By Joseph B.A. Marzan
One of the Philippines’ oldest universities located in Iloilo City recently celebrated its 121st founding anniversary, with emphasis on its place in the world as an institution focused on culture and excellence.
West Visayas State University (WVSU) held its anniversary celebrations last Friday, June 16, with the theme “WVSU Navigates the Global Landscape through Excellence in Instruction, Research, Innovation, and Extension.”
Its main highlight was the ‘Panakayon’ event, which featured cultural performances from students, alumni, faculty, and other members of its community, including from the Special Education Students Association and the College of Physical Education, Sports, Culture, Arts and Recreation (PESCAR), among others.
Dr. Catherine Roces also narrated some significant bits and pieces of her history at WVSU since her entry to the school in 1999, including experiences in accreditation, administration, and other areas, as a university official.
Former university administration officer Nola Hibionada served as the celebration’s featured guest speaker, and she shared her own experiences inside the institution, known then as the Iloilo Normal School, which she called “the happiest days of her life”.
The university’s Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Porferio Barlas Jr., greeted everyone on behalf of University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz, who was heading to Portugal on official business.
Barlas delivered his message in Hiligaynon, on the role of the WVSU as having been part of history in the community and the country through its alumni and its other contributions to various fields.
“[WVSU] was part of the historic and colorful image of the lives, struggles, and honors of its graduates in different fields of service, especially in the development and improvement of knowledge, growing businesses, agriculture, health, and other ways which they have helped improve the lives of many Filipinos,” said Barlas.
Barlas also shared some good news, announcing that they are now eligible for the 2021 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB), after the justification they provided increased their required ratings from 70 percent to 90 percent.
This meant now that employees will be able to receive an additional 58.5 percent of their monthly salary as of the PBB date, to be paid within sometime this week.
WVSU’s 121st foundation anniversary celebrations winded down with a wreath laying on the university’s Urn fronting its iconic Quezon Hall, symbolizing the honoring of the institution’s history and its role in the country’s past and present.
