Forum-Dimensions, 2nd floor, University Student Center, West Visayas State University, Luna Street, La Paz, Iloilo City (2026)

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2nd Floor, University Student Center, West Visayas State University, Luna Street, La Paz

03/06/2026

NEWS UPDATE: 𝗧𝗮𝗴𝗮-𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

The West Visayas State University - La Paz Campus honored its students who excelled in both the academic and non-academic fields in the University Recognition Program 2026 held at the University Cultural Center, June 3.

This year’s Latin honor recipients totaled 1,060, a slight decrease from last year’s 1,130.

Among the awardees, 23 were recognized as summa cm laude graduates, 572 as magna cm laude graduates, and 465 as cm laude graduates.

Meanwhile, the University also recognized the following awardees who excelled at different fields and disciplines through special and service awards:

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗕. 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
Louise Angelika Pahilanga

𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Jericho Francesco Jandongan

𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱
Fritz Jaime Sumbo

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱
Ayessa Mae Tumabotabo

𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗼-𝗟𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗺𝗮 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀
Jon-Athan Maypa

𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱
Jose Mario Quisto
Margie Antonino
Dianna Rose Souribio

𝗔𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿
Vhee Junnyne Militar

The University Parangal is an annual event that recognizes the accomplishments of Taga-West students within and beyond the institution.

Story by Lawrence Christian Montiague
📷 Danna Pauleen Perez and Rogie Ken Villarin

03/06/2026

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂.

The countdown nears its end after four long years of lectures, deadlines, and victories both seen and unseen, the graduating class stands one step away from crossing a milestone.

Tomorrow, the halls that witnessed countless stories will send forth another batch of graduates, ready to carry their dreams beyond the University’s gates.

Taga-West graduates, the tassels are almost ready to turn. In this kaleidoscope world, may the colors of your journey continue to create endless possibilities.

Caption by Hannah Mesha Cartera
Design and layout by Ralph Lorens Mosquera

03/06/2026

LOOK: Newly-elected officers of the University Student Council (USC) for academic year 2026-2027 officially took their oath of office during the Non-Academic Awards Recognition of the University Parangal today, June 3.

The election winners for both the USC and the College Student Council were previously proclaimed online on May 16. | via Kent Zachary Salcedo

📷 Danna Pauleen Perez

03/06/2026

HAPPENING NOW: Taga-West non-academic awardees are honored at University Cultural Center for this year’s University Parangal.

The students are recognized for excelling in different disciplines and fields through special and service awards. | via Lawrence Christian Montiague

📷Rogie Ken Villarin

03/06/2026

NEWS UPDATE: 𝗡𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 ‘𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀’ 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

After criticism over his selection as guest speaker, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete urged students not to turn this year’s University Recognition Program 2026 into a “spectacle that overshadows” the event’s awardees.

Nafarrete warned the audience against those with “dark intentions” who use “propaganda and deception” to influence others.

″Inviting me here today does not mean endorsing every action of any institution,″ he said.

The military official also invoked “academic freedom” in defending engagement with different perspectives.

″Let us celebrate their achievements, listen with open minds, and uphold West Visayas State University, where academic freedom means the freedom to hear, to question, and to learn from all sectors of our societal growth,″ he added.

Nafarrete’s speech came after student organizations, such as the University Student Council, League of Filipino Students, and SAMASA condemned his appearance over allegations of human rights violations linked to his military career.

The groups argued that inviting a high-ranking military official to address the University’s top awardees disregards the experiences of communities and individuals affected by militarization and rights abuses.

Since the start of the Marcos administration alone, human rights group Karapatan has reported 105 victims of extrajudicial killings, 63,379 victims of indiscriminate firing, 44,065 victims of bombings, 7,780 victims affected by the use of schools, medical, religious and other public places for the military's purposes, and more than 3.4 million victims of “threats, intimidation and harassment.”

While urging students to embody “discipline and sacrifice” beyond their years in the University, Nafarrete also reflected on his experience combating what he described as “internal threats” to national security.

The University has maintained that Nafarrete’s invitation does not constitute an endorsement of any political position or agenda.

University President Joselito Villaruz likewise defended the decision and called on graduates to remain “principled and respectful.”

During the program, several Taga-West students wore black ribbons as a silent protest against Nafarrete’s selection as commencement speaker.

Story and layout by Symon Peterneil Vacunawa

03/06/2026

LOOK: Hundreds of parents and guardians gathered outside the University Cultural Center during this year’s University Recognition Program, June 3.

Due to limited seating inside the venue, only one parent or guardian per honoree was allowed entry, prompting many family members to watch the ceremony through a monitor installed outside.

A total of 1,060 Latin honor recipients were recognized this year, including 23 summa cm laude, 572 magna cm laude, and 465 cm laude graduates. | via Steven Keith Catotal

📷 Danna Pauleen Perez

Editor’s Note: Forum-Dimensions is unable to secure photos of academic awardees on stage, as some student publications were denied entry to the Cultural Center due to strict enforcement of venue access protocols, including the requirement of a “permit or letter.” The Editorial Board extends its congratulations to all academic awardees.

03/06/2026

NEWS UPDATE: West Visayas State University has implemented a traffic management plan for this year's Recognition and Commencement Ceremonies.

The Main Gate will be closed today, June 3, starting from 6 a.m. until the end of the program for the University Recognition Program at the Cultural Center.

All gates will only be opened from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 4, before closing to open this year's Undergraduate Commencement Exercises at the Quezon Hall Grounds.

On June 5, the Main Gate will again be closed from 6 a.m. for the Graduate School Commencement Exercises.

The road along the Quezon Hall facade, the official venue for the undergraduate graduation, will remain closed throughout the three-day schedule.

The Elementary Gate and Magsaysay Gate will remain open for authorized vehicles and pedestrians with official university business.

The University has advised participants to use spaces near the Iloilo National High School and the Magsaysay Esplanade as alternative parking areas.

Story by Ralph Lorens Mosquera
Publication materials courtesy of West Visayas State University/page

02/06/2026

NEWS UPDATE: 𝗧𝗮𝗴𝗮-𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗻𝗮𝘁'𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗶𝗹𝘁

A third-year Bachelor of Science in Chemistry student was recognized on the national stage during a startup pitching competition held in Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, May 25.

Sheenlou Eian Bartolome of CARBNØ Biotech clinched first runner-up in the College Category of DisruptorX 2026, which gathered researchers, innovators, and startup founders across the Philippines to present “innovations and solutions.”

Bartolome and his biotechnology startup team advanced to the Top 10 National Finalists out of 305 applicants nationwide, ultimately securing the podium placement during the National Demo Day.

"It demonstrates that student-led scientific innovations from Western Visayas can compete on a national stage and contribute meaningful solutions to global environmental challenges," Bartolome said.

He represented the University as both the founder and chief executive officer of CARBNØ Biotech, formed under the Business Incubator Nurturing Home-Grown Innovations Technology Business Incubator.

Bartolome and his team focused on creating intelligent marine biomaterials designed as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.

"Today, a biodegradable straw alone is no longer an innovation—it is the baseline. The future lies in intelligent biomaterials capable of delivering additional environmental and functional value while remaining sustainable throughout their lifecycle," he added.

Organized by Serial Disruptors, DisruptorX 2026 aimed to present technology-based solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Story by Lawrence Christian Montiague
Photo courtesy of Sheenlou Eian Bartolome

02/06/2026

𝗦𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗽𝘂𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻.

Sa loob ng mahigit dalawang dekada, patuloy na ipinaglalaban ng masang Pilipino ang karapatang mabuhay nang malaya—walang matang mapanghusga, walang bibig na magbubulong ng pagdududa, at walang sinumang magtatangkang magdikta kung paano magmahal o umasta.

Bitbit natin ang bahaghari, hindi lamang bilang simbolo ng pagkakaiba-iba, kundi bilang sagisag ng matagal na pakikibaka para sa pagkakakilanlan, pagkakapantay-pantay, at pagtanggap sa bawat isa. Bahagi ito ng kasaysayang hinubog ng tapang, tiwala, at desisyong umibig kahit salungat sa nakasanayan at inaasahan ng lipunan.

Dahil sa dulo ng kahit anong istorya, ang pag-ibig, anuman ang anyo, kulay, o katauhan, ay hindi kailanman isang kasalanan.

Sa paggunita ng Pride Month ngayong Hunyo, ipinagdiriwang natin ang karapatang umibig at maging totoo sa sarili. Ito ay isang pagpupugay sa mga indibidwal na patuloy na nagsusulong ng isang mundong walang puwang para sa diskriminasyon.

Ang pag-ibig ay hindi naghihintay ng pahintulot mula sa lipunan. Ito’y umiiral nang may liwanag at matingkad na kulay—sumusugal nang buo at lumalaban nang marangal.

Mga kataga ni Jullea Alyza Polaron
📷 Rogie Ken Villarin

01/06/2026

NEWS UPDATE: 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Former Iloilo City Mayor and newly appointed Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jed Mabilog will serve as speaker for this year's Undergraduate Commencement Exercises.

The University made the announcement on May 31 ahead of the graduation rites set for June 4 at the Quezon Hall grounds.

Mabilog is an alumnus of the University, graduating with a degree in Biological Science program in 1987.

Prior to his role as DILG undersecretary, he was appointed as special adviser to then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez last year.

𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀

Several Taga-West students have pointed to the University's continued invitation of ″controversial″ political figures as guest speakers following the announcement.

During his term as the city’s mayor, Mabilog was publicly linked by former President Rodrigo Duterte to illegal drugs trade, an allegation he repeatedly denied.

In 2017, the Office of the Ombudsman also ordered Mabilog’s dismissal after he was found guilty of serious dishonesty for failing to explain his alleged wealth worth P8.9 million between 2012 and 2013.

Mabilog returned to the Philippines after a seven-year exile in 2024 and was granted executive clemency by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last year, due to the former mayor’s ″longstanding commitment to good governance.″

It can be recalled that former Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman also served as the commencement speaker last year.

Pangandaman is currently facing complaints for technical malversation, graft, and other administrative offenses over an alleged illegal transfer of P60 billion in excess PhilHealth funds and P107 billion from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Recently, a number of students and university organizations voiced their concerns after the University invited Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete to serve as this year’s University Parangal speaker.

The University, in a statement, maintained that Nafarrete’s selection was made through a ″process of selection″ by representatives of both the University Senior Curriculum Council and the Graduation Committee.

Story and layout by Symon Peterneil Vacunawa
Photo courtesy of Jed Patrick Mabilog/Facebook

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