The University Research and Development Center (URDC) of West Visayas State University started the 2-day 40th Agency Research In-house Review on April 4-5, 2022 with a Theme: “WVSU at the Threshold of Becoming a Research University: Lessons from Across the Globe.”

WVSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, in her welcome message, emphasized how research fosters professional excellence in the delivery of outstanding education and training. This was followed by an inspirational message to participants on the importance of research in our goal to become a Research University, given by Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, SUC President IV. Dr. Vicente C. Handa, URDC Director, introduced the keynote speaker.

The 40th Agency Research In-house Review Keynote Speaker was Dr. Hisashi Otsuji, a professor from Toyo University, Japan, who has a massive contribution to science and science education through research publications, book publications, and paper presentations. His research interests revolve around the enhancement of learning performance and the integration of science education in sustainable development education, STS education, environmental education, disaster prevention education, and in the investigation of scientific concepts in past literary works.

Members of panels of reviewers were the following: Dr. Aris C. Larroder, Special Science Teacher V, Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas; Dr. Reynaldo G. Segumpan, Professor, College of Applied Sciences, Department of Business Administration, University of Technology and Applied Sciences; Dr. Celedonia R. Hilario, Research Coordinator, Northwestern Visayan College; Dr. Felipe M. de Leon, Jr., Professor, University of the Philippines – Diliman, Head, National Committee on Music, National Commission for Culture and the Arts; Dr. Mae Grace G. Nillos, Associate Professor, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas; Dr. Maria Rosario P. Mosqueda, Dean, College of Agriculture, Xavier University; Dr. Gerard D. Dumancas, Associate Professor, University of Scranton, Pennsylvania; Dr. Jose Julie Ramirez, Director, Sentro ng Wikang Filipino, University of the Philippines – Visayas; Dr. Maria Salud Loreen Cadiz – Kern, Emergency Physician, Houston, Texas; Dr. Karlo S. Sira, KTTO Manager, Iloilo Science and Technology University; Dr. Christine Rio Bistis – Nadala, Co-Owner, Plaza West Psychiatrist, LLC (Psychiatric Clinic), Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Dr. Karl Ian U. Cheng Chua, Japanese Studies Program, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Ateneo de Manila University; Dr. Sharon Ann Pedrajas – Mendoza, Vice President for Academic affairs, St. Paul University, Iloilo; Dr. Edwin V. Antonio, Head, National Committee on Northern Cultural Communities, National Commission for Culture and Arts; Dr. Levi E. Elipane, Faculty, Philippine Normal University; Prof. Duvince Zhalimar J. Dumpit, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines – Visayas; Prof. Jonny B. Pornel, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines – Visayas; Dr. Gay D. Defiesta, Professor V, University of the Philippines – Visayas; Dr. Armiel Suriaga, Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University; and Dr. Lotgarda Tayao, Consultant, World Health Organization, Office of the Country Representative, Manila, Philippines.

WVSU Key Officials, Campus Administrators, College Deans, and faculty members across colleges and external campuses attended the said activity via Zoom Video conferencing for them to be updated on the current trends in research. Dr. Bonna S. Palma, a Faculty Member of the College of Arts and Sciences, hosted the opening program.