Author: Raffy Ticong

Faculty and non-teaching personnel from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the Training-Workshop on High Impact Extension Innovations with Field Exposure held on June 17–19, 2025, at Igorota Hall, Benguet State University (BSU) in La Trinidad, Benguet. The event brought together extension professionals and scholars to strengthen their skills in designing, managing, and evaluating community-centered, high-impact extension initiatives. The initiative was born out of the NwSSU Graduate School’s commitment to revitalize its extension mandate. In recent years, particularly during and after the pandemic, the University acknowledged a gap in faculty- and learner-initiated extension projects. This led to a purposeful exploration led by the VP for Administration & Finance who was concurrently the GS Extension Coordinator, joined by the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School, Extension Services Office, and Project Development Unit. This has resulted in proposing the training-workshop in partnership with the Bamboo Impact Lab OPC, led by Dr. Anneth Singh, Affiliate Scientist at Ateneo de Manila University. The effort aligns with the Commission on Higher Education’s Memorandum Order No. 15, s. 2019, which mandates graduate schools to promote advanced competencies that support agro-industrial productivity, entrepreneurship, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability. The event opened with a ceremonial signing between NwSSU, Civica Knowledge Management Solutions, and Bamboo Impact OPC—formally establishing a tripartite linkage in support of innovative, partnership- driven extension work. This was followed by plenary sessions that set the tone for the workshop’s central themes. The session titled “SIGLAT: Innovations in Youth and Community Development” was delivered by Mr. Adrian Leung on behalf of Dr. Donna R. Tabangin, followed by Dr. Marren Adan’s presentation on “Blue Economy Breakthroughs: Research-Based Extensions in Countryside Maritime.” Dr. Anneth Singh led the session on “Bamboo Impact Breakthroughs: From Research-Based Innovations to Business-Based Extensions,” and the final talk, “Bridging Leadership: Connecting Leadership Innovations and High-Impact Extension,” was facilitated by Dr. Elmer Soriano. On the second day, NwSSU participants engaged in a field exposure activity at the BSU Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry. Here, they interacted with project implementers and local stakeholders, gaining insights into how partnerships are initiated and sustained, how stakeholder relationships are nurtured, and how support systems, including funding mechanisms, are mobilized. These reflections guided the afternoon training-workshop, where participants crafted community involvement plans and designed partnership pipelines for extension projects. Outputs were presented, critiqued, and refined through collaborative feedback. The third day featured another field visit—this time to the BSU Agri-based Technology Business Incubator/Innovation Center (ATBI). Participants met with startup incubatees to learn about their entrepreneurial ventures, the institutional support provided by ATBI, and the importance of research- driven enterprise in rural development. The culminating training session back at Igorota Hall focused on developing impact assessment tools for extension programs. Participants shared their drafts and received constructive critiques to enhance effectiveness and applicability. The workshop concluded with a closing program that reinforced key insights and celebrated the participating institutions’ collective commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and high-impact extension practices. For NwSSU, the event significantly enhanced the competencies of its faculty and non-teaching staff in building strategic community linkages and responsive extension frameworks. It also enriched their professional growth and bolstered the University’s capacity to spearhead transformative, partnership- centered development in the region.

As part of its continuing commitment to enhancing student welfare and institutional governance, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) conducted a consultation session on the draft University Student Dormitory Manual on June 9, 2025, at the 4th Floor of the Administration Building. The activity was led by Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, and Planning Director, Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo. The session brought together student representatives from the student body organizations to solicit feedback, integrate suggestions, and collaboratively refine the proposed dormitory policies. Student Regent Revy M. Magallano opened the event with a message underscoring the manual’s significance in nurturing consistency, order, and accountability in university housing. This was followed by a formal setting of the agenda by ISSC Secretary John Michael Giray, paving the way for a comprehensive discussion on the manual’s provisions and their implications for dormitory residents. In her remarks, Dr. Myra Pilpa, Director of the Student Affairs and Services Office, underscored the importance of inclusive policy-making and the shared responsibility in cultivating a safe and welcoming living environment on campus The core of the session featured a detailed presentation of the draft manual by Ms. Salcedo and Mrs. Billate, which served as the foundation for an open consultation. Students were encouraged to voice their views, clarify specific sections, and offer constructive recommendations. The open forum that followed allowed for further engagement, enabling participants to raise concerns and propose refinements to ensure the document reflects both institutional standards and student perspectives. The development and consultation of the University Student Dormitory Manual mark a significant step in institutionalizing student-centered governance at NwSSU. Actively involving student leaders and key administrative offices, the university reinforces its commitment to transparent, inclusive, and responsive policymaking, ensuring that the regulations guiding campus housing are both compliant with national guidelines and attuned to the lived experiences of its students.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), in partnership with St. Camillus Hospital, conducted a lay forum on June 4, 2025, at the Business Development Center to raise awareness of lifestyle-related diseases and empower the university community to pursue better health. Hosted by the College of Nursing and  University Health Center, the forum focused on the prevention and management of common non-communicable diseases. A free health screening was also offered, including blood pressure monitoring, and cholesterol, uric acid, and blood sugar tests for NwSSU employees and community members. Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, expressing gratitude to the organizers, guest speakers, and attendees. College of Nursing Dean, Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, followed with the forum rationale, highlighting the importance of awareness, early detection, and collaboration with health institutions in addressing non-communicable diseases. The forum featured three key discussions. Dr. Luningning Y. Justiniano gave an in-depth presentation on Diabetes Mellitus, covering its causes, symptoms, complications, and prevention strategies. Dr. Emmanuel A. Rosales followed with a comprehensive talk on Coronary Artery Disease, focusing on cardiovascular risks, lifestyle factors, and treatment options. The final session, led by Dr. Jamie A. Roa, emphasized the role of nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and routine check-ups in preventive healthcare. An open forum encouraged active engagement, allowing attendees to ask questions and share concerns. The program concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Carl Neill M. Del Rosario, who urged the community to take proactive steps toward healthier living. Through this initiative, NwSSU reaffirmed its commitment to health literacy, preventive care, and fostering a culture of well-being within its academic community.

Cebu City – The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) College of Nursing actively participated in the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) two-day Public Consultation and Orientation on Nursing Education, held on May 27–28, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City. The event served as a platform for academic leaders and policymakers to deliberate on critical reforms in nursing education and training across the country. The first day of the consultation focused on the proposed Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs) for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and the reorientation of the BS Nursing Program Outcomes to integrate Primary Health Care (PHC) competencies. Representing NwSSU were College of Nursing Dean Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio and Program Chair Mr. Carl Neill M. Del Rosario. Their participation underscored the university’s commitment to educational advancement and its support for nationwide academic reforms. The NwSSU delegation engaged in curriculum discussions for both the academic and professional tracks of the MSN program and exchanged insights with prominent figures in nursing education, including Hon. Dr. Leah Primitiva G. Samaco-Paquiz, Chairperson of the PRC Board of Nursing. The consultation opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal, Director of CHED Regional Office VII, followed by a statement of purpose from Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, Director of the Office of Programs and Standards Development. Both speakers emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration in implementing new standards that respond to the evolving needs of nursing education. The Technical Panel for Nursing Education led the sessions, presenting the proposed PSGs and facilitating interactive open forums that allowed participants to provide feedback and raise pertinent concerns. On the second day, the focus shifted to the accreditation process for health facilities used for the Related Learning Experience (RLE). The Technical Panel presented the proposed guidelines and led a comprehensive discussion on how higher education institutions and their partner healthcare facilities can meet the quality benchmarks set by CHED and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

In pursuit of producing industry-ready professionals, graduating civil engineering students of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) deepened their technical knowledge on permit processes during a technical seminar held on May 23, 2025, at the Function Room of the University Hotel and Restaurant. The event, spearheaded by the Junior Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (JPICE) – NwSSU Student Chapter, featured in-depth discussions on the application process for clearances and building permits which are essential in engineering practice. Dr. Teodoro A. Amatosa Jr., adviser of JPICE–NwSSU Student Chapter, welcomed participants in his opening remarks and emphasized the relevance of technical knowledge in the field of civil engineering. He encouraged students to engage with the discussions as future professionals expected to navigate complex infrastructure requirements. Serving as the resource speaker was Engr. Marlon D. Sobreviga, Director of the General Services and Infrastructure Project Management Office of NwSSU and a practicing consultant/engineer. Engr. Sobreviga delivered two technical sessions: the first focused on the processes behind obtaining clearances such as those from the local government, City Planning and Development Office (Locational/Zoning Clearance), Bureau of Fire Protection (Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance), Department of Public Works and Highways (ROW Clearance), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Height Clearance), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ECC/CNC), and other clearances needed to obtain as requirements. The second topic delved into the application procedures for various permits, including demolition, excavation, fencing, architectural, structural, sanitary/plumbing, electrical, mechanical, electronics, and occupancy permits. Engr. Sobreviga also emphasized compliance with national and local codes, professional coordination, and the importance of accuracy in permit documentation. Mr. Kent Joey B. Dosado, JPICE–NwSSU President, concluded the activity with his closing remarks, expressing gratitude to the speaker and participants for the productive and enlightening discussion. He also emphasized JPICE’s commitment to advancing the competence of future engineers through continued learning and exposure to real-world practices. The seminar contributed not only to the academic enrichment of NwSSU civil engineering students but also positioned them closer to becoming ethical and knowledgeable professionals capable of meeting global industry standards.