Author: 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.

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.

MANILA, Philippines — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) formalized their partnership through a ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on September 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Conference Room, National Headquarters of the Philippine Coast Guard, Port Area, Manila. The agreement was signed by Commodore Rommel A. Supangan, Director of the Coast Guard Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center (CGSSIAC), for the PCG, and Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, for NwSSU. The signing was witnessed by Capt Jomel Q. Panes, Executive Director, PCG CGSSIAC and Internal Affairs; Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance; and Redem D. Tingzon, Project Development Unit Head and ETEEAP Director. The MOU seeks to strengthen cooperation between the state university and the maritime agency in areas such as capacity-building, research initiatives, and extension projects related to maritime security, coastal governance, and the Blue Economy. It also aims to foster a forward-looking culture through strategic collaboration that supports the mandated functions of both institutions. Both parties agreed to explore joint endeavors, including research projects and publications, development of training and research systems, organization of dialogues, conferences, seminars, or workshops, and faculty and development staff. The agreement also covers on-the-job training internships for graduating students, collaboration on continuing professional development programs and Expanded Tertiary Equivalency and Accreditation Program, and certification initiatives. The event was highlighted by messages from representatives of both institutions, who emphasized the importance of government-academic partnerships in promoting the Philippines’ archipelagic identity and addressing maritime and coastal governance challenges.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) proudly announces its “Very Satisfactory” rating in the 2024 Agency Performance Review (APR), affirming its continued excellence in academic delivery, fiscal management, and institutional governance. The enhanced APR, released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) through the Budget ng Bayan Monitor, serves as a national benchmark for evaluating the performance of National Government Agencies (NGAs), Other Executive Offices (OEOs), Constitutional Commissions, and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). Institutions are assessed across three key dimensions: financial performance, physical accomplishments, and the timeliness and quality of report submissions. NwSSU achieved a commendable rating of 4.6, placing it firmly within the “Very Satisfactory” tier. This score reflects the University’s successful attainment of its academic, research, and extension targets, alongside its demonstration of sound fiscal discipline and strategic resource utilization. University officials attribute this recognition to the collective efforts of faculty members, administrative staff, and stakeholders. It stands as a testament to NwSSU’s unwavering commitment to providing quality education, fostering innovation, and delivering meaningful services to the community. More than a compliance measure, the DBM’s APR embodies principles of transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. Through this distinction, NwSSU reinforces its reputation as a dynamic and high-performing SUC—ready to contribute to national development and empower local communities. This milestone not only celebrates past achievements but also sets the stage for future aspirations. It challenges the University to sustain its momentum, nurture innovation, and pursue even higher levels of institutional performance in the years ahead.