Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) strengthens its commitment to global excellence after actively participating in the Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Reputation (FLAIR) Masterclass – Eastern Visayas, Maanyag Class 2025. The intensive three-day seminar-workshop, held at Ironwood Hotel in Tacloban City, Leyte, was designed to bolster the global presence and competitiveness of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the region.
NwSSU was proudly represented by a delegation focused on internationalization efforts. The representatives included Dr. Iris B. Bejasa, Director of the International Affairs Office; Mr. John M. Tan, Head of the International Affairs Office; and Mr. Philip Joseph Franco, Administrative Staff VI.
The masterclass brought together State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and private HEIs from Eastern Visayas. The central focus was a deep dive into the “What, How, and Why” of major global benchmarks, specifically the Times Higher Education (THE) International Ranking and the World University Ranking for Innovations (WURI).
​The primary goal of the activity was to equip institutions in Region VIII with the capacity to align their current initiatives with global standards in teaching, research, and innovation. Participants received valuable insights, practical tools, and inspiration to effectively prepare and submit their ranking data. The workshop served as a strong motivation to accelerate internationalization efforts and forge stronger collaboration—ultimately gearing Eastern Visayas toward greater visibility and recognition in the international academic landscape.
The primary goal of the activity was to equip institutions in Region VIII with the capacity to align their current initiatives with global standards in teaching, research, and innovation. Participants received valuable insights, practical tools, and inspiration to effectively prepare and submit their ranking data. The workshop served as a strong motivation to accelerate internationalization efforts and forge stronger collaboration—ultimately gearing Eastern Visayas toward greater visibility and recognition in the international academic landscape.
​The event featured a stellar lineup of A-1 Resource Speakers whose expertise greatly enriched the participants’ understanding of leadership, innovation, and internationalization in higher education. The speakers included Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes, Regional Director of CHED CAR; Dr. Sherry Junette Malaya-Tagle, President of Cordillera Career Development Center; Dr. Jonas P. Villas, Leyte Normal University Vice-President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; and Prof. Bryan C. Dayuta, Director for Linkages, International Office of Philippine Normal University.
The knowledge gained from the FLAIR Masterclass is expected to have a significant and lasting impact on NwSSU’s strategic planning. By applying these international best practices, the university is poised to substantially improve its data collection, reporting methodologies, and overall quality of global engagement, ensuring NwSSU delivers world-class education and secures a higher standing in future global and innovation-focused university rankings.