Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) recently completed an online survey visit for two programs at Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU). Held from September 23 to 27, 2024, the visit evaluated the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) program during its Preliminary Survey Visit and the Master of Engineering (MEM) major in Engineering Management for its 2nd Survey Visit. The AACCUP accreditation team, led by Dr. June Raymond Mariano, AACCUP Coordinator, was welcomed by Engr. Rhio Dimakiling, who represented Dr. Benjamin Pecayo, the University President. The week-long assessment involved an in-depth review of the programs’ curriculum The accreditors commended the NwSSU team for their thorough preparation and excellent organization of the documents submitted for review. The AACCUP survey visit is a critical component in the accreditation process, aimed at determining the programs’ compliance with AACCUP standards and their eligibility for accreditation.NwSSU remains steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality education, ensuring its programs meet the standards set by AACCUP. The university looks forward to the results of the survey visit as it continues to strive for academic excellence.

Today, September 27, 2024 – The Auxiliary Services and Business Affairs Office (ASBAO) successfully hosted the Training-Seminar on Food Safety, Sanitation, and Waste Management held at the 2nd Floor of the Business Development Center, NwSSU. The event also included a consultation on the use of personal utensils, meal boxes, and tumblers for availing food services. The seminar commenced with an opening remark from Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administrative Affairs, representing Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President. This was followed by an informative speech on the new Food Court Guidelines by Ms. Toni Charm B. Calag, University Nurse III. Ms. Maria Joana T. Nicolas, Registered Nutritionist and NwSSU Instructor, led the first session, focusing on food safety, preparation, and the production of nutritious meals. The topic was further discussed by Ms. Mvria Norfrelij J. Cuadra, PFT. Moreover, GSO Campus Development Office representative, Engr. Darwin Tan and Engr. John Dale Yabao, GSO R&M Division Head, discussed the Waste Management System with Workshop Developing Waste Management Plan. The session concluded with a consultation with survey led by Ms. Florabel Canaman, ASBAO Director, test evaluation, and the distribution of certificates to the participants.This initiative reflects NwSSU’s commitment to fostering a healthy and sustainable campus environment. By educating the community on food safety and waste management, the university aims to create a safer and more environmentally responsible campus for all.

In observance of National Peace Consciousness Month (NPCM) and as highlighted in the Memorandum MOED No. 655, Series, 2024, Northwest Samar State University and all higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are called to engage in activities that foster a culture of peace. Under the theme “Peace Month @20: Bagong Pilipinas –Transforming Minds, Transforming Lives,”HEIs play a vital role in raising awareness and deepening understanding of the comprehensive peace process, promoting unity, reconciliation, and sustainable development throughout September 2024.

The College of Nursing officially welcomed its pioneering first-year class on September 20, 2024, with a comprehensive orientation program held at the NwSSU Business Development Center. The event gathered the Faculty, Staff, GEC Instructors, Part-time Lecturers, the Technical Working Group (TWG), and BSN students and their parents/guardians, along with key university officials including Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, Director of Student Affairs and Services. The orientation provided the new students with an in-depth understanding of the University’s Vision, Mission, Core Values, and Quality Policy, ensuring they are well-prepared to embark on their academic journey. Essential guidelines specific to the College of Nursing were also discussed, giving students a clear perspective on academic expectations and the resources available to them. This orientation marks a significant milestone for the College of Nursing, signifying the launch of a new chapter in the University’s commitment to cultivating future healthcare professionals.

September 23, 2024 – Representatives from the Community Innovations Studies Center (CISC) of the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf), University of the Philippines Los Baños met with key officials from Northwest Samar State University through a courtesy call. Present were NwSSU Representatives including Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, VP for Administrative Affairs and OIC for the University President; Engr. Roy N. Montejo, University and Board Secretary; and Dr. Rosalia Briones, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Technology. The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss on the CISC’s collaborative research project titled, “Impact Assessment of DA-BAR Funded Tissue Culture and Research for Development (R4D) Processing Facilities in the Philippines,” which included the Upgrading of Tissue Culture Laboratory at NwSSU under the leadership of Dr. Rosalia L. Briones.The project aims to conduct interviews and gather relevant data about the laboratory and its operations to evaluate the impact of the funded facilities.

September 23, 2024 – Following the flag ceremony, NwSSU officially welcomed back the delegates who participated in the Hybrid Asia Exploration 2024 in Indonesia. Dr. Iris B. Bejasa, Director of International Affairs, expressed her enthusiasm for the delegates’ return after their engagement at Institut Teknologi Sepuloh Nopember in Surabaya, Indonesia, from September 13-19, 2024. The representatives delivered speeches about appreciation of the support of the university towards the program. In addition to welcoming the delegates, the university also greeted its new BS Nursing students, who began their first day of classes today. Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, VP for Administration and Finance delivered his message on behalf of University President- Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, and Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, VP for Academic Affairs, welcomed the nursing students and gave some announcements. Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, VP for Research, Innovation, and Extension was present in the activity. In addition to welcoming the delegates, the university also greeted its new BS Nursing students, who began their first day of classes today. Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, VP for Administration and Finance delivered his message on behalf of University President- Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, and Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, VP for Academic Affairs, welcomed the nursing students and gave some announcements. Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, VP for Research, Innovation, and Extension was present in the activity.

September 2, 2024, 9:00 AM – 12:00 NN | NwSSU, Main Campus—In collaboration with Samar Island Heritage Center, Inc., Calbayog Literary Arts Organization (CALAO) Writers Inc., and Katig Writers Network Inc., Northwest Samar State University hosted the Literature Teaching and Literary Criticism Lecture Series, attended by Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) – English students and student officers, NwSSU faculty members, and Department of Education (DepEd) teachers. The lecture series brought together distinguished speakers from various prestigious institutions. Dr. Dinah Roma, a De La Salle University (DLSU) fellow, gave an enlightening lecture, titled “Teaching Literature and Literary Criticism: An Introduction”. Her presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the methodologies and challenges of teaching literature. She emphasized that literature is an embodiment of human’s array of emotions wrapped in well-written words, thus, still representing societal conflicts and reality in a creative way. She was followed by Prof. Antonino S. De Veyra, NCLA Executive council member and expert on post-Haiyan ecopoetry of Eastern Visayas, who contributed to an insightful session. Professor De Veyra stressed the value of incorporating the natural world and environment into poetry rather than only using them as props to depict human feelings. Three (3) post-Haiyan poems by distinguished authors from the Eastern Visayas region were presented and discussed in his talk. After the discussions, an open forum followed. As the session concluded, the participants were also invited on a book launch at the CACO Theater, Nijaga Park. This was part of the afternoon event of the distinguished speakers. NwSSU’s Teaching Literature and Literary Criticism Lecture Series continues to serve as an essential platform for students, educators, and scholars to exchange ideas, inspire innovative teaching methods, and deepen their appreciation of the role of literature in the society. The success of today’s event reaffirms NwSSU’s commitment to advancing literary education and fostering critical thinking among its students and faculty.

On August 30, 2024, the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Research, Innovation, and Extension Center for Local Governance successfully hosted a “Voters Education Seminar” in collaboration with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The event took place at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center, offering a full day of insightful discussions, voter registration, and expert-led sessions. Primarily attended by first-year college students, the seminar aimed to empower students with the knowledge and tools needed for meaningful participation in the upcoming elections. The event featured distinguished speakers including University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, Atty. Chamles A. Lubaton, Calbayog City COMELEC Election Officer, Dr. Nicolas L. Faller, Director of the Center for Local Governance, Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, NwSSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Ms. Renalyn Caca, Secretary of the Center for Local Governance; and Atty. Jerra-lyn Merencillo, a faculty member of NwSSU’s College of Criminal Justice and Security and practicing lawyer. The program commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, VP Academic Affairs, setting the tone for the day’s discussions. Atty. Chamles A. Lubaton led the first session, delivering an in-depth presentation on the registration process, voters right, and the calendar of activities. His session provided attendees with a thorough understanding of the necessary steps and timelines for voter registration and participation. Following the morning session, Atty. Jerra-lyn Merencillo discussed various election offenses, engaging participants in an interactive open forum that encouraged questions and further exploration of the topics covered. The program concluded with the presentation of certificates to the speakers and participants, followed by closing remarks from Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension. The afternoon session, was purely registration process in which participants had the opportunity to register as voters, making the seminar not only educational but also practical for those seeking to participate in the upcoming elections. This event marks a significant step in NwSSU’s ongoing efforts to support local governance and enhance community engagement through education.

Northwest Samar State University, a member of the Association of Universities in Asia and the Pacific (AUAP), actively participated in the 8th AUAP Forum. The forum took place on August 26, 2024, at the Dusit Thani Manila Hotel in Manila, Philippines. Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, NwSSU’s Vice-President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, represented the university at the event. The forum which is themed, “Leadership and Value-Driven Schemes for Higher Education Development in the Philippines,” promised to be a transformative gathering, bringing together thought leaders and key stakeholders from various sectors of higher education. It aimed to promote dialogue and cooperation among institutions to stimulate the development of higher education in the region. This significant event was organized in collaboration with the Commission for Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines, NIMS University Rajasthan-Jaipur, India, and the Master’s Institute Development Academy Seminary (MIDAS) in Thailand. One of the key highlights of the forum was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between the participating institutions. This ceremony aimed to consolidate partnerships and encourage greater cooperation in the field of higher education. The Secretariat provided participants with the protocol for the signing, as well as a network of the Memorandum of Integration and a model of the Intender to ensure smooth preparations. Professor Balvir S. Tomar, Founder and Chancellor of NIMS University, Rajasthan-Jaipur, India, also expressed his support for the AUAP Forum. His participation underscored NIMS University’s commitment to advancing educational collaborations across Asia and the Pacific.

August 22, 2024 – The International Summer Camp 2024 came to a vibrant conclusion with a celebratory program hosted by the International Affairs Office at Northwest Samar State University. The event was marked by colorful cultural and modern dance performances, along with singing presentations by representatives from Universitas Brawijaya and Tra Vinh University. This lively showcase of artistic talent underscored the rich cultural diversity and strengthened the spirit of international cooperation among the participating universities. The program commenced with a series of inspirational messages, beginning with a goodwill address from NwSSU President, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, who commended the collaborative efforts of all involved in the camp. Following this, Aulia Luqman Aziz, Universitas Brawijaya’s Coordinator of Partnership for Southeast Asia and Africa, and Nguyen Duong Thu Nguyet, a faculty member from Tra Vinh University, delivered speeches emphasizing the significance of international cooperation and cultural exchange in education. Dr. Ramil S. Catamora provided the closing remarks, reflecting on the successful outcomes of the camp and the strengthened bonds between the institutions. The event concluded with the awarding of plaques and certificates to the participants from Universitas Brawijaya and Tra Vinh University, recognizing their contributions and achievements throughout the camp. In a gesture of mutual respect and gratitude, tokens of appreciation were also presented by the participants to the university officials.