Charles Jarret P. Bernil, a first-year Civil Engineering student from Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) School of Engineering, emerged as the champion at the 28th Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) Regional Championship, held at the Roof Deck, Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City, November 8. 

Representing the province, Bernil outperformed 21 competitors coming from the different state universities and colleges and private higher education institutions across Eastern Visayas, proving his exceptional command of statistics—a key focus of the nationwide PSQ.

"I'm still in shock, not really expecting to win because there were strong competitors from other universities. I’m very thankful to my coach, my family for their support, and of course to God for hearing my prayers. This is for BiPSU!"

This annual competition aims to assess the statistical knowledge of college freshmen as acquired from their high school curriculum.

Engr. Lilibeth D. Amador, Bernil’s coach, expressed pride and admiration for her student’s achievement. “Being a part of the regional competition was already a huge blessing for us. I’m proud of our students and what they have achieved." 

“Before his win, we were on a roller-coaster of emotions, cheering with hopes high, and he managed to seal our emotions, proving to us that he has more to give,” Engr. Amador added.

Meanwhile, BiPSU President Dr. Victor Cañezo, Jr. also extended his congratulations to Bernil, commending his hard work and determination. “Charles has made BiPSU proud with this achievement. We look forward to supporting him as he competes on the national stage.”

The second and third places were claimed by Heart Eveange Lhynne Mae E. Progelia of Northwest Samar State University and April Anne Dublas of Visayas State University-Main Campus, respectively.

Bernil received an Infinix XPAD and a plaque for his accomplishment. He is set to represent Region VIII in the upcoming national PSQ competition, bringing honor to BiPSU and the entire Biliran in December, this year. 

Congratulations, Charles!

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with SDG No. 4: Quality Education]

Biliran Province State University - Biliran Campus (BilCam) celebrated the recent achievement of its October 2024 Forester Licensure Exam (FLE) passers with a hero’s welcome, formally honoring topnotcher Neña Rose Corpin with a P100,000 incentive for securing the first rank nationwide. 

The celebratory event, attended by University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., along with BilCam key officials, faculty members, and students, began with a festive parade around the campus. 

A ceremony was held after to present certificates of recognition to the newly licensed foresters, namely Angela C. Camarines, Jesus Dequiña, Ro-anne M. Ejorcadas, Maria Jessica P. Gelizon, Ara D. Lamoste, May Nuevo, Manilyn G. Quinte, Angeline J. Solis, Noemi D. Tinos, and topnotcher Corpin.

BiPSU achieved an impressive 90.91% overall passing rate in the October 2024 FLE, as officially reported by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board for Foresters on November 5.

Moreover, during the ceremony, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., officially presented the topnotcher with a P100,000 cash incentive.

The university president earlier iterated the university’s commitment to recognizing and incentivizing top-performing graduates, emphasizing that the PHP 100,000 incentive is part of a Board of Regents (BOR)-approved program designed to encourage students to excel in national licensure exams. “We want to make our topnotchers feel that we truly appreciate the honor they bring to the university,” Dr. Cañezo stated. 

This achievement marks Corpin as the sixth topnotcher under Dr. Cañezo’s administration, all of whom received incentives and offers for regular teaching positions. 

In line with this program, Dr. Cañezo publicly announced that BiPSU has extended an offer for Corpin to join the teaching faculty of the School of Agribusiness and Forest Resource Management (SAbFoRM), though Corpin has yet to confirm her decision.

Meanwhile, in her message, Corpin revealed that she prayed to land in the top 10 of the board exam but did not expect to rank first.

“I felt like the top one was too high for me to reach," she said. “After taking the board exam, my prayer changed—I prayed that even if I only placed in the Top 8 or whatever He could give, I would accept it as long as I passed the board exam and became a forester.”

Corpin achieved an outstanding rating of 92.60%, outperforming 1,573 examinees nationwide.

#WoWBiPSU

Harnessing Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) four pillars for student project innovation and development, School of Engineering (SOE) convened 3rd year to 4th year engineering students for a DOST Seminar at the university student center, November 5.

The said seminar aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application, encouraging students to develop projects that address societal needs, industry challenges, and technological advancements.

In his message, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. expressed optimism that the said seminar will equip students to become not just engineers, but empowered leaders who can drive positive change in society.

“Through today’s program, our students will gain insights into project planning, sustainable design, and the latest in technology transfer—skills that are vital not only for academic success but for making meaningful contributions to their fields,” Dr. Cañezo said.

The event featured Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, Research and Innovation Office director, and Mr. Jeruel Espinazo, Innovation Office director, discussing the topics “Creating a Strong Research Environment for Engineering Students” and “Commercialization Pathway for BiPSU Researchers,” respectively.

Meanwhile, Dr. Romeo L. Dignos, DOST provincial director, and the event’s keynote speaker, tackled “Engineering Research as Enabler of DOST Strategic Pillars.” 

In his message, Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, vice president for Administration and Finance and SOE dean, emphasized that the research and technopreneurship projects are critical milestones in students’ academic journey. 

“We want them to embody the principles of innovation and to reflect the real-world applicability that aligns with BiPSU’s values and the Department of Science and Technology's research agenda,” he said.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No: 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure.]

Neña Rose Corpin, an alumna of Biliran Province State University - Biliran Campus, made history as the first topnotcher from BiPSU's School of Agribusiness and Forest Resource Management (SAbFoRM), securing the top spot in the October 2024 Forester Licensure Exam.

Corpin, a native of Caibiran, Biliran, achieved an outstanding rating of 92.60%, outperforming 1,573 examinees nationwide.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry in May this year. After graduation, she and her 10 batchmates took advantage of BiPSU’s free review program.

In an interview, SAbFoRM Dean Dr. Randy Villarin shared that BiPSU has been offering a free review program for its graduates since 2018, where they house their graduates and provide review masters. This is to ensure that they are well-prepared for the national licensure exam. 

"For more than four months, we conducted an in-house review for our Forester exam takers," Dr. Villarin said. "We provided everything: a review master, free accommodation, and review materials."

Dr. Villarin also mentioned that transportation arrangements were made for Corpin and her fellow examinees to ensure smooth travel to and from the examination center.

SAbFoRM achieved an impressive 90.91% passing rate in the October board exams, significantly surpassing the national passing rate of 58.96%.

After these recent achievements, Dr. Villarin expressed his gratitude to the BiPSU administration. "I'm very grateful to the administration, led by Sir Victor, for supporting and believing in us," he said.

In an interview, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. stated that BiPSU’s recent accomplishments speak about the university's dedication to delivering quality education and services, extending even to its alumni.

"We take pride in Ms. Neña, all our new registered foresters, and our SAbFoRM dean and faculty members," Dr. Cañezo said. "I hope that this achievement marks the beginning of more victories for our BiPSU Biliran Campus.”

In recognition of Corpin’s achievement, Dr. Cañezo announced that the university will provide a P100,000 incentive and a regular teaching item for her. 

#WoWBiPSU

With the commitment to establishing a research- intensive institution, Biliran Province State University marked an increase in its scopus-indexed publications with the latest count reaching 43 scopus documents as of November 2024 - more than doubled its output from just 19 international scopus publications in 2023.

Research Director Dr. Pearl Irish De Paz confirmed this achievement, which was also acknowledged by Dr. Don Eliseo Prisno, Founder of GHF- University Excellence, in a recent post. Dr. Prisno, who was recently named 2024 World top 2% scientist, praised BiPSU for hosting numerous research initiatives this year that contributed to this increase. 

“When I started engaging with BiPSU a few months back, we were just at 19,” Dr. Prison stated. “We are rising very fast with all the intensive research initiatives we are implementing.”

Dr. Prisno highlights BiPSU’s swift progress, attributing it to the efforts of the university’s faculty and researchers. He noted that BiPSU’s publications stand out for their scientific quality, often surpassing outputs from many institutions in the country, which has led to increased research funding. “Keep up the good work, BiPSU! Towards a research-intensive university!” he added.

Strengthening partnerships for Research Excellence

It can be noted that BiPSU began its partnership with GHF- University Excellence earlier this year, formalizing a memorandum of agreement on January 18, 2024. Such collaboration was established to enhance the university's research and innovation, specifically by focusing on publishing papers in Scopus-indexed journals.

Through its engagement with GHF, BiPSU aims to improve its standing on world university platforms, further aligning with its goal of becoming a research-intensive institution.

Faculty EMpowerment Program

As part of its ongoing initiatives, BiPSU has launched a series of faculty development programs under its educational mentorship, or EMpowerment, initiative. Spearheaded by the Research Development Office (RDO), these programs were designed to strengthen faculty expertise, with a particular focus on research mentorship. 

Launched in July this year by the administration headed by University President, Dr. Victor C. Canezo, Jr., the EMpowerment program has already made a positive impact, equipping faculty members with enhanced skills to contribute more effectively to BiPSU’s research goals and elevate the university’s current academic standing.

Recently, BiPSU conducted a three-day research mentorship program focused on Scopus publication, held from October 23-25, 2024, at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC). The program was led by Prof. Prisno, along with Mr. Jerico Ogaya, Dr. Prisno's program manager.

The mentorship program aimed to boost faculty research capabilities by providing strategies for identifying reputable Scopus-indexed journals. It also included writeshop and mentoring sessions where participants presented their manuscripts and received feedback from Dr. Prisno, ensuring their papers met the publication standards of Scopus journals.

In- House Review for Research and Development Outputs successfully conducted

BiPSU RDO also conducted In-House Reviews for research and development (R&D) outputs which involved various schools from the Naval and Biliran campuses, aimed to ensure the quality of R&D outputs by BiPSU’s faculty researchers with the assistance of external experts, increasing their chances of publication in reputable research journals.

In the previous interviews, Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, RDO Director, emphasized the significance of these mentorship programs, stating, “Through this workshop, faculty members are taught how to write publishable papers and are also guided in submitting their papers to Scopus-indexed journals.” 

50k Research Incentives grants for Researchers

BiPSU’s commitment to research excellence is strengthened by significant grants, including a ₱50,000 research incentive awarded to researchers who successfully publish in Scopus-indexed journals. This financial support not only enhances the university’s research infrastructure but also helps attract and retain talented researchers dedicated to producing impactful work.

Recently, BiPSU acknowledged the achievements of nine (9) faculty members who published articles in Scopus-indexed journals, awarding each of them this incentive. This initiative is made possible through Board of Regents (BOR) Resolution 25-11 and the revised BiPSU Research and Innovation Manual dated June 30, 2021.

University President Dr. Victor C. Canezo Jr. expressed pride in BiPSU’s achievements, stating, “The progress we’re witnessing is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, researchers, and staff, who are unwavering in their commitment to enhancing our university's standing. Each publication brings us closer to our goal of becoming not just an internationally recognized institution but also a research-intensive university. I am confident that BiPSU will continue to serve as a hub for impactful, high-quality research.”

Dr. Canezo claimed that several more publications are anticipated in the coming months. “BiPSU is well on its way to achieving its goal of increasing the number of Scopus-indexed publications and ensuring that we continue to weave a legacy of worthiness,” he affirmed.

[This article aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals 4: Quality Education, SGD 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]

In recognition of their support in the university’s efforts to be a center of excellence in research and development, Biliran Province State University awarded research incentives to nine faculty members who have successfully published articles in Scopus-indexed journals.

The awards were personally handed by University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., along with Vice Presidents Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Dr. Susan Bentor, Dr. Roland Niez, Engr. Vivencio Pelesco, Faculty Regent Hon. Vennie Coton, Student Regent Hon. Aluah Kane Cabalhin, and Research and Development Office Director Dr. Pearl Irish De Paz. This cash incentive initiative was made possible through Board of Regents (BOR) resolution 25-11 and the revised BiPSU Research and Innovation manual dated June 30, 2021.

In an interview, Dr. Cañezo reinforced the university’s dedication to empowering and encouraging its employees to publish research papers and articles in internationally indexed journals.

“We believe that supporting our faculty in this way will not only elevate BiPSU’s academic standing but also contribute to the broader academic and scientific community,” Dr. Cañezo said. “We are proud to have dedicated faculty members who are leading the way in research innovation.”

Among the awardees were Dr. Cañezo himself and Dr. Niez, who collaborated on the paper titled "Predictors and Prevalence of Alcohol and Cannabis Co-use Among Filipino Adolescents: Evidence From a School-Based Student Health Survey." Dr. Alexander Rex Sañosa from the School of Management and Entrepreneurship was also recognized for his work, "Does Tourism Fatigue Impact Support for Natural Protected Areas' Sustainability?"

The School of Teacher Education (STEd) had several awardees, including Reymark S. Pabelando for his publication, "Manipulative Skills and Science Performance among Grade 9 Learners." Additionally, STEd faculty members Mae V. Ceblano, Dr. Vilma P. Gayrama, and Dr. Naneta M. Panit were awarded for their two research papers, "The Influence of Technology on Self-Determination: The Case of Self-Regulated Learning in an Island University" and "A Call for Gender-Neutral and/or Sensitive Pedagogy: Gender Invariance and Moderation in Self-Determination and Technology-Use Efficacy in Self-Regulated Learning."

From BiPSU Biliran Campus, faculty members Judife Magallanes and Ruffy Rodrigo received the incentive for their papers "Postharvest Quality of White-Fleshed Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus) var. Vietnam White as Influenced by Preharvest Fruit Bagging" and "Tree Structure and Diversity Shape the Biomass of Primary Temperate Mountain Forests," respectively.

Dr. Cañezo encouraged all BiPSU employees to pursue similar opportunities and reaffirmed the university’s support for research endeavors that place the institution on the global academic map.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Specifically, the initiative supports Target 4.3 (equal access to affordable quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education) and Target 4.b (expanding scholarships for developing countries to support advanced educational and research programs).]

In a dedicated effort to address local community needs, Biliran Province State University through the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Almeria, successfully held a two-day integrated community extension services program titled Financial Literacy Extension Project (FiLEP) and Responsible Parenthood on October 30-31 in the Municipality of Almeria.

This initiative seeks to uplift underprivileged beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) across Almeria town's 13 barangays, with the goal of helping them rise above the poverty line by year 2027.

Marking a significant step towards empowering and educating the community, the two programs, which saw participation from 449 beneficiaries, were simultaneously conducted in every barangay by the school's faculty members with the support of the Junior Business Executive Circle (JBEC) officers.

Oplan FiLEP aspires to provide participants with essential financial technical skills, empowering them to launch small businesses that can sustain their families' financial stability.

Additionally, the program aimed to heighten participants' awareness of their daily financial flows.

"Saving is a necessary habit; it will save you from emergencies and loan interests. Income size should not be a basis for this, but your self-control and proper budgeting," Mr. Hans Christian Molina said, SAS Extension chairperson, during his talk, urging the beneficiaries to maximize their subsidies through careful financial planning.

Moreover, aspiring to strengthen families and build healthier societies, the second leg of the extension service focused on discussions about responsible parenthood.

The seminar equipped participants with the tools and insights to embrace their roles as responsible parents, encouraging positive relationships and to create nurturing environments for children. This includes making informed decisions about family planning, establishing supportive atmospheres, and advocating for children's rights.

"The concept of responsible parenthood goes beyond mere provision of basic needs; it involves understanding child development, cultivating emotional connections, and being proactive in promoting the health and safety of children," shared Ms. Annel Ruth Celis, Bachelor of Arts in Economics chairperson.

These community programs are clear manifestations of SAS' unwavering weaving of social fabric, inequality-reducing transformation, and growth potential of the economy.

In his closing remarks, SAS Dean Dr. Christopher R. Vicera lauded the commitment, unity and compassion of the project leaders, members, and participants.

"I feel happy and blessed to witness how, together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of our fellow Biliranons. Let’s continue this spirit of collaboration and strive for even greater achievements in the future," he stated.

On November 6, the SAS will continue its community outreach efforts with Oplan FiLEP at Barangay Villa Consuelo, Naval, Biliran.
#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Goal 1: No Poverty and Goal 4: Quality Education.]

Aimed to enhance the understanding of intellectual property (IP) among its academic community and increase the volume of registered technologies to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Biliran Province State University hosted the 6th Specification and Claim Drafting Seminar-Writeshop from October 28 to 30 at the University Hyflex Audio and Visual Center (HAVC). 

This three-day event was designed to enhance the knowledge of faculty researchers and students regarding the specification and claim drafting process while equipping them with practical skills to draft claims related to their innovations, discoveries, and inventions. 

Furthermore, the seminar aimed to facilitate the submission of these intellectual property claims, thereby reinforcing the university's policy of strengthening research and innovation.

In his message, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Canezo, Jr. emphasized the importance of the seminar-writeshop, noting that it plays a vital role in empowering the university community to engage effectively with intellectual property issues and contribute to the institution’s innovation efforts. 

“We aim to empower our participants to protect their creative works, which is crucial for advancing our university’s mission,” he said. “By giving them the knowledge and skills to understand intellectual property, we help them confidently navigate its complexities, ensuring their contributions are recognized and valued within our community.”

The said seminar-writeshop featured two resource speakers: Engr. Eric C. Paden, area manager of IPO-Visayas at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, and Engr. Romeo Jason Padulla, who is in charge of the Tacloban Satellite Office of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Raffy D. Vere, a third-year hospitality management student who attended the seminar, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and thanked everyone involved in organizing the event.

 “I am incredibly thankful for this event. It has given me further knowledge about intellectual property that I can use in my research,” she said. “With these new learnings, I feel more confident in my ability to contribute to the university’s innovation efforts.”

The event was attended by the Innovation Office (IO) team, faculty members, and SCOUT-qualified students. 

It is also worth noting that BiPSU has two pioneering entries in the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) Socially Relevant Technology Project, both spearheaded by faculty member Eric John D. Celis. The first entry, Coffee InSight, is an AI-driven solution that utilizes image processing and machine learning to diagnose diseases in coffee plants, supporting more accurate and timely interventions. The second innovation, SMART Cacao Helper, is an advanced app employing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for real-time disease detection and breed classification in cacao farming which empower farmers by optimizing crop productivity and improving disease management in cacao production.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure and SDG 2: Zero Hunger]

Biliran Province State University, through its Guidance and Counseling Services Office (GCSO), continues its advocacy on mental health and HIV/AIDS awareness, holding the second leg of its symposium series on October 31 at the university gymnasium.

Organized in collaboration with the Supreme Student Council (SSC) and the Rotaract Club of Biliran Island, the event was anchored under the theme, "Mental Health and HIV/AIDS: Navigating the Dual Challenges of Physical and Emotional Changes."

Following its initial installment on October 18, the symposium was held as a half-day event in observance of the special holiday on October 31. Morning attendance was scheduled for the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME), School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), and School of Education (SOE). For schools initially scheduled for the afternoon, attendance was optional, allowing students who were interested to join voluntarily.

In his message, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., urged the BiPSU community to embrace compassion and understanding as part of daily life.

“Let us all embody the spirit of the Good Samaritan,” Dr. Cañezo said. “Let’s extend a hand of kindness, understanding, and practical assistance to those around us who are struggling.”

“By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also create a healthier, more supportive environment for the entire BiPSU community,” the university president added. 

Moreover, the symposium highlighted talks from two distinguished speakers, which included Mr. Eduardo Estroso who presented a comprehensive discussion titled “HIV/AIDS Awareness & Safe Sexual Practices and the Intersection of Mental Health and HIV/AIDS” and Dr. Priscillana Lee L. Gilboy, a respected mental health professional, where she followed with insights on Common Mental Health Issues in College Students and the stigma often associated with seeking mental health support. 

The event also included an open forum, with a panel featuring Mr. Estroso and Dr. Gilboy, along with BiPSU’s guidance counselor, Ms. Jocelyn Caing, Mr. Mark Christian Almazan, president of the Rotaract Club, and Dr. Mafel Piol, dean of the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME). Additionally, the forum provided a platform for students to discuss issues openly and gain a deeper understanding of mental health and HIV/AIDS prevention.

#WoWBiPSU

Twenty-three new members of Biliran Province State University’s workforce officially took their oath of office during the Onboarding and Re-orientation Ceremony held on October 30 at the university HAVC, pledging their commitment to BiPSU’s “weaving of worthiness” efforts.

Marking their official integration into the BiPSU community, twelve newly hired non-teaching personnel, five teaching personnel, and six promoted employees were formally inducted during the activity.

The whole-day onboarding aimed to orient the new members of BiPSU’s workforce on university policies, their rights and responsibilities, as well as to familiarize them with BiPSU’s core values and strategic goals.

In his message, University President Dr. Victor Cañezo, Jr. encouraged the new staff and faculty members to stay grounded and embody the university's core values.

“Remember that our strength as a university lies in the values we live by every day,” he said. “Be the best version of yourself, not just for your own growth but for the collective success of our community.”

The university president also shared the “four Cs” that university employees should always remember: character, competence, connection, and contribution.

“Invest in your character; always strive for competence by not settling for your Bachelor's degree; always have good connections and relationships; and work to contribute to our community and make your own legacy,” he added.

The onboarding, a mandatory activity for newly hired regular employees, featured several essential discussions designed to acquaint them with Biliran Province State University’s foundational elements. 

These included an overview of BiPSU’s mission, vision, core values, and history, as well as an introduction to the university’s organizational structure and an overview of its offices, units, and schools. Topics also covered the salient features of Republic Act 6713, salary schedules, benefits, deductions, and guidelines on netiquette and social media ethics, among others.

The newly inducted members of Biliran Province State University include teaching personnel Jefry E. Aranzado, Joshua M. Ayade, John Raymund D. Calderon, Tito Amerigo V. Custodio Jr., and Hans Christian V. Molina. 

Moreover, joining the non-teaching workforce are Niña Mae D. Acedillo, Rayna A. Ameril, Maharlika D. Ampong, Aileen A. Barro, Hanna T. Bartolome, Dicklyn G. Cale, Richard P. De Leon II, Chezza D. Dilema, Leonora B. Delotavo, Jennifer P. Gonzales, Madelaine Faye B. Mahinay, Deolipe S. Matugas, Philip John C. Morillo, Meliza A. Plantar, Franz Luigi V. Sabonsolin, Maria Natividad G. Saulan, Junrey Supremo, and Dana Bae E. Kamid.

#WoWBiPSU