NAVAL, Biliran– The newly-installed president of the Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) vowed to chart a new direction anchored on WoW (Weaving of Worthiness) BiPSU 2.0, which aims to bring more development and progress of the lone higher educational institution in the province over the next four years of his administration.

Dr. Victor C. Cañezo Jr., the 5th president of the university, envisioned the institution under the WoWBIPSU 2.0 to become an internationally-recognized school responsive to the needs of both local and global communities.

Cañezo transformed the university’s core values bearing the acronym BiPSU: Brilliance (we excel at what we do), Innovation (we think outside the box), Progress (we go beyond better), Service (we help change lives), and Unity (we work as a team).

He emphasized that with the intergenerational fairness framework as a guide, WoWBiPSU 2.0 will create a robust human resource management system and a smart campus environment that embraces hybrid learning (HyFlex) and borderless educational methods to foster innovation and efficiency.

The WoWBiPSU 2.0 will establish valuable international collaborations to broaden the horizons of students and faculty and enhance their global mobility and opportunities. This also includes the delivery of industry-responsive curricula, which aim to enhance the employability of the university’s graduates locally and internationally.

In addition, it will create future research innovations, data-driven and community-focused extension programs, student support services, and micro, medium, and macro-level strategies that aim to empower students and employees to excel academically and professionally.

Some notable accomplishments in his term included the implementation of billion-worth infrastructure projects, remarkable strides in licensure examinations that produced some top-notchers, impactful research, and others.

The university will open new programs such as BS Public Health, BS Midwifery, BS Industrial Security, BS Data Science and Cybersecurity, and the College of Law.

Among those who attended the investiture ceremonies were the presidents of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) in Eastern Visayas, along with other university presidents from the Visayas and Luzon, some international partners, top regional and provincial officials (both appointive and elective), BiPSU officials, faculties, students, retirees, family members of Cañezo, and well-wishers.
(AAC/RSV/PIA Biliran)

CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte– Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez has expressed his support for Charter Change(Cha-Cha) but was quick to say that his support would depend on what provisions would be amended.

“If the aim is simply change for the sake of change, I am not inclined to support it. However, if the proposed changes will enhance the competitiveness of the Philippines on the global stage, then count me in,” he stated on Monday (Feb.12).

The city mayor was interviewed after attending the 33rd founding anniversary of the Philippine National Police here where he was the main guest.

Romualdez emphasized the importance of considering the sacrifices made by our heroes, who fought for the nation’s sovereignty and the ability to determine its own path.
He stressed the need for broad stakeholder involvement in the Charter Change process, encompassing economic and political sectors alike.

Reflecting on past political systems, Romualdez noted, “We had a political system where a president served two terms of four years each, and it worked.” He highlighted the significance of open communication, dialogue, and due process in resolving issues.

“I believe in lively debate rather than silence. Let us return to the approach of the 1950s, where members of Congress engaged in vigorous debate, leading to innovative ideas,” the city mayor said.

He viewed the ongoing discourse between senators and congressmen, particularly the exchange between House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senator Imee Marcos on Charter Change, as a positive example of public deliberation.

Romualdez expressed confidence in the process, trusting that thorough discussion and debate will lead to informed decisions. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Six offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Eastern Visayas are set to participate in the “register anywhere” program, as the agency resumes voter registration in preparation for the 2025 midterm elections.

This move coincides with the resumption of voter registration, which commences on Monday (Feb.12), and will run until September 30 of this year.

The participating Comelec offices are strategically located in the capital cities and key towns across the six provinces of the region. These offices include those in Maasin City, Southern Leyte; Tacloban City, Leyte; Catbalogan City, Samar; Borongan City, Eastern Samar; and the provincial capitals of Naval, Biliran, and Catarman, Northern Samar.

The “register anywhere” program is scheduled to kick off on February 26, with an official launch event slated to take place at the University of the Philippines Tacloban campus.
“We aim to provide people, especially those who are not yet registered, with the opportunity to exercise their right to vote,” stated lawyer Jose Nick Mendros, the Comelec regional director.

The primary targets of this program are eligible individuals of voting age who reside in different localities due to work or study commitments.

For instance, students from Biliran province studying in Tacloban City or workers from Eastern Samar employed in Samar province can now register without the need to return to their hometowns.

Mendros emphasized that this program addresses the barriers preventing some Filipinos from participating in elections.

Under the “register anywhere” program, the application forms submitted by registrants will be forwarded by the poll personnel to the respective Comelec office where the registrant wishes to be listed.

“We advocate for an inclusive election, ensuring that all eligible voters can exercise their right to vote,” Mendros explained.

Comelec will accept registrations from individuals who will turn 18 on or before May 12, 2025, the scheduled date of next year’s mid-term election.

As part of the program, Comelec offices in the region will conduct voter education campaigns and registration fairs in state universities, colleges, and selected private schools across the region.

Institutions such as the University of the Philippines Tacloban, Visayas State University in Baybay City, Southern Leyte State University in Sogod, and Saint Joseph College in Maasin City are among those included.

Applicants for voter registration are advised to bring their birth certificates and valid identification cards to the election office where they intend to submit their registration forms.

Comelec offices operate from Monday to Friday, even on holidays, except for Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)