Pride of Aklan State University
written by Ulysses Espartero
Published in Panay News, December 2010
written by Ulysses Espartero
Published in Panay News, December 2010
Salvacion “Sally” R. Villasis is one Public Information Officer who deserves recognition.
An Ardent Believer of Education
In 1996, she earned her degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Agricultural Economics (Cum Laude) from the Aklan State University (ASU). She has completed the academic requirements for Master in Rural Development and earned units in Master in Public Administration.
In recognition of her expertise, she was sent to Bangkok, Thailand to attend the Radio Production Training for Asian Women Broadcasters. She’s also armed with expertise from her attendance to more than 51 national, regional and local conferences.
Rural Development Advocate
It was said that leaders aren't born they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.
The ASU admitted her as BIDANI Extension Assistant (1997-2000) then named her as Clerk (2001-2005). Since 2005, she holds the post of Agricultural Technician II which allows her among others to diversify strategies on the development, production and dissemination of information, education and communication materials in various forms.
A KBP-licensed broadcaster, she was designated Radio Program Coordinator/Broadcaster of DyMT-FM Community Radio for 12 years now, a position which gives her the opportunity to assist the Station Manager of ASU-DYMT Community Radio in the overall management and supervision of the station. She was also named Alternate Representative (2006-2009) and Representative (2009-present) of the Regional Applied Communications Group of Western Visayas Agricultural Resource Research Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC).
Her vast and much recognized advocacies and work in the area of Public Information earned her respect, admiration and accolades both at the local and regional levels. Her articles which were published in various media contributed much to people’s awareness of the activities, programs, projects and technologies generated by the university.
As a government employee, she made remarkable accomplishments as an Advocate of Rural Development through Public Information. For 2008-2010, she was instrumental in facilitating in the success of extension programs on strengthening the Farmer’s Information and Technology Services, Fisheries School on the Air, Product and Market Development for Bariw Crops, Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Skills Enhancement for Rural Productivity, off-Season High Value Vegetable Production and Strengthening e-Program and e-Services.
She facilitated the conduct of 43 trainings and workshops mostly benefiting the marginalized sectors to remote areas of Aklan and Antique.
A Dedicated Professional Leader
Ms. Villasis is known as a professional leader whose passion for service and volunteerism is beyond reproach. She was recognized, in fact, for her significant contribution to the effective discharge of her profession’s social responsibility. Her outstanding contribution to various communities is a testimony to her remarkable sphere of influence ad impact on the lives of families and children.
She has shown leadership in many pursuits – among others – as Vice President of the Aklan Public Information Officers Association (APIOA) and as member of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and Alliance of Volunteer Educators.
Her life of dedicated service afforded her the honor of representation on numerous organizations through which she showed her expertise and worked diligently to serve the needs of information officers.
Multi-Awarded Information Officer
Her career as a public information officer is characterized by many firsts – a fitting testimony to a career hinged on nothing short of excellence. On record, she’s the only Aklanon to have been declared First Prize Winner in the Radio News Feature Award of Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas and the Free Voice of the Netherlands.
Two of the extension projects she was involved to were cited for Best Paper Award. These include the “Development, production and Broadcast of Palayamanan Technologies in Drama” and “Strengthening the Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers Through the Partner Member Agency (PMA) Scheme”.
No less than the University President cited her 12 years with the country’s premier agricultural institution specifically at the Extension and Community Service Unit. The ASU, now a Center of Development on Agriculture, owes much to the Ms. Villasis for her extraordinary achievements and contribution to information work which have great impact to the thrusts of the national government.
Ms. Villasis enjoys the fruits of a great life. Was it not said that great lives are the culmination of great thoughts followed by great actions? •
Published in Panay News, December 2010
