Biliran Province State University and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Regional Office VIII have formalized their collaboration to enhance criminological research and public safety initiatives through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on March 11 at the BiPSU OP Convergence.

The agreement was signed by BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. and NAPOLCOM VIII Acting Regional Director Atty. Risty N. Sibay.

One of the highlights of the partnership is advancing data-driven crime prevention efforts and academic research in criminology. Under this collaboration, BiPSU will deploy enumerators from its School of Criminal Justice (SCJE) to assist in the 2025 Survey on Personal Safety, Fear of Crime, and Violence in Biliran Province.

This survey aims to assess public perceptions of safety, attitudes toward crime prevention, and the effectiveness of law enforcement services in Biliran Province. The findings will help develop and implement targeted interventions and policies to improve public safety.

During a short courtesy visit to the Office of the President, NAPOLCOM VIII Acting Regional Director Atty. Sibay also pledged to facilitate criminology internships for BiPSU students, providing them with practical exposure to law enforcement processes.

Additionally, BiPSU will share its research findings related to public safety and law enforcement with NAPOLCOM to contribute to evidence-based policymaking.

The NAPOLCOM VIII Acting Regional Director emphasized the importance of research-based approaches in enhancing public trust and effective governance in crime prevention. He also highlighted the need for research-driven policies.

“We need research studies that will serve as the basis for our policy formulation,” he said. “If BiPSU has research papers that we can use, we would be very grateful.”

Dr. Cañezo expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration and emphasized its impact in community safety and policymaking.

"This partnership strengthens our commitment to equipping our criminology students with real-world experience while contributing to evidence-based policies that promote community safety," he said.

The ceremonial signing was also witnessed by key officials from NAPOLCOM VIII, including Atty. Rutchel G. Hechanova-Espinosa, assistant regional director; Atty. Gladys A. Centino, provincial officer of Biliran; Atty. Hermie F. Alcera II, CPA, chief of the Technical Services Division; and Marialuz C. Abarca, chief of the Planning and Research Section.

University officials in attendance included Board of Regents (BOR) member and SCJE Acting Dean Hon. Vennie G. Coton; Department of Criminology Chair Roselle G. Sabornido; and University Legal Assistant Atty. Sheena Estrella Bentor. 

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.]

Biliran Province State University's tertiary school publications—The Pillar Publication of Naval Campus and The Vista Publication of Biliran Campus—attended the 3rd National Campus Journalism Convention organized by Transforming Advocates and Champions (TRAC), held at the Grand Opera Hotel, Manila, from March 9-11.

Themed, "Empowering Journalists' Voices, Upholding Human Rights in Democratic Society," the national convention gathered almost 500 participants from the different secondary and tertiary institutions across the Philippines. The event featured renowned journalists and personalities including Regina "Ging" Reyes, former head of ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs; Howie Severino, documentarist at I-Witness; and Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Maria Lourdes Sereno.

The BiPSU delegation is composed of 19 journalists from both publications, along with three faculty members of the university namely, Ms. Florabelle Corpin, Mr. Vincent Justine Realino, and Mr. Arnel Gamez.

Meanwhile, The Vista Publication's incumbent Editor-in-Chief, Cris Ann Noquera, was hailed as the champion for Sports News Writing, competing against 32 institutions. She was coached by Mr. Arnel Gamez, a faculty member from the School of Teacher Education- Biliran Campus.

Furthermore, The Pillar Publication's Documentary Vlog team composed of Lyka Janina Brigole, Donato Besana, and Antonio Kristopher Paderanga, defended the title  as the second-runner up of the category. It can be noted that last year, the publication also won second-runner up in the Documentary Vlog competition.

Their documentary vlog titled "Tinta at Tapang: Ang Laban ng Campus Journalits," tackled the life of the campus journalists in the midst of the prevailing oppression and censorship. They were coached by Mr. Vincent Justine L. Realino, a faculty member from the School of Arts and Sciences.

The National Campus Journalism Convention is an annual event organized by TRAC that gathers campus journalists from the different institutions in the country and empower them to become better story-tellers of truth.

[This article aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education]

Biliran Province State University participated in the 38th AACCUP Annual National Conference and General Assembly held at Marikina Polytechnic College Sta. Elena, Marikina City on March 5-7. 

Themed, “Elevate, empower and expand QA in Higher Education,” this year’s conference was designed to enhance the overall quality of the education and ensure that higher education institutions integrate and adapt new technologies and digital tools in their program to raise their standards of quality assurance (QA)  utilizing innovative strategies and best practices, empower educators and administrators with the knowledge, competencies and values using tools needed to implement effective QA processes, and expand these practices by strengthening collaboration and sharing of experiences among institutions and partners in HEIs. 

Led by BiPSU President Dr. Victor Catigbe Cañezo, Jr., the delegation included Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, vice-president for Administration and Finance; Dr. Analiza B. Calles, director of Curriculum, Instruction and Faculty Development (CIFD); Engr. Jessie Mari D. Cerera, director of the Institutional Planning Office (IPO); Dr. Carlito C. Cabas Jr., director of Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA); Dr. Jovy Dia R. Saniel, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS); Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, dean of the School of Teacher Education (STEd); Dr. Randy Villarin, dean of SAB-Form; and Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion, director of the University Media and Information Office (UMIO).

Plenary talks on Building strong partnerships for QA, particularly on the importance of partnerships and best practices for  collaboration and communication with panel discussants including the Director of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) Muhammad Hasfarizal Bin Kamaludin. Dr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, president of Technological University of the Philippines; Dr. Daniel A. Ariaso, Sr, president of Cebu Normal University (CNU); and Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, president of Bukidnon State University, also joined the pannel. 

In his plenary session during Day 2 of the conference, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, president of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), enumerated the challenges and opportunities for SUCs, emphasizing matters regarding the  Revised Organization and Staffing Standards (ROSS), and PASUC programs and activities, among others.

The National PASUC President also congratulated the universities for continuing to raise the standards of education in the Philippines through the implementation of various programs and policies. 

“We are seeing progress among universities. And for that, I am congratulating our HEI presidents. I hope you will always inspire your presidents, because it’s not easy to deliver the full vision of the university,” shared Dr. Ronquillo. 

The conference also featured Dr. Juan Robertino Macaldo, manager of the Learning and Development and Management Office, who discussed advancements in adaptive learning technologies and pathways to quality. 

CHED Commissioner Hon. Shirley C. Agrupiz also graced the third day of the conference, with topics focusing on engaging stakeholders in quality assurance initiatives. 

During her talk, Commissioner Agrupiz encouraged HEIs to engage stakeholders in building a well- structured quality assurance framework. “Stakeholders must know their roles and responsibilities, including the students, faculty, administration and all other support systems,” she said. 

The commissioner also mentioned the important role of the presidents in quality assurance. “No pilot can ever fly a plane without knowing the direction he is traversing,” she said. “You can never be a compass, if you regret the training of quality assurance because building a well- structured quality assurance framework is a key to quality education.”

Meanwhile, the commissioner encouraged the participants to move forward with a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration, enhancing institutional resilience, and ensuring that all HEIs remain bastions of excellence in the Philippines. 

This year’s event also introduced the inaugural Manuel T. Corpus Champion Award, honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to championing quality assurance within their institutions. The award is named in tribute to Dr. Manuel T. Corpus, the esteemed founder of AACCUP.

#WoWBiPSU

[This news article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No. 4: Quality Education.]

Aimed at boosting its reputation as a leading research institution, Biliran Province State University, through its Research and Development Office (RDO), conducted a two-day In-House Research Review for the School of Teacher Education (STED) faculty from March 5-6 at the BiPSU HAVC.

The research review, attended by STED faculty and researchers, sought to assess the current state of research at the university, identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, and develop strategies to elevate BiPSU’s research reputation both locally and globally.

Additionally, the review provided an opportunity to explore ways to enhance faculty, researcher, and student development through targeted training programs, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensure that research practices align with national and international standards.

In her message, Dr. Grace L. Concepcion, chairperson of the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) department, encouraged everyone to seize the opportunity to drive progress in advancing their research efforts.

“Let us take hold of this opportunity to strengthen our research culture, foster collaboration, and inspire one another to push the frontiers of our respective disciplines,” she said. 

Meanwhile, the committee of experts who provided professional critiques and suggestions for the presented research papers included Dr. Maricel Aguila Gomez, associate professor at Eastern Visayas State University- Ormoc Campus, and Dr. Gerald Jayson B. Balanga, associate professor and campus administrator at the Department of Languages and Literature of the Eastern Visayas State University - Dulag Campus.

Best papers were recognized during the closing ceremony of the event.  

Two papers tied for the first spot, including “Exploring the Most Significant Changes Experienced from Participating in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps): The Case of Beneficiaries in Naval, Biliran” by the team of Walter Balondo, Charis Marie C. Lato, Sheila Mae Paraiso, Mabeth M. Rosel, Sheila Bless L. Yubal, Vincent Justine L. Realino, and Kevin T. Lagat; and “A Generalized Model of Teaching Performance Determinants and the Moderating Role of Rewards and Recognitions” by Dr. Jason V. Ang and Iris P. Carlos.  

Dr. Ang and Aida C. Cabrera also secured second place with their paper, “When Times Get Tough: Understanding the Lived Experience of Supervisors in Sharing Expertise.”

Meanwhile, another paper by Dr. Ang, together with Iris P. Carlos, titled “Beyond the Chalkboard: Elucidating the 7 Pillars of Teachers’ Performance in Western Leyte,” earned third place in the best paper category.  

Dr. Ang tied with Jenny Genoguin for the first best presenter award. Dr. Ang presented their paper, “The Performance and Experiences of Novice School Heads in School Management,” while Genoguin won the title for their paper, “Play-Based Teaching in Developing Alphabet Knowledge Among Pre-School Learners.”  

Meanwhile, Dr. Ang also bagged three second best presenter awards for his papers titled “Partnership Appraisal: Challenges and Reforms to Leverage School Success”, “Beyond the Chalkboard: Elucidating the 7 Pillars of Teachers’ Performance in Western Leyte”, and "A Generalized Model of Teaching Performance Determinants and the Moderating Role of Rewards and Recognition”. 

For the third best presenter award, Dr. Ang again tied, this time with Kevin Lagat. Dr. Ang presented the paper “Self-Worth and Capacity: Stories of the Bullies and the Victims,” while Lagat discussed their paper, "Exploring the Most Significant Changes Experienced from Participating in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps): The Case of Beneficiaries in Naval, Biliran.”  

In his closing remarks, Dr. Gregg O. Siat, chairperson of the BEEd department, mentioned that taking on challenges in research helps create a positive impact on society, the university, and the organizations they are connected to.

“We may continue to accept challenges in our research undertakings for it is in this way we can give impact to society, to the school we are connected to and to the organization we belong,” he said.

This year, STED has completed a total of 85 research projects, which is a significant increase compared to the 17 completed papers presented last year.

[This article aligns with the SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.]

As part of the university’s mandate to provide quality extension services for the empowerment of the people and to promote a community-driven approach to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable development, Biliran Province State University  Biliran Campus’ Department of Forest Science, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Biliran, conducted a two-day seminar workshop on mangrove forest management. 

The event, titled Mangrove Forest Nursery Operation Seminar-Workshop, was held on March 5-6 at the Municipal Function Hall in Biliran.

The initiative aimed to equip coastal communities and stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to establish, operate, and maintain mangrove nurseries effectively. The extension program was a response to findings from four research studies conducted by BiPSU faculty members, which identified gaps in effective community engagement and nursery operations crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of mangrove restoration initiatives.

Results from these studies emphasized the critical role of mangrove ecosystems in supporting biodiversity and enhancing community resilience. Furthermore, they underscored the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to protect and restore the mangrove forests in Biliran.

The two-day workshop gathered fifty fisherfolk from various barangays in Biliran, who actively participated in the discussions and hands-on activities facilitated by faculty members of the forest science department. 

Topics covered in the seminar including introduction to mangrove ecosystems, climate change and coastal ecosystems, mangrove nursery planning and site selection, seed collection and propagation techniques, nursery establishment and operations, community-based mangrove restoration, livelihood opportunities from mangroves, policy and legal frameworks for mangrove conservation, and agri-ecotourism and mangrove conservation.

In an interview, For. Melanie Moncada, program chair of the Forest Science department, shared that the department’s extension program is a response to the needs of the community. “The bottomline of the activity is to help the farmers and fisherfolk to have their sustainable livelihood through nursery mangrove seedlings production,” she said.

She also revealed that the proposal for the activity was initially pitched to Municipal Mayor Hon. Myra Cabrales on February 4, during which the mayor pledged the LGU’s full support for the initiative.

In an interview, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo emphasized that strengthening partnerships between the university and the local government in advancing coastal conservation efforts will create a lasting impact not only on the local community but also in the broader scope of ecosystem preservation.

“By empowering local communities with scientific knowledge and practical skills that our expert faculty members may share, the initiative contributes to long-term environmental sustainability and disaster resilience in coastal areas,” the university president stated.

To strengthen the partnership between BiPSU and LGU-Biliran in recognizing the ecological, economic, and social importance of mangrove ecosystems, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is set to be signed soon.

[This aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.]

Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) recently hosted a Sectoral and Civil Society Organization (CSO) Consultation Meeting and Budget Partnership Agreement at BiPSU- Biliran Campus on February 28, to ensure efficient allocation of resources for the improvement of its facilities in FY 2026.

The consultation follows a similar meeting held earlier on February 27 at the Naval Campus, aiming to engage stakeholders in refining the proposed programs, projects, and activities for the external campus’ fiscal year 2026 capital outlay budget. 

Leading the consultation was Vice President for Administration and Finance, Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco,  Institutional Planning Office Director, Engr. Jessie Mari Cerera, and other BiPSU officials from both campuses. 

In his message, Engr. Pelesco emphasized the significance of this event, “This is a crucial step in aligning our budget plans with the needs and priorities of the university. We are not only focusing on the Naval Campus but also extending this initiative to our external campus, ensuring that both internal and external stakeholders are involved in the process”, he said.

Participants also include representatives of various CSOs, such as the Fisherfolks and Farmers of Brgy. San Roque Women’s Association, CLIRVEF Association, and LAMONITES, as well as BiPSU student council officers, faculty members, and other student representatives.

#WoWBiPSU

[This news aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.]

In line with BiPSU’s month-long celebration of the National Women’s Month, Biliran Province State University, through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, organized a one-day seminar on teenage pregnancy awareness titled “Bata, Bata, Handa Ka Na Ba?” on March 5.

Held at the university gymnasium, the event was attended by students from all year levels of BiPSU-Laboratory High School (LHS), from Grades 7 to  12.

The seminar featured expert resource speakers, including Biliran Provincial Health Office Provincial Coordinator Maria Lovella B. Ang, who discussed “Knowing Adolescents: A Healthy Young Ones,” and University Psychometrician Abigail S. Capales, who spoke on “Nurturing Wellness and Positive Relationships.”

In an interview, Ang emphasized the significance of the seminar in equipping students with essential knowledge about their health. 

“This event is very important so that the students, kahit mga high school, ay may additional skills and knowledge regarding sa health nila [even high school students, have additional skills and knowledge regarding their health],” she said. “Diba nag-gro-grow up na sila, at least naa sila’y mga additional knowledge on how to take care of themselves [They've grown up, at least they have additional knowledge on how to take care of themselves],” she said.

Notably, the seminar marked the first activity in BiPSU GAD’s month-long National Women’s Month celebration, with events scheduled every Wednesday throughout March at the same venue.

#WoWBiPSU

[This aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 5: Gender Equality]

MANILA, Philippines - Biliran Province State University, along with the West Mindanao State University (WMSU), visited the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) to observe its Quality Assurance Center (QAC) and explore ways to enhance their academic development strategies through insights from PUP’s best practices in quality assurance. 

Both delegations from BiPSU and WMSU were given an in-depth presentation of PUP’s QAC initiatives and its operational framework.

University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr., head of the BiPSU delegation, outlined the purpose of the visit, emphasizing that the main objective was to gain insights into the quality assurance best practices implemented by PUP.

“By learning from PUP’s exemplary quality assurance approaches, being the pioneer of the Institutional AACCUP accreditation, we are excited to bring back actionable lessons that will improve BiPSU’s academic programs and institutional operations. Our goal is to implement these learnings to elevate our own quality assurance standards," Dr. Cañezo said.

Along Dr. Cañezo are eight key officials from BiPSU, including Engr. Vivencio A. Pelesco, vice-president for Administration and Finance; Dr. Analiza B. Calles, director of Curriculum, Instruction and Faculty Development (CIFD); Engr. Jessie Mari D. Cerera, director of the Institutional Planning Office (IPO); Dr. Carlito C. Cabas Jr., director of Quality Assurance; Dr. Jovy Dia R. Saniel, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS); Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, dean of the School of Teacher Education (STEd); Dr. Randy Villarin, dean of SAB-Form; and Apple Joy Balondo-Visitacion, director of the University Media and Information Office (UMIO).

PUP’s Quality Assurance Center Director, Dr. Sanjay P. Claudio  kicked off the visit by warmly welcoming the delegates and setting the stage for a collaborative exchange of ideas. 

“We are excited to share our experiences with BiPSU and WMSU,” Dr. Claudio expressed. “Leading the Quality Assurance Center of the largest university in the country is no easy feat, but with the efforts and accomplishments we’ve achieved, we’re proud to contribute to the continuous improvement of our institution.”

The QAC Director, who has headed the office since 2017, also highlighted significant accomplishments, including the achievement of 203 CHED-issued Certificates of Program Compliance (COPCs) from none in 2017, and 24 newly approved campuses, offering over 230 degree programs, with 184 accredited by the AACCUP.

He also discussed the core functions of the center, stressing the integration of quality assurance into PUP’s academic and administrative systems. "Our goal is not just to maintain, but to continually improve the quality of education we offer. The QAC plays a central role in this mission," he emphasized.

Further, Dr. Claudio outlined 12 initiatives implemented by the QAC, such as restructuring the QAC Organizational Structure, increasing manpower to support expanded mandates, enhancing communication with all sectors, strengthening the branding of academic programs during QA visits, and utilizing the expertise of internal accreditors, among others.

Following the presentations, an engaging forum was held, where the delegates from BiPSU and WMSU had the opportunity to ask questions.

Dr. Cañezo expressed his appreciation for the open exchange. “It’s through such collaborations that we grow together,” he said. “The lessons we learn here today will help weave BiPSU’s future strategies for quality education.”

The visit concluded with the PUP Quality Assurance Center presenting key samples of its portfolio, highlighting the accomplishments and initiatives from Areas 1 to 9 of their quality assurance framework. The detailed presentation provided a comprehensive look at PUP’s systematic approach to ensuring excellence across various academic and administrative sectors. 

“It’s been a pleasure to be here at PUP. We hope this benchmarking visit strengthens our  commitment to quality education across all our institutions,” Dr. Cañezo stressed. 

The BiPSU delegation is also set to attend the 38th AACCUP Annual National Conference and General Assembly from March 5-7 at the Marikina Polytechnic College in Marikina City, where they will continue to expand their knowledge and network with other higher education professionals.

#WoWBiPSU

[This news article aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education.]

As part of BiPSU’s Integrated Community Extension Services Program (ICESP), Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Extension Office, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) Biliran Division, successfully hosted a Training Workshop on Conceptualization and Writing Basic Action Research on March 1, at the university’s Hyflex Audio-Visual Center. 

More than 50 selected DepEd teachers from various local schools participated in the workshop, which aimed to empower educators by providing them with the skills to become reflective practitioners and active contributors to educational progress. 

This training,conducted as part of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between BiPSU and DepEd on November 21, 2024,  emphasized the importance of research as a tool for addressing real-world classroom challenges. 

Dr. Analiza B. Calles, chair of the Doctor of Education program, noted in her welcome remarks, “This initiative is a manifestation of your eagerness to take significant efforts toward improving your skills in writing basic and action research to promote educational practices, particularly within the Division of Biliran,” she said.  

Dr. Calles also noted that this workshop allows teachers to refine their pedagogical practices, enhance curriculum implementation, and contribute to a more engaging and effective learning environment.

Meanwhile, Dr. Claire Theresa S. Bentor, SGS faculty explained that this workshop is designed to ensure that teachers can develop interventions to classroom challenges based on their own firsthand experiences. “By doing so, the solutions will be more responsive, localized, and impactful in improving the quality of education,” she added.  

The workshop began with an orientation on the DepEd Research Agenda and Niches by Dr. Junasis Cajipe, head teacher III at Caibiran National High School. Following this, the participants were guided through essential topics on action research, with Dr. Rufo A. Labarrete, faculty member at the College of Education at Leyte Normal University (LNU), leading a session on identifying basic action research problems. 

Dr. Ernil D. Sumayao, SGS faculty, then provided valuable insights on writing the introduction to action research.

During the hands-on training, participants learned how to conceptualize and write basic action research, focusing on identifying classroom issues, creating practical solutions, to enhance student learning outcomes. The workshop was seen as a crucial step in helping teachers build a stronger connection between theory and practice, promoting a culture of continuous improvement in education.

The event concluded with the presentation of outputs, where participants shared their action research drafts, reflecting their eagerness to implement their newfound knowledge in their classrooms.

Looking ahead, additional workshops will be held as part of the three-year partnership between BiPSU and DepEd, aimed at further strengthening the professional development of educators in the province. These workshops are coordinated with the School of Graduate Studies (SGS), where many of the participating teachers are pursuing their master’s and post-graduate studies.

#WoWBiPSU

[This news aligns with SDG No. 4: Quality Education.]

United Methodist Healthcare Recruitment (UMHR), a healthcare professional recruitment and staffing agency based in Chicago, Illinois, United States, visited Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) to explore a potential partnership in sending nursing graduates for employment opportunities in the US.

Ms. Rosemarie V. Policarpio, CEO of UMHR, personally introduced the agency to University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. during a courtesy visit on March 3, 2025.

Established in 2015, UMHR is a non-profit organization committed to providing quality healthcare professionals—including nurses, physical therapists, medical technologists, and caregivers—from the Philippines to the United States. The agency specializes in petitioning green cards for Filipino healthcare workers and managing the entire immigration and employment process.

Opportunity for a countryside university

CEO Policarpio emphasized that BiPSU is the only state university in the region they have visited so far, citing their interest in partnering with the university to bring its nursing graduates to the US.

“We believe that students coming from the countryside, like BiPSU, know more about taking care of themselves,” she said. “It’s important that they can take care of themselves to survive in the US and effectively care for their patients.”

She also shared that before visiting BiPSU, she conducted research on the university’s nursing program, particularly its licensure exam passing rate and employability of graduates.

Dr. Cañezo expressed pride in the university’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), emphasizing its commitment to producing competent and globally competitive healthcare professionals.

“We have a very competitive admission process in our nursing program, state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, and highly qualified faculty members,” the university president said. “This is evident in our consistently high passing rates in licensure examinations and our 100% employability rate.”

UMHR’s Scholarship and Job Opportunities for BiPSU Nursing Graduates

During an orientation with BiPSU nursing students on March 3 at the university HAVC, CEO Policarpio outlined the benefits of the UMHR program, which include financial assistance for the local nursing licensure examination, free exam application and review for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a standardized test required for nursing licensure in the US and Canada; and free processing fees for Visa filing, legal services, airfare, and two months of housing in the US.

She explained that UMHR has partnerships with 70 healthcare institutions across 20 US states. Nurses under the program may be deployed to high-paying locations such as Washington, New York, and Massachusetts.

“You will work a minimum of 40 hours per week and will be compensated $35 to $42 per hour [P2,027 to P2,433 per hour],” she shared.

Policarpio also highlighted that UMHR prioritizes fresh graduates, as the processing time for deployment takes around three years. During this period, applicants are encouraged to gain experience by working in local healthcare facilities.

Meanwhile, to formalize the collaboration between BiPSU and UMHR, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will soon be signed, ensuring that BiPSU nursing graduates have a direct pathway to employment opportunities in the US.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.]