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The Innovator, Iloilo City (2026)

10/09/2026

𝗛𝘂𝗶𝗶𝗶, 𝗔𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸!: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗰𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀

At two in the morning, a lifeline rarely looks like a dramatic, emotional breakdown rescue. Instead, it often arrives as a glowing notification in the dark— a 15-second TikTok of a dancing cat. For a generation quietly buckling under the weight of burnout and personal battles, this absurd digital exchange has become an unexpected, vital safety net.Students today live in an environment that increasingly depends on constant online connection. Friendships are maintained in group chats, jokes are sent through digital platforms, and emotional support is often communicated electronically. With students constantly placed under the pressure of academic requirements and personal struggles, friend groups have built a digital routine to check in on one another.

For siblings, cousins, old high school friends, and college circles, maintaining that tiny fire icon next to a username or group name is practically a sacred duty. On the surface, sending these daily videos looks like doomscrolling and procrastination. But underneath the digital chaos, this endless exchange is a modern, unspoken love language. For us, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝘆, “𝗜 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆’𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗶𝗱, 𝘁𝗼𝗼.” What appears to be a simple exchange of internet absurdity reveals a deeper reality: a generation navigating immense internal pressure, with our daily digital habits serving as our most fragile lifeline.

But there is a specific, stomach-dropping anxiety that settles in the moment that fire icon you both named “Samantha” turns gray or is trapped inside an ice cube. We are so conditioned to the noise of constant connection that we rarely know what to do when the silence sets in. When a notoriously chaotic group chat suddenly goes completely quiet, or the funniest friend stops sending their daily dose of internet absurdity, it becomes an invisible alarm. People rarely wave a white flag when they are breaking, and the data proves that this silent suffering is happening right next to us.

As 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, the statistics strip away any illusion that this is a distant issue. According to the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study, 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 15 𝘁𝗼 24 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 7.5% 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁. In a span of just one academic year (2021–2022), the Department of Education documented 404 student deaths by su***de and over 2,000 reported self-harm attempts nationwide. These are not just numbers on a screen; these are actual human beings. These are the batchmates we wave to in the corridors, the classmates sitting in the third row, and the friends whose internal battles we never had the chance to notice.

Guided by the World Health Organization's 2024–2026 triennial theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” we are challenged to tear down the dangerous myth that hurting people always look visibly broken. Often, they just stop laughing. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘃𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲. 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻, 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁.

Awareness alone is no longer enough. We cannot wait for our most vulnerable peers to explicitly ask for a lifeline. When the loudest, funniest friend suddenly stops sending things, we cannot afford to wait for them to reach out. When someone lets the connection turn gray, we must not just shrug and let it die. True awareness demands that we double-text. It demands that we push past the superficial small talk, break the digital barrier, and throw in a sharp, unscripted “Kumusta ka na teh?” when someone is clearly hiding the truth of their exhaustion. 𝗔 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲; 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝗽.

At the end of the day, we are all just trying to survive the madness together. So, the next time your screen lights up with a video that makes absolutely no sense, do not just scroll past it. Send one back. Check on the friend who always holds everyone else together. Because long after the notifications clear, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀— 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗶𝗸𝗧𝗼𝗸, 𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸, 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗱.

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲.

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 (𝗡𝗖𝗠𝗛) 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀:
𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 (𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗹-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲): 1553
𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗲 / 𝗧𝗠: 0966-351-4518 | 0917-899-8727
𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 / 𝗦𝘂𝗻 / 𝗧𝗡𝗧: 0908-639-2672

Words by Bea Mikaela Aragon
Illustration by Niel Gargaritano

10/09/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝐖𝐕𝐒𝐔-𝐂𝐁𝐌 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐢𝐓𝐌 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫

Strengthening its global academic ties, the West Visayas State University–College of Business & Management (WVSU-CBM) is set to welcome Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Raziff Bin Jamaluddin of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Selangor, Malaysia, as a Visiting Professor from September 16 to 19, 2026.

Dr. Jamaluddin’s four-day academic engagement is expected to foster knowledge exchange, collaborative learning, and meaningful discussions in the field of business and management, bringing international perspectives closer to WVSU students, faculty members, and the broader academic community.

Beyond academic discussions, the engagement is also seen as an avenue to further strengthen the ties between WVSU and UiTM, potentially paving the way for future collaborations in research, professional development, and other academic initiatives.

Through engagements such as this, WVSU-CBM continues to expand its academic horizons, connecting its community to global perspectives while strengthening partnerships beyond Philippine borders.

Story and publication material by Kacey Claire Tanallon
Photo courtesy of WVSU-CBM

06/09/2026

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝐖𝐕𝐒𝐔-𝐂𝐁𝐌 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐔𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐓 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

Armed with a global perspective on work ethics, cultural immersion, and cross-border enterprise, students from the university's College of Business and Management have successfully completed their US Work and Travel (USWAT) program.

Supported by a long-standing partnership of the college with a trusted agency, 32 students from business, cooperative, hospitality, and tourism programs journeyed to destinations across the United States, including South Dakota, Minnesota, Arizona, Missouri, Wisconsin Dells, South Carolina, and California.

𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙂𝙡𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚
Throughout the program, the participants, known as J-1 students, tackled real-time operational challenges alongside host companies, gaining critical exposure to international industry standards. By stepping out of the university's local lecture halls, the program gives way to a vital step of bridging academic preparation with global industry demands.

𝙄𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩-𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙀𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙨
Beyond the demanding reality of managing a distinctively fast-paced American workplace, the program challenged students to adapt to high-pressure daily operations and dynamic rhythms. Participants noted that despite the intensity, the environment instilled in them a heightened sense of professional discipline, time management, and resilience.

𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚
While the USWAT program centers on American cultural exchange, the journey quickly evolved into a comforting home away from home driven by deep human connections. Beyond the landmarks and professional milestones, their most enduring takeaway was the profound camaraderie built alongside fellow international peers.

Now back home, the participants carry forward not just technical skills and work-related lessons, but enduring friendships forged through mutual support, shared laughter, and lasting bonds.

The safe return of the students marks the successful conclusion of a milestone that reinforces the College of Business and Management's dedication to WVSU’s internationalization mission. By empowering students to pursue global training grounds, the college ensures its graduates remain exceptionally equipped to drive innovation and leadership across both local and international landscapes.

Story by Maria Lorraine Callanga
Publication material by Kacey Claire Tanallon

05/09/2026

𝐅𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 | 𝗔 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 “𝗕𝗲𝗿” 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀: 𝗘𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱'𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Whistles of the wind grow cooler as homes and the streets start to light up with kaleidoscopic decorations, signaling the start of the early Christmas celebration as September arrives. A long awaited time for Filipinos to display the glistening spirit of culture and festivities — celebrating the world's longest Christmas celebration that spans as soon as September hits and concludes on The Feast of the Three Kings or Epiphany on January 6th.

Classic holiday hits fill the airwaves, resonating from speakers and the spirited singing of carollers. The music of joy and laughter creates a melodic atmosphere that uplifts everyone's spirits. Hearts fill with hope in anticipation of the holiday season. Another year to celebrate triumphs, prosperity, and togetherness that sparks everyone's hearts.

𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸
Christmas is just around the corner, and Filipinos eagerly kick off preparations for the upcoming holiday season. Filling homes with christmas lights, christmas trees, christmas-themed household items. Streets ignite with several “palamuti” usually made out of recyclable materials made into christmas trees, cascading LED lights, Belen displays, and parol displayed in different sizes. The highlight and a symbol that it is officially holiday season — Parol — a display of a hanging twinkling star that comes in varying sizes. The iridescence of a parol and other holiday displays is more than mere ornamentation, but are also a symbol of hope, light, and glory.

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗴𝗹𝗼𝘄
With the distinct personality of Filipinos being hospitable and community-centered, Christmas parties, community gatherings, and family gatherings are big things to prepare for. Gift giving and “Aguinaldo” or monetary rewards usually handed in a red ampao, is a way for Filipinos to share the blessings to another person. It is a way of thanking people for sharing and exchanging moments with them throughout the year. Along with the rising sense of camaraderie comes the responsibility of spending, budgeting, and managing finances to prepare for the worthwhile moments.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀
During the holiday season, bonuses from companies and government agencies are awarded to workers for good performance or simply as an acknowledgement of hardwork and gratitude to their workers. Rewards such as Christmas Bonus, 13th month pay, year-end bonus, and other monetary incentives are rewarded for workers to give further motivation in their work. For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), remittances usually peak and continue to surge during the fourth quarter — the “Ber” months, due to holiday spending and family celebrations for their families in the Philippines.

𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝘁
The appearance of decorations across every corner signals the arrival of the 'Golden Quarter'—a period marked by a surge in manufacturing, logistics, and retailing of certain products in the market. The start of September marks a great start for businesses, as the season for giving us awaits. Malls, markets, and several businesses decorate their store areas and feature items that are perfect for the holiday season — whether as a gift for themselves or to give it to someone special. Filipinos love the concept of giving back through giving gifts during the holiday season.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲: 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴
Filipinos start to kick off the holiday season early. Shopping early for the holidays has also become a tradition for some, to avoid holiday rushing, item stock outs, and bypass heavy traffic. Big promotions such as holiday or mega sales are attracting customers leading to staggering impulse purchases by consumers. Stores are featuring bundled products advertised as saving money for buying more; they are also giving loyalty rewards and gift cards for consumers purchasing on a minimum amount; and pre-ordering food trays, cakes, specialized desserts, and other essential products for the holidays.

𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀
“‘Tis the season to be jolly,” as businesses are about to heighten sales during the “Ber” months. Seasonal and categorical products’ sales are expected to peak and rise to a higher demand. Items like parols, Christmas trees, Christmas-themed home decor, and other decorations are highly likely to be on demand by consumers. Local craftsmen start to light up and hang meticulously crafted parols either made from natural materials or recyclable materials, which were showcased in malls or plazas — giving the local craftsmen a source of income during the peak season of holidays.

Christmas celebration is incomplete without a “handaan” or a feast, whether it may be simple or something grand — Filipinos will serve food on the table to cherish the moments spent together. Since food preparation has become an annual tradition, the demand on Noche Buena and Media Noche staples also arises. Due to high demand for holiday staples such as ham, fruit cocktail, cheese, and pasta, prices also surge.

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
With inflation rates staying above 6%, budgeting for the upcoming festivities has become challenging for ordinary Filipino families in the past few years. Despite facing financial challenges, Filipinos will still make a way to serve even a “simpleng handaan” on the table. Enduring long lines at the checkout counter; lining up to purchase cake, lechon manok, and other holiday staple foods; and enduring the crowded marketplace and traffic when people are rushing at the last minute. All of the waiting will become worthwhile once the food is served at the table and you see your loved ones dining along with you — the exhaustion wears off and your strength is restored

𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁
Through operational synergy, businesses continue to generate a stable and heightened income with demands on goods continuing to rise. Understanding the demand and need of consumers, preparedness in operations, readiness to serve, and supply chain management makes a business resilient during the holiday season. Business scaling and traditions are hand-in-hand in defining Filipino identity and keeps our culture alive.

Christmas is more than just a feast of celebration — it is a tradition of cherishing and family integration — whether by blood or chosen families. The magic of Christmas shines within the hearts of every Filipino, keeping the spirit of festivity alive. No amount of grand celebrations, gifts, and decorations can replace the warmth and wonder of Christmas being celebrated with your family.

Story by Keiane Grace Casera
Layout by Lydiphebs Ibieza

05/09/2026

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀

Stepping up its commitment to editorial excellence and ethical campus reporting, The Innovator Publication successfully wrapped up its PenPoint: Journalism Capability Training on September 4.

The raining opened with an insightful morning session led by Fritz Jaime Sumbo, former Editor-in-Chief of Silak Media. Delivering a masterclass titled “Story by Design,” Sumbo unpacked the core principles of publication layout, visual hierarchy, and modern aesthetic techniques essential for compelling campus media output.

Transitioning from theory to practice, student journalists were split into two workshop teams to execute a hands-on design challenge. Under realistic deadline conditions, participants synthesized Sumbo's guidance to conceptualize, draft, and finalize collaborative newsletter layouts.

The afternoon shift focused on newsroom operations during an in-depth session on Editorial Management. Discussions highlighted planning of events, deadline discipline, and content curation, followed by an interactive staff assembly designed to strengthen newsroom team spirit and collaboration.

To conclude the day, organizers hosted a recognition ceremony honoring "Promising Journalists" who stood out for exceptional creativity and performance during the training sessions. The workshop officially closed with a commemorative photo session marking the editorial board's renewed drive for the upcoming publication cycle.

Story by Venedict Mondia
Photos by Esther Celine Bautista & Nickholas Lester Hiponia

04/09/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝗧𝗦𝗦 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 2026 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

The Tourism Students Society (TSS) shifted the spotlight from preparation to performance as students put their industry skills to the test during the TSS Skills Olympics 2026.

Participants showcased their creativity, communication, and professional presence across four main contests: Tour Package design, Tour Guiding, Dancing Flight Attendant, and Tourism Ambassador 2026.

An unexpected afternoon power outage briefly interrupted the program, threatening to bring the high-energy event to a complete halt.

Demonstrating remarkable adaptability, TSS officers, organizers, and participants immediately collaborated to ensure the festivities could continue despite the blackout.

The Dancing Flight Attendant competition was seamlessly relocated and held in the lobby of the Cultural Center.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Ambassador 2026 contest successfully pushed through after the interruption, featuring creative presentations that highlighted the diverse wildlife and natural ecosystems of Panay.

The unwavering energy of everyone involved transformed an unforeseen obstacle into a powerful real-world demonstration of the exact resilience required in the tourism industry.

Story by Kim Janna Provido
Photos from Ena De Nuevo and Therese Baladiang

03/09/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝗧𝗠 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗴 𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲

Tourism Management (BSTM) students emerged as champions in "Discover ASEAN: The Ultimate Tourguiding Challenge 2026," outshining 10 competing universities across the region during the ASEAN Horizons event on September 3.

Organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office 6, the prestigious competition highlighted the exceptional skills, cultural knowledge, and professional tour-guiding capabilities of Western Visayas' top tourism talents.

The victorious delegation was led by student competitors Jasmyn Ehla M. Villeran and Emmanuel Dane J. Siason, who delivered an outstanding performance to secure the top spot for the university.

The championship team was expertly guided and coached by Dr. Zendle Ann Binobo, Chairperson of the Tourism Division of the College of Business and Management.

Story by Jonh Venedict Mondia
Photo courtesy of Jasmyn Ehla Villeran

03/09/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝗧𝗦𝗦 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗱𝘆𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

The Tourism Students Society (TSS) is currently welcoming the new academic year through its TSS Orientation and Skills Olympics 2026, bringing together tourism students and faculty at Center for Foreign Languages under the theme “Odyssey to Excellence: Championing Tourism Competence,” September 3.

The event aims to orient students on the organization and its leadership while preparing them for the academic and professional challenges of the tourism industry. This event provides students with a meaningful starting point for developing the competence, confidence, and skills needed to pursue excellence in tourism.

The morning session’s highlight is the seminar “The Road Less Traveled: Exploring Diverse Career Paths for Tourism Professionals,” delivered by guest speaker Atty. Gerald V. Pinpin.

Guiding students to look beyond conventional career paths and recognize their potential, Atty. Pinpin shared the powerful reminder, “The word value is nothing without U,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s own worth and contribution.

As the tourism students embark on their “Odyssey to Excellence,” the session reminds them that becoming future-ready professionals is a journey shaped by courage, competence, and the willingness to explore paths less traveled.

Story by Kim Janna Provido
Photos by Therese Callasandra Baladiang & Ena Kristelle De Nuevo

03/09/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | 𝗖𝗕𝗠 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀

The College of Business and Management (CBM) has officially expanded its teaching workforce with the appointment of three new educators to its academic staff.

Joining CBM as Instructor III are Ma. Jalen R. Palines, MHM under the Division of Hospitality Management, alongside Emilio Dalmacio III, MBM, and Myrna G. Plantig, MBA under Division of Business Administration.

Ms. Palines, a hospitality management alumna of the college, and Mr. Dalmacio, a National Certified Bookkeeper, both join CBM following their instructional tenure at the ISAT-U Dumangas Campus.

Ms. Plantig transitions into her teaching role after serving as CBM’s administrative officer for more than a decade, where she earned widespread respect as "Ma'am Myrnz."

The CBM community extends a formal welcome to its newest faculty members as they share their expertise, inspire students, and contribute to the institution's pursuit of excellence.

Story by Venedict Mondia
Publication material courtesy of WVSU - College of Business and Management

02/09/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐍 | 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗚𝗼 𝗢𝘂𝘁, 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲?

The recent rotational brownouts across the Visayas have become more than a temporary inconvenience. With the Visayas Grid repeatedly placed under yellow and red alerts due to limited power reserves and the unavailability of several generating units, communities have experienced interruptions that disrupt daily life. For students, these brownouts mean interrupted classes, unstable internet connections, drained devices, and unfinished academic requirements. What appears to be a simple power interruption reveals a deeper problem: 𝙖 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙛𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

Students today live in an education system that increasingly depends on electricity. Research is conducted online, presentations are prepared on laptops, announcements are sent through digital platforms, and requirements are often submitted electronically. Even when classes are conducted face-to-face, students still depend on electricity to prepare reports, edit presentations, communicate with groupmates, and complete assignments. A sudden brownout therefore does not merely switch off a light bulb—it can switch off the tool’s students need to keep up with their education.

The situation becomes more difficult when the interruption lasts for several hours or happens repeatedly. A student may have planned an entire evening around completing a requirement, only to find themselves unable to charge a laptop or connect to the internet. Others may have to spend money traveling to a café, library, or another location with electricity just to finish their work. Students who cannot afford these alternatives are placed at an even greater disadvantage. Yet while electricity follows a schedule that students cannot control, academic deadlines continue to move forward. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙗𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱

The effects of unreliable electricity extend far beyond the classroom. The information in the provided materials points to losses experienced by families and businesses when power interruptions disrupt daily operations. Perishable goods can spoil, small businesses can lose income, and establishments that depend on electricity may have to spend additional money on alternative sources of power. Hospitals, meanwhile, may need to operate generators to maintain essential services. These consequences show that a weak power system does not create one problem; it creates a chain of problems that eventually reaches ordinary households.

For families already managing limited budgets, the additional costs can be frustrating. They pay their electricity bills, but when the service becomes unreliable, they may also have to spend on power banks, charging fees, mobile data, transportation, or other alternatives. Students feel this burden too. The requirement may be free to submit online, but getting the electricity and connectivity necessary to submit it may not be. When the grid fails, the cost does not disappear. It simply changes hands and too often, it lands on ordinary people.

𝗔 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

There is also a larger question that cannot be ignored: Who should carry the responsibility for fixing a problem that consumers did not create? The materials provided raise concerns about regulatory enforcement, generating-unit outages, and the adequacy of penalties during periods of tight electricity reserves. They also point to calls for consumers to conserve electricity during supply shortages. Conservation certainly has a role in managing demand, but telling consumers to use less electricity cannot be the entire solution to a system facing structural problems.

Consumers can switch off unnecessary appliances, but they cannot construct transmission lines. Students can conserve their laptop batteries, but they cannot repair an aging power plant. Families can reduce their electricity consumption, but they cannot enforce reserve-capacity requirements. These responsibilities belong to the institutions, regulators, utilities, and energy companies tasked with ensuring that the power system remains reliable. Asking the public to adjust is reasonable during an emergency; asking them to repeatedly adjust because the same weaknesses remain unresolved is another matter entirely.

𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗕𝗲 𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆

Schools, too, have a role to play. While universities cannot control the power supply, they can recognize how interruptions affect students’ ability to comply with academic requirements. When prolonged brownouts directly interfere with online classes, examinations, presentations, or submissions, reasonable flexibility can prevent students from being penalized for circumstances beyond their control. Clear announcements, alternative submission arrangements, and appropriate consideration for affected students are practical measures that can make a difference.

Still, these measures should only be temporary solutions. The bigger issue is the need for a reliable electricity system that does not repeatedly force students to work around its weaknesses. Education cannot fully embrace digital learning while students are constantly worrying about whether their devices will have enough battery to finish an assignment. We cannot tell students to maximize technology in their education while ignoring the infrastructure that makes that technology possible.

𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗻

A reliable power supply is not a luxury reserved for those who can afford backup generators. It is part of the foundation that allows schools to teach, businesses to operate, hospitals to provide services, and families to live normally. The recurring power problems in the Visayas should therefore be treated not as an inconvenience that people must simply learn to tolerate, but as a problem demanding long-term solutions, stronger infrastructure, effective regulation, and genuine accountability.

Because every time the lights go out, someone pays the price. A business may lose income. A family may lose food or incur additional expenses. A hospital may spend more to keep essential services running. And somewhere, a student may close a laptop not because the assignment is finished, but because there is no electricity left to continue.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩.

Students have always been told to adapt. Perhaps it is time to ask whether the systems around them should learn to adapt, too. A blackout should be an interruption of electricity—not an interruption of opportunity.

by Dawn Nicole Espesor
Illustration by Kylie Torrato

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Editor's Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not reflect the views and opinions of the publication, the college, and the university.

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