The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) family proudly celebrates the success of three alumni who have been recognized as 2025 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) – Startup Category Awardees.

This prestigious award, given by the Department of Agriculture (DA), honors young individuals who are starting or expanding innovative agribusiness projects.

The three BiPSU alumni recognized as awardees are Ms. April Rose Ann Luaña (BiPSU-Biliran Campus, Bachelor of Agricultural Technology), Ms. Emily Plantilla (BiPSU-Biliran Campus, Bachelor of Elementary Education), and Ms. Ameryll Sale (BiPSU-Naval Campus alumnus from Almeria, Biliran), whose proposed enterprise is named "HOG KITA."

The Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) is a highly competitive financial grant program spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA). It is designed to support and empower young Filipinos who are launching new agri-fishery enterprises or expanding innovative agribusiness projects.

As recipients in the Startup Category, both Luaña, Plantilla and Sale will each receive a substantial grant of ₱80,000.00. This financial assistance, as announced by the Department of Agriculture – Eastern Visayas, will be instrumental in establishing their proposed enterprises.

Their success highlights the commitment of BiPSU graduates to innovation and development within the agricultural and business landscape of Biliran and the wider Eastern Visayas region.

Congratulations to Ms. April Rose Ann Luaña, Ms. Emily Plantilla, and Ms. Ameryll Sale! Your BiPSU family is incredibly proud of your achievement and wishes you the best of luck in establishing your vital agri-fishery enterprises!

#WoWBiPSU

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) successfully executed its disaster response program, known as BiPSU R.E.A.D.Y (Response, Evacuation, Action for Disaster: Your Safety), providing critical shelter for a total of 576 individuals (132 families) across its two campuses during the threat of Typhoon Tino.

This massive public service operation reinforced the University’s commitment to community welfare and safety.

The university's disaster response protocols were formally activated, allowing its facilities to function as critical evacuation centers. The successful activation covered both the main campus in Naval and the Biliran campus.

The BiPSU Main Campus sheltered 339 individuals (82 families). This decisive action was taken per the request of Naval Mayor Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina to accommodate residents from vulnerable areas. The joint evacuation of displaced residents from low-lying barangays in Naval was successfully completed through coordinated efforts with the BiPSU Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Office, the LGU Naval DRRM Office, and the Naval Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO). The affected communities included Barangays Lucsoon, P. I. Garcia, Larazabal, Calumpang, and Sto. Niño.

The BiPSU Biliran Campus Research and Academic Building provided a safe haven for 237 individuals (50 families). These families were successfully evacuated from high-risk coastal areas in Biliran town, specifically the Barangays of San Isidro and Burabod.

BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD., CHRP, acknowledged the tireless efforts and dedication of all personnel involved in making the operation a success.

"Our mission extends beyond education; it is fundamentally about public service and ensuring the safety and welfare of our community in times of crisis. I extend my deepest gratitude to all the personnel involved in the BiPSU DRRM Offices across both the Naval and Biliran Campuses, for their swift, selfless action, and meticulous execution of necessary protocols. We also thank our invaluable partners from the Local Government Units of Naval and Biliran for their close coordination. Your dedication ensured the safety of 576 individuals, proving that when we work together, we can overcome any challenge. We pray for everyone's continued safety!"

The University designated specific areas for evacuation purposes and established clear rules and protocols to maintain order, security, and cleanliness within the university shelters. The successful implementation of BiPSU R.E.A.D.Y underscores the University’s steadfast commitment to public service and safety during this challenging period. 

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The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has announced the suspension of work and classes on Monday, November 3, and Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as a preemptive measure against the anticipated effects of Tropical Depression "Tino."

The suspension, effective until further notice, covers both the Naval and Biliran Campuses, and was issued via Memorandum Order No. 186, s. 2025 from the Office of the President, Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, on November 2, 2025. This action is in compliance with Executive Order No. 71 issued by the Local Government Unit of Naval.

Shift to Flexible Learning and Administrative Work

To ensure the continuity of academic progress, all academic units across the Naval and Biliran Campuses are directed to adopt flexible learning distance online or offline resources modalities on the days of the suspension (November 3-4, 2025). This is subject to mutual agreement between instructors and students, particularly for those who have not yet completed their final examinations.

Administrative offices are advised to ensure that submissions to external agencies and compliance with deadlines are not affected by the suspension.

Disaster Preparedness and Safety Measures

In preparation for the weather disturbance, the University has issued strict guidelines for campus safety:

• Disaster Response Teams: The Climate Change Adaptation, Mitigation, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Officer, Head of Security, and the Engineering and Physical Development Office (EPDO) personnel are directed to ensure campus readiness and the safety of all University facilities during the suspension period.
• Securing University Assets: All Heads of Offices are reminded to secure important documents, equipment, and other valuable assets within their respective offices to prevent damage or loss.
• Designated Shelters: Faculty and students requiring immediate shelter may proceed to the designated safe zones:

• Naval Campus: The 4th Floor of the Technology Building or the 2nd Floor of the Maritime Building.
• Biliran Campus: The 2nd Floor of the Academic and Research Building.

• Emergency Contact: For disaster and emergency concerns, the public is advised to contact Mr. Pablo Cepriano, Director of CCMDRRM, at 0927-004-0088.

All personnel and students are enjoined to take precautionary measures and remain alert for further announcements from the University and the local government.

You may read the Memorandum No. 186, s. 2025 here: https://shorturl.at/b0x1X

The Biliran Province State University’s School of Technology and Computer Studies (BiPSU-STCS) has brought national recognition to the institution, securing the Bronze Innovation Award at the highly competitive DOST Innoventa pitching competition. The BiPSU-STCS faculty team competed against innovators from across the entire Philippines, demonstrating the cutting-edge research and dedication fostered right at the university.

The winning innovation is Agri.Ph, a crucial web application designed to significantly empower Filipino farmers through technology. It is a dual-purpose digital tool tailored to address key challenges faced by local farmers. The application features a streamlined e-commerce platform, offering a direct and efficient way for farmers to sell their produce. Crucially, Agri.Ph also includes an advanced feature for crop disease detection coupled with immediate intervention advice. This functionality provides farmers with real-time, actionable information to protect their harvests and ensure sustainability.

The Bronze Innovation Award is a testament to the hard work and technical expertise of the BiPSU-STCS faculty team: Mr. Eric Celis (Project Manager), Mr. John Raymund Calderon (Lead Developer), Mr. Tito Amerigo V. Custodio, Jr. (System Analyst), and Dr. Chona B. Sabinay (Data Analyst). The team’s success in developing a "life-changing project" like Agri.Ph underscores the commitment of the university to producing solutions that directly contribute to local and national development, particularly in the agricultural sector.

BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP shared his pride, stating: "This Bronze Award for Agri.Ph is a magnificent testament to our faculty's brilliance and their deep commitment to Service. It shows that BiPSU is not just producing knowledge, but truly helping to change the lives of our Filipino farmers through relevant, game-changing technology.”

The event, a collaboration between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Batangas State University, served as a national platform showcasing the best in Philippine innovation. BiPSU congratulates the STCS team for this incredible win, which highlights the dedication, creativity, and cutting-edge research happening within its halls.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) President, Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, delivered a powerful message on the critical importance of mental wellness and community support during the University's recent Mental Health Celebration.

Held on October 27, 2025, at the BiPSU HAVC, the event featured an interactive workshop titled "Comfort in Connection: An Interactive Mental Wellness Workshop with Bakas". The President highlighted the celebration as a "powerful confirmation of what matters most: our mental well-being".

The President opened his address by acknowledging the tragedy of Emman Atienza’s passing, a known TV host’s 19-year-old daughter, noting that it served as a stark reminder that "mental health struggles do not discriminate by age, by status, or by social media following". He stressed that outward smiles don't always reflect inward pain.

In this context, the event's theme, "Comfort in Connection," gained heightened significance. The President underscored that while individual coping strategies are important, it is the "threads that bind each of us—empathy, listening, community, vulnerability—are what truly sustain us".

He commended the Guidance and Counseling Services Office, led by Dr. Jocelyn Caing, and the Federation of Supreme Student Councils, headed by Student Regent Hon. Prince Carl Palconit, for hosting and organizing the activity. President Cañezo asserted that their initiative reaffirms that "the care and concern for our students' mental wellness is indeed our top priority".

President Cañezo reminded the student-attendees, the "BiPSUnistas," that they are not alone in their journey. He stated that BiPSU stands for compassion and inclusivity, and that learning extends beyond classrooms and books—it happens "when we truly listen and when we make space for vulnerability and empathy".

The partnership with Bakas, co-founded by Mr. John Stephen Cornwill and Ms. Camille O. Velarde, provides tangible tools like the Comfort Cards and Comfort Journal. The President encouraged students to embrace the day with openness, urging them to be kind to themselves and even kinder to others.

"The true strength of BiPSU comes from our shared humanity," the President concluded. "When we support one another, when we choose connection over isolation, and when we turn compassion into action—that is when we truly thrive".

Before concluding, President Cañezo offered five powerful, actionable reminders for students to prioritize their mental health:

1. Pause and breathe. Give yourself permission to rest; you are human, "not a machine".
2. Reach out. Talk to a friend, mentor, or counselor. He personally added that he is "always willing to listen" as their President. Seeking help is an "act of strength and self-care," not weakness.
3. Reflect daily. Write your thoughts, draw, or pray—whatever helps process emotions.
4. Support one another. Be a gentle presence for someone struggling, as a "kind word can change a day, even a life".
5. Believe that you matter. You are defined not by grades or achievements, but by your "courage to keep showing up, to keep growing, and to keep caring".

The President expressed hope that the workshop would inspire "healing, hope, and heart", and help create a BiPSU where "mental wellness is a way of life".

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has successfully undergone its ISO 9001:2015 Stage 2 Certification Audit, concluding the rigorous, multi-day assessment with zero major non-conformities. This outstanding result, a true demonstration of the "Weaving of Worthiness" across the institution, affirms the university's commitment to maintaining a robust and effective Quality Management System (QMS) across its core services.

The Stage 2 Certification Audit, a crucial step toward full certification, was conducted by an external audit team led by Madilyn Plaza of TÛV Rheinland from 22 October to 25 October 2025. The audit was conducted on-site across both the Naval Campus (Site 1) and the Biliran Campus (Site 2). The scope for the Naval Campus included the provision in the Delivery, Design, and Development of Academic Program Offerings for Undergraduate Programs (Arts and Sciences, Nursing and Health Sciences, Engineering, Technology and Computer Studies, Management and Entrepreneurship, Criminal Justice Education, Teacher Education) and Graduate Programs (Teacher Education and Management). The scope for the Biliran Campus covered Undergraduate Programs (Teacher Education, Agri-Business, Forestry and Agriculture). Both sites also included the audit of Research Services and Technical Advisory Extension Services.

The audit team verified the management system for conformity with the ISO 9001:2015 standard. Key operational areas reviewed included Top Management, Context of the Organization, Quality Policy and Objectives, control of Documented Information, Internal Audit, Management Review, and all processes related to academic programs and support services. The four-day audit process involved extensive interviews with Top Management, Process Owners, and key personnel across various departments, highlighting the collective effort from the entire university community to fully implement and sustain the QMS. The audit team commenced their review with an opening meeting at the Naval Campus on Day 1 and concluded on Day 4 with an Auditors' caucus meeting and the final closing meeting. This stellar performance underscores BiPSU's dedication to quality in its delivery of academic, research, and extension services, positioning the university strongly for its ISO 9001:2015 certification.

In response to the positive audit conclusion, University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP extended his profound gratitude, stating: "To the faculty, staff, and students of BiPSU—your commitment, diligence, and full cooperation in embedding a culture of quality are what made this significant achievement possible. This clean audit result, demonstrating the 'Weaving of Worthiness,' is a collective victory that affirms our dedication to excellence in education and service. My heartfelt thanks to all for your unwavering support."

#WoWBiPSU

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME) marked World Tourism Day 2025 with a dynamic series of four interconnected events on October 13, 2025, emphasizing peace, cultural heritage, and sustainability within the tourism and hospitality sectors. The activities successfully brought together students and faculty in a collaborative effort to promote environmental awareness, academic excellence, and Filipino traditions.

The celebration kicked off with the SME’s Basura Run 2025, a unique initiative that merged fitness with environmental responsibility. Teams of three students and faculty ran or walked around the BiPSU main campus for 30 minutes, actively collecting and properly segregating trash along their routes. The concept promoted sustainability by making every piece of collected waste a step toward victory. The competition required teams to assign specific roles: Collectors, Carriers, and Sorters. The winning criteria went beyond sheer volume, factoring in teamwork and the accuracy of waste segregation. The 1st Place was claimed by BSHM 3-India (Reden Cator, Leonardo Atok, and James Louie Salloman), followed by BSHM 3-Echo in 2nd Place and BSTM 2-Alpha in 3rd Place. The event was smoothly facilitated by faculty members Mr. Junard S. Carreon and Mr. Den Anthony Llosa, along with the MICE BSTM 3-Echo student group.

In a showcase of academic prowess and industry knowledge, the Tourism and Hospitality Management Department hosted the “Tourism & Peace” Quiz Bee 2025 at the BiPSU Main Campus Basketball Court. The event, preceded by a review session on October 8, challenged BS Tourism Management (TM) and BS Hospitality Management (HM) students on various topics, including tourism, hospitality, and current events. The competition centered on the theme “Tourism & Peace,” highlighting the industry's role in fostering cultural understanding and global unity. After competitive rounds, BSHM 2A emerged as the Champion Team, with BSTM 3B as 1st Runner-up and BSTM 2-Echo as 2nd Runner-up. The event was overseen by faculty members Mrs. Neslyn Kahano and Mr. Fritz Shariff Alavera, with key support from the MICE BSTM 3 Alpha students.

Advocating for responsible tourism, the SME held a Poster Making Contest themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transportation” at BiPSU Hostel A. The competition encouraged students to use their artistic talents to create powerful visual messages about eco-friendly travel choices and their impact on a greener world. Kevin Cean Yusoya (BSTM 3 Charlie) took 1st Place, followed by Kent Bryan Almen (BSHM 2 Bravo) in 2nd Place and Venz Michael Mejarito (BSHM 2 Alpha) in 3rd Place. Judges Ms. Jamaica N. Casas, LPT, and Dr. Rexie Itol Lipon recognized the students’ creativity. Faculty members Ms. Roanne Solayao and Mr. Dennis Gabud guided the event, with organizational support from the MICE students of BSTM 3-Hotel.

To connect the celebration with cultural heritage and community, the SME staged Laro ng Lahi 2025 at the BiPSU Oval. The event brought together second-year BSTM and BSHM students for an afternoon of traditional Filipino games, promoting camaraderie, sportsmanship, and a deeper appreciation for the nation's cultural roots. Team Harmonia Horizon (BSHM 2A & BSTM 2G) was declared the Overall Champion, followed by Team Oblivion Rise in 1st Place and Team Eroy in 2nd Place. The cultural celebration was organized under the guidance of SME resident PE faculty members Dr. Laarni Velez and Ms. Shanelie Delima, with assistance from MICE students BSTM 3F and BSTM 3G and the University Medical and Dental Clinic staff for safety monitoring.

The collective success of these four events underscores BiPSU SME’s commitment to holistic education, preparing students not only as future tourism professionals but as culturally aware and environmentally responsible community leaders.

University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr.,EdD, CHRP praised the School of Management and Entrepreneurship for the successful, multi-faceted celebration. "These events, from the Basura Run to the Quiz Bee and the Laro ng Lahi, demonstrate that our students are not just learning theory; they are actively embodying the principles of sustainable development and global citizenship," said President Cañezo. "We are committed to Weaving BiPSU with the world and the world with BiPSU, and initiatives like these ensure our graduates are equipped to be agents of positive change in the global tourism industry."

#WoWBiPSU

Remaining a true advocate of community development and agricultural innovation, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) spotlighted the rice-based food industry and introduced its new Agribusiness Center initiative during the third episode of its radio-based extension service, WoW BiPSU Extension in Action, aired via Radyo Natin Naval on October 21.

In this pivotal episode, faculty experts from the School of Agribusiness and Forest Resource Management (SABFoRM) shared critical insights from their research and community engagement initiatives, detailing BiPSU's role in the weaving of worthiness for local farmers and entrepreneurs.

Mr. Jeruel A. Espinazo, Chairperson of the Department of Agribusiness Management (DABM), presented the key findings of a comprehensive study conducted in partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). Titled “Mapping the Landscape of Rice-Based Food Products in Biliran Province: An In-depth Inventory and Profiling,” the research drew data from over 400 producers across Biliran—marking the first comprehensive mapping of its kind in the province.

Mr. Espinazo emphasized the urgent challenges facing the industry, noting that many traditional rice-based food producers are aging with few young people showing interest in continuing the craft. The decline, he warned, could lead to an estimated ₱37 million annual economic loss if the industry is not revitalized.

To safeguard this critical sector, he stressed the need to preserve traditional rice varieties, improve product packaging and marketing, and integrate rice-based production into educational programs to inspire younger generations.

Mr. Christian Ulysses G. Cagasan, extension chairperson of the DABM, announced the newly established Agribusiness Center, a timely collaboration between BiPSU–Biliran Campus and the Local Government Unit of Biliran.

The Center is designed to be a crucial training and resource hub for farmers, cooperatives, and local entrepreneurs, offering technical assistance, data-driven support, and value chain development.

“This initiative aims to transform research and education into real community impact,” Mr. Cagasan said, noting that the Center will directly drive agricultural productivity, technological innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.

Additionally, the radio show highlighted BiPSU’s AgriBio Laboratory, developed with support from DOST-PCAARRD, which produces Biological Control Agents (BCA) to help farmers manage pest infestations sustainably, reinforcing the university's commitment to ecological farming.

Also featured on the program were Mr. Glenn Gumba, Head of the university’s Extension Services Office (ESO) Knowledge of Information and Management Unit, and Mr. Lorenzo R. de la Cruz, Director of the University Media and Information Office (UMIO) and the radio host.

The episode concluded with a strong call for continued joint action among government agencies, educators, and citizens in preserving Biliran’s agricultural identity and ensuring the resilience of its agribusiness sector, demonstrating how BiPSU is solidly weaving progress for its locals and global sustainability.

#WoWBiPSU

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has achieved a major breakthrough at its Biliran Campus, discovering highly promising Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) as a sustainable biological control against abaca aphids, the vector responsible for spreading the devastating Abaca Bunchy Top Virus (ABTV), a crisis that has severely threatened abaca production across the province and Eastern Visayas.

Funded by the DOST-PCAARRD, the BiPSU team successfully surveyed plantations and collected abaca aphids across Biliran, Leyte, and Southern Leyte, leading to the laboratory isolation and study of EPF—beneficial, low-cost, and environmentally friendly microorganisms that naturally penetrate and kill insect pests, making them an excellent alternative to chemical pesticides.

The initial results are highly promising, with several fungal isolates demonstrating a strong potential to infect and kill the aphids; these isolates are now being sent for molecular identification to determine their species and local adaptability, marking the next steps toward screenhouse and field testing, with the ultimate goal of developing a practical, farmer-level application.

Beyond the core research, the project has already had a significant institutional impact, drafting two IEC materials, maintaining ten EPF isolates, mentoring two BS Agriculture students (one of whom graduated Magna Cum Laude), and establishing partnerships with Visayas State University, Southern Leyte State University–Hinunangan Campus, and the Upland Farmers and Abaca Planters Association (UFAPA).

The project’s excellence has been recognized regionally, earning 3rd Best On-going Paper (Research Category) from both EViAFRREDN and ViCARP, and achieving 3rd Place for Best Research Poster and Best Research Short Reels during the BiPSU Researchlympics 2025; furthermore, the research secured an additional ₱5 million DOST-PCAARRD grant for the Biological Control Laboratory upgrade and hosted Dr. Benildo G. de los Reyes, a Balik Scientist from Texas Tech University, USA.

This initiative is critical to the national interest because the Philippines supplies about 87% of the world's abaca fiber, and while the Bicol Region leads, Eastern Visayas—which has suffered major losses since the ABTV became widespread around 2015—stands to benefit immensely, especially since no resistant variety has yet been identified to counter the disease that continues to limit productivity.

By exploring EPF, BiPSU aims to provide abaca farmers with a natural and sustainable management option, reducing dependence on harmful chemical pesticides, minimizing environmental risks, and studying ways to produce EPF on the farm using locally available materials, ultimately strengthening the university’s role in agricultural innovation and supporting the vital revival of Biliran’s historic abaca industry.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has significantly advanced its internationalization agenda by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Software Development Centre (SDC) of The University of Danang (UD) in Vietnam. The partnership is a key initiative in "weaving BiPSU with the world and the world with BiPSU," establishing a five-year collaboration focused on faculty, staff, and student mobility and a critical hands-on immersion program.

The partnership aims to promote international exposure and professional development, particularly in fields related to digital transformation and technology.

The official signing ceremony took place on October 21, 2025.

The BiPSU delegation, present in person, was led by Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, University President, and included key academic administrators: Dr. Maribel Zipagan, Vice-President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Chona Sabinay, Dean of the School of Technology and Computer Studies; Dr. Reynold Bustillo, Program Chairperson of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science; Dr. Cheryl Ebajo, Program Chairperson of Bachelor of Science in Information System; and Dr. Reymon Santiañez, Faculty member of STCS.

Representatives from The University of Danang - Software Development Centre (SDC) virtually attended the ceremony to formalize the agreement.

The core of the agreement is the establishment of a two-week Faculty and Student Immersion Program to be conducted annually during the second semester. This program will offer participants from BiPSU hands-on industry exposure, professional development opportunities, and practical experience in Vietnam.

"This is a vital step in our commitment to internationalization and institutional development," stated Dr. Cañezo. "The immersion will not only expose our students, faculty, and staff to a world-class institution like SDC but will also facilitate valuable cultural exchanges that foster a deeper appreciation of life and technology in Vietnam. It is the practical implementation of our vision to be an internationally-recognized institution."

The program is strictly voluntary, ensuring that only those who freely and voluntarily choose to participate will join the mobility activity.

Under the MOA, The University of Danang - SDC, as the host institution, will provide transportation from Da Nang International Airport, arrange suitable accommodation, conduct a comprehensive orientation, and render assistance during emergencies. BiPSU, as the home institution, will be responsible for pre-qualifying participants, arranging for all travel necessities including airfare and meals, and providing necessary medical insurance coverage.

The immersion fee will be covered by the participating students and by BiPSU for participating faculty and staff, subject to fund availability.

The agreement is effective for a period of five (5) years, setting a long-term foundation for academic and professional exchange between BiPSU and The University of Danang - Software Development Centre (SDC). 

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