Author: Raffy Ticong

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.

CALBAYOG CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) officially launched the World Immunization Week 2025 campaign on April 24 with a kickoff program held in San Joaquin, Calbayog City, signaling the start of a nationwide immunization effort that will run until April 30 across Bicol, Samar, Davao, and various regions in the Philippines. With the theme “Bakuna Para sa Lahat: Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” the weeklong campaign emphasizes the importance of protecting all age groups: infants, children, pregnant women, and senior citizens through appropriate and updated immunization. The program enjoins the public to visit their nearest health centers and actively participate in the vaccination drive, aligning with the DOH’s goal of strengthening public health protection through community-wide participation. Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) was among the institutions present during the event. Representing the university were Dr. Armando Alviola, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences (CCJS) and Mr. Joar V. Uy, from CCJS. Their presence emphasized NwSSU’s support for collaborative community health initiatives and its commitment to promoting wellbeing and awareness among partner institutions. Distinguished guests from the national and international health sectors were also present at the event. Dr. Janis Macazo and Mr. Rojun Catbagan from the DOH Central Office, Dr. Achyut Shresthaa of the World Health Organization (WHO), and Engr. Bernie Bersola of UNICEF joined the local stakeholders in emphasizing the global significance of access to vaccines and reliable immunization. The launch opened with solidarity messages from officials representing local government units, health agencies, and partner sectors. The event highlighted cooperation among agencies in sustaining public immunization programs and ensuring access to life-saving vaccines, especially in underserved and vulnerable communities. World Immunization Week is observed globally every April, aiming to raise awareness and increase vaccine coverage worldwide. NwSSU’s participation highlights its continued support for community-driven health initiatives and its active engagement in national efforts that promote the well-being of every Filipino. Through its presence, the university reaffirmed its role as a partner in advancing public health and social development.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Office, successfully conducted its annual Institutional In-House Review (IHR) for Research on April 21–22, 2025, at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS) Multimedia Room. The two-day activity aimed to evaluate, strengthen, and provide expert feedback on the university’s proposed research projects, further promoting a culture of excellence in research among faculty members. This activity was organized by the Office of Research and Development Services (ORDS), headed by Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director of the Research Development Services, along with the collective efforts of ORDS personnel: Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte, Ms. Precious Joyce D. Ogdoc, Ms. Rhea Jenny V. Ogalesco, Dr. Rolly L. Ortiz, and Ms. Renalyn Caca. Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, delivered the welcome remarks on Day 1, emphasizing the university’s commitment to evidence-based innovation and research-informed extension programs. He noted the important role of rigorous peer collaboration in ensuring the quality and impact of institutional research initiatives. The panel of esteemed evaluators included Dr. Marilyn Radam, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations at DOST Region 8 and Chairperson of the Internal Regional Technical Evaluation Committee; and Dr. Isabelita M. Pamposa, Senior Science Specialist and Quality Manager at DOST Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory. They were joined by Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte, Research Specialist for Science and Technology of NwSSU’s Office of Research Development Services (ORDS) ; Dr. Ervin L. Rodriguez, Director of the NwSSU Innovation Office; and Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez, Director of NwSSU’s Extension Services. The review featured research proposals from multiple NwSSU’s colleges, reflecting a wide spectrum of academic innovation and inquiry. Projects tackled pressing issues and emerging needs in fields such as inclusivity, education, economics, environmental science, disaster risk reduction and resource management, agriculture, public health, information technology, and cultural studies. Day 2 of the program continued with the remaining presentations and transitioned to Terminal Reports, which are essential tools for effectively capturing, analyzing, and presenting real-time data and system performance metrics. Each presentation was followed by constructive feedback from the panel, aimed at refining the proposals’ soundness, relevance, and practical application. The event served not only as a platform for feedback and critique but also as a venue for academic exchange, mentorship, and encouragement, reinforcing NwSSU’s role as a beacon of research-driven development in the country.

In response to rising temperatures and the Extreme Caution Heat Index Alert recently issued by PAG-ASA across several provinces, the Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) consulted with Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) for technical support—specifically on heat index data generated by the university’s Automatic Weather Station (AWS). On April 22, 2025, CDRRMO personnel, including Mr. Joseph Von P. Catorce, Operation and Warning Division Chief; Mr. Ritchie Yabao, Early Warning Section Team Leader; and Mr. John Christian Tarrayo, Weather Forecasting Focal Person, visited the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) at NwSSU. They were welcomed by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for RIE, to review the latest data from the Automatic Weather Station. The meeting focused on understanding the current heat index levels and discussing how this real-time weather data could help mitigate the impact of extreme heat on the local population. The conversation centered on the AWS’s ability to track key weather variables like temperature, humidity, and wind speed which are essential for issuing accurate heat warnings and minimizing the risks associated with intense heat waves for the community. As a resource for public safety, the AWS plays an important role in turning weather data into actionable insights. Through this collaboration, NwSSU continues to contribute to local government efforts, showing how research and innovation can provide practical solutions for addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Both NwSSU and CDRRMO expressed the need to improve data-sharing, ensuring that both institutions are better prepared to tackle the increasingly unpredictable climate patterns facing the region. They also expressed interest in formalizing their partnership with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to solidify their ongoing collaboration and further strengthen disaster preparedness efforts.

The Business Affairs Office, in collaboration with the Project Development Unit, successfully spearheaded a lock-in write-shop on April 15–16, 2025, at the Northwest Samar State University Hotel and Restaurant Conference Hall, aimed at revising and enhancing the University’s Income Generating Projects (IGP) Manual. Organized in support of NwSSU’s strategic direction to institutionalize sustainable and policy-aligned income-generating initiatives, the write-shop gathered key university officials, technical writers, and subject matter experts to collaboratively update the 2016 IGP Manual. The event’s outcome is expected to provide a strengthened framework for financial management, integrate national guidelines from CHED, DBM, and COA, and align with relevant laws including RA 12009. It also incorporates sustainability principles, clearer performance metrics, and refined monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Tasked with refining the IGP manual were Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Dr. Nicolas L. Faller, Ms. Florabel C. Canaman, and Mr. John M. Tan with the guidance of Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, the write-shop facilitator. Providing wise technical insights as experts were Mr. Rodolfo B. Corrales, Atty. Ma. Cecile Candida Y. Rueda, Mrs. Ivy B. Aligam, and Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta. The prorgam management staff, composed of Engineers Mariel Jane F. Saberon and Ms. Moira Angelika T. Repaja, assisted the program managers in ensuring efficiency in the conduct of the activity. The write-shop promoted collaborative discourse and expert insights of policies critical to NwSSU’s financial sustainability. It also deepened institutional awareness on efficient IGP operations and laid the groundwork for the eventual finalization of a more responsive and future-ready IGP Manual. Through this, NwSSU is poised to boost the efficiency, profitability, and transparency of its income-generating programs, reinforcing its commitment to financial sustainability and institutional development.