14/08/2026
πππππππ ππππ | WVSU-COD holds '26 year-opener orientation
To welcome and guide students and their parents for the new academic year, the West Visayas State UniversityβCollege of Dentistry held its semester-opener orientation yesterday, Aug. 13, at the College of Medicine Gymnasium.
With the theme βLegacy of Smiles: Built on Knowledge, Driven by Excellence,β the orientation covered the WVSU Student Handbook, COD Bulletin of Information, Return of Service Program (RSOP), and introductions to the collegeβs faculty, staff, and student organizations.
Welcoming 39 freshmen, College Dean Dr. Liza Assumpta M. Jover, in her opening remarks, highlighted the revised RSOP contract, which extends the return-of-service obligation from the previous three years to six years.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the demanding nature of dentistry, describing it as a profession that requires βprecision of the hand, discipline of the mind, and compassion of the heart.β
Also in attendance was Dr. Victorino A. Salcedo III, Vice President for Medical and Allied sciences.
The general orientation continued with the introduction of the collegeβs new faculty members, staff, and student organizations, followed by a discussion of the Student Handbook led by University Dentist Dr. Glorieaster Sabando.
The session concluded with an open forum before proceeding to separate orientations at the College of Dentistry Building for the RSOP, pre-clinical, and clinical levels.
Sub-orientation breakouts
Attorney Ryan Castro, together with Dr. Ma. Janine Capaciete, oriented freshmen and their parents on the RSOP, discussing the service obligations students will undertake after passing the licensure examination.
Under the revised contract, students are required to render one year of service for every year covered by the RSOP, differing from the previous contract, which required one year of return service for every two years under the program.
The pre-clinical orientation, meanwhile, welcomed third- and fourth-year students as they were briefed on laboratory guidelines, violations, and demerits in preparation for more advanced work involving dental materials, equipment, and live patients. The session also included the election of pre-clinical officers, with Lyka Campillan elected president and Aryhan Kate Patrona as vice president.
For the clinical students, Dr. Lester Joseph Cardenas, associate dean for clinical sciences, presided over an orientation for clinicians and their parents covering clinical responsibilities, laboratory fees, academic requirements, and expectations.
The collegeβs anticipated acquaintance party followed later that evening.
βοΈ Rosema Kamsa
πΈ Benz Nicolf Casador, Ciro Dumaicos, & Jade Esmeralda
