Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) successfully hosted the 2025 International Conference on Methodological Advances in Research (ICMAR) from September 16 to 19, bringing together leading researchers, academics, and institutional leaders from across the Philippines and abroad. 

Themed, “Innovative Pathways: Advancing the SDGs through Transformative Research Methods,” the four-day hybrid conference spotlighted the crucial role of evidence-based research in advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The international gathering opened on September 16 with its virtual leg, featuring 197 online paper presentations via Zoom, showcasing the expanse of research pursuits.

Meanwhile, the in-person conference commenced on September 17 at the university gymnasium, beginning with the traditional arrival of honors for distinguished guests, including Naval Mayor Hon. Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina, keynote speaker Dr. Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III of Global Health Focus, plenary speakers Dr. Ehatasam Ul Hoque Eiten and Ms. Tahsina Yasmin of Daffodil International University (DIU), and consortium leaders led by Dr. Jude A. Duarte, president of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) and chair of the Visayas-Mindanao Consortium for Journal Publication, Inc. (VMCJPI).

In his welcome address, BiPSU President Prof. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. issued a bold call to action, urging researchers to move beyond rhetoric and instead build “tools that tell leaders what works.” 

He further emphasized three key deliverables for the research community: better designs through robust methodologies such as quasi-experimental and mixed-method approaches; better measures aligned with SDG targets and disaggregated by demographics to ensure inclusivity; and better routes to action through practical outputs such as policy briefs and implementation guides for schools, hospitals, and local governments.

“This is why ICMAR matters; there is a working session on method, evidence, and use,” Prof. Cañezo said. “It is the kind of ecosystem we strive to build—one where strong methods lead to real impact.”

Mayor Espina, in her message of support, praised BiPSU’s leadership in hosting the international event. To honor participants, the mayor hosted a BiPSU Night at the Naval People’s Park—a cultural celebration coinciding with the town’s Pueblo Day festivities.

The intellectual core of ICMAR was defined by keynote and plenary lectures, wherein Dr. Prisno delivered an inspiring address on the critical role of global health research.

Additionally, Dr. Eiten presented “From Ideas to Impact: How Research Drives the Sustainable Development Goals,” highlighting how innovative methodologies transform concepts into strategies for SDG achievement. Complementing his talk, Ms. Yasmin delivered “Innovation for a Sustainable Future: Transformation in Higher Education Institutions,” emphasizing the role of universities in reimagining systems and practices to address sustainability challenges worldwide. 

Parallel sessions held on September 17 and 18 sustained the momentum of scholarly exchange, with more than 200 papers presented across fields such as education, health sciences, business, technology, and community development. The sessions culminated in the awarding of Best Papers and Best Presenters, recognizing outstanding contributions from among the participants.

ICMAR 2025’s success was attributed to the collaborative effort of the VMCJPI Technical Working Group, composed of vice presidents and research officials from 18 state universities and colleges nationwide, which include Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), BiPSU, Bukidnon State University (BukSU), Bohol Island State University (BISU), Cebu Normal University (CNU), Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Guimaras State University (GSU), Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), Leyte Normal University (LNU), Negros Oriental State University (NOrSU), North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology (NMSCST), Samar State University (SSU), Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU), University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), University of Northern Philippines (UNP), and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR). 

During the closing program on September 18, the consortium recognized the Best Paper awardees across four strands, to wit: in Social Sustainability, the award went to Jonecis A. Dayap of the USJR for “Mathematical Model of Dengue Transmission Dynamics with Adaptive Human Behavior;” for Inclusive Development, Mark John M. Martinez of ASSCAT was awarded for “Mapping the Landscape: A Bibliometric Analysis of ASEAN Countries’ Special Education Research;” in Sustainable Economic Development, Rhea Joy D. Flora of GSU won for “Soil Fertility Assessment of Guimaras’ Mango Plantations;” and in Environmental Sustainability, Mary Jane Madario of the UEP earned recognition for her study on the antibacterial properties of sea moss.

Winners of the Best Paper Presentation were also announced, to wit in the Virtual Category, recognition went to Jelyn M. Magno of BiPSU, Katherine B. Akut of BukSU, and Velinda T. Gorduiz of SLSU for their research on social media and literature, faculty development trends, and machine learning applications, respectively. In the Onsite Category, awards were given to Jonecis A. Dayap of USJR, Steve I. Embang of  NMSCST, Alberto E. Lastimado Jr. of NEMSU, and Cyril A. Cabello of Cebu Technological University–Moalboal Campus for their works spanning dengue modeling, teacher education, turbine optimization, and water quality assessment.

This year’s international conference concluded on September 19 with a cultural immersion and post-conference meeting, offering participants a deeper connection to Biliran’s heritage while strengthening professional and institutional collaborations.

In just four days, ICMAR 2025 proved to be more than an academic gathering but a platform where research met reality, collaboration turned into solutions, and BiPSU affirmed its role as a university weaving the Philippines into the global fabric of transformative research.

#WoWBiPSU

The Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) conducted an orientation for the new Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and Tulong-Dunong Program-TES (TDP-TES) grantees at the BiPSU gymnasium on September 5, 2025.

The event took place in two sessions. The morning session, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN, was for students from the SCJE, STCS, STED, and SNHS. The afternoon session, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, was for students from SAS, SOE, and SME.

The program featured a welcome message from Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, Vice President for Student Affairs, and an orientation on the Tulong-Dunong process by Ms. Ginny M. Quimada, UniFAST Regional Coordinator. Ms. Shiela C. Salentes, the TES/UniFAST Focal Person, also addressed the grantees.

In a statement, BiPSU President Prof. Víctor C. Cañezo, Jr., EdD, CHRP, congratulated the scholars and encouraged them to maximize the opportunity.

"This scholarship is an investment in your future," said Prof. Cañezo. "I urge you to study hard and use this support to achieve your dreams. The entire BiPSU community is here to support you."

#WoWBiPSU

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

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

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

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

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

#WoWBiPSU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#WoWBiPSU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#WoWBiPSU

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

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

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

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

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

On the financial front, BiPSU demonstrated exceptional fiscal management. The university achieved 100% fund utilization for both Personnel Services and Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), and a near-perfect 98% utilization for Capital Outlay. This resulted in an overall disbursement rate of 97%. Furthermore, BiPSU showcased strong income generation, achieving a 128% collection rate by gathering over ₱136 million from tuition and other fees, supplemented by scholarship grants.

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

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

#WoWBiPSU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He also underscored the importance of sportsmanship, urging athletes to embody fairness, humility, and respect, win or lose. “That is what sustains BiPSU’s standing—not just victories but values,” he added.

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

President Cañezo concluded his message with a call to celebrate the anniversary with the same brilliance, innovation, progress, service, and unity that define BiPSU’s legacy. “Good luck to all the teams. May the games begin!” he declared, officially launching the festivities.

#WoWBiPSU

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moreover, Dr. Ho commended the university for being “quality assured” with its excellent practices she has observed even before the assessment.

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

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

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

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

#WoWBiPSU

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

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

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

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