Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) hosted a seminar entitled Philippine English in Academia: Linguistic Features and Educational Strategies, featuring Dr. Shirley N. Dita, Associate Professor from De La Salle University, today, July 31, at the BiPSU Gymnasium.

The seminar, attended by at least 300 teaching personnel from the Naval and Biliran campuses, aimed to raise educational standards across the university by enhancing the English language proficiency of faculty members. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic goal of enhancing global competence.

BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. formally welcomed the participants and, in his address, explained the importance of Philippine English in teaching.

“Last week’s training focused on ODeL in response to our new modes of delivering classes. However, this seminar focuses on what we often overlook but plays a crucial role in the teaching and learning process—our medium of instruction, English,” he emphasized.

Dr. Cañezo pointed out that Philippine English is a valid and professional means of communication in classrooms, noting that using this medium helps maintain cultural identity and fosters an inclusive learning environment.

The university president encouraged the faculty to be open to new methods and strategies, highlighting that the seminar was an opportunity to unlearn outdated practices, learn new strategies, and relearn essential skills.

Following his message, Dr. Dita discussed topics including the Phonological, Lexical, and Grammatical Features of Philippine English. She concluded her lecture by stating that Philippine English is the language of educated Filipinos, used to establish a Filipino identity.

The event was led by Dr. Ana Liza B. Calles, the Director for Curriculum Instructional and Faculty Development (CIFD). Also in attendance were Faculty Regent, Hon. Vennie Coton, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Susan S. Bentor, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Rossini B. Pitao, and Vice President for Student and External Affairs, Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra.

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“We need not strive to master American English. What truly matters is our grasp and command of Philippine English—a valid, accepted, and professional form of English.”

In his opening address at the Seminar on Philippine English in Academia held at BiPSU Gymnasium today, July 31, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. welcomed around 300 participants, including BiPSU faculty from both Naval and Biliran campuses and the resource person, Dr. Shirley Dita from De La Salle University, whom he honored as the Mother of Modern Philippine Linguistics.

Dr. Cañezo emphasized the importance of English proficiency in teaching, noting it as the primary means of communication in classrooms. However, he urged educators not to aim for mastery of American English but to focus on Philippine English.

“This event is a vital part of our ongoing capacity-building series on faculty empowerment, designed to better equip us for the Academic Year 2024-2025, which was rolled out just last week,” he added.

Dr. Cañezo underscored the significance of this seminar as part of the university’s faculty empowerment series, designed to prepare educators for the upcoming academic year. He noted that while recent training sessions focused on new modes of delivery, this seminar would address the crucial yet often overlooked role of the medium of instruction—English.

“Dr. Dita, we are truly grateful for your time and expertise. Your insights will undoubtedly enrich our understanding and appreciation of Philippine English. Your work in this field is inspiring, and we look forward to learning from you today,” he emphasized.

Expressing gratitude to Dr. Shirley Dita, Dr. Cañezo acknowledged her contributions to the understanding and appreciation of Philippine English, noting that her expertise would enhance the seminar’s impact.

“The landscape of education and language is ever-evolving, and it is imperative that we engage in activities that allow us to reskill, upskill, and refine our abilities,” he added.

He also shared his personal connection as an English major and underscored the need for continuous skill development to meet the evolving demands of education and language.

“This seminar is an opportunity for us to unlearn outdated practices, learn new strategies, and relearn essential skills. This process of unlearning, learning, and relearning is a hallmark of a good 21st-century teacher,” he exclaimed.

Dr. Cañezo described the seminar as a chance to “unlearn outdated practices, learn new strategies, and relearn essential skills,” vital for modern educators. He urged participants to commit to professional growth and excellence, which is crucial for delivering high-quality education to students.

He concluded by encouraging attendees to engage with open minds, emphasizing that each participant has valuable insights to contribute.

“Together, we can enhance our proficiency in Philippine English and continue to deliver quality education to our students, our BiPSUnistas,” he concluded.

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has recently procured two state-of-the-art patient simulators for its School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), funded by a 14 million grant from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This investment aims to enhance the practical training of nursing students.

The newly procured simulators include the Pediatric Patient Simulator, named Aria, and the Adult Pre-Clinical/Pre-Hospital and Nursing Patient Simulator, Apollo. These advanced pieces of equipment are designed to provide students with realistic clinical scenarios, allowing them to practice and refine their skills in a controlled and safe environment.

Aria, the Pediatric Patient Simulator, is equipped to replicate a wide range of pediatric medical conditions and emergencies, offering students invaluable hands-on experience in dealing with young patients. Apollo, the Adult Pre-Clinical/Pre-Hospital and Nursing Patient Simulator, simulates adult medical situations and is intended to prepare students for both pre-hospital and clinical settings.

Moreover, the integration of these simulators into the curriculum is expected to enhance the learning experience for nursing students, allowing them to engage in realistic scenarios and improve their clinical decision-making and patient care skills.

During a recent visit to the SNHS laboratory, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. observed nursing students conducting practical demonstrations with the patient simulators. 

Additionally, Dr. Cañezo reiterated that these simulators are a key part of the university’s commitment to providing high-quality, hands-on education.

The university president also emphasized to SNHS Dean Dr. Jovy Dia R. Saniel and faculty the importance of ensuring that all nursing students have access to and utilize these resources effectively.

Notably, BiPSU has consistently achieved a high passing rate in the Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE), with an overall passing rate of 91.83% for the NLE in November 2023 and 100% for the May 2023 NLE.

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The An Lantugi Debate Society (ALDS) of Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) excelled in the recently concluded 2024 Visayas Universities Debate Championship (VUDC) British Parliamentary, held virtually from June 26-28.

The event featured two categories: the Open Category and the High School Category, with ALDS debaters achieving remarkable results.

In the Open Category, Mr. Jay Lawrence E. Pentado and Mr. John Jedidia Z. Maas secured semi-finalist spots, while Mr. Francis Negad and Ms. Crystel Demate reached the pre-quarter finals.

Meanwhile, Ms. Jared Paculan and Mr. Ethan Dale Benedict Salentes attained semi-finalist positions in the High School Category.

Additionally, the team’s success extended beyond debating, with Wayne S. Luay, Jr. serving as a Breaking and Final Round Adjudicator, and Frances Ligaya Cordero as a Reserved Breaking Adjudicator.

It is also worth noting that the debate championship drew participation from around 56 teams across the Visayas region.

The following BiPSUnistas were recognized during the Flag Ceremony conducted on July 29.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Biliran Provincial Office, hosted a successful benchmarking event on the university’s Strategic Innovations and Knowledge Laboratory (SIKLAB) through a Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) Knowledge Exchange on Friday, July 26, at BiPSU’s Hyflex Audio Visual Center (HAVC).

University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. welcomed around 60 participants, including key officials from DILG Ormoc City, representatives from the City Government of Ormoc, and students from the City College of Ormoc. He was joined by BiPSU Vice-Presidents Dr. Erwin Salvatierra, Dr. Susan S. Bentor, and Dr. Rossini B. Pitao.

Dr. Cañezo emphasized the university’s dedication to innovation and strategic foresight through the establishment of SIKLAB, headed by its Director, Executive Assistant Joedel Peñaranda.

“SIKLAB catapults us to the forefront of research and development, contributing not only to academia but also to the betterment of our society, with the greater goal of nurturing Matino, Mahusay, at Maaasahan na mamamayan,” remarked Dr. Cañezo.

The university president also highlighted that this pioneering project, in partnership with the Philippine Futures Thinking Society and the DILG, aims to build capacities for anticipatory-driven strategic innovations and knowledge creation.

In his message, Mr. Jean Redi T. Brioness, the City Local Government Operations Officer of DILG Ormoc, praised the university president for his remarkable efforts. Despite facing limited funding for state universities, BiPSU has successfully developed and enhanced its facilities, as evidenced by the current state of its campus.

Meanwhile, Ms. Danica Ybañez, the Special Assistant to the President for Administration and Finance, led a presentation showcasing the university’s initiatives, highlighting the numerous activities and accomplishments of SIKLAB, which is committed to achieving future thinking and enhancing the ability to apply strategic foresight in innovation, knowledge creation, and management.

“SIKLAB not only focuses on capacity-building but also serves as a platform for exploring ambitious projects—referred to as ‘moonshots'—that tackle complex challenges and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By integrating futures thinking with strategic foresight, SIKLAB strives to create opportunities and drive impactful innovations,” explained Ms. Ybañez.

Attending officials from the DILG Provincial Office Biliran included Provincial Director Jesus P. Naquila, Ms. Carolina Ampong, OIC Cluster Head, Ms. Blessie P. De Leon, LGOO VI, and Ms. Danielle May P. Abella, LGOO II.

The visiting officials also participated in a brief campus tour organized by the Office of the Vice President for Student and External Affairs, led by Dr. Erwin Salvatierra.

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A total of 687 scholars from Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), comprising 576 Dean’s Listers (DLs) and 111 President’s Listers (PLs), received the Academic Scholarship Stipend for the first semester of the Academic Year (AY) 2023-2024 at the university student center on July 24.

This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on deserving students and encourage their continued dedication to their studies.

Moreover, the Scholarship In-Charge and designated Focal Person, Ms. Maricel Saulan, shared that students with a general weighted average (GWA) of 1.0 to 1.5 will be categorized as PLs and DLs, receiving Php 5,500 and Php 4,500, respectively.

In an interview, Mr. Dexter S. Garcia, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics (BA ECON) student, highlighted that the academic scholarship had alleviated a financial burden on his parents by covering most of his educational expenses.

“With this scholarship, I no longer have to rely on my parents for financial assistance, as I can now cover most of my educational expenses using the scholarship funds,” Mr. Garcia said.

Mr. Garcia also expressed his gratitude to the university for continually prioritizing the needs of the students.

“I just wanted to express my deepest gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by the university,” he added.

Meanwhile, students who are unable to claim the academic scholarship personally must ensure that an authorized family member or relative submits an original authorization letter, accompanied by a photocopy of the student recipient’s school ID or any other valid ID, featuring three specimen signatures. Additionally, the authorized family member must provide a photocopy of their valid ID with three specimen signatures that match the ID signature.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) successfully conducted its Training Workshop 2024 for the School of Teacher Education (STED) faculty on July 24-25 at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio Visual Center (HAVC). The workshop, themed “Strengthening Teachers’ Engagement: Enhancing the Role of Cooperating Teachers in Mentoring Pedagogy, Assessment, IMs Selection, and Post-Evaluation of Student Teacher Performance,” aimed to enhance mentorship and pedagogical skills among faculty members.

The two-day workshop was designed to empower STED faculty, particularly the Laboratory High School (LHS) faculty, by focusing on critical areas of mentorship, including pedagogical techniques, assessment methodologies, instructional materials (IMs) selection and utilization, and the post-evaluation of student teacher performance. Resource speakers for the event included Professor Lorena M. Repalda, Ms. Michell T. Acala, and Dr. Ma. Lourdes G. Tan from Leyte Normal University. Their expertise provided valuable insights and practical approaches to enhancing teacher mentorship and educational practices.

In his inspirational message, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. emphasized the importance of improving pre-service teacher quality to ensure high standards in education. “We should not rest on our laurels; instead, we must continuously strive for excellence. The more we weave worthiness into our work, the better we prepare our future educators,” he remarked.

Dr. Cañezo also urged the faculty to work diligently to maintain and surpass previous percentage ratings in Teacher Education, highlighting the need for well-planned pedagogical expertise and professional growth.

The successful execution of the workshop was attributed to the leadership of Dr. Maribel Zipagan, Dean of the STED, and the efforts of Ms. Mae V. Ceblano, the proponent of the event.

During her closing remarks, Ms. Ceblano expressed hope that the workshop would equip faculty with effective strategies to advance the goal of providing quality education and raising the standards of teacher education.

“We are grateful to our resource persons for their valuable contributions to advancing educational quality and reinforcing the critical role of cooperating teachers in shaping effective and innovative teaching practices,” she concluded.

Furthermore, this event serves as preparation for the LHS faculty as they prepare to open the School Year 2024-2025 on July 29, 2024, ensuring that faculty members are well-equipped and ready to implement the enhanced strategies and skills acquired during the training.

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through its Research Development Office (RDO), conducted the 2024 In-House Review for research and development (R&D) outputs from July 9 to 19. The event, 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.

The School of Technology and Computer Studies (STCS) held its review on July 9, with Dr. Magdalene C. Unajan from Visayas State University (VSU) as the external panelist. Commendations were given to Mr. Tito Amerigo Custodio, Mr. Eric John Celis, and Mr. John Raymund Calderon for their papers, while Dr. Analiza Calles, Mr. Custodio, and Mr. Calderon were recognized as presenters. Sixteen completed research papers were presented from STCS.

The School of Teacher Education (STED) completed its review on July 11, presenting a total of 19 research papers. Ms. Jenny A. Genoguin, Dr. Ernil B. Sumayao, and Mr. Robert P. Jordan excelled in their presentations. Best Paper awards went to Robert P. Jordan, Jerson Caotivo, Dr. Sumayao, and Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan. Dr. Gerald Jayson B. Balanga of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) served as the external panelist, along with Dr. Sumayao and Mr. Jordan.

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) also conducted its review on July 11 via Zoom, facilitated by SNHS Research Chairperson Sheilomay Majait, with Dr. Emiliano Ian B. Suson II from Cebu Normal University (CNU) as the external panelist. Eleven completed research papers were presented, with Dr. Pearl Irish V. De Paz, Ms. Flossie L. Tangpuz, Dr. Mae Geraldine E. Dacer, and Dr. Jovy Dia R. Saniel recognized for their papers.

The School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME) held its review on July 13, led by their Research Chairperson Mr. Bonn Jumetilco, with 26 research papers presented. Outstanding presentations were made by Dr. Alexander Rex E. Sañosa, Mr. Vic Marie L. Bornillo, Ms. Arlene G. Obejero, Dr. Norberto J. Camarines, Jr., and Mr. Jerson Caotivo. Best papers were awarded to Dr. Sañosa, Mr. Bornillo, Ms. Obejero, Dr. Camarines, and Dr. Mafel A. Piol. Ms. Nikki G. Corales-Bajas from Leyte Normal University (LNU) joined Dr. Estelito R. Salut, Jr., Dr. Sañosa, Mr. Bornillo, and Mr. Jumetilco as panelists.

Also on July 13, the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) conducted its review with panelists Dr. Christopher R. Vicera, Dr. Annel Ruth D. Celis, Dr. Vicente Q. Solteo, Ms. Claire Theresa S. Bentor, and external panelist Dr. Ludito V. Ramirez from Southern Leyte State University (SLSU). From the 12 R&D outputs presented, Best Paper awards were given to Ms. Marriz S. Manito, Dr. Annel Ruth D. Celis, and Mr. Vincent Justine L. Realino. Best presenters were Dr. Celis, Ms. Manito, and Mr. Realino.

The School of Criminal Justice Education (SCJE) held its review via Zoom on July 13, led by SCJE Research Chairperson Mr. Ryan Duran, with Dr. Kerwin Paul J. Gonzales from the Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) as the external panelist. Mr. Duran, Ms. Daiselyn Palconit, and Karlotte Mae Paquiz received Best Presenter awards, while Best Paper awards went to Mr. Duran, Ms. Palconit, Mr. Noel Filemon Gayrama, Mr. Edgardo Gensiton, and Mr. Pablo Cepriano. Nine completed research papers from SCJE were presented.

On July 17, the School of Agribusiness and Forest Resource Management (SAbFoRM) and the School of Agri-Fisheries (SAF) conducted their joint review with Dr. Ruben M. Gapasin from VSU as the external panelist. The Best Paper award was given to Rhelivyn M. Rosendal, and the Best Presenter award went to Novie A. Sales. The activity was led by SAbFoRM and SAF Research Chairpersons, Mr. Jofil Matiom and Ms. Opelia Maranguit, with a total of 13 research papers presented from both schools.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), held a training workshop on "Basic and Advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) for Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP)" from July 16 to 19 at the BiPSU Hostel.

The event aimed to improve spatial analysis and data-driven decision-making skills for more efficient campus operations, enhanced safety measures, and strategic expansion planning.

Further, the training workshop featured two resource speakers, which included Mr. Darien Rio M. Jaropojop, Housing and Homesite Regulation Officer (HHRO) II at the Environmental, Land Use, and Urban Planning Development Division (ELUPDD), and Engr. Louie O. Juan, HHRO III at ELUPDD.

The four-day event included five presentations and five workshops, led by Mr. Jaropojop and Engr. Juan, with participants from BiPSU’s Technical Working Group (TWG) for LUDIP, headed by Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco.

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Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has officially become a member of the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings Network (UIGWURN) during the Regional Workshop on Sustainable Campus for Universities in Asia-Pacific. The event, hosted by Universitas Gadjah Mada in partnership with GreenMetric World University Rankings (WUR), marked a significant milestone for BiPSU.

On the first day of the workshop, a ceremonial signing took place, welcoming BiPSU and other new members from around the globe into the UIGWURN. This inclusion signifies BiPSU's commitment to environmental sustainability and its active participation in a global network dedicated to green campus initiatives.

Representatives from BiPSU, Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin, Attorney IV and Director of the International Affairs Office, and Joedel Penaranda, Executive Assistant III and Director for Strategic Innovation and Knowledge Laboratories and Focal Person for International Rankings, expressed their gratitude to the BiPSU Governing Board and President Canezo for the opportunity to participate in the workshop. They emphasized their excitement about the membership and the potential to implement new sustainability practices at BiPSU.

"We hope to translate what we learn here to improve plans, programs, and activities at BiPSU and the communities that we serve," stated Mr. Peñaranda. "We’re also stoked to be joining the GreenMetric WUR and incisively explore diagnostics which the institution can use in improving its efforts to ensuring sustainable, livable, and equitable futures for all."

The UI GreenMetric World University Ranking, initiated by Universitas Indonesia in 2010, evaluates universities based on their environmental commitment and initiatives. The ranking uses 39 indicators across six criteria to determine the universities' standings.

Should BiPSU achieve a ranking in the UI GreenMetric, it would mark the university's third international ranking, following its inclusion in the World University Rankings for Innovation in 2021, 2022, and 2023, and the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2024. Additionally, BiPSU was rated with Three Stars by the international higher education data analytics company, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in 2022.

The workshop and BiPSU's new membership in UIGWURN stress BiPSU's ongoing commitment to sustainability and its efforts to enhance its global standing in higher education.