Month: April 2024

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) celebrated its 13th NwSSU Student’s Choice Award for Radio and Television (NSCART) on April 19, 2024, at the RSU-Socio Cultural Center. Organized by the students of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), NSCART aims to recognize outstanding individuals and entities in the media industry while providing students with valuable learning opportunities. NSCART holds the distinction of being the first award-giving body for radio and television in the Visayas region. This prestigious event not only acknowledges excellence in media but also serves as a platform for students to explore diverse learning methodologies, preparing them for future careers in media and business administration. This year’s NSCART ceremony honored media outlets and figures at both local and national levels for their contributions to the industry. Notable awardees included the Rotaract Club of Greater Calbayog for Best Local Non-Government Volunteer Group of the Year, Radyo Natin Calbayog for Best Local Radio Public Service Program, 89.5 FM Kauswagan Radio for Best Local Radio for Educational Program, and GMA 7 for Best Network Balance Programming, among others. The event also recognized outstanding programs such as SAKSI for Best News and Public Affairs Program, IMBESTIGADOR for Best Investigative Journalism Program, Raffy Tulfo in Action for Best Public Service Program, My Puhunan Kaya Mo for Best Business Oriented Program, MAGPAKAILANMAN as Best Drama Anthology, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho for Best Magazine Program, and many more.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to implement the Tara Basa! Tutoring Program in the province. The MOA, signed on April 19, 2024, signifies the official launch of the program aimed at creating a supportive learning environment for Grade 2 learners struggling with reading. Led by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and joined by Samar Provincial Governor Sharee Ann Tan, NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo represented by Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, and Samar State University (SSU) President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, the signing ceremony took place at Tandaya Hall, Catbalogan City, Samar. The Tara Basa! Tutoring Program is a holistic initiative designed to bolster reading skills and foster academic success among Grade 2 students, aligning with NwSSU’s mission to promote inclusive education and address educational challenges in the region. NwSSU’s active participation in the Tara Basa! Tutoring Program was exemplified by the presence of its dedicated faculty members, including Dr. Catherine Rodriguez, Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, Dr. Julie Ann Edraga, Mrs. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, Mrs. Maria Lourdes Billate, Mr. Avin Carl Cruzada, Mr. Albros Mañanita, Mr. Arniel Disbarro, and Mr. Lito Mag-Ampo. Through collaborative efforts between NwSSU, DSWD, and other stakeholders, the program holds promise in making a meaningful impact on the academic journey of Grade 2 learners in Samar, contributing to their overall educational development and well-being.

“𝘐𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘐, 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘕𝘸𝘚𝘚𝘜, 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥-𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘘𝘈 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴.” – Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office 8 (DTI RO-8) bestowed upon Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) the prestigious Philippine Quality Award (PQA) on April 17, 2024, at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. This recognition marks a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to excellence and quality management. The PQA, hailed as the highest national recognition for exemplary organizational performance, mirrors the esteemed Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award of the United States of America. It operates on the performance excellence framework, aiming to elevate Philippine organizations to global standards of performance. By embracing this framework, organizations like NwSSU demonstrate their dedication to achieving world-class performance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.  DTI 8 Regional Director Dr. Celerina T. Bato, handed over the Philippine Quality Award trophy to Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, the esteemed President of NwSSU. This accolade not only recognizes the university’s commitment to quality management but also celebrates its innovative approaches, excellent deployment strategies, and outstanding performance across various domains. The conferment ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including key officials from regional and local government agencies. Among them were Dr. Celerina T. Bato, DTI-8 Regional Director; Dir. Meilou C. Macabare, DTI-Samar Provincial Director; Ma. Christina G. Aquino, Region 8 PQA National Consultant; Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona Jr., OIC-Schools Division Superintendent of Calbayog City Division; Mr. Dave Murjani, Calbayog Chamber of Commerce President; and Hon. City Mayor Raymund C. Uy, representing the Calbayog City LGU. In addition to NwSSU’s recognition, the PQA NwSSU Champions and Members, who played instrumental roles in achieving this prestigious award, were also honored with plaques and certificates of recognition.Congratulations to Northwest Samar State University on this remarkable achievement, and may this recognition inspire continued excellence and innovation in the pursuit of academic and organizational quality in the region. #RISENwSSU

April 18, 2024 – The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program at Northwest Samar State University underwent rigorous evaluation by the Professional Regulatory Board (PRB), with Board Chairperson Hon. Emma K. Sales and PRB Member Hon. Annabelle S. Sarabia leading the assessment alongside Ms. Sharon Matienzo, Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) Tacloban Representative for Region 8. The evaluation and monitoring team meticulously scrutinized the program to ensure its compliance with the minimum standards set forth by the PRB, PRC, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). After thorough examination, the team concluded that the BS in Agriculture at NwSSU meets all necessary requirements. With this positive evaluation, NwSSU reaffirms its position as a leading institution in agricultural education, poised to empower students and make significant contributions to the agricultural landscape. #RISENwSSU

Resolution No. 2024-13-115, sponsored by Hon. Eduardo P. Tibo and passed on April 12, 2024, authorized Mayor Raymund “Monmon” C. Uy to establish a partnership with NwSSU. This collaboration aims to designate the City Health Office as an Affiliating Community Health Agency for the University’s upcoming Nursing program. Formalization of the partnership will soon commence through the signing of affiliation documents between the City Mayor’s Office and NwSSU. Photo courtesy of Sangguniang Panlungsod – Calbayog City Read: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=725784509729904&set=pcb.725785466396475 #RISENwSSU

LGU Sta. Margarita Mayor, Felix R. Panganoron solidifies his full support for the opening of the University’s Nursing Program after he signed the Contract of Affiliation with NwSSU for the conduct of its Related Learning Experience in Community Health Nursing last April 17, 2024, at the Municipal Hall, Sta. Margarita, Samar. The mayor’s act was pursuant to the approval of his request through the Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Nestor A. Cailo, to the Sangguinang Bayan (SB) to grant him authority to enter into contract of affiliation. With the motion of Hon. Winefreda D. Relos and seconded by the body, the SB 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 approved the passage of Resolution No. 012, Series of 2024 last March 27, 2024. Mayor Felix assured NwSSU the LGU’s full support especially because the partnership will help in the promotion of health and wellness of their constituents. He also expressed his great appreciation for the upcoming program offering for it will give incoming tertiary students from Sta. Margarita an option to receive quality and affordable nursing education. On the sidelines of the signing, the updates on the University’s plan to establish both the extension campus and the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering program in Sta. Margarita were also discussed. Mayor Felix also expressed his support and commitment to contribute to expedite the preparations. NwSSU was represented by the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Chief Administrative Officer for Finance Services, Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, and Mr. Jake B. Calagos, CHRA.

“The whole NwSSU will work and continue improving our four-fold function embedded in our Quality Management System, this will surely motivate us to keep our university thriving for excellence.” – Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) recently achieved a significant milestone following a successful audit from April 15 to April 16, 2024. SOCOTEC auditors conducted the Second Surveillance Audit, evaluating the institution’s adherence to the Quality Management System of the ISO 9001:2015 standard. Led by Ms. Marisse Cruz, along with Mr. Mark Allan Balbarino, the SOCOTEC Audit Team assessed the operations at the NwSSU-Mai The primary goal of the audit was to ensure that NwSSU’scertified management system consistently meets ISO standards, maintaining confidence between recertification audits. This involved a comprehensive examination of various university operations to ensure conformity and continuous improvement. The culmination of the audit process brought forth excellent news for NwSSU, as the university has received a recommendation for continued ISO 9001:2015 certification. Congratulations NwSSU on this remarkable achievement, and kudos to everyone involved in ensuring the success of the Second Surveillance Audit! #RISENwSSU

The NwSSU College of Agriculture and Technology (CAT) recently convened with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 8 on April 5, 2024 at the RIE Conference Room to discuss the implementation of the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP). Led by Dr. Rosalia L. Briones, Dean of CAT, faculty members from the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) and Bachelor of Agricultural Technology (BAT) programs were present, alongside representatives from DA Region 8. A key highlight of the meeting was the discussion on NwSSU’s role as a recipient of various agricultural equipment, including multi cultivators, grass cutters, water pumps, shredders, and farm tools. These resources will augment the Agricultural Entrepreneurial Demo farm, further enhancing hands-on learning opportunities for students.

NwSSU met with First District of Samar Representative, Congressman Stephen James “Jimboy” Tan last April 10, 2024, to discuss its plan to become a center of technical education and skills development. The latest promising venture aims to formally train residents from the first district at both campuses and satellite training centers of Local Government Units within the district. Congressman Tan is set to coordinate with the concerned Local Chief Executives and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to accelerate the preparations and implement the program within the year. Despite his limited allotted funds from TESDA, he pledged to personally provide additional funding to effectively execute the program. Updates regarding the plan to offer the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering program were also discussed. Congressman Tan pledged a parcel of land in Sta. Margarita, Samar, for the University’s Extension Campus, where the program will be available. Both parties will coordinate with interested organizations which expressed willingness to offer support in preparing for the program’s launch in 2025. The Congressman also addressed matters concerning the status of the modernization of the oval facilities including the track, stating that the planning is nearing its final stages. Additionally, he mentioned that the implementation, estimated to take only two months, will commence immediately. The improved oval is set to be inaugurated in preparation for the 38th Regional SCUAA Games, scheduled to take place in the last quarter of 2024.NwSSU was represented by Chief Administrative Officer for Finance Services, Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, CPA, TESDA Training and Assessment Director, Mr. Papiniano O. Macayan, Jr., and Mr. Jake B. Calagos, CHRA. #GugmaNganSerbisyo #OnePeopleOneSamar #AksyonPadayon#SparkSamar #RISENwSSU

The group contests witnessed The Courier team’s collective brilliance, as they clinched numerous top positions. The team bagged the titles of Best Website, Best Vlog, and Best Social Video, showcasing their versatility and innovation in digital media. Moreover, their dedication to traditional print media was recognized with the title of 1st Runner Up in the Best Magazine category. The team also secured respectable positions in various other group contests, including 3rd place in Best Radio News Bulletin, and 4th place in both Best Newsletter and Best Creative Folio. Their efforts in filmmaking were also acknowledged with the 5th place in both Best Short Film and Best Promotional Video categories In the individual contests, several NwSSU students showcased their exceptional writing skills, clinching top positions in their respective categories. Vivienne Kyla C. Caber led the charge by securing the 1st place in English News Writing, followed by Rosegene Mae L. Senario, who earned the 3rd place in English Copyreading and Headline Writing. While Florentino S. Mainit III and Eunice Marsha M. Alorro showcased their prowess by securing the 5th place in English Development Writing and Investigative Writing, respectively. In the Filipino category, Dioven D. Cardinas exhibited commendable skills by securing the 4th place in News Writing. The group contests witnessed The Courier team’s collective brilliance, as they clinched numerous top positions. The team bagged the titles of Best Website, Best Vlog, and Best Social Video, showcasing their versatility and innovation in digital media. Moreover, their dedication to traditional print media was recognized with the title of 1st Runner Up in the Best Magazine category. The team also secured respectable positions in various other group contests, including 3rd place in Best Radio News Bulletin, and 4th place in both Best Newsletter and Best Creative Folio. Their efforts in filmmaking were also acknowledged with the 5th place in both Best Short Film and Best Promotional Video categories. Furthermore, the Radio Broadcasting Special Awards highlighted the exceptional talent within The Courier team. Marylou S. Ortillo was recognized as the Best Anchor, while Michael John E. Lavendia earned the title of Best News Presenter. Their exceptional performances underscored the depth of talent and dedication within NwSSU’s student journalism community. With an impressive haul of awards in both individual and group contests, they have proven their journalistic prowess. Congratulations to the talented individuals and the entire team for their hard work and dedication! Your commitment to excellence truly embodies the spirit of NwSSU. #RISENwSSU