Two faculty members from the National University of Singapore (NUS), Dr. Joanna Coleman of the Department of Biological Sciences and Dr. Jesse Hastings of the Geography Department (both lecturers in the Bachelor of Environmental Studies [BES] Programme of NUS), had a site visit to the Visayas State University (VSU) Main Campus on April 24-27, 2013 for a possible linkage and collaboration with the University.

Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, VSU President, together with some key officials of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) headed by Secretary Mario G. Montejo, visited Mexico on April 9-14, 2013. The mission visit was part of the project titled, "Reinvigorating the coconut industry through in vitro culture (somatic embryogenesis) and strengthening agricultural biotechnology laboratories using advanced and cost-cutting methods and products" which will be implemented by the Visayas State University.

Mr. Nicanor Perlas, Smart Agriculture Program (SAP) Head, together with his staff, Ms. Shiela R. Castillo-Tiangco, conducted interviews on May 8-10, 2013 with some VSU scientists and researchers.

During the interview with Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, the VSU President clearly discussed the different research activities conducted by the University, especially in mitigating climate change. He mentioned about the Protected Vegetable Production projects jointly initiated by VSU and the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) that are implemented in some communities in Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces. "We found out that this Protected Vegetable Production initiative is very effective, thus we are expanding this to some strategic places in Samar," Dr. Bacusmo said.

Assoc. Professor Manolo B. Loreto Jr., Dean of Students; together with Ms. Chona A. Brit, Guidance Counselor of the University Student Services Office (USSO); Ms. Gina A. Ellorimo, Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Head of VSU Villaba; Ms. Marilou B. Peñeda, OSA Head-VSU Tolosa; and Ms. Eppie N. Katangkatang, OSA Head-VSU Alangalang, attended the 18th Annual National Convention of the Philippine Association of Administrators of Student Affairs (PAASA), Inc.

This year's net proceeds of the VSU Alumni King and Queen 2013 amounted to P151,692.29.

Ms. Zarah Gayrama-Borines and Mr. Nicolas Aloysius R. Warque, representing Batches '86 and '87, raised P100,871.50. Ms. Elsie Estrada-Salamat and Mr. Eusebio Olleras, representing Batches '76 and '77, raised a total of P73,432.00 while Ms. Anacorita Villar-Belarmino and Mr. Romeo Belarmino, representing Batches '70 and '75, raised P19,214.50.

Experts from the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte took water and soil samples from Lake Bito in MacArthur, Leyte on April 30, 2013. This is to know the status of the lake because according to the officers and members of the Unahin Natin Lagi Ang Diyos Fisherfolk and Farmers Association (UNLAD-BLFFA), the water in Lake Bito has turned red and they are afraid that the lake is dying.

As the VSU President, Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, continuously propels the Visayas State University, he said he has charted his plans and challenges before his term ends in 2015 and presented them during the Grand VSU Alumni Homecoming on April 17, 2013 at the VSU Convention Center.

With some 100 alumni in attendance, Dr. Bacusmo discussed his topic entitled "Challenges, Direction and Plans of VSU for 2013-2015." The VSU president started his presentation with a question, "How will we realize a dream if we will not dream at all?" He also encouraged everyone to "dream with our feet on the ground."

In his presentation, Dr. Bacusmo narrated that the University was once an agricultural high school that blossomed into an agricultural college in the 70s and 80s. "Now, we are a comprehensive University with agriculture and natural resource management as the core offering. We are the most prolific in research and research publication in the Visayas," the VSU President said.

He also revealed that the University operates at about P500-million budget this year, in which four-fifths (80%) of the operating budget each year comes from the national government while the other one-fifth (20%) comes from fees, businesses, and grants.

The President also mentioned that the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) represent about 10% of the General Appropriation Act (GAA) in which P16-million is budgeted for electricity. Dr. Bacusmo also added that VSU's enrollment is increasing every year and most of the students come from poor families, thus increase in fees is remote under his administration.

"We are at a defining moment for Philippine Higher Education, especially now that there is a proposal for amalgamation of higher education institutions (HEIs) throughout the country," Dr. Bacusmo stressed. In Region 8, for example, there will only be one university to be named as Eastern Visayas University System from among the 10 existing state colleges and universities whose leadership has yet to be determined.