By Karren Jay G. Asgar

WVLGRC attendees join University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy for a group photo opportunity during the Second Consortium Meeting for CY 2026.

Central Philippine University (CPU) hosted the Second Consortium Meeting for Calendar Year 2026 of the Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium (WVLGRC) on November 4, 2026, at the Conference Room of the Educational Media Center (EMC).

University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy warmly welcomed the consortium members and participants, extending his appreciation for their presence and expressing the University’s honor in hosting the gathering. He also reaffirmed CPU’s commitment as one of the seven member institutions of the WVLGRC and conveyed the host institution’s support for the consortium’s continued collaboration and initiatives toward strengthening local governance in Western Visayas.

The meeting focused on key consortium initiatives, including the status of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the proposed WVLGRC Functionality Assessment, and the presentation of existing programs, particularly the RISE Program in Badiangan, Iloilo, and the Province of Guimaras. Members also discussed the proposed adoption of the RISE Program as an official consortium initiative.

University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivers his welcome remarks, emphasizing CPU’s commitment to strengthening partnerships, fostering collaboration, and advancing initiatives that support local governance and regional development.

Other matters included the proposed WVLGRC Certification Program and the creation of a technical working group (TWG) to develop and oversee its implementation. The consortium also considered establishing a regular research forum as a consortium program, creating a TWG for its planning, and establishing a Local Economic Development (LED) Resource Network in the region.

The WVLGRC also provided an opportunity for member institutions to present proposed initiatives and programs for collective consideration, as well as discuss arrangements for the next consortium meeting.

The WVLGRC serves as a regional knowledge hub and capacity-building support arm for local government units (LGUs), providing technical assistance, training programs, research support, and policy advisory services.

As of 2024–2025, seven (7) universities renewed their commitment to the consortium: the University of the Philippines Visayas, Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U), Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, Guimaras State University, Central Philippine University, University of San Agustin, and STI West Negros University.

Representing CPU in the consortium are Dr. Lenny Mucho, Director of the Review, Continuing Education and Consultancy Center (RCECC), and Dr. April Ann B. De la Gente, faculty member of the College of Business and Accountancy.