Because of climate change, the Philippines will become more humid, will have an increase in precipitation and rainfall, yet its soil moisture will continue to decrease. Thus, we need to brace ourselves with more typhoons, flooding and drought. In addition, sea level rise will submerge many coastal areas.

The Center for West Visayan Studies, as represented by its current director, Dr. Randy M. Madrid, participated in the first ever UP Roundtable Discussion on Philippine Studies held at Asian Center, UP Diliman on October 21-22, 2019. Collectively called Habi: Weaving through Experiences in Centering Philippine Studies in the University of the Philippines, the activity was organized by the UP Diliman Tri-College on Philippine Studies consisted of College of Arts and Letters (CAL), College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP), and Asian Center (AC).

The Institute of Fish Processing Technology (IFPT), College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS), UP Visayas conducted a training on recirculating depuration technique for high quality and safe mussels, Perna viridis, on October 15-17, 2019 at UPV Miagao campus.

Kayab Pagsaka (ascension in Hiligaynon and Waray languages respectively), an art installation of blankets tied to bamboo poles was on view at the UP Visayas Tacloban on November 5-15, 2019 in commemoration of the 6th anniversary of the Typhoon Yolanda tragedy.

Center for West Visayan Studies Director, Dr. Randy M. Madrid, is one of the Philippine delegates to the 10th International Conference on Studies of Chinese Overseas co-sponsored by the International Society for the Study of the Chinese Overseas (ISSCO), China Institute for the Chinese Overseas Studies, and School of International Studies/Academy of Overseas Chinese Studies held in Jinan University, Guangzhou, China on November 9-11, 2019. The theme for this year’s Conference is “Chinese Overseas and China: Through a Global Lens”. Around three hundred fifty participants around the globe participated in the Conference.

Ms. Analiza G. Linaugo, University Librarian attended the Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA) Advisory Board Meeting 2019 held at University of Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia on September 22-26, 2019.

It would be truly an awesome sight to see once they are in full bloom.

The UPV Health Services Unit conducted a Medical Mission on November 14, 2019.  UPV students, employees, dependents, retirees and people from the nearby community availed of the various services such as Electrocardiogram, Cholesterol Test, Random Blood Sugar (RBS)/Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), medical consultation and prescribed medicines and supplements for free. This activity initiated by the unit is conducted as part of our commitment to serve the people, share the love and care for others.

Tacloban City—three young musical artists, whose families are rooted in Eastern Visayas, shared their respective talents and skills during the Leyte Samar Heritage Center’s (LSHC) 24th Anniversary presentation entitled, “Pasundayag: Promoting and Enhancing Cultural Education in Eastern Visayas.” These musical artists include Miss Mary Jeane V. Egloso, an alumna of the internationally-acclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers, Mr. John Raymond V. Sarreal, a multi-awarded and world class flutist, and Miss Chariss Dumlao, a Tacloban-born pianist who continues to pursue a successful professional career in Europe.