Author: Cerilo Dela Tonga

In a significant development for university staff and administrators, top management and department heads convened on Friday, February 7, 2025, for a crucial meeting regarding the 2023 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB). The meeting, which took place at the Business Development Center’s 2nd floor, addressed key concerns following recent correspondence from the Department of Budget and Management about the university’s eligibility status. During the extensive afternoon session, officials delved into a thorough review of performance ratings, identifying departments with performance ratings below the required threshold for improvement based on the PBB criteria. Officials engaged in constructive discussions to address performance gaps, with commitments made to enhance internal processes and maintain a culture of excellence. Similarly, the discussion focused on non-compliance with agency accountabilities, reviewing areas that required immediate attention. The meeting emphasized the importance of compliance to strengthen the university’s standing in future PBB evaluations. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the newly implemented guidelines under Executive Order No. 61 and TWG Resolution No. 2024-2, which outline the appeals process for PBB 2023. These guidelines introduce a structured process for addressing concerns and clarifications, ensuring fairness and transparency. Attendees were informed of the process, which provides a clear framework for resolving issues related to PBB eligibility. The meeting also resulted in the finalization of documentary requirements for PBB release. Various departments were assigned specific responsibilities to expedite the processing of bonuses, streamlining the approach to ensure timely distribution to eligible employees. This development represents a significant step toward finalizing the performance incentive system for university employees, affecting employees university-wide. Officials emerged from the meeting with clear directives on both the appeals process and the timeline for PBB distribution. With clear action points and a renewed focus on efficiency, the university will navigate the PBB process confidently, reinforcing NWSSU’s dedication to rewarding outstanding performance and accountability.

The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Calbayog City District Office conducted a free notarization service outreach program for Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) faculty and staff today, February 6th. The initiative, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Administration Building’s 4th floor was part of PAO’s outreach program. University personnel were able to have their Personal Data Sheets (PDS) and Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) notarized without incurring any fees for the said services. The notarization of these documents is a crucial requirement for all government employees to ensure compliance with administrative and legal obligations. For many employees, the event provided a convenient and cost-free way to complete this much-needed transaction. Instead of seeking private legal services, which often require additional time and expense, faculty and staff were able to process their paperwork swiftly with the assistance of PAO through Atty. Shirley Joyce B. Matados and Atty. Jamela B. Sani. The program was well-received by university personnel, who expressed their gratitude for the accessibility of the free service. By bringing legal assistance directly to NWSSU, PAO helped ease the burden of processing documents for employees, reinforcing its commitment to efficient public service and legal accessibility.

Northwest Samar State University’s (NWSSU) Graduate School achieved a significant milestone by convening a Stakeholders’ Forum on the Validation of Graduate School Policy and Curriculum Revisions on February 1, 2025, at the Business Development Center. The forum aimed to modernize graduate education, bringing together key administrators, faculty, alumni, and stakeholders to enhance program offerings and align them with contemporary educational standards. Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration, emphasized the university’s commitment to accessibility through online learning modalities. “Our focus is on making graduate education more convenient for working professionals,” Dr. Dimakiling stated, highlighting the institution’s drive to accommodate students from remote locations. Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa underscored the importance of these revisions, particularly in securing the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC). “These updates are essential for maintaining our programs’ excellence and relevance,” Dr. Gamusa noted, calling for collaborative support from all stakeholders. The day-long event featured intensive breakout sessions where stakeholders reviewed curriculum checklists and provided valuable feedback across various programs, including PhDM, MAPM, MEM, MSGC, PhDE, MAED, MABA, and MASE. Alumni representatives shared compelling testimonials, with Mr. Edbryan Yepes advocating for a more streamlined curriculum that maintains academic rigor while considering students’ well-being. Dr. Joy Saldana, one of the experts/consultants/stakeholders, praised the institution’s proactive approach to meeting CHED requirements and adapting to educational evolution. The forum demonstrates NWSSU’s commitment to educational excellence and its proactive approach to adapting to the evolving landscape of graduate education in the region.