Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

Cridets to NwSSU Research, Innovation and Extension Office Northwest Samar State University, together with Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, will be hosting the 2nd International Conference on Resource Management and Governance (RMUTCON 2025 Special Session) on 22-24 July 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. Do you want to present your paper? You may register and submit your Abstract through this form, or scan the QR code below, until 15 June 2025: https://forms.gle/HMKgm88a6A7nY3Z77(file name format: 2ICRMG-Last Name-First Name) For inquiries about the 2ICRMG, you may email us at [email protected]. To know more about RMUTCON2025, visit https://rmutcon2025.rmutp.ac.th/

To cultivate a culture of innovation and prepare the next generation of technopreneurs, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 8 conducted its Startup Awareness Program at Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) on May 16, 2025, in partnership with the ICT Industry Development Bureau. Held at the NwSSU Business Development Center, the initiative gathered faculty mentors and students for an engaging session designed to introduce the fundamentals of startup development, inspire entrepreneurial thinking, and explore pathways for tech-based innovation The activity formed part of DICT Region VIII’s broader push to empower higher education institutions through startup education and support services. Through discussions and resource sharing, the program emphasized the importance of adaptive innovation in addressing real-world problems. The event aligns with NwSSU’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, research, and industry collaboration, contributing to the university’s vision of producing globally competitive and innovation-driven graduates.

The afternoon of May 14, 2025 marked a historic moment for the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Unit of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), as during the initial deliberation, it was officially declared Rank 1 in the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI) with an outstanding rating of 97.11%.  RAATI is a rigorous annual evaluation conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to assess the performance, discipline, administrative readiness, and tactical proficiency of ROTC units across the region. It serves as a measure of excellence in military training, leadership, and institutional support. The last time NwSSU clinched the RAATI Championship was in 2010. Now, after 15 long years, we are one step closer to reclaiming the title. While other participating institutions are still awaiting their inspections, NwSSU’s remarkable early lead places it in strong contention for the overall championship. Should this top rank hold through the final deliberations, NwSSU will proudly bring home the RAATI championship crown once again! Congratulations to the men and women of the NwSSU ROTC Unit — your dedication, discipline, and determination have paid off!

Credits to NwSSU Research, Innovation & Extention Office We are excited to announce that the 2nd International Conference on Resource Management & Governance, in collaboration with Rajamangala University of Technology’s RMUTCON2025, will be held on July 22-24, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. Would you like to present your paper at the conference? Like and follow now to stay updated. We will be posting the details soon.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with three other state universities on Samar Island to develop cooperation through collaborative activities in academic areas of interest. The partner universities are Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Samar State University (SSU), and the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP). The university administration, represented by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, and SSU’s Director for Environmental Sustainability, Research, and Development Dr. Edelyn O. Echapare, formally secured the MOU. The activity was witnessed by VP for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling and University Ombudsman Atty. Ma. Cecille Candida Y. Rueda. Through this partnership, the universities will engage in collaborative activities such as exchanging faculty, researchers, and students, conducting joint research and extension projects, and sharing academic information and materials. They will also organize lectures, seminars, conferences, and capacity-building programs to enhance their academic offerings and research capabilities. This partnership is expected to have a significant impact on the region’s educational landscape, enhancing research capabilities, improving academic programs, increasing student opportunities, and contributing to community development through joint research and extension projects. By pooling resources and expertise, the participating universities can drive positive change in the region and achieve their mandates to provide advanced education, research, and extension services.

April 28, 2025 – Representatives from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) attended the UNESCO World Heritage Nomination and Climate Change Mitigation Conference for Community Leaders of Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) held at the Samar Convention Center. The event, organized by the Provincial Government of Samar in partnership with the University of Santo Tomas Graduate Studies – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics, brought together community leaders, environmental agencies, academic institutions, and government representatives to discuss the ongoing efforts to nominate SINP as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As an academic partner of UST-CCCPET, NwSSU was among the participating institutions supporting the initiative. The university was represented by Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Riz Rupert Ortiz, with Mr. Joshua Rosillon, and Mr. Novlloyd Celeste, head of the Innovation Technology and Support Office, who attended the program and engaged in discussions on conservation, climate change mitigation, and community participation in heritage protection. Building on a week of focused environmental initiatives, the April 28 conference served as the culmination of a series of preparatory activities aimed at advancing the SINP Climate Change Action Plan. These included a Research Training session on April 23 and Data Gathering Sessions held from April 24 to 25. The conference highlighted the critical role of the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. With its dense forests, unique flora and fauna, and cultural significance, SINP is recognized as a vital natural resource that warrants global recognition and protection. Among the highlights of the event were presentations from key agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), along with discussions on the ecological value of SINP, climate change challenges, and the responsibilities of barangays in environmental protection. With the continued support of institutions like NwSSU, the vision of elevating SINP to global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site moves closer to reality, promising a more sustainable and resilient future for the people of Samar.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Department of Education Schools Division of Calbayog City through its Alternative Learning System (DepEd ALS) have initiated discussions for a forthcoming Memorandum of Agreement that will formalize their collaboration for the implementation of the university’s community extension initiative, the LIWANAG Program on May 9, 2025. The LIWANAG Program, short for Livelihood Integration and Wit on Communication Skills for ALS Nurturing Aspirations and Growth, is designed to respond to key challenges faced by the ALS community in Calbayog. It includes three core projects: EGG YOLK Project, a livelihood initiative focused on salted egg production, branding, and marketing strategies; BOOT Project, a digital literacy effort introducing basic computer operations and troubleshooting skills; and LOVE TALK Project, a communications development program utilizing speech drills and creative expression to enhance verbal proficiency. The initial coordination meeting was made between NwSSU Planning and Development Services Director Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta and Calbayog City National High School Principal Mr. Milaner R. Oyo-a. The upcoming Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), now being scheduled for signing by NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona Jr., will formalize the collaborative effort between the two institutions. The partnership supports the shared commitment of both institutions to inclusive education, skills development, and community empowerment. The MOA is expected to strengthen local educational initiatives for ALS learners while providing opportunities for NwSSU faculty and non-teaching personnel to engage in meaningful community work.