Empowering Enterprise: NwSSU Recognized as Key Partner in Samar MSME Convergence 2025

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) was recognized as a steadfast partner in innovation and enterprise development during the Samar MSME Convergence 2025: Digitalization, Innovation, and Growth, held on October 22, 2025, at the Samar Convention Center, Catbalogan City  The university, represented by Mr. Jake B. Calagos, Director of the Integrated Multimedia and Communications Office (IMCO), was among the key institutions honored for their significant contributions to local economic growth. ​Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Samar Provincial Office, the convergence brought together micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners, partner agencies, and development stakeholders. The event served as a crucial platform to discuss emerging trends, technologies, and strategies that are currently shaping Samar’s dynamic business landscape. The program kicked off with opening remarks from DTI–Samar Provincial Director Engr. Meilou Cinco-Macabare, followed by high-impact presentations about ​Trends in MSME Development: Local and Global by DTI Region VIII, ​Digitalization and AI Marketing Tools by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and ​Science and Innovation by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The afternoon sessions focused on strategic planning and inspiration. Mr. Joseph Gabuay of the Samar Technical Institute for Development Studies (STIDS) led an engaging forum on Shaping Samar 2026 Onwards, which was followed by the inspiring Success Stories of Samarnon MSMEs. The day concluded on a high note with an inspirational message from Samar Governor Hon. Sharee Ann Tan and the Night of Appreciation for MSME Champions. NwSSU proudly received a Plaque of Appreciation in recognition of its unwavering commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and strong industry-academe collaboration. ​This award symbolizes the university’s dedication to nurturing future entrepreneurs and directly supporting local economic progress through its impactful research, extension programs, and innovation-driven initiatives. ​Through this vital recognition, NwSSU significantly strengthens its partnership with DTI–Samar and other key agencies, actively working to build a thriving culture of innovation and enterprise development. This collaboration is essential in fostering a stronger, more resilient MSME community throughout the province.

Sowing Seeds of Innovation: NwSSU Research Shines at ADBI Global Conference on Sustainable Agriculture

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has expanded its global research footprint, with Mr. Novlloyd E. Celeste, Head of the Information Technology Support Office (ITSO), representing the institution at the international conference, “Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development.” The event, organized by the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), took place from September 22 to 24, 2025. The three-day conference served as a vital platform, convening researchers, policymakers, and development experts from across Asia and the Pacific. Delegates from nations including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam exchanged knowledge on fostering sustainable and inclusive agricultural systems. ​Mr. Celeste presented his paper, “Transition to Circular Bioeconomy: Opportunities and Challenges,” which was co-authored with Dr. Anthony B. Halog of the University of Queensland, Australia. His active participation demonstrated NwSSU’s dedication to tackling global agricultural and environmental challenges through research-backed innovation. The conference featured focused discussions on key areas such as high-value agriculture, the circular bioeconomy, e-commerce’s role in rural development, and policy frameworks for agro-food trade. Participants benefited from real-time feedback provided by distinguished journal editors, cultivating a setting of professional development, collaboration, and scientific exactitude. ​Reflecting on the opportunity, Mr. Celeste shared that the experience was both a humbling and empowering milestone. “Communicating research outputs and receiving critique for professional growth is invaluable. It demands humbleness, open-mindedness, critical thinking, and courage,” he stated. Through this engagement, NwSSU asserted its position as an emerging force in global discussions on sustainable development. The university confirmed its commitment to linking local innovation with international collaboration, striving for a more resilient and research-focused future.

Northwest Samar State University Joins Asia-Pacific Futures Network Conference 2025

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Tamkang University, Taiwan — Representatives from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) took part in the 11th Asia-Pacific Futures Network (APFN) Conference held on October 16–18, 2025, at Tamkang University, Taiwan. With the theme “AI + SDGs + ESG: Co-creating Ethical and Sustainable Futures,” the conference convened futurists, educators, and policymakers from across the region to explore anticipatory governance, AI ethics, and transformative foresight in education and governance. The NwSSU delegation led by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, together with Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez and Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo, joined global experts in workshops and dialogues on participatory futures, green universities, and futures literacy, advancing the university’s commitment to foresight-driven education and innovation. Among the key sessions were led by eminent futurists including Prof. Sohail Inayatullah, Dr. John Sweeney, and Dr. Jose Ramos, emphasizing the role of AI and futures thinking in shaping ethical, inclusive, and sustainable societies. NwSSU’s participation marks its continued engagement in futures-oriented discourse, strengthening its network in the global futures community and reaffirming its vision to integrate anticipatory leadership and futures literacy into institutional development, research, and academic practices.

Institutionalizing Creativity: NwSSU Holds Creative Works Manual Development Workshop

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

The Creative Works Office (CWO) of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) spearheaded the Workshop on Developing the Creative Works Manual on October 17, 2025, at the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) Function Hall. This all-day collaborative forum gathered faculty members, creative practitioners, and university officials, aiming to institutionalize the rigorous recognition and management of the university’s creative outputs. The program commenced with a prayer led by Ms. Maria Lourdes Mae V. Billate, followed by the National Anthem. Though unable to attend in person, University President, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo extended his full support for the initiative. Dr. Pecayo emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “Recognizing creativity means valuing the ideas and imagination that keep our university alive and moving forward.” Setting the vision, Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada, Director for Creative Works, delivered his Statement of Purpose and Overview of the CWO Mandate. “This workshop is more than policy crafting—it is about giving structure to our creative spirit. The manual we build together will be our shared framework for recognizing creativity as an essential part of academic life,” Cruzada articulated. The day’s main agenda centered on intensive breakout sessions, where participants collaboratively developed specific policy points focusing on creative work categories, peer review mechanisms, recognition and incentive systems, and robust documentation processes. To ensure focused and comprehensive outputs across four major thematic areas, designated facilitators oversaw the deep-dive discussions. Mr. Alwin Mondido led the discussion on the CWO Agenda, detailing the Creative Works Thrusts, Priorities, Organizational Structure, and Director’s Functions. Concurrently, Ms. Rhea Jenny A. Ogalesco mapped the Categories and Scope of Creative Works, which encompassed the Literary, Visual, Performing, and Digital and Media Arts. Furthermore, Mr. Rexor Magbutay spearheaded the group tackling the Recordation, Deposit, and Evaluation of Creative Works, focusing on General Principles, the Review and Evaluation Framework, and Reporting and Documentation Procedures. Crucially, Dr. Maria Lucil H. Dollado presided over the discussion on Incentives, Recognition, and Revenue Sharing, highlighting both Monetary and Non-Monetary Rewards and provisions for commercialized works. The proceedings were officially closed with a prayer led by Mr. Cerilo Irinco, ASCA Head, and hosted by Mr. Rexor H. Magbutay. ​This workshop represents a major institutional leap forward for NwSSU in building a community that values both intellectual rigor and creative excellence—firmly asserting the university’s mission to nurture artistry, innovation, and cultural identity in higher education.

Empowering Inclusivity: NwSSU Charts a Clearer Path Toward Gender Equality through GAD Strategic Framework Workshop

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its Office of Gender and Development (GAD), conducted a three-day workshop titled “Development of the Strategic Gender and Development Framework and Work Plan” on October 7–10, 2025, at the University Hotel and Restaurant Function Room. The activity marked a significant step in the university’s continuing effort to institutionalize inclusivity and strengthen its GAD mechanisms in alignment with national mandates and international commitments. The event was designed to capacitate key personnel in developing the 2026–2031 NwSSU GAD Strategic Framework and Agenda, in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 7192 (Women in Development and Nation Building Act) and Republic Act 9710 (The Magna Carta of Women). These laws require all government agencies, including higher education institutions, to undergo gender sensitivity and mainstreaming initiatives to ensure inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive governance. Day 1 laid the foundation for understanding the principles and frameworks guiding gender mainstreaming. Sessions covered Gender Analysis, Mainstreaming, and Planning Principles, emphasizing the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Frameworks and the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG). Participants engaged in interactive discussions and structured learning exercises that enhanced their appreciation of gender-responsive policies, institutional planning, and budget alignment. Day 2 delved deeper into policy integration and institutionalization, with participants working on the formulation of NwSSU’s GAD Agenda. The sessions focused on embedding gender perspectives into the university’s programs, projects, and activities—ensuring that the outcomes contribute meaningfully to inclusivity and empowerment across academic, research, and community engagement dimensions. On Day 3, the focus shifted toward the finalization and validation of the university’s 2026–2031 GAD Strategic Framework and Agenda. Learning Session 7 introduced the key components of the GAD Agenda, followed by a plenary session on the development process for the new framework. In Workshop 2, participants collaborated to outline strategic priorities and measurable outcomes, which were later presented and critiqued during the plenary session. The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, who underscored the importance of sustaining gender mainstreaming efforts through shared responsibility and institutional commitment.

From Skills to Wellness: NwSSU Personnel Rise Through Uswag 2025

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

A group of 54 NwSSU personnel has successfully completed the two-day seminarworkshop dubbed “USWAG: A Capability Development Program for the NwSSU NonTeaching Personnel” hosted by the Mapua University on September 30 to October 1, 2025,. The activity exposed the said personnel to a series of sessions designed to enhance competence, promote wellness, and empower the university’s workforce for sustainable growth leading to institutional progress.   On the first day, the participants were immersed on the content Stewardship in Government Service and CSC Policies Impacting Non-Teaching Personnel, discussed by Director II Hans R. Alcantara (CSCFO-BIR/COA/HRep). Dr. Alcantara underscored additional provisions in the ORA-OHRA and provided practical insights on how employees can maintain integrity at work while pursuing professional advancements. Thereafter, they were exposed to the provisions and salient features of the Safe Spaces Act delivered by Atty. Ma. Cecille Candida Rueda, the University Legal Officer. The audience were given the opportunity to openly interact with the speakers and their co-participants through an open forum after each session.   Meanwhile, the sessions on the second day engaged the participants in fun-filled activities and thought-provoking discussions. The University President, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, delivered a lecture on “Navigating the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) Landscape of a State University.” Dr. Pecayo encouraged the participants to be both academically prepared and culturally adept in order to graciously navigate the constantly changing world around them. Afterwards, Mr. Redem Tingzon, the NwSSU’s PDU Head facilitated a workshop which ushered the participants into selfdiscovery and communication techniques that are essential in excellent customer service practices. The final session was a lecture on Anger and Stress Tolerance Management by Dr. John Christopher Castillo, a Professor of Psychology and Social Sciences at the Mapua University. Dr. Castillo likewise emphasized the importance of self-awareness and determination to grow better.   Sending these participants to this extensive capacity-enhancement activity showcases NwSSU’s dedication to nurturing the skills, wellness, and overall growth of its nonteaching personnel thereby strengthening their culture of resilience, integrity, service, and excellence.

TEMPORARY SHIFT OF EVENING CLASSES TO ASYNCHRONOUS MODULAR DISTANCE LEARNING

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Following the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu, and the resulting power outages affecting various areas—including NWSSU—the University is implementing precautionary adjustments to ensure the safety of our academic community. All evening classes starting at 5:00 PM today, October 1, 2025, shall be temporarily shifted to ASYNCHRONOUS MODULAR DISTANCE LEARNING until electric power is fully restored. Faculty members, both full-time and part-time, are advised to provide learning activities and/or assignments to students, and thus, will not be required to log biometrics from 5:00 PM onwards. These measures aim to support students and faculty, especially those traveling from remote areas, while maintaining academic continuity. Source: Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs

OFFICIAL STATEMENT September 30, 2025

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has noted the recent circulation of misleading and defamatory content on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, falsely alleging the existence of “diplomas for sale” purportedly linked to the University. The University categorically denies and denounces these baseless claims. NwSSU does not, and has never, engaged in any program, policy, or practice involving the sale of diplomas, academic credentials, or any form of certification. All degrees and academic distinctions conferred by the University are earned solely through legitimate academic performance, in full compliance with the standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other regulatory agencies. Any unauthorized use of the University’s name, logo, or institutional identity in connection with such fraudulent schemes is unequivocally false, deceptive, and unlawful. NwSSU strongly condemns the deliberate dissemination of this malicious misinformation, which undermines the integrity of the institution and disrespects the hard work of its students, faculty, alumni, and stakeholders. The University, in coordination with its legal counsel, is conducting a thorough investigation and is prepared to pursue appropriate legal remedies against individuals or entities found to be responsible. Several unauthorized websites have already been identified and formally requested to be taken down. The public is hereby advised to exercise vigilance, refrain from engaging with or disseminating unverified online content, and rely exclusively on the University’s official communication channels for accurate and trustworthy information.

NwSSU Rises to the Top: Championing Performance and Accountability in Region VIII

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has once again proven its mettle, emerging as the top-performing State University and College (SUC) in Region VIII during the Fiscal Year 2025 Mid-Year Performance Dialogue held on September 12, 2025. The event, convened by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), spotlighted institutional excellence across Eastern Visayas—and NwSSU stood tall. NwSSU’s accolades reflect a culture of precision, accountability, and visionary leadership. The recognitions highlighted NwSSU’s exemplary financial stewardship, efficient resource utilization, and remarkable performance in meeting institutional targets for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. The university was recognized for: 100% attainment of Physical Performance Indicators, as stipulated in the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act; 1st in Income Disbursement Rate, achieving an outstanding 97.62%; 3rd in Obligations Budget Utilization Rate (BUR), with a stellar 99.56% ; 3rd in Disbursement Budget Utilization Rate, with an impressive 98.71%; and Exceeding the Income Collection Target, with a 156.43% income collection rate. These accomplishments positioned NwSSU at the forefront of higher education institutions in Eastern Visayas, reflecting its commitment to prudent financial management and the effective delivery of programs and services to students and stakeholders. University officials hailed the achievement as a testament to the synergy among faculty, staff, and administrative units, noting that the recognitions serve as both a validation of their hard work and a challenge to sustain excellence in the years ahead. The Mid-Year Performance Dialogue is a critical checkpoint for SUCs, CHED, and TESDA to review institutional achievements, evaluate fiscal and physical performance, and strengthen accountability measures across the higher education sector. With this milestone, NwSSU reaffirms its role as a transformative institution, dedicated to advancing quality education, fostering innovation, and contributing to regional and national development.

Honoring Support: Dr. Pecayo Confers TUP President

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

In a gesture of gratitude and recognition, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo conferred a Pasidungog or Certificate of Honor to Dr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, President of the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), for his unwavering support of NwSSU’s Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) initiatives on Thursday, September 11. The award highlighted Dr. Ramos’ pivotal role in guiding NwSSU through its challenging deputation process as a recognized ETEEAP provider. Dr. Pecayo described the honor as a “deep and heartfelt recognition of the genuine friendship and generous support” extended by TUP at a crucial stage in the university’s academic journey. Dr. Ramos, in turn, expressed appreciation for the recognition and assured his commitment to continued collaboration between the two institutions. He emphasized that TUP will always open its doors to NwSSU’s initiatives and innovations—especially in areas where mentoring, expertise, and institutional support are needed. The Pasidungog also acknowledged the quiet yet impactful encouragement of Dr. Ramos, made tangible through the deployment of TUP experts who trained and coached NwSSU faculty during CRAFT and LEAP write-shops. These contributions, Dr. Pecayo noted, have been instrumental in capacitating faculty members for higher-level academic outputs and program development. Alongside Dr. Ramos, Dr. Ryan C. Reyes, TUP Vice President for Academic Affairs, also received the same honor from Dr. Pecayo. The awarding took place during the Learning Enhancement and Advancement Packages (LEAP) development write-shop, facilitated by TUP for NwSSU’s ETEEAP faculty experts. Through this recognition, NwSSU highlighted the spirit of collaboration and academic solidarity that strengthens higher education institutions as they work together to advance innovation, access, and quality in Philippine education.