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

A powerful alliance between the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Biliran, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 8 is set to usher in a new era of progress, integrating Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) into Biliran’s local development plan. This initiative seeks to harness STI to modernize and enhance government services across the province.

The planning workshop for the Biliran Provincial Science, Technology, and Innovation Council (PSTIC) was held on September 11-12, 2024, under the leadership of Biliran's proactive and visionary Governor, Hon. Gerard Roger M. Espina. The university demonstrated its institutional commitment to provincial progress by actively participating in the crucial discussions.

Representing BiPSU, which functions as a key catalyst for local development, was Dr. Roland A. Niez. BiPSU joined other key stakeholders, including EnP Hossana E. Gomez of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Hon. Vicente V. Curso Jr., Vice Mayor of Naval and President of the League of Municipalities of Biliran, and Representatives from various government agencies across the province.

The participants, including the BiPSU representative, were grouped according to the province’s core sectors—Social, Institutional, Environmental, Infrastructure, and Economic—to ensure the resulting development plan is comprehensive and addresses the specific needs of the local communities.

The workshop was a convergence of data-driven insights and expert guidance, aiming to build a solid foundation for STI integration:

Engr. Rex R. Palconit of the PPDO outlined Biliran’s provincial vision and presented key socio-economic and physical profiles from the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP).

PSTO-Biliran Supervising SRS, Maria Catherine G. Maniba, shared the results of the Social Network Survey (SNS), which assessed existing stakeholder collaboration, providing a crucial baseline for the STI mainstreaming initiative.

Dr. Edgar M. Reyes, Jr. of UPLB provided an orientation on how STI can be mainstreamed into the PLGU’s vision, emphasizing its potential to modernize regional and national policies.

In the workshop’s main session, led by EnP Janssen Andrew S. Calvelo, participants were introduced to the Virtual Reality Gap (VRG) Analysis. This tool will be utilized to craft the provincial vision statements with precise descriptors and measurable success indicators.

Governor Espina, who also serves as the Chairman of the PSTIC, graced the event and delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the essential role of science and technology in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government services.

“Being a small province should not hinder the adoption of digital technology,” the Governor stated, calling for strong collaboration between agencies to drive innovation. He stressed the importance of streamlining efforts and utilizing the workshop as an ideal platform to initiate discussions that avoid program overlaps, setting the stage for a digitally advanced Biliran.

Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD., CHRP, President of BiPSU, affirmed the university’s dedication to this partnership. “BiPSU is committed to lending its expertise, research capabilities, and human capital to the Provincial Government to ensure that science and innovation are at the core of Biliran’s progressive development,” he stated. “We are ready to work hand-in-hand with our partners to bring about meaningful, technology-driven change, solidifying the weaving of worthiness between the academe and the community we serve.”

BiPSU's active engagement signals a firm commitment from the academe to contribute its resources and expertise toward realizing the province’s vision for a future driven by science and innovation.

#WoWBiPSU #OneDOST4U

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) Department successfully conducted a crucial Fire Safety Awareness Seminar on Thursday, October 24, 2025, at the University Gymnasium. This proactive event targeted the BSBA 4th-year students who are poised to begin their workplace internships in the upcoming second semester.

This activity is a key component of the department's comprehensive pre-internship preparatory measures. It is designed to ensure that the students are not only academically and professionally ready for the corporate environment but are also equipped with essential knowledge in safety and disaster preparedness—a critical need in any modern workplace, especially in a region prone to natural occurrences.

The department, led by Mr. Hans Christian V. Molina, Chairperson, underlined the significance of moving beyond classroom theory.

Mr. Molina remarked, "Our priority is to ensure our future professionals are not just academically sound but also prepared for the real-world environment. Equipping our interns with these life-saving skills before they step into their respective offices is non-negotiable; it underscores our commitment to their total well-being and responsible professional practice. This holistic training is key to developing a true HusayPreneur—a competent business leader with integrity and social responsibility.

Prof. Victor C. Canezo, Jr. EdD., CHRP, President of BiPSU, lauded the department's initiative, emphasizing its alignment with the University’s core mission of human empowerment.

"The success of our students is not measured by academic excellence alone; it is also defined by their readiness, resilience, and commitment to safety. This initiative embodies BiPSU's commitment to the weaving of worthiness—building graduates who are valuable in all dimensions of professional life, contributing positively to their communities and industries.

We are proudly sending out professionals who are not only equipped with sharp business skills but also with the essential, life-saving protocols that are critical in any workplace. This preparedness ensures their well-being and allows them to be responsible, contributing members of their future organizations. We continue to invest in these crucial, non-academic skills, affirming our commitment to producing highly competent and socially responsible graduates. We are immensely proud of this initiative. WoW BiPSU!"

By integrating specialized safety knowledge into their pre-internship curriculum, the BiPSU-BSBA Department continues to advance its mission to produce highly competent, safety-conscious, and responsible professionals for the local and national workforce.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) successfully hosted a high-level delegation from Burauen Community College (BCC) for a comprehensive benchmarking activity on October 29, 2025. The visit, which was highly collaborative, focused on key academic units at BiPSU, providing BCC with essential models as they prepare to launch new, in-demand programs in their locality.

The benchmarking team from Burauen Community College dedicated their time to understanding the operational best practices within three of BiPSU’s schools: the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), where discussions focused on curriculum rigor, clinical affiliations, and maintaining high licensure examination passing rates; the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME), exploring innovative teaching methodologies, industry-responsive course design, and fostering a strong entrepreneurial spirit among students; and the Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Program, reviewing the program's unique integration of modern agricultural science with crucial business and management principles, including field laboratory management and extension services.

The comprehensive sessions provided BCC's representatives with detailed blueprints on various institutional pillars, including curriculum alignment, resource management, and faculty development strategies.

Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, President of Biliran Province State University, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and BiPSU's role in regional academic growth:

"This benchmarking activity is a powerful demonstration of academic partnership and our shared commitment to regional development. At BiPSU, we do not just strive for excellence in our own right; we believe in extending our resources and expertise to our fellow institutions. By transparently sharing our successful models, particularly in high-impact programs like Nursing and Agribusiness, we are actively contributing to the creation of a stronger, more skilled workforce across Eastern Visayas. We commend Burauen Community College for their proactive approach and look forward to seeing their new programs thrive."

The representatives from Burauen Community College expressed profound gratitude for the transparency and hospitality shown by BiPSU’s faculty and administration. The insights gained will be instrumental in the smooth and effective implementation of their upcoming academic offerings, ensuring that BCC students receive education that is both relevant and of the highest quality. This successful benchmarking activity reaffirms BiPSU’s role as a leading academic institution and a dedicated partner in educational development, perfectly embodying the mantra: "Weaving BiPSU with the world and the world with BiPSU." By sharing our standards of excellence and learning from inter-institutional exchange, BiPSU connects its academic strengths with the broader educational community, making its internal success a catalyst for external progress. 

#WoWBiPSU