SORSOGON CITY—To ensure continuous improvement and adoption of best practices, Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), led by University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr., visited Sorsogon State University (SorSU) for a benchmarking activity from August 7-8.

Seventeen (17) delegates from BiPSU arrived on August 7 and were warmly greeted with a folk dance presentation by SorSU dancers.

On August 8, the BiPSU delegation paid a courtesy visit to SorSU President Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, followed by the main benchmarking activities at the Dormtel Conference Hall, attended by various key officials including Mr. Gerald Fulay, SorSU’s VP for Administration and Finance; Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort, SorSU’s VP for Academic Affairs; Campus Directors from SorSU-Sorsogon City, Magallanes, and Bulan Campuses; and other key officials.

The 2-day benchmarking activity focused on exchanging ideas and learning about key areas such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), Quality Assurance, Instructional Materials, and the Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS).

In her welcome remarks, Dr. De Jesus mentioned that all SUCs have their own strengths and weaknesses, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared learning between BiPSU and SorSU.

“As a matter of fact, this morning, in a simple conversation with President Cañezo, marami na akong natututunan,” she said. “Simple conversation will always end up as something that will benefit our university.”

President De Jesus also revealed that she will be visiting BiPSU on August 16 for the MOA Signing with BiPSU.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cañezo underscored the significance of benchmarking in building connection and collaboration.

According to him, there is always a need to connect with other universities in order to improve the quality of education in SUCs. “We will not compete with other SUCs, but we are here to complement each other,” President Cañezo said. “I hope that in some way, we will learn from each other.”

Following the benchmarking activities, SorSU will organize a campus tour for the BiPSU delegation to visit their various offices this afternoon. Moreover, after the visit, BiPSU will be conducting a Mid-Year Performance Assessment to enhance compliance with institutional targets and develop catch-up plans for areas needing improvement.

The delegation is set to visit Bicol University for another benchmarking activity tomorrow, August 9.

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Strengthening its cooperation with international institutions, BiPSU entered into a formal partnership agreement with a Spanish-based organization, Fundación Hakuna, on August 6 at the Office of the University President.

Composed of professionals from various fields, Fundación Hakuna is an organization from Spain dedicated to transmitting universal values through music, education, and social action, and promoting volunteering and social participation among young people to help those most in need.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was officially signed by BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr. and representatives from Fundación Hakuna, Elena Madonado Perez-Hidalgo and Gabriel Diosdado Ramos. The signing was witnessed by Dr. Maribel Zipagan, Dean of the School of Teacher Education, Dr. Mafel Piol, Dean of the School of Management and Entrepreneurship, Atty. Dick Guiller Delfin, Director of the Internationalization Affairs Office, Mr. Joedel Peñaranda, Executive Assistant to the President, and Engr. Carmel Sigrid D. Docallos, Director of the Sports Development Office.

The partnership between the university and the foundation aims to develop and promote international understanding and goodwill between the two institutions.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two institutions will collaborate on promoting programs, including the exchange of students, exchange of faculty and researchers, exchange of academic information and publications, and joint research activities.

In an interview, University President Dr. Cañezo emphasized the importance of opening the university to international linkages.

“Our collaboration with Fundación Hakuna opens new avenues for academic growth and cultural exchange,” Dr. Cañezo said. “It is a significant step towards enriching the educational experience for our students and faculty.”

Moreover, the agreement specifies that both institutions will elaborate on specific areas of cooperation, detailing the terms and conditions of their collaboration.

The University President believes that the cooperation is a mutually beneficial partnership. “By partnering with BiPSU, the foundation can enhance its global outreach, gain insights into the academic and cultural environment of the Philippines, and establish networks for future collaborations,” Dr. Cañezo added.

Meanwhile, around fifty foreign professionals from Fundación Hakuna will conduct a series of activities during their two-week stay in Biliran.

A Spanish lesson will be conducted for BiPSU students, followed by a football match on August 7.

Additionally, there will be an extension service on August 8, and a cultural show on August 10.

Moreover, a Workshop on Design Thinking and Spanish Lessons is scheduled for August 12 at the BiPSU Gymnasium, to be participated in by various students.

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BiPSU adds another unit to its growing transport fleet as its second minibus officially arrived today, August 6.

The vehicle, amounting to P4.6 million, has a maximum seating capacity of 29 and will be used for conveying university employees and students to official engagements and activities both inside and outside the province. The new minibus, equipped with modern amenities, was funded through the university’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF) 2024.

Meanwhile, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., Faculty Regent Hon. Vennie S. Coton, Student Regent Hon. Aluah Cane Cabalhin, VP for Student and External Affairs Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, and other university key officials and Toyota-Tacloban representatives attended the inaugural activity for the university vehicles today, August 6. During the activity, the new transport vehicle, along with BiPSU’s older minibus and four passenger vans, was blessed by Fr. Christian Conde.

In a statement, Dr. Cañezo explained that this addition is part of the university’s commitment to providing safe and reliable transportation for its clientele.

“I believe this new minibus will greatly enhance our transport capabilities, ensuring that our employees and students can travel comfortably and efficiently to their destinations,” Dr. Cañezo said. “Our investment in this transport vehicle speaks of our dedication to improving the university’s services.”

Moreover, another passenger van is expected to arrive later this year.

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In solidarity with the celebration of the 57th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) participated in the Virtual Simultaneous Flag-Raising Ceremonies held today, August 5, at the BiPSU Gymnasium. The event was virtually attended by all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country.

Themed "Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience," the activity, organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), focused on historical milestones and future aspirations, including sustainable development and ongoing efforts to promote unity and collaboration among member countries.

University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., along with key university officials and students, graced the event, wearing Cambodian attire as assigned by CHED Regional Office VIII.

In his virtual message, Mr. Daniel Espiritu, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, encouraged CHED to continue engaging fellow ASEAN Member States in finding better ways to harness the skills, talents, and potential of young people.

“This will prepare ASEAN human resources to be agile, resilient, competitive, and future-ready,” said Assec. Espiritu.

Additionally, CHED Regional Office VIII released a memorandum on Friday, August 2, mandating SUCs to attend the virtual activity.

Following the flag-raising, BiPSU continued with its regular 3As program, where employees from the School of Criminal Justice Education (SCJE) presented on Awareness, Accomplishments, and Actions, reflecting the university's ongoing initiatives and contributions.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) granted the Tulong Dunong Program - Tertiary Education Subsidy (TDP-TES) scholarship to over 494 students, including fresh graduates, for the first semester of the Academic Year (AY) 2023-2024, on July 31 at the university sports center.

Facilitated by the Cashier’s Office, led by Ms. Ammabelle Sabagkit, Administrative Officer V, the university awarded scholarships of about P7,500 each, totaling P3,705,000.00.

Additionally, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. urged scholars to be thankful for the cash grants received, emphasizing the significance of this support in their academic pursuits.

“I would just like to emphasize that whatever amount you receive today, whether small or large, let us be grateful. Be grateful to your alma mater, parents, government, and to yourself,” Dr. Cañezo stressed.

Moreover, Ms. Shada Marie Marcos, a newly graduated Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (BSEd) student majoring in Social Studies, expressed her gratitude and shared how the TDP-TES scholarship provided crucial financial support and guidance, enabling her to pursue her studies without the burden of financial stress.

“This scholarship will help me, especially as I prepare for the licensure examination. It’s a big help (‘dako siya’g tabang’) in sustaining my needs, such as food and boarding house payments,” Marcos said.

However, according to the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST), the release of the scholarship funds for the first semester of AY 2023-2024 is still ongoing, as several scholars have not yet completed their requirements.

In an interview, UniFAST Focal Person Shiela C. Salentes revealed that the cash release for the second semester is already in the process of billing, which will benefit a total of 890 scholars for TDP-TES and 42 scholars for TES.

The schedule for the distribution of the second semester scholarship grant has not yet been announced.

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Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), through the Research and Development Office (RDO) and in collaboration with the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Program (ViCARP) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is set to enhance its research capabilities in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as it received ICT equipment amounting to more than five hundred thousand (500,000) pesos from the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD).

The technology grant was formally turned over during the Inauguration of Facilities, Ceremonial Turn Over of ICT Equipment, and Visit to Other PCAARRD-Funder Projects at the Visayas State University (VSU) last July 15, with Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, RDO director, representing BiPSU. 

Further, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. emphasized that the ICT resources will be utilized in converting the old president’s office as a teleconferencing center, designed to support a range of university activities, not limited to research but extending to all types of events requiring virtual meetings.

Moreover, this initiative aimed at enhancing the ICT infrastructure for the ViCARP and Consortium Member Institution (CMI), which aims to identifying the number of internet service providers, improving collaboration and coordination performance within CMIs, enhancing ICT-hosted meetings such as Zoom or Google Meet, and maximizing the use of ICT connectivity for efficient communication and collaboration.

It is important to note that in order to utilize the new facility, departments must coordinate through the RDO. 

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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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