NwSSU Joins 2025 OGP ASIA-Pacific Regional Opening in Manila

NwSSU’s Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling together with representatives of other SUCs MANILA – Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) is actively taking part in the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, represented by Dr. Rhio Dimakiling on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo. The two-day event which opens today, is currently being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manila, gathering over 800 participants from more than 40 countries and 20 local governments to advance open governance, public participation, and digital transformation. The meeting serves as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and commit to ambitious reforms under the Open Gov Challenge, a global initiative introduced at the 2023 OGP Global Summit in Tallinn. This challenge urges governments to design and implement policies that address today’s governance complexities while promoting participatory and resilient democracies. Photo by: Presidential Communication Office During the opening plenary, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country’s commitment to open governance, highlighting key initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and public participation. “Beyond our variances in our approaches, our shared vision is clear-cut: we want every budget allocation, policy decision, and program implementation to involve public participation—all in pursuit of the empowerment and upliftment of our people,” he stated. Dr. Dimakiling joined high-level decision-makers and leaders as they outlined their vision for strengthening transparency and accountability in governance. Key discussions throughout the day included leadership strategies for advancing OGP’s goals from 2023 to 2028, the role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in governance, and initiatives promoting open data inclusivity. A session on the road ahead for open government in the Philippines tackled governance reforms and challenges specific to the country. Photo by: Presidential Communications Office The event also highlighted the importance of youth participation in climate change policies, along with strategies to protect public space and empower civil society organizations. Conversations on mainstreaming citizen participation in decision-making and strengthening national-local collaboration were also key areas of focus. Today’s schedule will conclude with a Cultural Night, where participants may engage in a cultural exchange showcasing various world heritages. Discussions will continue tomorrow, with sessions focusing on mainstreaming open government, citizen participation in policymaking, and national to local collaboration. NWSSU’s participation emphasizes the institution’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement as it aligns with global and regional movements toward open government. The 2025 OGP Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting highlights the shared dedication of governments and civil society to foster more inclusive, transparent, and accountable societies by advancing open governance.

NwSSU Holds Pre-Teaching Internship Orientation for Aspiring Educators

The College of Education of Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU), in collaboration with the Schools Division of Calbayog, conducted a Pre-Teaching Internship Orientation on February 5, 2025, at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. Themed “Shaping the Future, One Prepared Educator at a Time,” the event brought together student teachers, teaching internship supervisors, and school administrators to prepare for the internship deployment. In her message of support, Dr. Jannel C. Alviola, College Dean emphasized the crucial partnership between the college and the schools division. “This internship is not just an academic requirement— it is the cornerstone of their future careers as educators,” Dr. Alviola stated, highlighting the importance of the transition from academic learning to practical teaching experience. Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, VP for Research, Innovation, and Extension, delivered a message on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, commending the College of Education faculty for shaping future educators. “Shaping the minds that shape the nation is not just a responsibility of one, but a responsibility of all,” he said, urging collective efforts in guiding the next generation of teachers. A key part of the program was the introduction of Calbayog school principals by Dr. Renato S. Cagomoc, CID Chief, allowing student interns to familiarize themselves with the heads of cooperating schools. Dr. Richard N. Verdeflor, Internship Coordinator, then discussed DepEd Order No. 3, s. 2017 and JDCMO No. 1, s. 2021, highlighting the roles and responsibilities of cooperating teachers. Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona, Schools Division Superintendent, reinforced the importance of a learner-centered teaching approach, while Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, Director of the Office of Gender and Development, provided insights on RA 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act. Meanwhile, Dr. Julie Ann Edraga, Internship Supervisor, tackled CMO 104 and the internship grading system. The event also included an open forum facilitated by Mr. Rowee O. Cañedo, allowing participants to address questions and concerns. Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, concluded the orientation by expressing gratitude to the cooperating teachers and schools for their role in developing future educators. The orientation served as a crucial preparatory step for the student teachers who will begin their internship tomorrow at various schools within the Calbayog City Division. The event underscored the collaborative effort between NwSSU and the Schools Division of Calbayog City in preparing the next generation of educators, emphasizing both practical teaching skills and professional development. Through this partnership, the institution continues to strengthen its commitment to academic excellence and the formation of competent teaching professionals.

NwSSU CCIS Kicks Off Second Batch of ICT Training for Sto. Niño LGUs

JANUARY 30—The Northwest Samar State University College of Computing and Information Systems (NWSSU CCIS) launched the second batch of its “Digital Empowerment: Enhancing LGU Capacities Through ICT Literacy” program today. This initiative aims to equip Sto. Niño local government personnel with essential digital skills, building on the success of the first batch held last week. The three-day training, which will run until February 1 at the CCIS Computer Laboratory, covers Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These daily sessions are designed to improve efficiency in governance and public service delivery, addressing specific gaps in the LGUs’ technological capabilities. Interactive activities, group discussions, and collaborative exercises ensure practical learning. By providing LGUs with tools to navigate digital challenges, NWSSU strengthens its partnership with local governance bodies. Post-training support, including mentorship and resource access, will further solidify participants’ progress, marking a significant milestone in NWSSU’s extension initiatives.

NwSSU Partners with Calbayog City in the Journey to Become a Smart City

In a significant step toward sustainable development, Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) collaborated with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Calbayog City and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) for a three-day planning workshop series titled “Calbayog City Journey to Become a Smart City.” The event, held from January 27 to 30 at the BDC of NWSSU, brought together unit heads from various LGU offices, national government agencies (NGAs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, and the private sector to lay the groundwork for Calbayog City’s transformation into a smart and sustainable city. This initiative is part of the four-year project “Establishment of Calbayog City into Smart and Sustainable City through STI Ecosystem Approach,” spearheaded by the LGU Calbayog and DOST Samar PSTO. The project aims to enhance the capabilities of local government officials and stakeholders in developing and implementing smart city initiatives, leveraging science, technology, and innovation (STI) to drive progress. The workshop featured expert lectures on the concept of a Smart City, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology, sustainability, and community engagement in urban development. Participants then engaged in workshops to develop the “Smart City Roadmap for Calbayog City,” a strategic framework for the city’s development projects. DOST8 Regional Director Dr. John Glenn D. Ocana highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving the city’s vision. Experts from the University of the Philippines Los Baños also led lectures and discussions. NWSSU played a key role in the event, with representatives Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, and Dr. Nancy G. Lanuza from the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS), actively participating in the initiatives. Their participation highlighted the university’s commitment to support development through research and innovation. The DOST’s Smart City Project aims to utilize technology and innovation to create models for sustainable urban development that can be replicated across the Philippines. By supporting Calbayog City’s journey, the DOST hopes to demonstrate how smart city initiatives can improve governance, enhance public services, and foster economic and environmental resilience. The collaboration between the LGU, DOST, NWSSU, and other stakeholders marks a promising beginning for Calbayog City’s transformation into a smart and sustainable city. The outcomes of the workshop are expected to pave the way for a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable future for the city and its residents. #RISENwSSU

NwSSU Criminology Students Unite for Criminology Day 2025

Criminology students from Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) gathered for the annual Criminology Day 2025, a two-day event aimed at fostering trust and camaraderie through team-building activities and competitions. Held in partnership with the Junior Criminologists Association of the Philippines (JCAP), the event transpired on January 30-31 at the NWSSU campus grounds. The 2-day program featured various team-focused activities and games designed to test participants’ knowledge, strength, agility, teamwork, strategy, and endurance. As a long-standing tradition at NWSSU, Criminology Day helps students build strong relationships, reflecting the teamwork essential for their future careers in criminology.

A Step Closer Towards Internship Readiness: Teaching Demo Fest 2025 Concludes

The College of Education’s Demonstration Festival (Teaching Demo Fest) successfully concluded on January 31, 2025, at the CoEd Building, marking the end of an intensive week-long teaching demonstration by pre-deployment teachers.   Designed to prepare future educators for their upcoming teaching internships, the program required student teachers to craft lesson plans and demonstrate them in a mock class setting. The festival featured 10 demonstrators per day, with five in the morning and five in the afternoon, followed by a post-conference where internship supervisors and CoEd faculty provided constructive feedback. Notably, despite being assigned the same topics, students showcased diverse teaching styles and strategies, reflecting their unique approaches to education. The event aimed to enhance participants’ teaching skills, reinforce proper pedagogical practices, and offer valuable evaluation before their internship deployment.   Dr. Richard Verdeflor, one of the internship supervisors, emphasized the importance of continuous growth in education, stating, “We have to continue the momentum of our teachers by fostering a culture of continuous improvement in the fields of teaching and learning within the College of Education.” As the Teaching Demo Fest concludes, the College of Education reaffirms its commitment to developing competent educators. This program reflects NWSSU’s broader mission of academic excellence and professional readiness, equipping future teachers with the skills and confidence needed to uphold the university’s standards in education and service.

From Theory to Practice: Day 2 of COED’s Teacher Prep Fest

The second day of the COEd Teaching Demo Fest unfolds today, featuring another batch of aspiring educators presenting their lesson plans and teaching skills to a panel of evaluators. Hosted at the COEd Building, today’s sessions sustained the event’s momentum as a new group of student teachers delivered their teaching demonstrations. Evaluators, comprising internship supervisors and COEd faculty members, provided constructive feedback during post-conference sessions, guiding participants in refining their pedagogical strategies and classroom management techniques. The Demo Fest continues to serve as an invaluable platform, equipping future educators with practical experience and insights in preparation for their forthcoming internships.

Showcasing Skills, Building Excellence: COEd’s Demo Fest Commences

JANUARY 27 — Northwest Samar State University’s College of Education (COEd) kicked off its highly anticipated Teaching Demonstration Festival, a week-long showcase of innovative teaching strategies and techniques. Aspiring educators, poised for deployment, will put their skills to the test in simulated classroom settings, receiving valuable feedback from esteemed panels of Internship Supervisors and COEd faculty. This immersive event serves as a critical platform for pre-deployment student teachers to hone their instructional expertise, refine lesson plans, classroom management and gear up for successful careers in education. Dr. Richard N. Verdeflor, a COED faculty member and internship supervisor, highlighted the festival’s purpose: “The demonstration festival is a showcase of talent and refining teaching skills. It serves as a platform for aspiring teachers to demonstrate their pedagogical skills and allows constructive feedback and peer learning helping practice teachers identify areas for improvement.” The program, which will run until January 31, aims to enhance teaching competencies, foster innovative methodologies, and ensure future educators adopt best practices before entering real classroom settings. With a focus on hands-on preparation and collaborative mentorship, the fest highlights COED’s commitment to shaping effective, confident teachers ready to inspire tomorrow’s learners to bridge the gap between the theory and practice, enabling aspiring future educators.

NwSSU Empowers Sto. Niño LGUs with Digital Skills through Innovative ICT Training Program

Northwest Samar State University’s (NWSSU) College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS) has launched a pioneering ICT training program, “Digital Empowerment: Enhancing LGU Capacities Through ICT Literacy,” designed to equip local government employees in Sto. Niño, Samar with essential digital skills, enhancing their capacity to deliver efficient public services. The program’s first phase, held from January 23 to 25, 2025, provided hands-on training sessions for LGU personnel at the CCIS Computer Laboratory. A second batch is scheduled for January 30th to February 1st. Led by CCIS faculty, the training focused on Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Each day is dedicated to a specific ICT tool: Mr. Rodel R. Ventures began the training on Microsoft Word on Day 1 while Ms. Cristy S. Carpon facilitated Day 2, centering around Microsoft Excel. For the final day, Mr. Keith Benjie Pecayo focused on Microsoft PowerPoint. Each day’s morning sessions included lectures conducted by the speakers, while afternoons were scheduled for hands-on applications of the lessons learned with the guidance of the CCIS Faculty. To ensure the program’s effectiveness, a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) was conducted before the training, allowing customized training plans and materials. The interactive sessions combined lectures, workshops, group discussions, and collaborative exercises, enabling participants to apply their knowledge immediately.To sustain the impact of the program, post-training support will be provided through follow-up consultations, mentoring, and access to online resources. Participants are also tasked with creating action plans outlining how they will implement their new skills in their respective offices. This program reflects NWSSU CCIS’s dedication to community support through education and extension programs. By leveraging its expertise and facilities, the university strengthens partnerships with local governments while empowering local government employees to adapt to evolving technological demands.

NwSSU CLG, Calbayog City Housing and Development Office Explore Partnership for Improved Public Services

On January 22, 2025, officials and staff from the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Center for Local Governance (CLG) and the Calbayog City Housing and Development Office (CHDO) gathered at the NWSSU Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Conference Room to discuss a potential collaboration aimed at enhancing public service delivery in the city. The discussions, led by Dr. Nicolas L. Faller, Director of NWSSU CLG, and Engr. Ricky A. Moreno, Head of Calbayog CHDO marked the initial step in forging a partnership to streamline the CHDO’s operations and improve accessibility for city residents. Others present in the said meeting include Ms. Glomarie Orongan from NWSSU CLG, Engr. Shena Mae M. Marmita and Mr. Aran Jay P. Andaya from CHDO. The proposed initiative, which highlighted the importance of innovation in addressing the growing demands of urban development and housing management, included integrating essential housing and development services to digital and online means. By leveraging digital tools through a collaboration of both parties, the project seeks to expedite transactions, reduce delays, and ensure a more efficient delivery of services. With a shared commitment to enhancing local governance and public services, this partnership