirmed, a link to the Online ID Application Form will be sent directly to the student’s registered email.

On the scheduled appointment date, students must proceed to the UMIO- ID Production Office located on the second floor of the university gymnasium, where their photo and digital signature will be taken. The office reminds students to strictly follow their scheduled time, as missed appointments will require rebooking. Once processed, the ID will be printed and issued within 10 minutes.

BiPSU encourages all fully enrolled students to use the new system to avoid delays and ensure a smooth enrollment experience. 

Complete details and visual guides are available through the university’s official online platforms.

[This news article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and also supports SDG 4: Quality Education.]

#WoWBiPSU

The Federation of the Supreme Student Council (FSSC) of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) will hold Pandayan Uno: Transition of Governance and Strategic Action Planning 2025 on June 11, 2025, at the BiPSU Gymnasium. 

The said activity aims to formally mark the transition between outgoing and incoming student leaders and equip newly elected officers with essential leadership and planning skills. 

The event will feature a Turnover Ceremony to honor outgoing officers and welcome newly elected officials, a State of the Council Address by outgoing Chair Hon. Aluah Kane Cabalhin to summarize key accomplishments and challenges of the past term, and an Oath-Taking Ceremony to officially induct the new student council leaders.

Further, this event enables new officers to enhance their skills and knowledge through engaging output-based activities such as crafting an action plan as a main output to guide their upcoming term and address real challenges in student governance. 

According to Office Advisory No. 23 issued by the FSSC, all incumbent officers of the LHS-SSG, SGS, SSC, and FSSC are invited to attend, while participation of all newly elected student leaders is mandatory. 

The registration deadline is set for June 6, 2025, Friday. Interested participants may register through the official link: https://forms.gle/kZwFKbeeRqbug3Cu8.

See you there, BiPSUnistas!

#WoWBiPSU

As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance frontline service delivery and ensure easier access to university services, the Office of the Vice President for Student and External Affairs (VPSEA) of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) convened a coordination meeting with heads of constituent offices on Friday, May 30.

The meeting was spearheaded by Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Vice President for Student and External Affairs, with the goal of streamlining the implementation of an online appointment system designed for students and other clients of the university.

This initiative supports the directive of University President Dr. Victor Catigbe Canezo, Jr., who underscored the importance of prioritizing the ease of doing business, in line with Republic Act No. 11032, or the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.” The act mandates all government agencies, including state universities and colleges, to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucratic red tape.

By enabling students to book appointments online, the proposed system aims to resolve issues related to long queues, unregulated foot traffic, and delays in processing, while fostering a more organized, efficient, and responsive service environment across university offices.

“This is more than a digital shift—it’s a shift in mindset. We want to ensure that our students and stakeholders experience services that are efficient, responsive, and respectful of their time,” said Dr. Salvatierra during the meeting. “Implementing this appointment system is a concrete step toward achieving that vision.”

The technical consultation and system design are being guided by Mr. Paul Matthew Bentor, Head of the University Information Technology Office. Bentor provided initial recommendations on the structure of the digital platform and advised on the system's capacity to accommodate multiple offices, ensure user accessibility, and maintain secure data handling practices.

Office heads who attended the meeting expressed their support for the initiative and shared suggestions on how their respective units can best integrate the system into their daily operations. A series of follow-up orientations and training is expected to follow as the project moves toward full implementation.

#WoWBiPSU

Dr. Carlito C. Cabas, Jr., director of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Office (QAA), and Dr. Analiza B. Calles, dean of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), has successfully completed their participation at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Higher Education Leadership Mentoring Fellowship Program (HELMFP).

Over the past nine weeks, 50 Fellows from 25 partner HEIs of UPLB took part in intensive academic and administrative activities from March 10 to May 23.

The UPLB HELMFP is a strategic initiative spearheaded by the UPLB Office for Institutional Development in Higher Education (OIDHE) aimed at enhancing leadership capacities among administrators and officials from partner higher education institutions (HEIs) across the Philippines.

The program offers immersive experiences designed to expose fellows to UPLB's best practices in academic leadership, research, internationalization, and institutional development, through four specialized tracks including academic, administrative, research management and implementation, and public service and extension.

Dr. Cabas and Dr. Calles both selected the Academic Track, one of the four specialized fellowship tracks offered under the program. Their host office was the UPLB Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA), where they were exposed to UPLB’s academic governance systems, curriculum development processes, outcomes-based education practices, faculty development strategies, and mechanisms for academic quality assurance.

Throughout the fellowship, participants engaged in a combination of on-site institutional immersions, virtual learning sessions, and mentorship engagements. These activities were carefully designed to encourage leadership reflection, policy innovation, and cross-institutional learning. 

In an interview, Dr. Cabas described the UPLB HELM Fellowship Batch 2 “as a beautiful encounter with various SUC leaders in the country.”

“It was a great leadership immersion and mentoring experience to learn from UP Systems’ best practices, initiatives, and approaches,” the QAA director said. “My primary outputs from the engagements will highly focus on program assessments, student support, and curriculum revisions, which I am bound to share at BiPSU.”

BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. also commended the fellows for representing the university and reiterated his full support for professional development initiatives that empower BiPSU leaders to become catalysts of change. “At BiPSU, we want our faculty members and leaders to be empowered and to grow,” the university president said.

Meanwhile, Executive Assistant to the President Joedel Peñaranda and University and Board Secretary Dr. Ralph Arvic Arcenal also joined the said program as fellows last year.

#WoWBiPSU

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office VIII and the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) visited Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) – Naval Campus on May 26 as part of a research study on employment services in higher education institutions.

The joint site visit forms part of the ongoing research project titled "Role of Job Placement Offices (JPOs) as Strategic Partners in Public Employment Services and Industry-Driven Employment." The initiative aims to assess the performance of Job Placement Offices (JPOs) and their role in enhancing youth employment through industry-aligned services.

During the half-day engagement, BiPSU Job Placement Officer Dr. Miguel Supremo, Jr. presented the university's best practices in JPO operations, highlighting its service delivery mechanisms, operational capacity, and effectiveness in facilitating employment opportunities—especially for young graduates.

The evaluation also covered BiPSU’s active collaborations with industry partners and its innovative employment strategies that could be replicated in other academic institutions nationwide.

The ILS delegation was composed of Senior Labor and Employment Officer (LEO) Athena Mari S. Son, LEO Aldrine F. Anzures, and Eva A. Nelmida. From DOLE Regional Office VIII, attendees included Karmela de la Sierra, Pablo Merin, and Dominica Secorata.

In a courtesy meeting, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. discussed how the university’s implementation of the two-shift class system has expanded opportunities for student employment.

"By integrating half-day in-person classes and Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL), our students now have the flexibility to work during the other half of the day," he shared. "Some of our students have even secured jobs as virtual assistants abroad."

BiPSU’s two-shift system combines traditional face-to-face classes with ODeL sessions, reducing daily in-class hours to four or five. This setup provides students and faculty additional time for academic research, self-directed learning, and extracurricular involvement.

Dr. Cañezo emphasized that this innovative system not only enhances academic engagement but also plays a crucial role in promoting youth employment.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.]

Biliran Province State University and the university’s recent topnotchers receive recognitions at the Gawad Parangal of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) held on May 27 at Saint Paul Schools of Professional Studies (SPSPS), Palo, Leyte. 

The said award giving ceremony, held in celebration of the 31st Founding Anniversary of the CHED and the 5th Higher Education Day, is organized by the CHED Regional Office VIII to recognize higher education institutions (HEIs) that demonstrate excellence in various aspects of academic and institutional performance. 

BiPSU was awarded for ranking 98th in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2024: Global Top 300 Innovative Universities last year. The university’s debut in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024 where BiPSU ranked 1501+ was also recognized. 

During the event, three BiPSU alumni who topped the board examinations last year—including October 2024 Licensure Examination for Foresters Top 1 Neña Rose A. Corpin, September 2024 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) Top 4 Nova Lyzza A. Ejorcadas, and March 2024 LET Top 6 Joshua M. Ayade—were also recognized. 

As the President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region VIII, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. reminded other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that the Gawad Parangal is not a finish line but a trailhead of the next ascent.

“Funds may thin and storms may batter our shores, yet when we pool insight, equipment, and networks, we turn limits into levers that lift learners,” Dr. Cañezo said. “Eastern Visayas proves this each time a graduate tops national boards or a local study answers a global question.”

He also underscored how unity among HEIs could strengthen higher education in the region. “Today we are on that mat—every scholar, teacher, administrator, and partner. Our weave holds because each thread holds,” the university president said.

Meanwhile, two scholars under the CHED Merit Scholarship Program (CMSP), Jyle Sabalones and Angela Balute, both Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) were also awarded with their stipend. CMSP is a CHED-funded initiative by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) that aims to support academically talented Filipino students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, by providing financial assistance for their undergraduate studies.

#WoWBiPSU

In a powerful message of unity and purpose, Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., President of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) and Chair of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region VIII, underscored the strong commitment of Eastern Visayas’ academic institutions to serve Filipino learners. His remarks were delivered during the CHED Regional Office VIII Gawad Parangal 2025 held on May 27 at the Mary NGO Hall, St. Paul School of Professional Studies in Palo, Leyte.

"Thirty-one years ago, CHED opened wider doors for every Filipino learner. Today, we celebrate the people and partnerships that keep the pledge alive," Dr. Cañezo stated, addressing the CHED officials, HEI presidents, educators, scholars, and public servants.

The university president also spotlighted three BiPSU alumni who earned national recognition as top-notchers—Nova Lyzza Agustin Ejorcadas, Neña Rose Corpin, and Joshua M. Ayade, who joined him at  the event to receive awards from CHED.  

“Your medals honor your families and teachers; your next task is to take that excellence to our classrooms, public service offices, start-ups, or wherever God brings you where you can solve real problems,” added Dr. Cañezo.

Dr. Cañezo encouraged them to bring that same brilliance to real-world challenges in public service. 

The said event also marked the ceremonial release of stipends to CHED Tulong Dunong scholars and other grantees. 

Among those recognized were BiPSU’s Jyle Sabalones and Angela Balute, praised not only for their academic diligence but for their potential to "pay it forward" and continue the chain of support for future scholars.

“Use this support to finish strong, then pay it forward so the chain never breaks,” the university president emphasized. 

Moreover, Cañezo issued a powerful call to action to his fellow university presidents, "The Gawad Parangal is not a finish line. It manifests the trailhead of the next ascent. Funds may thin and storms may batter our shores, yet when we pool insight, equipment, and networks, we turn limits into levers that lift learners," he shared. 

Acknowledging the vital role of CHED RO VIII, he described the regional office as both "compass and bridge," citing its success in driving higher graduate employment rates, increased research visibility, and stronger inter-campus collaboration across Eastern Visayas.

The PASUC 8 President also shared BiPSU’s institutional values—brilliance, innovation, progress, service, and unity. Cañezo gave life to these principles through real stories of faculty and students who went beyond duty in service of others.

“I see each word wearing a human face in this hall: the scholar who tutors classmates after class—brilliance; the faculty member who rewired a broken laboratory so research could continue—innovation; the institution that shared power with a neighboring campus after the last typhoon—service and unity in one act,” he shared. 

He closed his speech with a Visayan folk tale that captured this year’s Gawad Parangal theme: “ “Many Threads, One Strong Weave.”

“A farmer once wove a sleeping mat so sturdy that neighbors wondered how a single strand could bear such weight. He smiled and answered, “I never trusted one strand; I wove many.” “Today we are on that mat—every scholar, teacher, administrator, and partner. Our weave holds because each thread holds, he concluded. 

This year’s Gawad Parangal is in celebration of the 31st Founding Anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education and the 5th Higher Education Day. 

#WoWBiPSU