In a move to ensure compliance with Republic Act 11032, an act promoting ease of doing business and efficient delivery of government services, also known as the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) or 2007, three ARTA field evaluators inspected various offices of the Biliran Province State University on January 21.

The third- party evaluation team from the RLR Research and Analysis, composed of Evelyn P. Badrina, field supervisor; Daryl D. Badrina, field interviewer; and Marisol Lanto, field researcher, assessed the university’s adherence with ARTA guidelines, aiming to streamline government services and improve efficiency.

Prior to the inspection, the evaluators paid a courtesy visit to BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr, at the  Office of the University President, together with BiPSU ARTA Focal, Dr. Concepcion M. Gayrama.

During the onsite visit, the evaluators conducted interviews with randomly selected 20 clients who availed services from university offices, including Cashier’s Office, Registrar’s Office, and the university’s Student Learning Hub and Co-Working Space, to gather feedback and evaluate the quality of services provided. The inspection focused on ensuring that BiPSU’s operations align with ARTA's objective to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and improve public service delivery.

"So far, the monitoring has been positive. It provides an opportunity for our students to share their honest feedback about our services,” Dr. Gayrama, BiPSU's ARTA focal person, said. “This kind of evaluation is crucial as it allows us to assess how effectively we are meeting the needs of our clients.”

Dr. Gayrama also reported that BiPSU has complied with key statutory requirements, including the establishment of the Public Assistance and Complaints Desk (PACD), the display of the citizen’s charter in each office, and the implementation of the Customer Satisfaction Measurement (CSM) survey. 

The university ARTA focal also revealed that the university is currently preparing to submit the CSM results for Fiscal Year 2024. 

Meanwhile, ARTA evaluators stated that the results of this survey and evaluation will be compiled and forwarded to the ARTA office for further review and action.

[This news article aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal No. 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.]

Aimed at providing comprehensive capacity-building programs tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by youth leaders in the Municipality of Kawayan, the Office of the Vice Mayor of Kawayan, in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Kawayan, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Biliran, and Biliran Province State University, through the School of Arts and Sciences, launched the Project SKKY (Sa Kawayan Kaya Yan) at the university gymnasium from January 19 to 21.

This project, a product of a quadripartite agreement among Hon. Jake Espina, vice-mayor of Kawayan as the project leader; the DILG-Biliran, BiPSU, and the LGU-Kawayan, aims to collaborate and enable Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members from all barangays of Kawayan to emerge as competent, proactive, and transformative agents of change. 

The three-day seminar series began with foundational topics, starting with Hon. Rene Villaflores, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Kawayan chair on Laws and Rules, who led a session on "Internal Rules of Procedure: The Blueprint for Effective Governance," followed by Mr. Dexter Narrido, MLGOO of LGU Naval, who presented "Mastering Parliamentary Procedure: Empowering SK Leaders for Effective Governance."

In his message, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Canezo Jr. expressed his full support for the program. He is also confident that it would help the delegates develop the skills needed to lead effectively.

"I served as an SK chairman back then in Masagongsong, and the experiences I gained have shaped skills that I still carry with me today as the president of BiPSU which is why I give this project my full support, knowing that the delegates will be equipped with the knowledge to become exceptional leaders,” he said.

As the seminar moved to Day 2, the focus shifted to more specialized topics. James V. Lambit, community affairs assistant at the LGU-Naval, covered the "CBYDP and ABYIP" and the "Budget Process," providing delegates with essential knowledge on youth development and financial management. 

Moreover, Yvonne M. Mocorro, municipal treasurer of LGU-Kawayan, led a session on the "Procurement Process," and Stephen Nee Jadulco, municipal accountant of LGU Kawayan, concluded the day with sessions on "Disbursement and Documentary Requirements for Common Government Transactions" and the "SK Full Disclosure Policy," emphasizing transparency and accountability in government transactions.

In an interview, Vice Mayor Jake Espina, project overall coordinator of the SKKY program, shared that his struggles as a new youth leader inspired the project, as he wants to provide SKs the training and opportunities he once lacked to help them unlock their full potential.

“As a new youth leader back in 2021, I was full of passion to serve but I felt I lacked the necessary skills and I felt lost,” VM Espina said. “Yet through the training and seminars I received, I found the confidence and empowerment I needed; and now I’m determined to ensure the SKs of Kawayan have the same opportunities to unlock their potential and become the leaders they’re meant to be.”

Additionally, he expressed his enthusiasm that the three-day seminar has helped the delegates develop a stronger sense of purpose in leadership.

"I hope the three-day seminar has made an impact by helping delegates unlock their full potential, refining both their skills and personal growth, and fostering self-awareness so they could better serve their fellow youths as leaders," VM Espina added.

Meanwhile, during the final day, the seminar focused on leadership ethics and communication, with Kenette Ticoy, LYDO-designate of Cabucgayan, leading a session on "Ethical Leadership and Core Values in SK Governance," followed by Atty. Dick Guiller G. Delfin, legal officer of BiPSU, who addressed "Decision-Making and Ethical Dilemmas in Leadership.”

Additionally, Dr. John Cavin M. Sabonsolin, chairperson of BA Communication, discussed "Effective Communication in Leadership" and Mr. Joedel O. Peñaranda, executive assistant to the University President of BiPSU, introduced "Futures Thinking for SK Leaders."

In an interview, Shem Dejarlo, an SK Kagawad and second-year student, expressed her gratitude for the program, noting that it provided her with knowledge that would help her become a more effective youth leader in her barangay.

“I am very grateful that our Vice Mayor, Jake Espina, was able to come up with this project because I believe I still have areas of knowledge to improve as an SK Kagawad,” she said. “Throughout the three days of learning in this program, I have gained so much valuable insight that will truly help me become a more effective youth leader in our barangay.”

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.]

Biliran Province State University continues to champion transformative research as it secures a P500,000 grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The funding will support a timely study titled “Psychological Stress, Suicidal Ideation, and Coping Mechanisms among Students in Selected Tertiary Academic Institutions in Eastern Visayas.”

The said project, led by Dr. Pearl Irish de Paz, alongside assistant project leader Dr. Willard N. Riveral and team members Dr. Jovy Dia R. Saniel, Dr. Niez, and Dr. Victor Canezo, focuses on understanding the mental health struggles faced by students in the region, identifying the prevalence of psychological stress and suicidal ideation, and uncovering effective coping mechanisms to support student well-being.

The research, funded through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) under DOST, is set to begin as soon as the funds are downloaded this month. 

Expressing his enthusiasm for the project’s potential, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo underscored the university’s commitment to addressing societal issues. 

“This project is an evidence to BiPSU’s dedication to conducting meaningful research that addresses the real-world challenges faced by students," Dr. Cañezo said. "We are earnest to contribute to solutions that improve mental health and overall student well-being.”

The findings from this study are expected to inform the development of mental health policies and programs, providing institutions across Eastern Visayas with tools to create more supportive and inclusive environments for students.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being.]

Biliran Province State University, through the School of Management and Entrepreneurship (SME), in partnership with Outbound Education and Internships (OBEI), conducted an orientation with parents and students for international On-the-Job Training (OJT) on January 20 at the university HAVC.

Themed, “Empowering Future Young Tourism and Hospitality Professionals for a Global Center”, the event, held at the BiPSU Hyflex Audio-Visual Center (HAVC), aimed to prepare and guide students and parents for the internship programs in Thailand, United States of America, and France.

Moreover, according to Dr. Mafel A. Piol, SME dean, the opportunity to have an international internship will pave the way for professional growth. “This program will not only refine your skills and enhance your expertise, but will also shape you into globally competitive professionals ready to take on the world,” Dr. Piol stated. 

OBEI Managing Director Mary Grace Batocabe led the orientation, highlighting the essence of Student Internship Abroad Programs (SIAP). 

Notably, the university is eyeing to send 14 student-interns to Thailand, eight to the United States of America (USA), and four to France.

#WoWBiPSU

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.]

To showcase the students’ E-Sports prowess, Biliran Province State University held its first-ever inter-school Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament at the university gymnasium, January 17.

The said event convened 80 players from the different schools across the university featuring men and women’s division.

In the men’s division, School of Engineering (SOE) were hailed as champion bannered by Carlo Joseph Papilleras, Kurt Christian Adobo, Sean Japsin Basil, Shawn Michael Baylon, Giancarlo Biagcong, and Joshua Villaflores.

School of Technology and Computer Studies (STCS) secured the second place spot, while the School of Management and Entrepreneurship finished the game as third placer.

Meanwhile, School of Teacher Education (STEd) emerged victorious clinching the championship title for women’s division. The team composed of Femmie Joy Cabia, Hazel Gonzales, Sweetheart Quimbo, Julie Ann Santuele, and Francine Joy Satorre.

School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) and the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) won the second and third place, respectively.

Moreover, the chosen top six best players for both men and women will represent BiPSU in the first-ever Eastern Visayas Regional State Colleges and University Athletic Association (EVRSCUAA) E-Games 2025.

The men’s division consisting Papilleras, Adobo, Villaflores, Lennart Chong, Dennis Hillboy, and Rey Joseph Daprosa.

Meanwhile, women’s division best players featuring Gonzales, Cabia, Santuele, Satorre, Blessie Rose Sidaya, and Kristina Cassandra Disor.

In an interview, Chong shared that it was an unexpected moment when his name was called as one of the qualifiers for the regional E-Games. “Overwhelming and at the same time unexpected siya since mga kusog among mga kalaban,” he said.

The schedule and location for the EVRSCUAA E-Games 2025 is not yet announced.

[This article aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education]

As a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, BiPSU through the office of the Vice President for Student and External Affairs (VP-SEA), released the first semester academic scholarship to 663 scholars for the A.Y ’24-25 at the university student center, January 17.

A total of 663 scholars from all schools of BiPSU-Naval Campus availed of the said grant. 151 of this received P5,500 under the university scholarship while 512 received P4,500 under the college scholarship. P3.1 million has been disbursed in total.

Students with a general weighted average of 1.0 to 1.29 are classified as university scholars, while those with an average of 1.3 to 1.5 are recognized as college scholars.

Ma. Ellen Apura, a second-year Business Administration student, shared in an interview on how the academic scholarship grant from the university helps in her pursuit in education.

“As a student who struggled financially, it is really a big help pang dugang sa allowance and maka motivate siya sa student na mag excel pa academically,” she said.

Mrs. Maricel Saulan, academic scholarship coordinator, clarified that the second-semester grades from the previous academic year are required for the current release, which corresponds to the first semester of the A.Y. 2024-2025, aligning with the application period.

“Ang requirement na second semester grades last academic year is para to sa karon na release which is for first semester for the academic year 2024-2025, same semester kung when sila nag apply,” Mrs. Saulan stated.

Moreover, the initial schedule of application for the second semester is set to transpire in February.

#WoWBiPSU

Taking a proactive step in strengthening its institutional goals and objectives, Biliran Province State University conducted its 2024 Performance Review and 2026 Target Setting at the university HAVC on January 16.

Part of the mandate of BiPSU as a learning institution, the activity focused on evaluating the university’s performance, addressing catch-up plans, and setting ambitious targets for the future across major programs, including higher education, advanced education, research, and technical advisory.

The event commenced with a comprehensive review of the university's accomplishments in 2024, presented by Institutional Planning Office (IPO) Director Engr. Jessie Mari Cerera and Project Development Officer Jesica Myka B. Quijano. The report assessed the university’s adherence to performance targets and its alignment with institutional goals, offering insights into areas of success and potential improvement.

Discussions also centered on catch-up plans for FY 2025, aimed at addressing gaps and improving the university’s delivery of its mandates. Additionally, participants worked on setting targets for the FY 2026 Physical Plan to ensure a strategic approach to achieving future objectives.

The event gathered university key officials, including University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr., vice presidents, deans, directors, unit heads, and program, research, and extension chairpersons.

University President Dr. Cañezo, in his opening remarks, underscored the importance of assessing the current standing of the university and planning the ways forward. 

“It’s in activities like this that we can discuss and contemplate on what we have done so far as a learning institution,” the university president said. “And it’s also through these collaborative discussions that we gain insights that we need to refine our strategies for our ways forward,” he added.

Additionally, the meeting also held particular importance as it prepared for the submission of BiPSU’s Annual Performance Review (APR) to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region 8 on February 25, 2025. This highlighted BiPSU’s sustained commitment to excellence, evidenced by its recent eligibility for the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for FY 2022—marking the fourth consecutive year since FY 2019 of BiPSU’s inclusion of few institutions to be granted.

The activity, held annually, was organized by the Institutional Planning Office.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.]

In celebration of BiPSU's recent batch of newly licensed nurses who achieved an impressive 100% passing rate in the 2024 Philippine Nurses' Licensure Examination, BiPSU hosted a testimonial dinner on January 15 at the university gymnasium.

This event, led by the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS), provided newly licensed nurses with an opportunity to share their journeys and celebrate their achievements in the presence of their friends, family, mentors, and former colleagues.

In addition, prior to the testimonial dinner, a seminar titled 'Empowering Future Nurses: Transition from Education to Employment' was held in the morning. Following this, a parade attended by all nursing students and the newly licensed nurses took place in the town in the afternoon.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Jovy Dia R. Saniel, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, acknowledged the difficult journey faced by the newly licensed nurses and she also highlighted their success as a result of the combined support from faculty, administration, fellow students, and parents, stressing that their achievement demonstrated the power of hard work and collaboration.

“The journey to becoming a licensed nurse has not been easy, but with the support of faculty, administration, fellow students, and their proud parents, these graduates have succeeded,” she said. “This accomplishment shows that with hard work and support, great things are possible—congratulations to all, and best of luck in your nursing careers.”

During the ceremony, BiPSU President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. commended the newly licensed nurses, noting that their success reflects BiPSU’s vision of becoming an internationally recognized university while fulfilling its mission to develop skilled individuals dedicated to making relevant contributions to society.

"Congratulations to our newly licensed nurses, you are the embodiment of what it means to be a true #WoWBiPSUnista, and your success is a shining manifestation of BiPSU’s vision: to become an internationally recognized university, attuned to both local and global needs,” he mentioned.

Moreover, university key officials also attended the said activity, including Hon. Jean Clare Diu, Board of Regents (BOT) private sector representative; Dr. Erwin G. Salvatierra, vice president for Student and External Affairs (VP SEA); Hon. Vennie G. Coton, faculty regent and dean of the School of Criminal Justice Education (SCJE); Mrs. Marilyn Ignacio, university registrar; and Hon. Aluah Kane Cabalhin, student regent.

In his testimony, Mr. Mark Jordan C. Pestaño, one of the newly licensed nurses, highlighted three key factors that played a crucial role in his success and will undoubtedly serve as valuable guidance for other nursing students aspiring to become licensed professionals.

"Three things that helped me and will surely help future exam takers pass and secure their status as newly licensed nurses are: first, plan everything before you leave your house for the review; second, never leave a day without studying; and third, never lose faith and always believe in God."

It’s worth noting that, according to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), BiPSU achieved a 100% passing rate for first-time takers in the November 2024 Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE), with 56 new registered nurses, surpassing the national passing rate of 84.99%.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.]

Aiming to raise awareness on crime prevention measures and laws protecting women and children, the Naval Municipal Police Station (Naval MPS) - Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), in partnership with Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), conducted a Classroom Lecture at the BiPSU Basketball Court on January 15.

The lecture, attended by second-year Criminology students, covered various topics, including the online sexual exploitation of children, cyber safety, and the salient points of R.A. 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act.

In her talk, PMSg Venus G. Abrigo, personnel of Naval MPS-WCPD, emphasized the importance of respecting women and children and discussed the R.A. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) of 2004.

Moreover, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. expressed his appreciation to the Naval MPS-WCPD for choosing the institution, particularly Criminology students, as the target of their lecture.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the WCPD of Naval MPS for extending their service in educating our students about crime prevention measures, mainly on Online and Sexual Exploitation of Children and Cyber Safety,” Dr. Canezo stated.

“I’m certain that the lecture helped our criminology students to understand the laws that protect women and children, especially that it is crucial in their future profession,” he added.

The said lecture is divided into four sessions, pioneered by second-year criminology students. First-year, fourth-year, and third-year criminology students are set to partake in the same lecture on January 20, 24, and 29, respectively.

[This aligns with SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals]

In its commitment to providing quality, technology-driven education, Biliran Province State University conducted a Smart Classroom Training of Trainers Program on January 14 at the School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SNHS) Smart Classroom.

The said training is aimed at capacitating the faculty and support staff of the university in effectively operating Smart Classroom technologies.

The trainees were oriented about the proper and effective way of using the Smart Classroom facility, including proper navigation of the interactive boards, specifically on how to access its applications for better student experience. 

In his remarks, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. expressed his gratitude as his aspiration for BiPSU to become an institution adapting to modern technologies to improve teaching and learning delivery is starting to come into reality.

“This is the start of something greater for BiPSU as we transition from chalk and blackboards—the traditional way of teaching—to Smart classrooms, adapting to modern technological changes, particularly in teaching and learning of students,” Dr. Cañezo stated.

Dr. Cañezo also thanked the trainees for their commitment to helping the university with its goal to make it a smart campus.

"I would like to thank everyone who has attended the training,” the university president siad. “This will make sure that our Smart Classrooms will be in good hands because we have trained our faculty and staff to manage it effectively.” 

The training was attended by all deans and program chairpersons, along with faculty members with expertise in IT, and directors or personnel with designations related to academic affairs.

[This aligns with SDG Number 4: Quality Education.]