UMIO News

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has clinched the top provincial award for its outstanding work in the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) initiative. BiPSU President Prof. Vรญctor C. Caรฑezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, proudly accepted the honor on September 3, 2025, at the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) held in Tacloban City.

The recognition is a testament to the universityโ€™s unwavering commitment to its communities, highlighting a "weaving of worthiness" built through diligent work and partnership. This CEST program, led by Dr. Vilma P. Gayrama, the Project Coordinator and Chairperson of BiPSU-Biliran Campus Extension Services, has fostered impactful, science-based interventions that empower local lives.

The university's successful projects include the "Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Interventions for the Economically Challenged Community of Brgy Bato, Biliran, Biliran," which benefits the Marian Adorers of God the Father and the Eucharist (MAGFE). This and other initiatives demonstrate the university's dedication to improving lives through S&T.

Another prime example also is the "Empowerment of Mother Crucifix Caputo Community through Science, Technology, and Innovation Interventions." This specific project, which received vital financial support from DOST PSTO-Biliran, aims to strengthen the Mother Crucifix Caputo Community (MCCA) social enterprise in Villa Cornejo, Kawayan, Biliran. By focusing on enhancing turmeric production, the initiative is improving farm productivity and weaving a ripple effect of positive change.

President Caรฑezo expressed his profound gratitude, stating, "This award belongs to all of us. I extend my deepest gratitude to the DOST for their unwavering support, to the dedicated team at BiPSU Biliran Campus for their hard work, and to the brilliant leadership of Dr. Vilma Gayrama. Their commitment is the true measure of our success."

#WoWBiPSU

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) welcomed auditors from TรœV Rheinland for the official start of its ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Stage 1 External Audit. The audit, a crucial step toward international certification, was marked by an Opening Meeting at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC), which included an inspiring address from the University President.

TรœV Rheinland auditors Ms. Rhene Rose Zara and Mr. Rolando Remitar were formally greeted by BiPSUโ€™s key officials, internal auditors, faculty, and staff. The event set a tone of readiness and purpose, with the university embracing the audit as a means to uphold its core values and mission.

In his opening remarks, BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Caรฑezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, defined the audit as a vital step in the universityโ€™s commitment to its "Weaving of Worthiness" (WoW BiPSU) standard. "Worthiness, more than just being a slogan, is the standard we set for how we teach, serve, and lead," said President Caรฑezo. "ISO 9001 helps us show that worthiness in a way anyone can test, track, and trust. When we say WoW BiPSU, we do not only speak of ideals; we speak of systems that deliver on those ideals."

The auditโ€™s scope is extensive, covering the university's Naval and Biliran campuses and spanning all its academic and administrative processes, including arts and sciences, nursing, engineering, technology, criminal justice, and graduate studies, as well as its research, extension, production, and student services.

President Caรฑezo spoke candidly about the university's journey, acknowledging a gap in its previous ISO certification. He emphasized that this period of transition was treated as "a test of our system," and that the university followed the standard's demands for corrective action and continual improvement.

The president also provided a clear directive to the BiPSU team, urging them to link every answer to the university's vision, think from the perspective of students and citizens, and "stand on evidence." He encouraged them to view audit findings not as failures but as "gifts" for improvement. "If we do this right, we do not just pass. We learn. We sharpen," he stated.

The Stage 1 audit is designed to confirm the university's readiness for the next phase of certification. It involves a site familiarization tour and a review of the universityโ€™s objectives and plans.

President Caรฑezo concluded with a rallying cry, urging the team to be "steady, candid, and thorough" and to demonstrate that "quality and worthiness are one and the same at BiPSU." The university awaits the results of this initial stage, confident in its preparation and commitment to excellence.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) President Prof. Victor C. Caรฑezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, on Friday laid out a strict, results-oriented framework for the university's partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Naval, ensuring that all joint projects deliver tangible outcomes for the community.

The president delivered his inspirational message during the "Strengthening Research and Extension Synergy" event at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio Visual Center (HAVC). The session, which began with opening remarks from Dr. Roland A. Niez, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, brought together university officials and faculty members to vet and approve community-based extension programs.

"This is a working session," President Caรฑezo stated. "We set in motion an agreement that will organize how BiPSU and LGU Naval will move together."

He emphasized that the partnership must align with BiPSU's vision to be "internationally recognized and locally responsive." The event's main agenda featured the "Presentation of Needs-Based Assessment," where various schools and colleges presented their research and extension plans. Presenters included representatives from School of Teacher Education Main Campus, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Management and Entrepreneurship, School of Technology and Computer Studies, School of Agriculture and Fisheries, School of Engineering, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Graduate Studies, School of Teacher Education Biliran Campus, School of Agri-Business and Forest Resource Management, and School of Criminal Justice Education.

The identified priority areas for collaboration include education, livelihood, environmental sustainability, health, cultural preservation, and digital governance.

To ensure projects are impactful, President Caรฑezo established a five-point test for all proposals, requiring them to specify the exact need being addressed, justify BiPSU's role, define noticeable results within six to twelve months, outline a plan for scaling up, and present a clear method for measuring success.

"Simple, measurable, doable. That is the bar," he said, citing examples such as a water sanitation study, an MSME clinic, and a digital permit system.

President Caรฑezo concluded his speech with a direct challenge as the ultimate measure of the partnership's success: "Six months from now, when a resident of Naval seeks care at a health center, starts a small business, or turns on the tap at home, will that experience be faster, safer, or more hopeful because of what we agreed to do today? That is the test."

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has achieved a perfect score in the 2024 Agency Performance Review (APR), a distinction earned by only 14 out of 308 government agencies nationwide. The university stands as the sole agency in Eastern Visayas to receive this top recognition from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The outstanding results were formally announced by DBM Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo during the launch of the โ€œBudget ng Bayan Monitorโ€ report on August 20. The APR evaluated agencies on three key dimensions: physical performance, financial performance, and the timeliness and quality of submitted reports.

In his presentation, Undersecretary Toledo specifically highlighted BiPSU, alongside Cagayan State University, for its exceptional performance in high exam passing rates, significant research productivity, and robust community engagement.

BiPSU's perfect 5.00 rating is backed by a series of remarkable accomplishments throughout the fiscal year. Earlier in February, the university was awarded Best in Agency Performance Report for its FY 2024 APR presentation, having fulfilled all 14 mandated outcomes under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

A key factor in this success was the university's impressive 79.51% first-time licensure passing rate, with 784 out of 986 graduates successfully passing their respective board exams. This accomplishment propelled the university to a total accomplishment rate of 165%, far exceeding its annual target.

On the financial front, BiPSU demonstrated exceptional fiscal management. The university achieved 100% fund utilization for both Personnel Services and Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), and a near-perfect 98% utilization for Capital Outlay. This resulted in an overall disbursement rate of 97%. Furthermore, BiPSU showcased strong income generation, achieving a 128% collection rate by gathering over โ‚ฑ136 million from tuition and other fees, supplemented by scholarship grants.

BiPSU President, Prof. Victor C. Caรฑezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, expressed his profound gratitude for the recognition. "I am profoundly grateful to the Department of Budget and Management through Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman for recognizing Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) for its Outstanding Performance," he stated. "This recognition is clear proof of the hard work of the entire BiPSU communityโ€”our Board of Regents (BoRs), key officials, faculty, staff, administrative teams and our dear studentsโ€”who have all played an essential role in upholding our commitment to quality education and public service."

President Caรฑezo concluded with a call to action for the university community: "Let us keep moving forward and continue weaving of worthiness, always aiming to do better for our students, stakeholders, and the people of Biliran."

#WoWBiPSU

Kinilala ang natatanging kontribusyon ng Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) sa pagpapayabong ng wika at kultura matapos gawaran ang kanilang Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK) ng "Selyo ng Kahusayan sa Wika at Kultura 2025" ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF). Angย  seremonya ng parangal ay ginanap sa Meridian Hall, Luxent Hotel, Timog Avenue, Quezon City noong Agosto 19, 2025.

Ang parangal ay personal na tinanggap ni G. Jeson V. Vinas, ang Direktor ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura ng BiPSU. Ang BiPSU ay isa lamang sa pitong sentro mula sa buong Pilipinas na napili para sa prestihiyosong gawad na ito.

Sa isang naka-video na mensahe, ipinahayag ni Prof. Victor C. Caรฑezo, Jr.,, EdD, CHRP, Pangulo ng BiPSU, ang kanyang taos-pusong pasasalamat sa KWF. Ayon sa kanya, ang parangal ay isang kumpirmasyon ng patuloy na suporta ng unibersidad sa mga gawaing pangwika, pangkultura, at pananaliksik na isinusulong ng komisyon.

Ito ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon na iginawad ng KWF sa SWK ng BiPSU ang "Selyo ng Kahusayan sa Wika at Kultura" mula nang maitatag ang sentro noong 2016. Ang pambansang gawad na ito ay isang matibay na patunay na nananatiling buhay ang mga programang pangwika at pangkultura ng unibersidad sa kabila ng mga hamon ng modernisasyon at globalisasyon.

Ipinaliwanag ni Pangulong Caรฑezo na ang tagumpay na ito ay sumasalamin sa tagline ng unibersidad na "WOW" o "Weaving of Worthiness". Ito, aniya, ay nangangahulugang ang bawat gawain ng BiPSU ay "paghahabi ng pagkakarapat-dapat o paghahabi ng kahalagahan". Ang pananaw na ito ay nakaugat sa mga saligang halagahan (core values) ng Brilliance, Innovation, Progress, Service, at Unity.

Pinasalamatan ng pangulo ang buong komunidad ng BiPSU at ang KWF sa pagkilala sa kanilang mga naging tagumpay sa pagtataguyod ng wika at kulturang Pilipino.

Ang lahat ng ito, ayon sa pangulo, ay tatak ng "WoW BiPSU" na kanilang taas-noong ipinagmamalaki.

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) launched its 53rd Founding Anniversary sports activities with an uplifting opening program at the BiPSU Gymnasium. The event, held this morning, was highlighted by an inspirational message from University President Prof. Vรญctor C. Caรฑezo, Jr., EdD, setting the tone for a celebration themed โ€œWeaving Sustainability.โ€

In his address, President Caรฑezo emphasized that BiPSU is not just a hub for academic excellence but also a community of strength, resilience, and unity. He connected the theme of sustainability to fostering relationships, excellence, and discipline, which he described as vital to keeping BiPSU at the forefront of higher education and sports in Region 8. โ€œSustainability is not only about the environment but also about sustaining the spirit that makes us champions,โ€ he remarked.

The event was organized by the Sports Services Office, led by Engr. Carmel Sigrid Docallos, Dean of the School of Engineering and Director of the Sports Services Office, and Dr. Henreyna Jane Redublado, Sports Chairperson. President Caรฑezo expressed gratitude for their dedication, noting that sports play a crucial role in complementing BiPSUโ€™s academic mission by promoting health, teamwork, and perseverance.

The sports activities serve as a preparatory platform for the upcoming State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Games, where BiPSU aims to defend its title as the top State University and College (SUC) in Region 8 sports, following last yearโ€™s first-place victory. President Caรฑezo challenged student-athletes to give their all, not just for trophies but to uphold BiPSUโ€™s reputation. โ€œEvery drop of sweat you pour here contributes to the bigger picture of BiPSUโ€™s pride,โ€ he said.

He also underscored the importance of sportsmanship, urging athletes to embody fairness, humility, and respect, win or lose. โ€œThat is what sustains BiPSUโ€™s standingโ€”not just victories but values,โ€ he added.

The opening program was attended by key university officials, including Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, VP for Student & External Affairs, Dr. Norma M. Duallo, SDSO Director, faculty, staff, and students. The sports tournaments are expected to showcase the talent and determination of BiPSUโ€™s athletes while fostering a spirit of unity and excellence.

President Caรฑezo concluded his message with a call to celebrate the anniversary with the same brilliance, innovation, progress, service, and unity that define BiPSUโ€™s legacy. โ€œGood luck to all the teams. May the games begin!โ€ he declared, officially launching the festivities.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) kicked off a significant step toward institutional accreditation today with a flag-raising ceremony and welcome event for accreditors from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) Inc. Held at the BiPSU Gymnasium, the gathering marked the beginning of an initial survey visit aimed at guiding the university in aligning with national quality standards.

The national AACCUP team, led by Dr. Milabel E. Ho, AACCUP Executive Director and current president of the ASEAN Quality Assurance Network (AQAN), joined with Dr. Lawrence Dollente, Ms. Merelyn Dela Cruz, Mr. Dominic Martinez, and Mr. Jimson Lamarroza, was welcomed with arrival honors, to conduct the two-day institutional evaluation.

This initial survey marks BiPSUโ€™s latest stride in its quality assurance journey, aimed at assessing the universityโ€™s strengths and areas for improvement across governance, instruction, research, extension, support services, and outcomes.

BiPSUโ€™s pursuit of excellence has long been reflected in its credentials: from ISO certification to global recognitions such as the WURI (Worldโ€™s Universities with Real Impact), Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, QS Stars Rating System, and the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings for sustainability. The university has also been awarded Prime HRM Level 2 by the Civil Service Commission, adopted the Performance Governance System (PGS) under the Institutional Sustainability Assessment (ISA), and was conferred the prestigious Philippine Quality Award (PQA)โ€”the highest national recognition for excellence in organizational performance.

Notably, 100% of BiPSUโ€™s academic programs are already accredited by AACCUP, paving the way for this milestone in institutional accreditation.

In his message, University President Prof. Victor Catigbe Caรฑezo, Jr. expressed the importance of the visit. โ€œThe impact of this institutional accreditation is that it strengthens our credibility as a university responsive to both national and global expectations, and it deepens our accountability to the people we serveโ€”the young men and women of Biliran and our neighboring provinces who look to BiPSU for opportunities to transform their lives,โ€ he said.

Moreover, Dr. Ho commended the university for being โ€œquality assuredโ€ with its excellent practices she has observed even before the assessment.

In a personal note to Dr. Ho, Dr. Caรฑezo admitted BiPSU's imperfections but stressed the institution's commitment to continuous improvement. "We do this not for recognition but for the mandate entrusted to us: to deliver quality higher education that is both excellent and fit for purpose," he said.

The president concluded with a challenge to the BiPSU community โ€“ faculty, staff, students, and officials โ€“ to "continuously engage in the weaving of worthiness for BiPSU," aligning with the university's slogan: "Weaving BiPSU with the World, and the World with BiPSU.โ€

The gymnasium was filled with enthusiasm and hopes of the students, faculty, staff and key officials who witnessed the inspiring convergence for a better quality learning environment.

Said activity is expected to provide BiPSU with valuable insights to align its systems and practices with national accreditation standards while further strengthening its commitment to quality and excellence in higher education.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has reached a new academic milestone after securing the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for its Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program, effective Academic Year 2025โ€“2026.

The COPC, issued by CHED Regional Office VIII affirms that BiPSU has met the rigorous national requirements in curriculum, faculty qualifications, and facilities as set forth under the Higher Education Act of 1994.

Representing the university, Vice President for Administration and Finance Engr. Vivencio A. Pelasco and School of Engineering Dean Dr. Carmel Sigrid Docallos formally received the certificate at the CHED Regional Office VIIIย  on August 14, 2025.

Congratulations, BiPSUnistas! Onwards and forward to a future of greater academic excellence!

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office No. VIII has turned-over Php 637,000.00 to Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), finalizing the funding for a transformative community empowerment project. This initiative, titled "STI Interventions to Marginalized Community of BLGU Uson, Calbiran," is designed to uplift local farmers through the strategic application of science, technology and innovation.

The funds will facilitate the acquisition of critical equipment to enhance value-added processing for calamansi products in Uson, Calbiran. This investment directly supports the Caibiran Association of Diversified Farmers (CADFA), a 20-member cooperative struggling with limited access to modern processing technologies despite abundant calamansi harvests. By enabling the production of high-value products like Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Calamansi Juice and Calamansi Concentrate, the project represents a weaving of worthiness, intertwining community needs with innovative solutions to unlock greater market potential and boost farmer incomes.

โ€œThis funding will go a long way in empowering our partner communities through science, technology, and innovation, true to our mission of making BiPSUโ€™s expertise and resources accessible to those who need them most,โ€ expressed University President Prof. Vรญctor C. Caรฑezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP.

As part of DOSTโ€™s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, this initiative reflects a holistic approach to rural development. It fosters collaboration between BiPSU, the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Biliran, local government units, and CADFA, ensuring that academic expertise aligns with grassroots needs. The project also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Set to launch in October 2025 and conclude by September 2026, the 12-month project requires BiPSU to submit regular progress reports and complete liquidation documents within 30 days of completion, ensuring transparency. This strategic partnership promises to significantly enhance the livelihoods of Usonโ€™s farmers by equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed for a sustainable, prosperous future.

The turn over was held on August 13, 2025 at the Office of the University President attended by Romeo L. Dignos, Provincial S&T Director Biliran-PSTO; Ma. Catherine G. Maniba, Supervising Science Research Specialist of Biliran-PSTO; Ellen Joyce N. Lagariza, Science Research Specialist II of Biliran-PSTO; Nicka V. Salentes, SRS I of Biliran-PSTO; Vilma P. Gayrama, Chairperson of BiPSU Biliran Campus Extension Services Office; Christian Ulysses G. Cagasan, Coordinator of BiPSU Biliran Campus School of Agribusiness and Forest Resource Management; and Mr. Jeffrey Espinazo, President of the Caibiran Association of Diversified Farmers.

This strategic partnership between DOST, BiPSU, and local stakeholders is poised to transform the livelihoods of Usonโ€™s farmers by equipping them with cutting-edge tools and knowledge. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the project not only enhances the calamansi industry but also sets a model for sustainable rural development across the region.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) took a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive campus by launching its Alternative Class Lecture Experience (ACLE) on โ€œGender Justice in Classrooms and Communities.โ€ The dynamic, week-long event, held from August 4โ€“8, 2025, at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio Visual Center, was designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and the tangible realities of gender and human rights issues.

Spearheaded by a team of dedicated advocatesโ€”including GAD Director Dr. Marianne Dagaylo-an, CHR Education Focal Person Atty. Sheena Estrella S. Bentor, and University Legal Officer Atty. Dick Guiller G. Delfinโ€”the initiative aimed to transform learning into action. The program is a direct response to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 1, s. 2015, which mandates the integration of gender-responsive education in Philippine universities.

The ACLE offered a series of specialized lectures and interactive workshops tailored to various academic programs, addressing critical gender-related issues: Ms. Verse Abellaneda led a session for Nursing and Health Sciences students on Gender, Health, and Human Rights, tackling pervasive gender biases in healthcare systems, exploring reproductive rights, and equipping future health professionals with tools for equitable patient care; Rikk Nicholson Nalzaro facilitated a thought-provoking workshop for Business and Economics students on Gender Bias in Policy, Finance, and Curriculum, highlighting the economic imperatives for equity and examining how inclusive workplace policies and unbiased financial practices drive social progress and organizational success; and Ady Balimbingan guided Communication students through Representation Matters: Gender, Media Ethics, and Cultural Narratives, focusing on deconstructing media stereotypes, promoting ethical reporting, and creating inclusive cultural narratives.

Following the event's successful implementation, the university hopes to establish the Gender Justice ACLE as a regular, institutionalized learning platform. This move aims to ensure that the principles of gender equality and human rights are continuously woven into the fabric of BiPSUโ€™s academic and community life, shaping a new generation of socially conscious professionals.

#WoWBiPSU

With the university's continuing efforts to enhance program quality and instructional effectiveness, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) conducted a Student Workload Rationalization Workshop on August 7-8 at the university gymnasium.

Gathering the academe weavers, consisting of faculty members, program chairpersons, and deans from the seven schools of Naval Campus and three schools of Biliran Campus, the said event was graced by the expertise of Dr. Richard R. Jugar from the University of San Carlos (USC), Cebu.

A full professor in the School of Education and the director for Educational Practices, Instruction & Curriculum Development in USC, Dr. Jugar brought clarity and direction to BiPSUโ€™s goal of rationalizing student workload in the Philippine higher education context through enriching lectures on the Authentic Assessment Adoption (AuA) and flexible learning and a series of hands-on workshops.

โ€œWe donโ€™t want to produce graduates who merely survive the system; we want graduates who think critically and remember what they learned long after they leave our gates,โ€ stated University President Prof. Victor Caรฑezo, Jr. โ€œThat starts with how we value their time, and it starts with how we design our instruction.โ€

With the seminarโ€™s aim to ensure a balanced, transparent, and outcome-based instruction, Dr. Jugarโ€™s two-day appearance shed light to the university educators with topics such as syllabus-based estimation, desk estimation, the course tiering tool, and designing authentic assessments.

โ€œAn outcome that cannot be assessed is an outcome that doesn't exist,โ€ Dr. Jugar emphasized. He reinforced the need for strategic alignment between learning outcomes, instructional design, and assessment tools.

Moreover, he discussed the significance of outcome-based assessments that reflect real-world competencies, fairness, and clarityโ€”principles crucial for a meaningful learning experience.

The workshop also led participants to reflect on critical aspects of BiPSUโ€™s academic framework, such as the effectiveness of its curriculum map, the accuracy of its program prospectuses, and the alignment of course syllabi with the universityโ€™s broader goals and standards of academic excellence.

The initiative enabled BiPSU educators to assess and improve their current practices, strengthen the quality of instruction, and foster a more transparent, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment.

Also present were Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, Vice-President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Vice-President for Students and External Affairs; Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, Vice-President for Administration and Finance; and Dr. Roland A. Niez, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services.

Said activity was spearheaded by the Curriculum, Instruction and Faculty Development (CIFD) Office, headed by Dr. Claire Theresa S. Bentor, in coordination with the Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA) Office, led by Dir. Carlito C. Cabas, Jr.

Meanwhile, Faculty Regent Hon. Vennie G. Coton expressed his plan to pursue a similar initiative focused on faculty workload rationalization, further advancing the universityโ€™s committed approach to workload management and academic quality.

#WoWBiPSU

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Brilliance. Innovation. Progress. Service and Unity
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