Author: Niño Christian Babaran

November 13, 2023- Attended by faculty and students, the College of Management of Northwest Samar State University hosted its first ever undergraduate Research Forum at Business Development Center, 1pm. There were eight student-presenters coming from BS Tourism Management, BS Business Administration, BS Hospitality Management, and BS Office Administration programs, and one presenter coming from the faculty. The forum evaluation focuses on the critiquing of the feasibility, formulation, and alignment of the presented research outputs. Among the credible evaluators were: Dr. Catherine Rodriguez- University Extension Director, Dr. Teody Lester Panela- University Research Director, and Mr. Novlloyd Celeste, former University Research Director. Aside from being one of the accreditation recommendations for the college, the activity aims to bring in research ambience among CoM students and faculty members; create awareness on the relevance of research to the development offered programs and to the industries being catered by the college; and motivate CoM students and faculty members to undertake innovative researches.

NwSSU joined the Zonal Reorientation and Forum with the HEIs, as represented by Dr. Myra L. Pilpa- SAS Director, Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe and Louise R. Horca, SIPP & Local Off Campus Coordinator, Main and San Jorge Campus, respectively at Summit Ridge Hotel, Tagaytay on November 9-10, 2023. The forum focuses on CMO No. 63, s. 2017, otherwise known as the Policies and Guidelines for Local Off-Campus Activities, Republic Act No. 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law), and RA No. 11053, otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.

NwSSU, in partnership with Department of Energy, conducted Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign featuring the “Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001” which was attended by the students and faculty of College of Engineering and Architecture at RSU Socio-Cultural Center, November 9.  Among the notable topics and discussants were Power Systems 101 by Engr. John Christ Beraya, Understanding RA 9136 by Engr. Sherwin Brian B. Estanislao, Understanding Electricity Rates by Ms. Deborah F. Gonzales, Understanding Lifeline Rate Extension Program by Engr. Joseph Ian Kim B. Vidon, Wholesale Electricity Spot Market 101 by Ms. Melanie C. Papa, MPA, Total Electrification by Mr. Vernon Ray N. Vinluan, and Energy Consumer’s Rights by Ms. Luz A. Lumbres, MPM. The credible discussants are all Science Research Specialists. This activity aims to amplify awareness of students and faculty on ensuring and accelerating total electrification to achieve greater operational and economic efficiency and enhance competitiveness of Philippine products in the global market.

Ms. Jonah Salcedo, University Planning Officer and one of the participants in the QS Higher Education Summit in Malaysia actively engaged during the panel discussion in AI: Reshaping Education’s Future Norms as part of the summit’s second day on November 8. In the discourse, Salcedo queried on the credibility of information generated by AI. Another highlights of Day 2 were panel discussions on specific topics in talent building and industrial evolution, experts focus forum, and business school forum to which NwSSU delegates enthusiastically participated.

Setting in the international stage and with more than 100 universities serving as witnesses, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo- the University President formally received the 3-Star University accolade at QS Higher Education Summit: Asia Pacific in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 7. Based on eight evaluation criteria and a score ranging from 0 to 5 stars, the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) World Ranking is an assessment method that concentrates on higher education institutions’ operational and educational performance in accordance with internationally recognized standards. Last August 30, 2023, the NwSSU management has completed its evaluation and was rated with star performance ratings in the following categories: Teaching (5 stars), Inclusiveness (5 stars), Academic Development (4 stars), Employability (4 stars), Facilities (4 stars), Specialist Criteria – Education & Training (3 stars), and Social Responsibility (3 stars), with an overall 3-Star rating.

Jam-packed with quality pursuits, the NwSSU delegates led by Dr. Benjamin Pecayo participated in the following activities: Expert Focus Forum, Opening Panel on Higher Education in APAC: Defining and Measuring Success, Panel Discussion on Quality and Quantity: Refining and Improving International Student Enrolment, Keynote on the Role of Universities in Nurturing and Preparing Talent for Future Work, and Open Research on Strategies to Maximize and Safeguard the Value and Trust in Research, November 7.

NwSSU, in partnership with Department of Energy, conducted Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign featuring the “Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001” which was attended by the students and faculty of College of Engineering and Architecture at RSU Socio-Cultural Center, November 9. Among the notable topics and discussants were Power Systems 101 by Engr. John Christ Beraya, Understanding RA 9136 by Engr. Sherwin Brian B. Estanislao, Understanding Electricity Rates by Ms. Deborah F. Gonzales, Understanding Lifeline Rate Extension Program by Engr. Joseph Ian Kim B. Vidon, Wholesale Electricity Spot Market 101 by Ms. Melanie C. Papa, MPA, Total Electrification by Mr. Vernon Ray N. Vinluan, and Energy Consumer’s Rights by Ms. Luz A. Lumbres, MPM. The credible discussants are all Science Research Specialists. This activity aims to amplify awareness of students and faculty on ensuring and accelerating total electrification to achieve greater operational and economic efficiency and enhance competitiveness of Philippine products in the global market.

NwSSU delegation led by University President, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo attends the first day of the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Higher Education Summit: Asia Pacific 2023 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia. The representatives are also set to accept NwSSU’s recognition for being rated 3 stars by the QS Intelligence Unit.The summit with the theme, “Creating the Right Outcomes: Universities and the Future of Work in the Asia Pacific” runs until November 9 and delves into the pivotal role of universities in shaping the future of work in the dynamic Asia Pacific region.

The College Education conducted its Pinning Ceremony for fourth year students at RSU- Socio Cultural Center, NwSSU, today, September 15.