The University of San Agustin proudly stood alongside fellow higher education institutions in Western Visayas during the Western Visayas Council of International Relations Officers (IRO)’s Oath-Taking Ceremony held on June 23, 2025 at the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) Hall, West Visayas State University (WVSU).
nal Relations Officers (IRO)’s Oath-Taking Ceremony held on June 23, 2025 at the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) Hall, West Visayas State University (WVSU).
Representing USA-Iloilo on this historic occasion was Internationalization Director John Paul P. Mondejar, who officially took his oath as Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the newly established Western Visayas Council of IROs. His election is a testament to USA’s growing leadership in regional and global academic engagement.
Hosted by WVSU, the event brought together international relations officers across Western Visayas in a shared commitment to enhance global partnerships, collaborations, and the international presence of the region’s academic institutions.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, WVSU Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation, highlighted the significance of regional unity in advancing global engagement. CHED Region VI Director Dr. Raul C. Alvarez, Jr. led the official oath-taking and strongly emphasized the strategic importance of the Council in shaping the region’s direction towards internationalization of higher education.
The following officers were formally inducted:
- President: Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka (West Visayas State University)
- Vice President for External Affairs: Ms. Jieza J. Napone (Iloilo School of Arts and Technology University)
- Vice President for Internal Affairs: Ms. Jennelyn A. Omadio (University of Antique)
- Secretary: Dr. Marien A. Laureto (Capiz State University)
- Assistant Secretary: Prof. Lesley Joy L. Dignadice (Central Philippine University)
- Treasurer: Dr. Jeanette G. Bayona (Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology)
- Assistant Treasurer: Dr. Virmari S. Tan (John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University)
- Auditor: Dr. Manuel O. Malonisio (Aklan State University)
- Business Manager: Dr. Mary F. Jane Tormon (Filamer Christian University)
- Public Relations Officer: Mr. John Paul P. Mondejar (University of San Agustin)
The officers were initially elected during the Western Visayas IRO Convergence event “Activating Linkages” held last May 27, 2025, at ISUFST Tiwi Campus, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. This gathering formally launched the Region VI IRO Council, envisioned to lead collective internationalization strategies among the region’s HEIs.
As a member of the Council and with its Internationalization Director as the PRO, the University of San Agustin is committed to promoting visibility, collaboration, and communication of the Council’s initiatives, while championing Augustinian values of unity, excellence, and service on the global stage.
