West Visayas State University College of Medicine: Guide for Applicants

West Visayas State University College of Medicine (WVSU-COM) is one of the most sought after medical schools in the Philippines because aside from being consistently part of the top 10 medical schools every year in terms of board exam ratings, it also has a very affordable tuition fee (20,000-30,000PhP all-in/sem), which is probably one of the cheapest in the country.

Photo source -  http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/73124016.jpg

 

How to Apply?

Application usually starts on January every year and ends on May. However, since the academic calendar for school year 2015-2016 is changed and classes start on July 6, 2015, application period for the succeeding school years may also change. There are two (2) batches for application: those who were not able to submit the requirements before the first deadline, may still apply for the 2nd batch. Does it matter WHEN I choose to apply? If you are confident with your college grades, NMAT score and communication skills for the interview, then you don't have to worry at all. Though some say it is more advantageous to apply early because most slots might be taken by the 1st batch of applicants, thnere are also a good number who say that applying for the 2nd batch is much better since most competitive applicants have already applied in the 1st batch, thus more chances of getting in. Nevertheless, WVSU-COM is very impartial in handpicking its future students and it gives fair chances to both batches. It only depends on how fast you are able to complete your requirements and on how soon you want to know your results (1st batch is usually released on early March; 2nd batch on early May).

REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION

The application form may be downloaded at wvsu.edu.ph or you may get a hard copy from the registrar's office of the college of medicine. Some students also upload a copy on their facebook pages so just keep updated since WVSU-COM releases a new application form every year. Just prepare the following ahead of time:

1.  Application Fee – PhP400.00 (non-refundable)

2.  2 pcs. 2 x 2 ID picture

3.  2 pcs. Self-addressed envelope (long) with postage stamps

4.  Transcript of records, if machine copied must be authenticated by the Registrar (at least 80% GWA)
-if you are a graduating student, submit a TOR of your grades in your first 7 semesters in college

5.  Machine copy of NMAT result (at least 60%)

6.  2 copies Certificate of Good Moral Character from the dean and guidance counselor/professor

7.  Income tax return (latest), if machine copied must be certified by the BIR

8.  NSO Live birth certificate

9.  COMELEC ID

10.  Lost application forms will not be replaced

All documents must be placed in a long file folder. You may send the amount through Postal Money Order payable to the West Visayas State University. Make sure that there are no erasures in the postal money order. You may also send the amount through LBC payable to the Registrar, College of Medicine or pay personally to the registrar's office inside the college of medicine building.

 

What are your chances of getting in?

Since WVSU-COM is a state university subsidized by the local government, it prioritizes applicants from the western visayas. 75% of the slots is reserved for the residents of Region 6 while 25% is offered to those outside the region. So if you're not from region 6, secure more competitive remarks in college and in your NMAT. For all applicants, make sure your NMAT score is not just at least 60% because a score of 95 or above is much safer. 60% would definitely get you to the interview but your chance of getting in is very low. For your grades, make sure they are good enough to compete with your co-applicants who graduated with flying colors. I know someone whose NMAT score is 91 and his GWA is 1.85 (1.0 as highest) but he didn't get in. I also know someone whose NMAT is 83 but graduated magna cum laude, she was waitlisted. Another one has an NMAT score of 99+ but had a failing grade in college, yet she got in. You weigh for yourself which matters most but one thing still matters: your performance in your interview.

 

What to expect in the interview?

On the day of your interview, be presentable with your smart casual attire. Before the interview, you will be asked to write an essay on a certain topic, so be sure to be there 30 minutes before or earlier and be prepared with your pen. After 1 hour, you will be arranged alphabetically and will be grouped into 5's or 6's. Inside the interview room, there will be a panel composed of 5-6 doctors who will be digging your thoughts and certain infos about you. Since you will be interviewed with your groupmates, the panel will ask a common question for all of you to answer, so be sure to give answers which will make you stand out from the rest but at the same time you should be humble because doctors don't want to hear arrogance from a student who has not yet even entered medschool. Common questions are "Tell us something about yourself; Why medicine?; Why WVSU?; What are your strengths and weaknesses that may affect your studies; Where will you practice medicine after medschool?;  What are your talents and skills?" Other questions are situational. Whatever the questions are, just be yourself and be honest, because if you lie, you'll never know which made you pass or fail the screening, yourself or your lies.

 

How to get to WVSU-COM?

The college of medicine is at Roxas Hall, West Visayas State University, Luna St., La Paz, Iloilo City. There are many ways to get there.

From the airport, the easiest way would be riding a cab but it will cost you more or less 300PhP. Be sure not to confuse West (for WVSU) with Western since there is a Western Visayas Hospital in Iloilo which is 30-45mins away from WVSU and the driver might bring you there. For a lesser cost, you may ride a shuttle van at the airport that will bring you directly to SM Iloilo for only 50PhP. You may then ride a cab from SM to West (WVSU) which will cost you 60-80PhP depending on the traffic. Another option from SM City would be riding a Leganes Jeep across SM (at the Injap Bldg, 7eleven side) for 7PhP, get off at E. Lopez St. across Jollibee Jalandoni (at Cristine's Salon, PS Bank side) and WVSU is just a 10-min walk from there. You may also ride another jeep to West for also 7PhP (any jeep going to this direction will pass by West).

Other jeepney routes passing by WVSU are Jaro-CPU, JaroLiko-Tagbak and JaroLiko-NFA.

 

Where to stay near WVSU-COM for a night or two?

Since you are required to be there by 7am for the interview, you might want to consider staying near the area the night before.

The most accessible is the WVSU Hometel which is just inside the campus and a few steps away from Roxas Hall. They offer a dorm type room with 6 beds and a common CR for <200PhP/person which is very ideal for a group of friends. They also have a more comfortable airconditioned room for two (2) with television and a personal CR for 400PhP/person/night. You just have to get a room there at office hours and you may advice the campus guard if you are going outside and going back late. If you don't want to stay inside the campus, DBhometel is just a 10-minute walk from the campus. It's located at DB Ledesma St. but it's main entrance is part of Jalandoni St. near Jollibee. Their single bed costs 950PhP/night, room for 2 costs 1000PhP/room/night, and room for 6 costs 3000PhP/room/night; all have a personal CR, TV and aircon. They also serve breakfast if you want one, just inform them ahead. Another 10-minute walk hotel is the Urban Inn located at La Paz, Iloilo City in front of St. Clement's Parish. Their single bed costs 950PhP/night, room for 2 costs 1150PhP/room/night, and room for 6 costs 1950PhP/room/night; all are airconditioned, with personal CR, TV and wifi. You can always ride a jeepney from Urban Inn or DB hometel if you want to but a leisure walk would be an experience. 

WVSU Hometel: (63)(033) 320-0870 local 142
DB Hometel: 0927-5740535 | reservation@dbshometel.com
Urban Inn: +0908 874 9976

If you want to experience Iloilo downtown culture, there are many available inns at the downtown, which is just one ride from West but I couldn't assure you of your safety and security there. Other one jeepney ride away from West are Grand Dame Hotel at La Paz Market near Gaisano Iloilo, Go Hotels Iloilo at Robinsons Iloilo, Circle Inn and Iloilo Grand Hotel at the downtown. If you want to enjoy the metro life of Iloilo, there are many hotels near SM and Smallville (where parties and social gatherings happen) ranging from 1000-3000PhP, like Injap Dormitel (across SM), Diversion 21 Hotel (across smallville), and Smallville 21 Hotel (inside smallville). Cabs will cost you 80-100PhP to West. 

 

Where to eat near WVSU-COM?

There are canteens inside the campus but they might not be available during the interview period because it's already summer break for students. Just a short distance from the gate, there is an organic cafe owned by the WVSU-COOP, the Organica. They serve meals, drinks and desserts. Across it are different eateries, like Francisco's Refreshments, which offer affordable meals. Ministop is just right beside it. Just a few steps farther, you can see Orange Panda, JD, Hungry Ninja, and 7eleven and across these are McDo, Green Mango, PechoPak, and Munsterrific.

Guide to Mt. Napulak

Mt. Napulak is the highest peak of Igbaras, Iloilo. It is a common getaway place of those who want to spend their weekend at the top with a 360 degrees view of Panay region. The trek is very suitable for first timers and staying up there overnight is recommended.

What to bring 

Just like in any other treks, mountaineers should be well prepared for the climb at Napulak. Napulak has a variety of vegetations that's why gears should be able to protect yourselves from whatever these areas may bring you. First and foremost, your shoes must be comfortable yet sturdy enough to get you through the trail. Your clothes must also be comfortable and light. Since there is an area where cogon grass are as tall as 5.5 feet, leggings or long socks or trek pants, sleeves and gloves should be worn. I suggest you wear trek pants because sharp cogon grass might injure you with thin leggings. I made it an investment so I bought mine for 950PhP at the Ati Shop at Jalandoni St., Iloilo City owned by Mr. Joemar Regondon. I got my sleeves at Marymart Shopping Center for 60PhP, which is already a good deal for an excellent quality protective sleeve, and I bought my gloves (the ones used in gardening, latex lined) at Daiso Japan Store at Robinsons Mall for only 88PhP. There is an open area where heat could be very intense, so cap/hat and sunscreen are a must. In case of rain, you could bring light poncho and waterproof cover for your bag. Most trek bags come with a protective cover but if you don't have one, you could use a garbage bag and make holes for your head and arms to cover both your body and bag. I bought my poncho at Handyman for 150PhP. At the summit, the wind can be very strong and the temperature is cold so warmers, jackets and bonnets would be very helpful to keep you warm. Alcoholic beverages are also allowed at the summit.

Each climber should bring at least 1L of water bottle. Since you will encounter 2 water sources as you ascend (1-2 hours and 3-4 hours from the base), you can refill your water bottle there for the next part of the ascent. For your cooking and hygiene needs at the summit, you need to bring additional 1-2 empty water bottles per person (depending on your needs) and just refill all bottles at the last water source. At the last water source, you may cook your lunch there if you don't have packed meals. In our case, we just brought prepared meals for lunch and bought groceries to be cooked at the summit for our dinner and breakfast the next day. What we had was chicken and pork adobo, corned beef and noodles. You also need to bring your own cookset, stove, butane cylinder and utensils.

For your sleeping needs, you should bring tents and sleeping bags. Since the wind is very strong at the summit, I suggest you bring a tent which is light but with high wind stability. You may also bring flashlights or headlamps for night strolling. And of course, don't forget to bring your toiletries, personal medicine and camera.
 

Pre-climb preparation 

Before going to Igbaras, you must book a guide first. Your guide will help you with everything from the trails to cooking your food to taking your pictures. Our guide was Tatay Murot Escalarga (you may contact him through 09263074853) who charges 500PhP per day. He has been a guide at Mt. Napulak for over 20 years now and is already known to the residents in the mountain, making climbers feel more secured and safe. At the summit, ask him which spots are best for picture taking. You may also hire a porter or two (depending on your baggage) for 250PhP per porter per day. Just contact Tay Murot and he will arrange everything for you. You should be able to contact him at least 2 weeks before the schedule of your climb.

Don't forget to prepare cash for your trip. Aside from the guide and porters, you will also need to pay for your transportation from Igbaras town proper to the base of the mountain. 200PhP is charged per motorcycle, which can accommodate 2 people.

Itinerary

Igbaras is 1 hour away from Iloilo City. It is best if you take off early to arrive at the shaded part at an earlier time. So if you are coming from afar, estimate well your tavel time to arrive at 5:30-6:00AM at Igbaras. In our case, we were coming from Iloilo City and we followed this itinerary:

Day 1
0430: 

• Travel to Igbaras

0530:

• ETA at Igbaras Town Proper, meet with Tay Murot (guide)
• Register at Igbaras PNP Station.
• Register at the Igbaras Municipal Hall Tourism Office (Look for Engr. Delgado, the tourism officer or Sir Dan)
• Take a habal-habal/motorcycle going to Brgy. Bagay, the Jump-off point. Ask the contact number of habal-habal drivers so they can fetch you upon your descent.

0700:

•  ETA at Brgy. Bagay
• Register at the Brgy. Log Book (if asked only)
• Start trekking. We took rests in between.

 1130:

• Lunch @ the Last Water Source
• Rest. You may start your ascent again when the heat is bearable again since     the next part of the ascent is an open and unshaded area. Some recommend resuming by 3pm but we resumed by 1:30pm.

1330:

• Resume trek

1530:

• Summit Area
• Pitch tent, Change clothes (for cold weather)
• Climb the nipple peak (highest peak at Napulak with 360 degrees view of Panay Island and other mountains). It's better to climb up at this time since visibility may be very poor the next day.
• Cook & Eat dinner
• Socials

Nipple Peak

I was climbing my way to the top

My view from the top

My view at the top

Going through these rocks as we go down the Nipple Peak

Day 2
 
0500:

• Wake up Call
• Cook breakfast
• Eat then prepare for the traverse descent to Brgy. Tigbanaba

0800:

• Start Descent

1100:

• ETA Water Source
• Lunch

1430:

• Brgy. Tigbanaba
• Ride habal-habal to Igbaras Town Proper

We were supposed to follow this itinerary for lunch but we were going down too slow that we opted to have our lunch at the water source, instead of eating the famous linagpang na manok at Elgario Family House. We also chose not to go to the waterfalls since we were already too tired.

1130 ETA:

• Elgario Family House
• Linagpang na Manok c/o Elgario Family House (200PhP each). They will provide your rice but you have to give them uncooked rice in exchange. You may also give them tip.

1400 ETA:

• Brgy. Tigbanaba
• Visit Nadsadhan Falls which is about 20 minutes away from the Brgy. Proper or go to the river then freshen up before returning to the city.
• Register at Brgy. Passi Log-Book (if asked) then take a habal-habal/motorcycle going back to Igbaras Town Proper

1630 ETA

• Igbaras Town Proper

Transportation and Services at Laguindingan International Airport

Laguindingan International Airport (CDO Airport) is located at Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, an hour away from Cagayan de Oro City and approximately 30-45 minutes away from Iligan City. Laguindingan is the gateway to many tourist spots in Mindanao. Going north, you can experience adventures like white water rafting at Cagayan de Oro City, longest dual zipline and dropzone at Bukidnon and enjoy tourist spots in Camiguin like sunken cemetery and springs. Going south, you can experience the nature at Ma. Cristina Falls in Iligan City and be immersed in Mindanao Culture with people of Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga.

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From the airport:

The airport opened in 2013, making people more concerned on the transportation but it's a good thing that the management has set up a good system for the outgoing and incoming passengers. Transportation is not a problem upon going outside the airport because different transportation options are readily available at the exit. If you do not have a private vehicle, shuttles and taxi cabs are a good deal. Shuttles offer a standard rate of 199PhP to Cagayan de Oro City but student and senior citizen discounts also apply. Just present a valid ID to the teller to avail of the 20% discount.

Shuttle companies at the airport exit

Among the shuttle companies available, I personally like Magnum Express. Magnum Express' vehicle is a mini bus with 4 seats per row (2 on the right, 2 on the left), unlike other shuttles, which use vans. Magnum Express like other shuttles may drop you off at any point along the highway but it's specific drop-off points are Centrio Ayala Mall, Limketkai Mall, and Agora Bus Terminal (terminal to Butuan, Bukidnon, Davao, Lanao del Sur, GenSan, Cotabato).

There are also shuttles which travel as far as Bukidnon, like Super 5, Alavoai, Lord's Transport, and Jhalyn and some even offer door-to-door services, like Jhalyn which also accepts credit card payments. There are also companies that have rent-a-car services and tour packages.

Shuttle companies at the airport exit

For passengers going south, you may ride a shuttle to Cagayan de Oro City and ask the driver to drop you off at Bulua terminal where you can ride a bus directly to Iligan City, Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga but if you don't want to travel an additional hour by going to CDO first, you may ride a shuttle at the airport directly to Iligan City and from there, you ride a bus to any destination going south.

You may be suprised by a number of barkers inviting you to ride on their shuttle and promoting their services, who could be annoying for first timers, so it's better if you already have a shuttle of choice before going out the airport exit.

Recently, Laguindingan Aiport has opened its night flights, extending shuttle operations up to 8pm. Aside from shuttles, there are also airport accredited taxis (Alphat Taxi) with a meter flagdown of 70PhP. Some unaccredited taxis offer fixed payment of 250-300PhP to Cagayan de Oro City and if you are lucky enough, you can get one for 199PhP only.

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To the Airport:
Going to the airport, different shuttles and taxis are readily available in the city. In Agora Terminal, there are some shuttles that can directly bring you to the airport. However, some shuttles wait for enough number of passengers before departing.

One shuttle company, Magnum Express, has a terminal/ticketing center at Limketkai Mall beside Island Souvenir shop. The waiting area is very comfortable as it has good airconditioning with available snacks inside. They operate every hour from 3AM and they make sure that there is an available shuttle for every departure and arrival time in the airport. Magnum Express also implements a strict system because they set boarding and departure time regardless of the number of passengers.

Taxis are also available going to the airport but some ask for additional charge or a fixed price since they have a hard time picking up passengers at the airport because there are airport-accredited taxis.

For private vehicles, the airport charge a parking fee of 20PhP. For overnight parking, a 150PhP fee is charged per night.

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Extra Services at the Airport:

Airline offices near the departure area

Near the entrance of the departure area are ticketing centers of airlines (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Air Asia) where you can print, buy and rebook your ticket and ask your flight-related concerns.

Inside the airport, there are food shops available to fill your tummies while waiting for your flight. Kenny Rogers and Seattle's Best are located at 2nd floor at the waiting area. There is also a souvenir shop at the right side where you can buy different products from Mindanao. If airport food price doesn't fit your budget, there are food stalls outside the airport with a variety of food from meals to snacks, for as low as 20PhP.

For travellers who need emergency photocopying services, unfortunately it is not available in the airport. However, a few meters from the airport, at the highway-airport road junction there is a photocopying center. It's landmark is the big billboard before turning right to the airport road. It is actually a far walking distance from the airport but one can also reach it by riding a passenger motorcycle. You can just ask the security guards where you can ride one.