After a three-week semester break and Christmas vacation, Biliran Province State University is set to officially open the second semester of Academic Year (AY) 2024-2025 on Monday, January 6.

The university will continue implementing the semestral cyclical shift system, which divides schools into morning and afternoon schedules for face-to-face classes.

For this semester, the School of Teacher Education (STEd), School of Criminal Justice Education (SCJE), and School of Technology and Computer Studies (STCS) will have the first shift, running from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the School of Engineering (SOE), School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME), and School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) will take the second shift, scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) will maintain its full on-site class schedule due to the nature of its curriculum.

First introduced in July 2024, BiPSU’s class system integrates the Open and Distance e-Learning (ODeL) approach. This setup reduces in-classroom learning hours to four or five hours daily, allowing students and teachers additional time for research, academic tasks, and extracurricular activities.

Students in the first shift will attend face-to-face classes in the morning and transition to ODeL sessions for independent online learning in the afternoon. Similarly, second-shift students will have face-to-face instruction in the afternoon and continue with ODeL afterward.

University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. underscored the positive impact of the system during its initial implementation.

“I believe the setup has significantly enhanced the quality of education at BiPSU,” Dr. Cañezo said. “It not only addresses classroom-to-student ratio challenges but also provides our students and faculty with the flexibility to balance academic and personal activities.”

More than 12,000 students are expected to return to BiPSU as the second semester commences.

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

Honoring the legacy of those who laid the foundation of the university, more than 40 retired employees of the Naval Institute of Technology (NIT), Naval State University (NSU), and Biliran Province State University were warmly welcomed back at the university on December 27.  

The retirees, including former NIT President Dr. Esperanza Pajo-Martinez, former NSU President Dr. Edita Genson, former NSU OIC-President Mrs. Nenita Sereño, and former Vice Presidents Dr. Nisa Lumbab, Dr. Leomero Garcia, and Dr. Loreta Besoyo, were honored with a warm reception. 

The group made a courtesy call with University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., followed by a tour of the university's latest infrastructures, including the new nursing building, smart classrooms, the Hyflex Audio Visual Center (HAVC), and the university study hub, with Dr. Cañezo personally leading the tour.  

During a short program held at the HAVC, Dr. Cañezo extended his gratitude to the retirees for their visit, emphasizing their invaluable contributions to the growth and transformation of the institution.  

“I must say, welcome back to your home,” Dr. Cañezo remarked. “It really warms my heart that our former caretakers and employees are here now at BiPSU to visit and reconnect with us.”  

The university president acknowledged their role in shaping the university's foundation and announced plans to honor their legacy further. “As part of BiPSU's Charter Day celebration in February next year, the university will inaugurate the Former Presidents and Retirees Nook.” 

Dr. Cañezo explained that the facility is intended to serve as a space where the former caretakers and employees can reconnect with the university community and reminisce about their time at BiPSU.  

Meanwhile, in her message, former NIT President Dr. Pajo commended BiPSU and Dr. Cañezo for the progress he brought to the university, describing him as “Mr. Trailblazer because he is always the first to do something.”

Dr. Pajo also encouraged the retirees to remain united in supporting the university. “Let us continue praying for our school, for our former home,” she urged.  

Despite the holiday rush, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) welcomed key officials from Cebu Normal University (CNU) for a benchmarking visit at the BiPSU Income-Generating Project (IGP) Office, held today, December 23. 

The visiting officials included Dr. Remelda N. Egano, CNU IGP director, Angelica Patoy, assistant IGP director and executive assistant to the President, Febie Allysa Badilla, planning officer III, and Marjorie Aina Arizo, admin officer II.

They visited BiPSU’s garment industry to learn about its operations, focusing on processes such as costing and production.

BiPSU officials, including OIC Vice President for Administration and Finance Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco and Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation Dr. Roland Niez, facilitated the visit.

Executive Assistant to the President Angelica Patoy shared that the visit was recommended by CNU President Dr. Daniel A. Ariaso Sr., a former vice president for Research and Extension Services at Naval State University (now BiPSU).

Dr. Ariaso, who praised BiPSU’s effective IGP practices and processes, believed that BiPSU’s operations could offer valuable insights for CNU, according to EA Patoy.  "Dr. Ariaso has always been a supporter of BiPSU, and his recommendation for this visit is a testament to the strong bond between our universities," Patoy said.

BiPSU President Dr. Victor Cañezo Jr. also expressed his gratitude for the visit, noting that the two institutions had already signed an agreement for future partnership, though it still needs to be formalized. "We are honored to share our best practices with CNU, and we hope that this collaboration leads to further growth and success for both institutions. The exchange of knowledge and experience will strengthen our respective programs and contribute to the development of our communities," Cañezo stated.

The CNU delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Cañezo during their stay. Also, in attendance during the courtesy visit were Engr. Jessie Mari Cerera, director, Institutional Planning Office, Apple Joy Balondo Visitacion, director, University Media and Information Office and Danica Ybañez, records officer III and special assistant to the President for Administration and Finance.

#WoWBiPU

[This news article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4: Quality Education and SDG No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]

In the shaded corners of life, how far can we sow the seeds of hope and cast humanity’s light forever?

While the Philippines continue to age, how do we ricochet between its certainties and doubts? In 2021, around 18.1% of Filipinos (about 19.99 million people) lived below the poverty line, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. With the growing inflation and disasters since, the poor grow ever poorer.

"Diploma o diskarte?" [Will you choose your own diploma or resourcefulness?] Amidst the multitude of different principles and beliefs, one truth that carries sublime tears is that not all people have access to formal education.

Based on the 2017 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (APIS) conducted in the country, about nine percent (9%) of the estimated 38.2 million Filipinos aged 6 to 24 years old were out-of-school children and youth (OSCY). OSCY refers to family members 6 to 14 years old who are not attending formal school; and family members 15 to 24 years old who are currently out of school, not gainfully employed, and have not finished college or post-secondary courses.

Of the 9% OSCY, some are intelligent, motivated and have the potential to graduate and may land a good job in the future however, instead of seeing them in the universities and colleges they can be seen in the streets working and earning for their subsistence. The most common reasons among OSCYs for not attending school were marriage or family matters (37.0%), lack of personal interest (24.7%), and high cost of education or financial concern (17.9%).

To learn is a treasure, yet costly to hold. Even with the provision of free tuition for students enrolled in identified state universities and colleges (SUCs) through Republic Act No. 10687, also known as the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act (UniFAST), the daily struggles of surviving college remain a daunting challenge. This assistance does not cover the daily commute expenses, the cost of even the simplest meals like instant noodles, the fees for printing endless schoolwork, the rent for a modest boarding house, or the countless other expenses that come with navigating the realities of higher education. For many, these unaddressed costs can be as burdensome as the tuition that has been waived.

For heap of indigenous youth, higher education is a distant horizon—a dream whispered but seldom reached. The path is tangled with thorns: financial strains that weigh heavy, social walls that loom large, and doors to opportunity locked tight. This is the reality that the members of the Indigenous People (IP) in our dear province of Biliran, known as the Mamanwa, were born into and grew up with.

In this darkness, a young man rises with his glimmer of hope. Illuminated by the fire of his ancestors and a vision for his community, he takes one step, then another, defying the odds, breaking the silence, turning stigma into strength. He is John B. Paradas, a member of the Mamanwa ethnic group and a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BS Crim) student in BIliran Province State University (BiPSU). Once perceived as a mountain person, this citizen will soon be marching snappy across the stage, cloaked in the dignified black toga.

You might be wondering how he was able. How did adversity shape his journey to academic victory? By grace and luck, beautiful things happen. There are moments of serendipity that lead us to magical opportunities for profound growth and success. These encounters remind us that humanity is far from dead—that there are still souls brimming with kindness and warmth, ready to ignite our candle when our light fades.

During the 2021 Indigenous People’s Summit, University President Dr. Victor Cañezo Jr. noticed Paradas. Wherein, he presented the university Affirmative Action Program—an initiative to make quality education accessible to all.

The Affirmative Action program emerges to increase the chance to study college of the underprivileged/ marginalized students such as those coming from the indigenous groups, persons with disabilities (PWD), students from public schools, and students from depressed areas.

By dint of the Board of Regents (BOR) Resolution No. 28, series of 2021, the Affirmative Action Program for SUCs in Region VIII - Eastern Visayas, in collaboration of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Education (DepEd), was approved on June 30, 2021.

BiPSU, being one of the purveyors of this transformative endeavor, implemented the Affirmative Action Program in the first semester of Academic Year (AY) 2021-2022, helping six of its students. This embraced Paradas when he was a struggling first-year criminology student, a lifeline extended when he was on the brink of abandoning his studies.

"Nawad-an na ko'g gana kay nahunahuna nako na magtrabaho nalang ko aron makatabang sa akoang parents. [I lost my desire to study because in my mind, I have to work to help my parents,]" said Paradas.

Fortunately, as a target beneficiary of the Affirmative Action Program for IP, he met the eligibility criteria, which details (1) passing grade point average (GPA) of 75% in senior high school as certified by the school principal; (2) at least 50% of passing score in the SUC-administered admission examination as certified by the SUC Admission Office; and (3) must not be a Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) beneficiary.

More radiant than the celestial bodies, the once-bleak hopes of Paradas and his fellow student beneficiaries bloomed a rosy hue, nurtured by the life-giving benefits. Their lives are now entwined with a living allowance of PhP 2,500.00 per month which also covers meals, transportation and other incidental expenses; all other expenses not covered by the UniFAST such as Related Learning Experience (RLE), including on-the-job training (OJT) fees, internship and other required fees of the enrolled program; ready-made uniforms prescribed by the program; and free accommodation in dormitories.

Since its commencement, the affirmative program has catered to an increasing number of beneficiaries. Initially at six, the number saw an increase of three in AY 2023-2024, reaching nine. For the current academic year, this number has further grown to 19. This group is composed of four IPs, one PWD, and 14 students from underprivileged backgrounds.

The first batch of program beneficiaries, involving Paradas, will be graduating in months to come. Two of them will graduate with a BS Crim, two with a BS in Information Technology, and one with a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree. By the wave of its magical wand, the scholarship transforms dreams into destiny, turning the impossible into the inevitable.

“An ini nga positibo nga programa naghimo hin usa nga paagi diin an mga damgo ngan tinguha han mga Lumad sama ha akon nagka mayda kahigayunan nga akon maabot an akon mga pangandoy. Karon, mapasalamaton na mu-gradwar na ko sa kursong criminology, padayon han akon mga gusto makab-ot aron matagaan ko hin maupay nga kaugmaon an akon pamilya.” [This positive program has created an opportunity where the dreams and aspirations of Indigenous People like me could be realized. Now, I am grateful that I am about to graduate with a degree in Criminology, continuing to pursue my goals so that I can provide a better future for my family,] Paradas shared.

Imagine a young indigenous student, who once worked as a laborer to support his family, who used to battle prejudice and poverty, soon donning a graduation cap. It not alone gave Paradas the skills and confidence to uplift his community, yet, it created ripples, inspiring families and the entire community to believe in the possibility of change.

The revitalizing power of the affirmative action program is vividly reflected in the story of John Paradas. This movement, which aims to level the playing field for marginalized sectors, goes beyond providing access to education—it paves the way for a brighter future, instilling hope, and breaking cycles of poverty and discrimination.

“At BiPSU, service transcends duty, we help change lives. We bridge gaps and innovate solutions to address the interest of student welfare. Here, we value each existence, each background, each perseverance, each dream, and we support it by delivering the necessary means,” Dr. Cañezo stated.

This is an affirmation of humanity's enduring spirit of generosity and equity. It reflects a society's commitment to inclusivity, to rewrite destinies. It bridges to a world where talent and perseverance—not socioeconomic status—determine one's future.

When life is scary and dark to others, may we kindle the radiant spirit of human compassion and guide them to a better place. By then, their refuge will be shadows, not the abyss.

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has once again demonstrated its commitment to community service through its annual Handog Pamasko, which extends beyond traditional gift-giving by reaching out to the communities and spreading holiday cheer across the province.

This community-driven initiative aims to support local communities during this holiday season, while also encouraging the BiPSU community to engage in acts of kindness and contribute to the well-being of those who are struggling.

The initiative began on December 16, when the School of Teacher Education (STEd) visited 132 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at BJMP Naval in Sitio Bliss, Calumpang, Naval, Biliran, while the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME) brought joy to 20 senior citizens from Barangay Caucab in the Municipality of Almeria, and at the same time, the School of Engineering (SOE) reached out to residents in Sitio Harang, Brgy. Calipayan, Culaba, Biliran, spreading goodwill.

On December 17, the School of Technology and Computer Studies (STCS) continued the spirit of giving by visiting Barangay Caucab in Almeria, Biliran, and the following day, December 18, the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) brought holiday cheer to Villa Consuelo in Naval, Biliran, while the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) extended blessings to the people of Sitio Pulang Yuta, Brgy. Cabibihan, Caibiran, Biliran.

Finally, on December 19, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) completed BiPSU's series of outreach activities, ensuring that the spirit of holiday cheer reached every corner of the province.

In an interview, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. explained that BiPSU’s mission extends beyond academics, with initiatives like Handog Pamasko, a core part of the university's extension projects, helping to strengthen community bonds and promote kindness, especially during the holiday season.

“As a university, we are dedicated not just to academic growth but also to nurturing a sense of compassion and community involvement,” he said. “Handog Pamasko, as a vital part of our extension projects, allows us to share the true meaning of the season by helping those in need and making a positive impact on the lives of others.”

It’s worth noting that Handog Pamasko stands as one of the university's key community extension projects, contributing to its goal of strengthening human empowerment and societal development.

#WoWBiPSU

[This news article aligns with SDG No. 1: No Poverty and SDG No. 10: Reduced Inequalities.]

In a generous gesture of support for their alma mater, the Batch '97 alumni of the Naval Institute of Technology (NIT), now Biliran Province State University–who recently hosted the Grand Alumni Homecoming event on October 4, have officially donated new furniture to enhance the university’s Learning Hub and Co-Working Spaces.

The furniture, amounting to  ₱88,000.00, were officially received by the University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. in a simple turn-over held today, December 20, that was attended by the Batch 1997 President Irene Etor, together with fellow alumni Lourdes Limpiado, Naneth Narrido, Grace Mendoza, Jenniver Arnoco, and Mary Ann Plaza.

The donation includes one stylish four-seater round sofa set  and four modern beds. These items were immediately installed in key areas of the Learning Hub and Co-Working Spaces, located at the fourth floor of Technology Building, to improve the comfort and productivity of BiPSU students, faculty, and other users who utilize these collaborative areas for study, work, and relaxation. 

In his statement, BiPSU President Dr. Cañezo  expressed his gratitude for the alumni's support to the university. "This donation is a strong proof to the lasting bond between BiPSU and its graduates. It shows that, even after decades, the spirit of unity and support for the university remains strong," he said.

Batch '97 President  Irene Etor emphasized the alumni group’s commitment to giving back to the university. "As alumni, we understand the importance of creating spaces that improve learning. We hope these additions will provide a more comfortable and conducive environment for all who use the Learning Hub and Co-Working Spaces," she remarked.

It is worth noting that the alumni batch visited the Office of the President on October 28,this year to seek suggestions for their donation. During the said meeting, Dr. Caňezo recommended using the funds to enhance BiPSU’s facilities, aligning them with international standards. The university president based this idea on his observations of similar learning hubs at leading global universities he had visited.

The BiPSU Learning Hub and Co-Working Spaces, designed to facilitate both independent study and group collaboration, have become essential parts of the campus, helping students gain the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the modern workforce. The recent donation is part of a broader effort to improve and modernize facilities across the campus, aligning with the university's goals to provide a state-of-the-art learning environment.

Students and faculty members who use these spaces expressed their appreciation for the new additions. “Having comfortable seating is such a great upgrade. It’s going to make study sessions and group discussions so much more productive,” said Chazonne Kim Marco Almazon, a student and media representative who was present during the turn- over. 

The Batch '97 donation is one of several alumni initiatives aimed at enhancing the campus facilities. As BiPSU continues to grow, more alumni contributions are expected in the coming months, further strengthening the university's connection with its past and present community.

#WoWBiPSU

[This news article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4: Quality Education, SDG No. 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]

In a continued effort to empower students with the knowledge and resources necessary for academic success and financial stability, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) recently hosted a Financial Literacy Training Seminar and Orientation for new Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) and Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) grantees, followed by the grant distribution for Batches 12, 13, and 13.1 today, December 20, held at the university gymnasium. 

The Tulong Dunong Program, a key initiative of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931), aims to provide educational assistance to the poorest students in the country, enabling them to pursue higher education without the financial burden.

BiPSU-Unifast believed that academic success alone is not enough to guarantee long-term financial security, but understanding the importance of financial management, thus  organizing this event to equip grantees with essential tools for responsible financial decision-making is necessary. 

The program kicked off with a welcome message from Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, vice-president for Administration and Finance, who emphasized three steps in managing the stipend– save first, invest in growth and track expenses.

Vice President Pelesco also highlighted that the scholarships are not just financial aid but an investment in the students' future. He urged the scholars to see their stipends as an opportunity to contribute to society, stressing that their education is a right supported by the Filipino people. “Your scholarship is more than financial support; it is an investment the Filipino people are making in your future,” he stressed.

The event  featured the Financial Literacy Training conducted by Sheila D. Lapinid, licensed financial adviser, who shared valuable insights on “Smart Money Management for Students: Building a Strong Financial Foundation.” 

Said training aimed to provide students with practical knowledge on budgeting, saving, investing, and avoiding common financial pitfalls, ensuring they could make informed decisions throughout their academic journey.

Following the training, Ms. Sheila C. Salentes, UniFAST Focal Person Designate, provided an orientation on the Tulong Dunong and TES programs, explaining the benefits, guidelines, and responsibilities of the grantees.

The TES grant distribution for a total of 1,364 grantees from Batches 12, 13, and 13.1 will be officially awarded this afternoon.

University Cashier Ammabelle Sabagkit disclosed that a total of ₱13,640,000.00 will be distributed, with each grantee receiving ₱10,000.00. The distribution includes 89 grantees from the new TES Batch 13 for SY 2023-2024 1st semester, 411 grantees from the ongoing TES Batch 12 and 13 for the 2nd semester, and 864 grantees from the TES Listahan 13.1 for the 1st semester of SY 2023-2024.

#WoWBiPSU

[This news article aligns with SDG No. 1: No Poverty and SDG No. 4: Quality Education]

In a significant leap towards transforming into digital learning in education, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has finally unveiled the 86-inch interactive boards in the Naval Campus, launching a total of 11 smart classrooms amounting to ₱7,756,537.60. 

The official turnover ceremony, held on December 19, at the Audio Visual Center (HAVC), followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the second floor of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences  (SNHS) was attended by the University President, Dr. Victor C. Caňezo, Jr., together with the members of the governing board– Hon. Jamie Dianne O. Espina, Hon. Jean Clare T. Diu, Hon. Vennie G. Coton, and Hon. Aluah Kane Cabalhin, represented by Hon. Dexter Garcia.
The event was also graced by the supplier of the interactive boards CEO of Lisa Tech Philippines, Elijah John Uy Lao and other BiPSU key officials.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Lisa Tech CEO conducted live demonstrations of the interactive boards, showing its special features. The demonstration was attended by key BiPSU officials, offering them a firsthand look at how the technology can enhance the teaching and learning experience.

Funded through the regular agency fund under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the Smart Classrooms have been deployed across various key areas of BiPSU's  Naval campus. These include the Anatomy and Physiology Lab, Microbiology and Parasitology Lab, Amphitheater and Conference Room on the second floor and ground floor of the Nursing Building. Additional installations can be found in the Speech Laboratory within the Andaya Building, as well as in Technology Rooms located on the second and fourth floors of the School of Technology and Computer Studies (STCS) Building. Other notable locations include the Technology Room on the third floor of the School of Education Building, the COME AVR on the ground floor of the School of Criminal Justice Education (STCS) Building, and the Science and Technology classroom on the second floor of the Science and Tech Building for the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME). Additionally, an Office Room on the second floor of the Automotive Building is also equipped with one of these advanced interactive boards, for the School of Graduate Studies (SGS).

The Smart Classrooms, equipped with 86-inch interactive boards, are set to transform the learning experience at BiPSU, offering a more dynamic, interactive, and flexible teaching environment for students and faculty.

In addition, each classroom is equipped with two sensor cameras and six ceiling microphones. The sensor cameras automatically detect when a student is reciting or standing up to recite, ensuring that all students, whether in-person or remote, can be seen and heard clearly. The ceiling microphones further enhance this experience, capturing the voices of students and faculty with precision and clarity, enabling smooth interactions both in the classroom and for online learners.

These classrooms will also enable classes to be extended across multiple rooms with a single instructor, further enhancing the university's ability to deliver quality education.

“The boards are simple, easy to use, and highly effective classroom tools that support both onsite and online learning. Students can even attend classes from anywhere, while online students can seamlessly interact with those in the classroom in real time, creating an inclusive learning environment,” explained CEO Lao.

In his remarks, Dr. Caňezo proudly described the event as an early Christmas gift for BiPSU. As he emphasized, “When I arrived at this university—long before today’s event—our teaching tools were simpler and our ambitions more modest. Chalk and blackboards were the standard, and the idea of a ‘Smart Classroom’ seemed like something from a distant future. Yet here we stand, on the threshold of that future, ready to bring a new dimension of learning to Biliran Province State University."

The university president elaborated on the importance of both technology and the people who use it, “What truly makes a campus ‘smart’ is not just the new technology, but the people who use it to spark insights and understanding. We want this new space to encourage curiosity, help students explore beyond their textbooks, and inspire faculty to refine their craft."

Dr. Caňezo also thanked the various teams who worked on this project, recognizing the contributions of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), the Engineering and Physical Development Office (EPDO), and the Management and Information System (MIS) Office for their efforts in realizing this for the university.

In addition, the university president also hopes that if the implementation proves successful and receives positive feedback from the end users, BiPSU, with the support of the Board of Regents, might be able to expand by adding more smart classrooms equipped with the same technology.

BiPSU plans to conduct orientations for faculty and students in January 2025, in collaboration with Lisa Tech Philippines, to ensure they are fully equipped to maximize the use of this new technology.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BPSU) was recently honored with the Gawad Banyuhay Ugnayan Award during a ceremony held on December 8, 2024 at the Baluarte De San Diego in Intramuros, Manila.

The award, established by the Dr. Carl Balita Foundation, recognizes individuals and institutions that exemplify resilience, transformative influence, and positive societal impact.

Representing the university president, Dr. Victor C. Caňezo, Jr.,  Engr. Jessie Mari D. Cerera, director of the Institutional Planning Office, accepted the award on behalf of the institution.

The Gawad Banyuhay Ugnayan Award recognized not only the achievements of individuals but also the contributions of partner schools and organizations that have worked closely with the Carl Balita Review Center (CBRC) in advancing education in various communities.

In a statement, BiPSU President Caňezo expressed his gratitude for the said recognition,  “This award is offered to every BiPSUnistas. Because of them, we remain committed to providing an environment of transformation, and resilience, and we are proud to be part of a network of institutions that inspire change for the betterment of society.”

He also extended his heartfelt thanks to Dr. Carl Balita, “We are deeply honored by this recognition, and we thank Dr. Carl Balita and his foundation for their continuous support of education and social transformation. This award motivates us to continue working towards a brighter future for our students.”

Moreover, the word "Banyuhay" is a combination of three Filipino words: bago (new), anyo (form), and buhay (life). Together, they symbolize the inspiring journey of change, growth, and transformation that positively impacts others.

[This article aligns with SDG Goal 4: Quality Education and SDG Goal 10: Reduced Inequality.]

Biliran Province State University President, Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., has officially received the International Leadership Award at the 2024 Internationalization Champions of National Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards held on December 16 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City.

Dr. Cañezo  was honored as the 1st runner- up in the prestigious Internationalization Leadership Award category, the biggest recognition of the event. Notably,  he was the only Higher Education Institution (HEI) president in the whole Visayas to receive the said award.

The ICONS Awards, organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), is a prestigious event in the field of higher education that recognizes leaders who have made significant contributions to internationalization, sustainability, and global competitiveness within their institutions. 

Under Dr. Cañezo’s visionary leadership, BiPSU has elevated its global standing, achieving recognition in several esteemed international rankings, including Quacquarelli-Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), and most recently, the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2024.

Dr. Cañezo described the recognition as an acknowledgment of the shared dedication and hard work of the entire BiPSU community.

“This award is not only for me but for everyone at Biliran Province State University who has worked tirelessly to make our vision of a globally competitive institution a reality,” Dr. Cañezo said. “Our success in international rankings and sustainability initiatives reflects our strong drive to academic excellence, research innovation, and environmental stewardship,” he added.

Meanwhile, aside from Dr. Cañezo’s individual recognition, BiPSU was also honored at the ICONS Awards for the third consecutive year, acknowledging its sustained excellence in internationalization initiatives since 2022. The university’s innovative programs and strategic partnerships have set benchmarks in strengthening its global engagement and sustainability.

Accompanying Dr. Cañezo in receiving the award were Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin, the director of the Internationalization Office, and Mr. Joedel Peñaranda, executive assistant to the University President.