UMIO News

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) received an unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA) on its financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, based on the Annual Audit Report transmitted by COA Regional Office No. VIII.

In a letter addressed to University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., COA stated that the auditor rendered an unmodified opinion on the fairness of the presentation of the university’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, as indicated in the Independent Auditor’s Report.

An unmodified opinion is the highest audit opinion issued by COA and signifies that the financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with applicable financial reporting standards.

The audit was conducted in accordance with the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs) to assess the reliability of financial statements, determine compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, identify opportunities for improvement, and evaluate the implementation of prior years’ audit recommendations.

The recognition reflects BiPSU’s continued commitment to effective financial management, accountability, and transparency in the use of public funds.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) conducted a virtual orientation on lifelong learning, microcredentials, open and distance eLearning (ODeL), and the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) on June 24 via Zoom.

The orientation was attended by university officials and academic leaders, including University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, deans and chairpersons from the Naval and Biliran campuses, directors of concerned offices, the executive assistant and special assistants to the President.

Serving as resource speaker was Ms. Cristina E. Rotairo, Supervising Education Program Specialist of the Non-Conventional Higher Education Division under the Office of Programs and Standards Development of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

During the activity, Ms. Rotairo discussed policies, standards, procedures, and implementation requirements related to lifelong learning, microcredentials, ODeL, and ETEEAP. Moreover, she highlighted the role of these initiatives in supporting academic program development, alternative learning pathways, and the recognition of prior learning.

Participants were also briefed on the requirements and processes involved in implementing these initiatives within higher education institutions as part of efforts to expand access to quality and flexible learning opportunities.

The orientation was part of the university’s continuing preparations for programs and initiatives that promote lifelong learning and align with evolving higher education policies and frameworks.

#WoWBiPSU

In the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has continued its climb on the global sustainability stage after securing an overall rating of 801-1000 out of 1,603 institutions globally—a recognition that reflects the university’s growing contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Published online by THE on June 24, the global ranking included the University, which marks its third consecutive year in the said sustainability assessment.

This year, BiPSU posted a broader and more balanced sustainability profile, with stronger placements across 15 out of 17 goal areas.

Its highest ranking came from SDG 1: No Poverty, where it landed in the 201–300 bracket out of 931 global institutions, underlining the university’s continuing relevance in social inclusion and poverty reduction.

Moreover, it registered notable seats in 401–600 range in eight SDGs, including SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, which demonstrates BiPSU’s multifarious efforts in addressing sustainability gaps.

The university likewise expanded its footprint in SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, both placed in the 601+, while achieving 601–800 range for SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Meanwhile, out of 1,254 institutions, BiPSU remained globally competitive in 1001+ rank for SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing.

These results show that the university is no longer being recognized for a few isolated strengths, but for a more comprehensive sustainability performance across teaching, outreach, governance, and community engagement.

“We started by responding to the needs of our communities and today, those same efforts are once again being recognized internationally,” University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. expressed. “This achievement inspires us to continue pursuing excellence while ensuring that no sector of society is left behind in our journey toward sustainable development.”

It can be recalled that in 2025, BiPSU placed 1501+ overall in THE Impact Rankings and recorded only 10 development goals.

THE describes the Sustainability Impact Ratings as a global performance table that measures universities’ performance across research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching in relation to the world SDGs.

For BiPSU, the latest recognition is more than a ranking milestone; it reflects a university that has steadily woven sustainability into its academic and operational culture, one that continues to translate local action into global relevance.

According to Prof. Cañezo, a university's true success is measured not only by the degrees it grants, but by the lives it transforms and the future it helps build. This recognition strengthens our resolve to remain a state university that serves people, protects the planet, and advances prosperity for generations to come.

From its debut in THE’s sustainability rankings in 2024, BiPSU’s performance reinforces its role of not only growing in stature but also deepening its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) released the profile data of its graduates for the Class of 2026 based on the results of Memorandum Order No. 109, s. 2026, which covers the survey of graduates for Academic Year 2025–2026. 

A total of 2,213 graduates are classified as first-generation graduates, which includes students who are the first in their family to earn a college degree as well as those whose parents did not finish college.

The data also showed that 527 graduates come from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households, 155 have parents or family members who are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), 880 come from families whose parents are farmers, and 126 are orphaned.

At the Naval Campus, BiPSU recorded a significant number of graduates across various backgrounds, including 1,777 first-generation graduates, 407 from 4Ps households, 152 with OFW family members, 681 from farming families, and 118 who are orphaned.

Among the schools in the campus, the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management posted the highest representation in several categories, including 494 first-generation graduates, 85 from 4Ps households, and 59 orphaned graduates.

The School of Technology and Computer Studies also recorded notable figures, with 348 first-generation graduates, 79 from 4Ps households, 41 with OFW family members, and 163 from farming backgrounds.

At the Biliran Campus, the university recorded 436 first-generation graduates, 120 from 4Ps households, 3 with OFW family members, 199 from farming families, and 8 orphaned graduates.

The figures reflect the profile of this year’s graduating class. Many students completed their degrees despite financial hardship and family challenges, while others are the first in their households to earn a college degree. 

#WoWBiPSU

To enhance institutional efficiency and ensure strict regulatory compliance, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) conducted a two-day Seminar-Workshop on Basic Records and Archives Management from May 20 to 21, 2026, at the University's Hyflex audio-visual center. Office custodians representing the university's various administrative units, offices, and academic schools attended the training.

The two-day session focused on equipping personnel with fundamental knowledge and practical skills essential for effective records and archives management. The initiative serves a strategic role in bolstering service delivery, supporting data-driven decision-making, and keeping the university aligned with statutory and legal regulatory requirements.

University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. emphasized the critical importance of the training to the institution's digital and administrative evolution. He noted that proper records management is the backbone of transparency and efficiency, serving as a vital thread in the university's continuous weaving of worthiness. By empowering personnel with these essential skills, he added, BiPSU ensures it remains a resilient, forward-thinking, and compliant institution.

The completion of the workshop aligns with the university's ongoing commitment to building a smart, highly organized campus infrastructure and empowering its workforce through continuous professional development.

#WoWBiPSU 

 

In a targeted move to transition academic research into commercially viable assets, Biliran Province State University (BIPSU) convened a strategic consultative meeting with the Department of Science and Technology Region VIII (DOST VIII) FOB Team to overhaul and accelerate its campus-wide innovation frameworks.

The high-level session, organized by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Societal Impact (VP RISI), brought together key university research directors and extension chairpersons to align institutional programs with regional technological development goals.

Central to the discussions was the deployment of precise evaluation frameworks designed to scale the university's technical outputs. Ms. Angelika Juvina Filipinas, Project Technical Assistant IV, alongside Ms. Leila Natascha Agote, Project Technical Assistant I, detailed the operational criteria of the FOB Guidelines. Furthering the implementation strategy, DOST VIII Innovation Focal Engr. Florentino Quiñones Jr. introduced specific Technology Assessment Tools to systematically evaluate and upgrade BIPSU's current research products.

University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, issued a directive to the RISI cluster, challenging administrators to transition beyond standard academic publishing. He noted that the university's accumulated Utility Models and Patents must be aggressively pushed toward market commercialization, aligning with the university's core vision of a continuous weaving of worthiness by ensuring that intellectual properties yield direct, measurable socioeconomic benefits for the wider community. 

Responding to the presidential directive, VP Roland A. Niez immediately led the assembled directors in drafting a structured implementation timeline. This operational roadmap will govern the rollout of the newly introduced assessment tools and ensure accountability across the university's commercialization ventures.

The collaborative engagement solidifies BIPSU's ongoing policy shift toward research utilization, positioning the institution as a regional hub for sustainable technological transformation.

#WoWBiPSU

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has achieved 100% Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) for all its undergraduate and graduate offerings.

As of May 5, 2026, CHED Regional Office VIII named it as one of only three state universities and colleges in the region to achieve full compliance across all academic programs. This CHED certification confirms that every BiPSU degree program strictly meets national standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, and campus facilities.

University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo Jr. announced the milestone and described it as a testament to the collective hard work of the entire university community. He thanked the "weavers" of the institution—the Board of Regents, officials, faculty, staff, and students—who have upheld their commitment to academic excellence. He also encouraged everyone to remain united in purpose, take pride in this achievement, and continue striving for excellence so that BiPSU may reach even greater heights together.

In his official statement, Prof. Cañezo expressed his gratitude for the achievement: “As of May 5, 2026, I am so glad to share that Biliran Province State University is now fully compliant with the Commission on Higher Education’s Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) across all our undergraduate and graduate programs. We are among only three state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the region to have achieved 100% COPC compliance. My salute to all our weavers: our Board of Regents, key officials, faculty, administrative staff, and students for upholding the highest standards in our academic programs. May this always remind us that we must sustain and continuously improve the quality of education we provide.”

Attaining the COPC serves as a critical requirement for higher education institutions, ensuring that graduates earn recognition from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and qualify fully for national licensure examinations. This total compliance assures BiPSU students that their education meets the highest quality benchmarks in the country.

The university administration aims to further enhance academic services and infrastructure, maintaining its 100% compliance rate. BiPSU remains dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that develops globally competitive professionals, while honoring its commitment to the province of Biliran.

#WoWBiPSU




Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) has made a significant leap in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) for 2026, rising 59 places to secure the 174th spot, up from 233rd in 2025. This advancement underscores the institution's growing prominence on the international stage as a center for academic and operational excellence.

The university's progress is highlighted not only by its overall ranking but also by the expansion of its institutional scope within the WURI framework. In 2025, the university was recognized in three distinct categories. By 2026, the institution expanded its reach to 16 categories, reflecting a broader and deeper commitment to diverse areas of innovation and societal development.

Leading the university’s performance this year is an exceptional showing in crisis management and global resilience. The institution earned a Top 4 placement globally in the Crisis Management category, followed by a Top 8 placement in SDG- and ESG-Based Responses to Past and Present Global Challenges.

Reacting to the milestone, the University President expressed profound gratitude and emphasized the collective effort behind this achievement:

"We share this recognition with all our BiPSU weavers, the governing board, WURI writers, administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, partners, and stakeholders whose dedication continues to move the University forward. This is a reflection of who we are and what we continuously strive to become—a university that weaves innovation, service, and worthiness for the people and the world. Padayon ta in weaving of worthiness for a more innovative and globally competitive BiPSU!"

The university’s multifaceted contributions were further recognized across multiple disciplines and management categories:

𝑻𝒐𝒑 23 – 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕

𝑻𝒐𝒑 23 – 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚, 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉

𝑻𝒐𝒑 24 – 𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚

𝑻𝒐𝒑 28 – 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕-𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

𝑻𝒐𝒑 40 – 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒆𝒓

𝑻𝒐𝒑 42 – 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑

𝑻𝒐𝒑 44 – 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚-𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑬𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔

𝑻𝒐𝒑 50 – 𝑬𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚

𝑻𝒐𝒑 67 – 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝒕-𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕

𝑻𝒐𝒑 68 – 𝑭𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆-𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝑼𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑮𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒌

𝑻𝒐𝒑 81 – 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚

𝑻𝒐𝒑 87 – 𝑬𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎

𝑻𝒐𝒑 93 – 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑩𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

𝑻𝒐𝒑 99 – 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒅

These results demonstrate a comprehensive institutional approach that integrates sustainability, ethical governance, and advanced research into the core framework of the university. The strong rankings across varied indicators such as knowledge transfer, social impact, and infrastructure illustrate BiPSU's dedication to serving the community while expanding its global academic footprint.

#WoWBiPSU

Through its School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) spotlighted the evolving role of nurses in a technology-advanced world through a forum titled "Nursing Amid AI and Global Citizenship" on April 29 held at the university gymnasium.

Gathering the nursing students, faculty members and university officials for an afternoon of learning, reflection, and professional inspiration, the event featured Dr. Carl E. Balita, a nationally recognized educator, nurse and entrepreneur, whose lecture deepened the participants’ understanding of how artificial intelligence, innovation and global awareness are reshaping the nursing profession.

“Technology will continue to transform healthcare, but it will never replace the compassion, critical thinking, and ethical grounding of a nurse,” Dr. Balita said. “The challenge is not to compete with AI, but to work alongside it—bringing humanity into innovation.”

Anchored on BiPSU’s commitment to relevant and transformative education, the activity emphasized the importance of preparing future nurses not only as skilled health practitioners, but also as compassionate, globally minded, and ethically grounded professionals capable of responding to modern healthcare challenges.

“This undertaking speaks directly to the kind of nursing professionals we hope to form here at BiPSU, nurses who are competent in their field, responsive to the demands of a changing world, and grounded in service,” Prof. Victor C. Cañezo Jr., university president, expressed.

Moreover, an open forum where nursing students directly engaged with Dr. Balita was conducted, wherein they raised questions on ethical dilemmas in AI-assisted healthcare, global mobility of nurses, and the future of patient-centered care.

Through initiatives like this, BiPSU advances its SNHS students by bridging industry expertise and classroom learning, equipping its students to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare while remaining dedicated to service and compassion.

This event underscores the university’s continuing thrust to weave academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility into its nursing education.

#WoWBiPSU

To chart its operational course and align its institutional goals, the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Societal Impact (VP RISI) of the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) successfully conducted its Strategic Planning and Targeting 2026 on May 5, 2026.

The half-day event gathered key university personnel and stakeholders at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC).

The program officially commenced with a welcome message from Dr. Roland A. Niez, VP RISI, who emphasized the importance of a unified vision for the university's research and innovation endeavors. Following this, Research Project Assistant Ms. Ma. Shiela C. Torregoza formally introduced the participants.

University President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. conveyed a strong message of solidarity and unwavering support to the attendees. "The administration stands firmly behind the VP RISI as you chart our course for 2026. You have my full backing in your efforts to advance our Weaving of Worthiness through impactful research and innovation. We are committed to providing the support you need to turn these targets into a reality for the communities we serve," Prof. Cañezo stated.

The core of the event featured in-depth discussions led by two primary resource speakers. EnP. Jessie Mari D. Cerera, RCE, Director of the Office for Strategy Management, spearheaded the first major session, detailing the intricacies of strategic planning and targeting for the upcoming year. The discussion provided a framework for the office to effectively measure and achieve its upcoming milestones.

Following the strategy session, Dr. Robert P. Jordan, Director of Quality Assurance and Accreditation, took the floor to discuss critical accreditation matters. His presentation highlighted the necessary preparations and quality standards required to maintain and elevate the university's academic and operational accreditations in the coming years.

The strategic planning session concluded shortly after midday. Dr. Pearl Irish V. De Paz, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Societal Impact, delivered the closing remarks, summarizing the key takeaways from the morning's discussions and officially concluding the successful collaborative effort.

#WoWBiPSU

In a significant stride toward advancing local agricultural research and biodiversity conservation, the Balik Scientist Program team from the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) conducted a comprehensive germplasm expansion initiative across key municipalities in Leyte and Biliran provinces.

Led by the university's Balik Scientist, the undertaking focused on gathering both wild and cultivated cacao accessions and ube clones to enhance existing agricultural research collections. The Leyte operations covered Baybay City, Abuyog, and the municipality of Leyte. A major highlight of the expedition was the acquisition of six distinct ube clones provided by the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootCrops) at the Visayas State University (VSU). These accessions are expected to bolster ongoing research on crop improvement and genetic preservation within the region.

Expanding the scope of the initiative, the Balik Scientist and the BiPSU technical and support team conducted continuous collection activities across Biliran Province, specifically in the municipalities of Cabucgayan, Caibiran, Biliran, and Naval. This phase yielded a total of 28 ube accessions, including valuable wild types, alongside 12 cacao accessions. These collections are intended to support conservation efforts and the establishment of biological infrastructure at the BiPSU Biliran Campus.

Wild ube plays a crucial role in conserving genetic diversity, strengthening food security, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting local livelihoods. As a naturally resilient crop, it serves as an important alternative food source, especially during periods of scarcity and environmental stress. The ongoing collection efforts accentuate the wide diversity of ube clones in the province, emphasizing their value not only for conservation but also for future crop improvement, development of climate-resilient varieties, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural development.

In addition to collecting plant materials, the field operations in Leyte resulted in the identification of two strategic farming sites, which have been marked as prospective partners for future collaborative research projects and technology-sharing initiatives.

By preserving these crucial agricultural resources, the initiative continues the institution's commitment to the weaving of worthiness by uplifting communities, securing food systems, and fostering a sustainable future for the region.

Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., University President, commended the milestone: "This initiative reflects our steadfast commitment to driving meaningful agricultural innovation. By securing and studying these indigenous genetic resources, we are not only advancing academic research but also empowering our local farming communities and ensuring a resilient, food-secure future."

The BiPSU team extends its sincere gratitude to the various institutions, private farms, local government units, and community collaborators that provided invaluable support and hospitality throughout the expedition. Special acknowledgment is given to all partner farm institutions, agricultural experts, local families, and municipal nurseries across the region for their collaborative efforts, generosity, and instrumental assistance in locating these crucial plant varieties.

#WoWBiPSU

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Brilliance. Innovation. Progress. Service and Unity
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