June 16, 2025 | Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
To advance academic leadership, graduate instruction, research culture, and library modernization, faculty members of the Graduate School and key administrators from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) embarked on a cross-learning visit to Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) on June 16, 2025.
Representing the Graduate School were Mrs. Jenith T. Salem, Mr. John M. Tan, Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada, Dr. Nelcie E. Mabini, Dr. Judith S. Calamayo, Dr. Maria Lucil H. Dollado, Mr. Rodel Ventures, and Engr. Christian S. Cabral. They were joined by university officials Engr. Nemesio F.M. Napuran and Engr. Elegrecio M. Timan, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and institutional development.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Rafael A. Guerrero, Dean of the School of Science and Engineering, who shared Ateneo’s best practices in graduate education, research integration, and faculty advancement. He emphasized the significance of interdisciplinary approaches, research-driven instruction, and sustained academic linkages in fostering innovation across science and engineering disciplines.
Further enriching the visit, the NwSSU team engaged with Dr. Joel T. Maquiling, Research Scientist and Head of the Geodynamics Research Laboratory, who provided insights into ongoing geophysical and seismological studies. They also met with Prof. Ivan B. Culaba from the Department of Physics—a distinguished faculty member with roots in Leyte—who shared perspectives on enhancing regional science education.
A guided tour of Ateneo’s premier libraries, led by Sir Edsel, the Head Librarian, offered the visitors an exclusive look at the Old Library, the Asia Pacific Library, and the renowned Rizal Library. The group had the rare opportunity to view national treasures, including original copies of José Rizal’s El Filibusterismo, his personal study desk, and a preserved film copy of La Solidaridad. Ateneo’s advanced library systems, digital archiving practices, and knowledge preservation strategies provided valuable insights into modern academic resource management.
This immersive academic exposure allowed NwSSU educators and administrators to reflect on innovative models for instructional development, research enrichment, and library modernization—key initiatives that will inform future enhancements in graduate education at the university.