Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

Mark your calendars for the Pageant and Coronation Night on December 10th, 7:00 PM at the RSU Socio Cultural Center. Ticket for the Coronation Night is ₱100 (General Admission) and available at the gate/door of the RSU Socio Cultural Center on a first come, first served basis. Witness also the dazzling talents and inspiring stories of our contestants in their Talent & Preliminary Interview Night on December 9th at 7:00 PM at the CACO Theater in Nijaga Park. Admission is FREE! (Certain seats are reserved for 11 delegations.) #mrandmssuc2024 #EVRSCUAA2024 #sparktovictory 

In preparation for the forthcoming EVR SCUAA 2024 hosting, Northwest Samar State University’s nursing students and faculty participated in a comprehensive Standard First Aid Training, held from November 27-29, 2024, at Nursing Amphitheater. Participants gained valuable knowledge and practical skills in various first aid techniques during the Day 1 of the training, which featured a dynamic discussion and demonstration by a team of experts: Dr. Sandro C. Daguman, Mr. Joseph Von P. Catorce, Ms. Ma. Fatima Shaira D. Adona, and Ms. Jamaica A. Ultra. Days 2 and 3 focused on practical application, with participants engaging in return demonstrations and skills evaluations to solidify their understanding and proficiency.The training culminated with closing remarks of Capt. Eugene C. Calumba, PA (Res), emphasizing the importance of preparedness and the valuable skills acquired by the participants. The training is a crucial component of NwSSU’s Nursing students and faculty in their professional development, reinforcing their skills and preparedness in responding effectively to emergencies. It also empowers them to become responsible and capable individuals, ready to contribute to the safety and well-being of their communities.

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar – Northwest Samar State University proudly celebrated the achievements of 36 scholars who completed the Graduate Diploma in Cultural Education (GDCE) during a culminating activity held on December 1, 2024, at the Business Development Center. GDCE is a postgraduate scholarship program sponsored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), designed to integrate Philippine arts, culture, and heritage into the basic education curriculum. Mr. Phil Harold Mercurio, faculty member of the GDCE Program and Project Documenter, added that the GDCE program is a collaborative initiative between NCCA and NwSSU. He emphasized that this partnership reflects the university’s commitment to empowering educators in cultural preservation and pedagogy.  During the culmination, scholars of NwSSU Graduate School wore Filipiniana attire to honor the country’s rich cultural traditions. The event highlighted the keynote address of Mr. Etelbert D. Conde, a GDCE alumnus and a passionate advocate for heritage preservation. He emphasized the completers’ vital role as champions of cultural awareness and education, urging them to leverage their knowledge to inspire the youth. Conde also stressed the growing community of cultural advocates whose efforts in promoting heritage have positively impacted young leaders and communities. “You are the next generation of active agents of cultural preservation and societal development,” he declared. Project Coordinator, Avin Carl V. Cruzada formally introduced the 36 GDCE scholars, who are also educators of DepEd and NwSSU. They shared heartfelt testimonies on how the program enriched their teaching practices and inspired a deeper appreciation for Philippine culture and heritage.  A vibrant cultural presentation followed. Iconic Filipino songs, including “Baka Ikaw Sa May Bintana,” “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” “Tikbubulan,” and “Kuratsa Vocalis” were performed by NwSSU singers. Adding to the cultural richness, Mr. Nemesio Baldesco, Calbayog City’s poet laureate, graced the event and performed a siday (poetic recitation), captivating everyone with his artistry. Scholar, Josephine T. Ornopia also performed beloved Waray-Waray songs, including “Balud,” which added a heartfelt local touch to the celebration. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates, led by Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President represented by Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, VP for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, Dean of the Graduate School and at the same time the GDCE Program Director. In her closing remarks, Dr. Gamusa encouraged the scholars to embody the NwSSU’s core values, the RISE—Resilience, Integrity, Service, and Excellence—and to continue advocating for cultural preservation in their respective communities.

The Land Bank of the Philippines-Calbayog Branch has partnered with the Northwest Samar State University in support to the hosting of the 38th SCUAA Games this December 2024 to which a Partnership Agreement was signed on November 27, 2024, outlining the sharing of resources to address the pressing needs of the hosting. Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, the University President, welcomed Ms. Evelyn O. Sabido in his Office for the ceremonial signing of the Partnership Agreement, with the LBP’s commitment to share P50,000 and with the NwSSU ensuring LBP’s inclusion in the promotional strategies of the SCUAA Marketing Committee.

Hon. Lacaba, a distinguished Doctor of Management and esteemed faculty member of the College of Management, was recently sworn in as the new President of the Federation of Faculty Associations during the 64th Regular Board Meeting of the NwSSU Governing Board held at the CHED Central Office, UP Diliman, Quezon City. We are confident that Hon. Lacaba’s expertise and commitment will significantly drive to the continued success and growth of NwSSU. We wish him all the best in his new endeavors. 

CON Amphitheater – On November 11, 2024, Level-I nursing students of NwSSU attended a symposium titled, “Self-Conscious Awareness: Its Importance to Service,” featuring guest lecturer- Ms. Gemenita T. Equiza, a seasoned professional with a background in Psychology and government service. Aligned with the Understanding the Self course, the event emphasized the crucial role of self-awareness in nursing. Ms. Equiza shared valuable insights from her career, highlighting how self-awareness is essential for managing emotions, maintaining professionalism, and delivering compassionate care, especially in challenging situations. She encouraged students to embrace self-awareness as a powerful tool for personal growth and effective service. Quoting José Rizal’s belief that “the youth is the hope of our Motherland,” she inspired the students to take ownership of their development and lead with empathy and integrity. “This symposium reminded me that being an effective healthcare provider starts from within. Cultivating self-awareness will not only enhance my skills as a nurse but also help me navigate the emotional challenges of the profession. I am grateful for this learning opportunity and am committed to applying these lessons to grow both personally and professionally,” Justine Charles Diapolet, BS Nursing student reflected. he event was a powerful reminder of the importance of emotional intelligence and self-reflection in the development of healthcare professionals, setting the stage for NwSSU’s pioneering students to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose in their future careers.

The City Nutrition Council successfully conducted a Symposium on Health and Nutrition on November 26, 2024, held at City Convention Center, gathering health advocates, experts, and students to promote nutrition and wellness in the community. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts between the local government and academia including the active participation of the nursing students of Northwest Samar State University. The symposium was part of the Calbayog City’s Mission to establish itself as a Premier Eco- Agri Tourism hub led by healthy and well-nourished Calbayognons. This is in accordance with the Philippine Action for Nutrition, focusing on the improvement of the Nutritional well-being of individuals throughout all life stages.The symposium covered a wide spectr The symposium covered a wide spectrum of topics, starting with an overview of malnutrition presented by Dr. Roy P. Maribojoc, City Nutrition Action Officer and Vice Chairperson of the Council. Dr. Maribojoc also emphasized the importance of good health and proper nutrition across different life stages, from childhood to adulthood and into senior years, and promoted the “10 Kumainments,” a set of nutrition guidelines designed to encourage healthy eating habits. The “Pinggang Pinoy” food guide, a visual tool that helps individuals understand balanced meal portions, was also highlighted. Ralph Maribojoc, LPT, City Program Coordinator, discussed its application for children, teenagers, and pregnant and lactating mothers, while Emerlita O. Ortiz, RND, City Nutrition Program Coordinator, City Health Office, presented its relevance for adults, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. Further, a discussion on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections were tackled by Ms. Jocelyn A. Cuizon, RN, STI/HIV Coordinator, emphasizing the importance of prevention and awareness. This was followed by an open forum allowing attendees to ask questions and interact directly with the experts, ensuring their concerns were addressed comprehensively. These discussions provided valuable opportunities to address community concerns and deepen understanding of the issues presented. The event ended with a resounding success, reaffirming Calbayog City of its vision of a healthy and sustainable future.

Manila, Philippines – Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully hosted the 2024 International Conference on Resource Management and Governance (ICRMG) on November 21-22, 2024, at the University de Manila, in partnership with Universidad de Manila (UDM) and the Carl E. Balita Review Center (CBRC).With the theme “Innovative Collaboration Reimagined for Resource Management and Governance: Advancing Global Sustainability,” the event gathered researchers, academic leaders, and professionals nationwide. Dr. Francis Aldrine A. Uy, President and CEO of the Universal Structural Health Evaluation and Recording System (USHER), opened the conference with a keynote address on “Localized Technologies for Sustainable Resilience.” It was succeeded with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with partner institutions, signaling a commitment to collaboration. Following this, Ms. Gretchen Gonzaga, a junior researcher from the Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Germany, presented her talk on “Inclusive Sustainable Development and Post-Disaster Governance.” She emphasized the importance of equitable and inclusive recovery strategies to address global sustainability challenges. Day two featured keynotes from Dr. Carl E. Balita, CEO of CBRC, and Dr. Patricia Angela R. Abu of Ateneo de Manila University, discussing AI’s role in governance and intelligent solutions. ICRMG Chairperson Dr. Teody Lester Panela called the conference a milestone in advancing sustainability and fostering global collaboration.

On November 25, 2024, Northwest Samar State University conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for its Hydroponics with Solar Panel Project at the NwSSU Agri Nursery, marking a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. This project, spearheaded by Dr. Archie Lauderes, with contributions from Dr. Rosalia L. Briones, Mr. Wendell L. Ultra, Ms. Sance J. Secondez, Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte, Dr. Eugenia A. Lonzaga, Mr. Mark Vincent G. Latras, Mr. Fernando A. Gariando and Ms. Maria Norfrelij J. Cuadra, integrates hydroponics with solar technology to advance efficient and environmentally friendly farming practices, thereby supporting NwSSU’s aim to spearhead research and development initiatives in the region. External funding for the project was provided by Department of Agriculture Region 8 under the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) amounting to 1.4 million pesos. The ceremony highlights the laying down of the time capsule, the site blessing by Fr. Rolly Laruda, and the official groundbreaking. Dr. Riz Rupert I. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation, extended a heartfelt message of gratitude to all the stakeholders who made the project possible, particularly the support from government agencies and private sector partners. The event was also supported by Dr. Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture Region VIII, represented by Judith A. Mendoza, Jason Fabillar, and Loren Joseph Arnaiz; Hon. Raymund C. Uy, Calbayog City Mayor, represented by City Councilor Hon. Marcelino Tan; Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, university key officials, faculty, students, and other guests.