Dr. Mary Jane Tormon, Director of the International Programs Office of Filamer Christian University, was elected as the first Business Manager of the newly formed Western Visayas International Relations Officers (IRO) Council.

The election took place during the region’s inaugural IRO Convergence on May 27 at the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST).

Dr. Tormon has been instrumental in establishing partnerships with international universities, leading cultural exchange programs, joint research projects, and academic mobility initiatives. Under her leadership, Filamer Christian University has emerged as a key player in international engagement in Capiz.

Gathering representatives from public and private Higher Education Institutions across Region VI, along with CHED regional officials, the event served as a platform to share best practices in internationalization, from student mobility to research collaborations.

“This is more than a meeting, it’s a movement,” said Dr. Joan Belga, Vice President for Academic Affairs at ISUFST, highlighting the significance of the convergence.

A major highlight of the event was the formal establishment of the Western Visayas IRO Council. Facilitated by CHED Education Supervisor II Dr. Efren Sucaldito, the election concluded with the appointment of the following officers:

President: Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka (West Visayas State University)

Vice President for External Affairs: Jieza Napone (Iloilo Science and Technology University)

Vice President for Internal Affairs: Jennelyn Omadio (University of Antique)

Secretary: Dr. Marien Laureto (Capiz State University)

Assistant Secretary: Prof. Lesley Dignadice (Central Philippine University)

Treasurer: Dr. Jeanette Bayona (ISUFST)

Assistant Treasurer: Dr. Virmari Tan (John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University)

Auditor: Dr. Manuel Malonisio (Aklan State University)

Business Manager: Dr. Mary Jane Tormon (Filamer Christian University)

Public Relations Officer: Mr. John Paul Mondejar (University of San Agustin)

The officers officially took their oath on June 23 at the Center for Teaching Excellence in West Visayas State University, Iloilo City.

CHED Regional Director Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr. commended the council for stepping up to lead internationalization efforts in the region. He encouraged them to support neighboring areas and maintain Western Visayas’ status as a trailblazer in global academic engagement.

With a shared commitment to meaningful collaboration, the council aims to strengthen the global presence of Western Visayas institutions, one partnership, one exchange, and one global classroom at a time.