Author: Raffy Ticong

Free Access to Canva Education and Affinity Suite for Norwessians! Students, faculty, and staff from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) can now have access to Canva’s premium tier features and Affinity’s suite of professional graphic design, photo editing, and desktop publishing software through Canva for Education! Following Canva’s acquisition of the creative suite last March 26, 2024, Affinity’s creative apps are now available for free to those with a verified Canva for Education account. Here’s how you can quickly access your very own Canva for Education account: Faculty, staff, and students can easily create an account and log in to Canva using their email address with the @nwssu.edu.ph domain. Students may also request a Canva invite link directly from their professors. Alternatively, you can reach out to Ms. Precious Joyce D. Ogdoc, MS University Website Content Manager, for the invite link. Connect with her via Facebook messenger. Unlock Free Access to Affinity with Your Canva for Education Account Follow these simple steps to gain access to Affinity for free: Download and install the Affinity apps you need on your device via this link: Affinity for Schools. 2. Sign in using your Canva for Education account. 3. Start enjoying your free access to the full Affinity Suite! Make the most out of these amazing tools and elevate your creative and academic work today!

In a move to expand its international partnerships and academic collaborations, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has officially established a partnership with the Engineering Council of Thailand (ECT), St. Robert’s International College (SRIC), and Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTPN) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on Feb 9, 2025, at Las Palmas Hotel, Manila. The agreement paves the way for collaborative academic initiatives that will benefit all the institutions and their respective constituents through the newly established linkage. The agreement was signed between NwSSU, represented by its President, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, and the leaders of the three partner institutions: Dr. Chieanchung Kalayanamitr, President of the Engineering Council of Thailand (ECT); Dr. Robert F. Galindez, President of St. Robert’s International College (SRIC); and Dr. Natworapol Rachsiriwatcharabul, President of Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTPN). Grounded in a shared commitment to educational excellence, leadership and community service, and intellectual freedom, the agreement also establishes collaboration in key areas such as faculty, student, and researcher exchange programs, joint research projects, lectures and symposia, exchange of academic materials and information, dual and joint degree offerings, and other academic initiatives. Also present at the ceremonial signing to represent NwSSU were Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Eliza V Gamusa, Dean of NwSSU Graduate School and Engr. Ignacio Tocayon, Jr. Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture.  The collaboration between the institutions signifies a major step toward NWSSU’s goal of expanding its partnerships and linkages, providing its students and faculty with broader opportunities for global engagement and academic excellence.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) formalized their commitment to academic and educational cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing today, February 10, at the Executive Conference Room of the Office of the Chancellor, University of the Philippines Los Baños. The partnership aims to create a mutual understanding between the two institutions by developing collaborative activities in various academic areas. These include faculty, researcher, and student exchanges, collaborative research and extension projects, lectures, symposia, capacity-building programs, and the sharing of academic materials and information. Both universities also expressed their openness to other forms of academic cooperation as mutually agreed upon. Leading the ceremonial signing were UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr. and NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo. The event was also attended by key officials from NwSSU, including Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension Dr. Riz Rupert Ortiz, Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture Engr. Ignacio G. Tocayon, San Jorge Campus (SJC) Dean Dr. Getulio A. Barcenas Jr., SJC Director of Research, Innovation and Extension For. Eduardo G. Espejon, and BSABE Program Chair Engr. Renell Jay Villaluz. This partnership is expected to create and open new collaborative opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers from NwSSU and UPLB, strengthening academic linkages and institutional ties in pursuit of excellence in the field of higher education, research, and innovation through proactive collaboration.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) actively participated in a collaborative project aiming to conserve Samar’s historic fortifications, primarily the Sta. Rita, Bangahon, and Zumarraga fortification sites, last February 5-8, 2025. The initiative, titled “Safeguarding the Sentinels of the Seas: Conservation of Samar Fortifications,” funded through the Ambassadors Fund of Cultural Preservation of US Department of State through US Embassy in the Philippines and the Provincial Government of Samar is led by the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (USTGS-CCCPET) headed by Ms. Beverly M. Bautista, in partnership with Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), along with Samar State University (SSU) represented by Ms. Maria Rubi M. Parrocho, and Samar Provincial Tourism Office (SPTO) represented by Mr. Etelbert Conde. Representing NwSSU in this endeavor is Dr. Joseph Emil A. David (Director of Research and Development Services), alongside EnP. Novlloyd Celeste (Head of the Innovation and Technopreneurship Hub), and Architect Vanessa Ayllon. Their involvement focuses on collaborating with USTGS-CCCPET on research, documentation, and architectural assessment, contributing to the broader efforts of preserving the province’s historical structures. The four-day site visit encompassed comprehensive ocular inspections and assessments of 13 historic fortification sites. These sites included Basey, Villareal, Bangahon, Tinago ruins, Bangon, Napalisan, Caparangasan, Zumarraga (Arteche Historical Park), Samar Provincial Jail, Paranas, Jiabong, Pinabacdao, and Sta. Rita, showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Throughout the project, the teams will conduct site surveys and memory mapping, engage in archival and historical research, and perform detailed architectural and structural analyses of various historical sites across Samar. These efforts aim to develop a comprehensive site development plan that will guide future conservation initiatives. By working alongside USTGS-CCCPET, and the Samar Provincial Tourism Office, NwSSU strengthens its role in cultural heritage preservation. The university’s participation highlights its commitment to integrating research and collaborative efforts to enable Samar’s fortifications and ensure their conservation for future generations.

MANILA – Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) actively participated in the final day of the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting on Friday, reaffirming its dedication to open governance. Represented by Dr. Rhio Dimakiling on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, NWSSU joined discussions on pressing governance issues and strategies to strengthen democratic institutions. The day began with high-level roundtable conversations on the intersection of open government, economic development, and democratic security, emphasizing how transparency can drive sustainable progress across all regions. A session on women, peace, and security highlighted the role of open governance in advancing gender-inclusive policymaking. Another talk focused on safeguarding electoral integrity by addressing issues that arise during elections, such as state resource abuse, vote buying, and vote selling. Other discussions explored ways to enhance collaboration among local leaders, public organizations, and development partners in promoting good governance. The role of data interoperability in governance and strategies for a fair and credible energy transition were also examined. Conventions in the afternoon provided a platform for in-depth conversations on designing impactful reforms, with a key focus on open contracting and fiscal openness. A session on political finance transparency examined ways to ensure accountability in electoral processes. Legal enforcers were also recognized as key players in championing inclusive governance and upholding justice reforms. As the two-day summit came to a close, NWSSU’s participation highlighted the importance of integrating open governance principles into institutional and national frameworks. The university’s engagement with regional and global discussions reinforced its role in promoting transparency and public participation. With new insights and strengthened partnerships, NWSSU remains committed to promoting open governance within its community and beyond.

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.