Calbayog City, August 30, 2025 — The Graduate School of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) officially opened the academic year with a comprehensive Orientation Program at the Business Development Center, welcoming both new and continuing students. The event highlighted the university’s commitment to quality graduate education, student services, and academic excellence.
In her opening remarks, Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa reminded students that they are central to the institution’s success. “Please take note that your role as a student is important in helping us achieve our goals. By embodying the RISE values, you directly contribute to the graduate school’s success. Your resilience in overcoming academic hurdles, integrity in your research, and commitment to excellence in your scholarly work elevate the quality of our entire institution. When you engage in service through your research, you help solve real-world problems and enhance the reputation of NwSSU. Simply put, when you RISE, we all RISE,” she said.
Representing the University President, Dr. Rhio Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered the inspirational message. He encouraged students to be motivated by the example of their professors, many of whom are also pursuing higher degrees. “If your professors, despite their busy schedules, still find time to study, so should you. Let this be your motivation — never grow tired of learning,” he emphasized.
The same spirit was echoed in the closing remarks of Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, who not only encouraged perseverance but also gave recognition to the faculty. In a symbolic moment, he called each professor of the Graduate School on stage, introducing them one by one to the students. “Graduate education requires discipline and dedication, but the reward is greater impact in your communities and professions,” he said, emphasizing the collaborative journey between mentors and learners.
Academic updates and services were presented, including Registrar Services by Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV and Graduate School Operations by Dr. Teody Lester Panela. Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, SAS Director, led an important session on student rights, duties, and responsibilities, reminding students of their integral role in shaping an ethical and engaged graduate community.
The day also showcased the talents of graduate students, with Philip Joseph C. Franco performing an intermission, Ms. Maureen Durmiendo, a MAED Language Teaching student, giving a surprise number, and the NwSSU Rondalla offering cultural music. These performances highlighted the diverse strengths and creativity of the student body.
The event was hosted by Mr. John Lloyd Tarrayo, a MAED Language Teaching student, who guided the flow of the program with energy and confidence.
Currently, the NwSSU Graduate School is home to students enrolled in diverse academic tracks. These include doctoral students in the PhD in Education major in Educational Administration (PHDE) and the PhD in Management (PhDM), as well as master’s students pursuing MAED with majors in Administration and Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction, Language Teaching, and Cultural Education, along with Other programs are the Master of Arts in Science Education (MASE), Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (MAME), Master of Arts in Public Management (MAPM), Master of Arts in Business Administration (MABA), Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM), Master of Science in Guidance Counseling (MSGC), and the Master in Information Technology (MIT) programs.
The orientation served not only as an information-sharing activity but also as a celebration of both students as partners in academic excellence and faculty as dedicated mentors, reinforcing NwSSU’s commitment to cultivating leaders and innovators in education, management, science, business, and technology.