Following a formal request from the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) successfully hosted a Fulbright Scholarship Information Session on February 26, 2026, at the Miagao Interactive Learning Center, UPV Miagao Campus.
PAEF, the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines, partnered with the UPV Committee on External Linkages and its constituent college and school representatives to organize and facilitate an in-person session detailing prestigious U.S. scholarship opportunities.
The afternoon program was attended by UPV students, faculty, Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS), and administrative personnel. Chancellor Clement Camposano officially opened the session, using his remarks to express his unwavering support for global academic excellence within the university.
A delegation from PAEF and EducationUSA led the core orientation, detailing how the Fulbright Program provides avenues for graduate study, research, and teaching engagements in the United States. The resource speakers included:
• Ms. Rochelle Miguel, PAEF Program Officer
• Ms. Katrina Marie R. Florece, EducationUSA Graduate Adviser
• Mr. Jan Derrick Pertez, PAEF Program Assistant
The speakers highlighted that the Fulbright Program is a bi-national initiative that seeks to promote mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral relations between the people of the United States and the Philippines.
To provide a localized perspective, the session featured a dedicated discussion and Q&A where UPV’s own distinguished Fulbright alumni shared their personal academic journeys and insights. The panel highlighted the diverse opportunities of the program, featuring Dr. Rommel A. Espinosa (M.S. in Physics, Pittsburg State University) and Dr. Farisal U. Bagsit (PhD in Coastal Resources Management, East Carolina University).
Joining them to share their experiences were Dr. Rhoda Mae Simora (PhD in Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University), Dr. Mae Grace G. Nillos (PhD in Environmental Toxicology, University of California-Riverside), and Dr. Mary Barby Badayos-Jover (PhD in Rural Sociology and Women’s Studies, Pennsylvania State University).
Vice Chancellor for Administration Dr. Farisal U. Bagsit, also a Fulbright alumna, delivered the closing remarks. She emphasized that the scholarship is a transformative experience that shapes a scholar’s worldview and allows them to bring invaluable knowledge back to the university. Echoing the event’s promotional tagline, “Your dream of studying in the U.S. starts here!”, Dr. Bagsit encouraged the attendees to push past self-doubt and take a bold leap, reminding them that the world needs their unique perspectives and brilliance.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates, followed by a socials and consultation segment where participants could directly ask the PAEF representatives and UPV Fulbrighters specific questions about their application plans. Capping off their visit to the university, the PAEF representatives were given a tour of various UPV facilities, including the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Regional Research Center (RRC), Philippine Genome Center – Visayas (PGC), College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS), and the International Dormitory.
Written by Mary Grace Sedanza
Photo Credits: UPV IPO and PAEF (Fulbright Philippines)
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