NwSSU Graduate School Holds Orientation Program for New and Continuing Students

Calbayog City, August 30, 2025 — The Graduate School of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) officially opened the academic year with a comprehensive Orientation Program at the Business Development Center, welcoming both new and continuing students. The event highlighted the university’s commitment to quality graduate education, student services, and academic excellence. In her opening remarks, Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa reminded students that they are central to the institution’s success. “Please take note that your role as a student is important in helping us achieve our goals. By embodying the RISE values, you directly contribute to the graduate school’s success. Your resilience in overcoming academic hurdles, integrity in your research, and commitment to excellence in your scholarly work elevate the quality of our entire institution. When you engage in service through your research, you help solve real-world problems and enhance the reputation of NwSSU. Simply put, when you RISE, we all RISE,” she said. Representing the University President, Dr. Rhio Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered the inspirational message. He encouraged students to be motivated by the example of their professors, many of whom are also pursuing higher degrees. “If your professors, despite their busy schedules, still find time to study, so should you. Let this be your motivation — never grow tired of learning,” he emphasized. The same spirit was echoed in the closing remarks of Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, who not only encouraged perseverance but also gave recognition to the faculty. In a symbolic moment, he called each professor of the Graduate School on stage, introducing them one by one to the students. “Graduate education requires discipline and dedication, but the reward is greater impact in your communities and professions,” he said, emphasizing the collaborative journey between mentors and learners. Academic updates and services were presented, including Registrar Services by Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV and Graduate School Operations by Dr. Teody Lester Panela. Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, SAS Director, led an important session on student rights, duties, and responsibilities, reminding students of their integral role in shaping an ethical and engaged graduate community. The day also showcased the talents of graduate students, with Philip Joseph C. Franco performing an intermission, Ms. Maureen Durmiendo, a MAED Language Teaching student, giving a surprise number, and the NwSSU Rondalla offering cultural music. These performances highlighted the diverse strengths and creativity of the student body. The event was hosted by Mr. John Lloyd Tarrayo, a MAED Language Teaching student, who guided the flow of the program with energy and confidence. Currently, the NwSSU Graduate School is home to students enrolled in diverse academic tracks. These include doctoral students in the PhD in Education major in Educational Administration (PHDE) and the PhD in Management (PhDM), as well as master’s students pursuing MAED with majors in Administration and Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction, Language Teaching, and Cultural Education, along with Other programs are the Master of Arts in Science Education (MASE), Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (MAME), Master of Arts in Public Management (MAPM), Master of Arts in Business Administration (MABA), Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM), Master of Science in Guidance Counseling (MSGC), and the Master in Information Technology (MIT) programs. The orientation served not only as an information-sharing activity but also as a celebration of both students as partners in academic excellence and faculty as dedicated mentors, reinforcing NwSSU’s commitment to cultivating leaders and innovators in education, management, science, business, and technology.

Ensuring Excellence: NwSSU Officials Convene for PQA Committee Meeting

NwSSU officials convened on August 26, 2025, at the 4th Floor, Administration Building for the Philippine Quality Assurance (PQA) Committee meeting. Discussions focused on an overview of the Philippine Quality Assurance Award, duties and responsibilities of committee champions and members, the indicative calendar of activities, expected outputs for the lock-in workshop, and other relevant matter. The meeting strengthened the university’s efforts toward institutional quality, ensuring that its systems and practices align with national standards for excellence and continuous improvement.

Building Harmony: NWSSU Singers Lead “Sing, Learn & Grow!” Chorale Workshop

In a vibrant celebration of musical excellence and unity, the NWSSU Singers spearheaded the “Sing, Learn & Grow!” chorale workshop held on August 23–24, 2025. The two-day event brought together aspiring vocalists and seasoned mentors in a shared pursuit of artistry, discipline, and collaboration. Day 1 commenced with inspiring messages from Mr. Cerilo A. Irinco, ASCA Head, and Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe, Adviser, who emphasized the values of dedication and perseverance in the musical journey. Conductor Earl Justin M. Chiquillo then welcomed the distinguished guest speaker, Sir Rodolfo E. Denolan—renowned conductor of the Jose R. Gullas Visayas Chorale (JRGVC)—whose expertise guided the intensive training sessions. Across both days, participants immersed themselves in vocal workshops focused on technique, interpretation, and ensemble dynamics. The program culminated in a lively Q&A forum, awarding of certificates, and a heartfelt token of appreciation presented to Sir Denolan. Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, Director of Student Affairs and Services (SAS), delivered her closing remarks, commending the NWSSU Singers for their unwavering commitment to growth and cultural advocacy. By nurturing both technical mastery and expressive performance, the workshop strengthened the NWSSU Singers’ role as proud cultural ambassadors of the university—harmonizing talent, passion, and institutional pride.

Northwest Samar State University – College of Engineering and Architecture proudly celebrates the achievement of its 12 new Mechanical Engineers in the August 2025 Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination.

Our first-time takers garnered a 62.50% passing rate, raising the University’s overall performance to 48%, higher than the national passing rate of 40.81%. Your NwSSU community is proud of you—may this milestone be the beginning of greater contributions to the engineering profession and the nation. Congratulations, our new Mechanical Engineers!  Source: PRC Board Exam Results #RISENwSSU

College of Engineering and Architecture proudly celebrates the achievement of its 12 new Mechanical Engineers

Northwest Samar State University – College of Engineering and Architecture proudly celebrates the achievement of its 12 new Mechanical Engineers in the August 2025 Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination. Our first-time takers garnered a 62.50% passing rate, raising the University’s overall performance to 48%, higher than the national passing rate of 40.81%.Your NwSSU community is proud of you—may this milestone be the beginning of greater contributions to the engineering profession and the nation.Congratulations, our new Mechanical Engineers! Source: PRC Board Exam Results #RISENwSSU

Board of Regents Greenlights NwSSU Student Dormitory Manual: A Milestone for Student Welfare and Governance

Board of Regents Greenlights NwSSU Student Dormitory Manual: A Milestone for Student Welfare and Governance We are proud to announce that the Board of Regents has officially approved the NwSSU Dormitory Manual! This landmark approval marks more than a policy milestone—it affirms our commitment to cultivating safe, inclusive, and growth-oriented residential spaces for our students. With clear guidelines on residential life, community standards, and welfare mechanisms, the manual offers a structured framework that protects student well-being while fostering a supportive environment for academic and personal development. Spearheaded by Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, and shaped through the collaborative efforts of various offices, college representatives, and student leaders, the manual reflects a shared vision rooted in institutional governance and responsiveness to student needs.While future enhancements may continue to refine its provisions, today we celebrate a pivotal step in strengthening dormitory operations. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to everyone who contributed to this initiative. Together, we are shaping a safer, more student-centered NwSSU. #RISENwSSU

NwSSU Produces 3 New Professional Food Technologists!

NWSSU Produces 3 New Professional Food Technologists! NwSSU has produced three new Professional Food Technologists after the August 2025 Food Technologists Licensure Examination with a record of 50% passing rate for first-time takers and an overall passing rate of 50.0%.Congratulations to the new Professional Food Technologists!Hats off to the College of Agriculture and Technology for this latest achievement! #NWSSUPride#foodtechnologist#BoardPassers2025#AcademicExcellence#RISENwSSU

NwSSU Produce 12 Mechanical Engineers!

NWSSU Produces 12 New Mechanical Engineers! NwSSU has produced twelve new Mechanical Engineers after the August 2025 Mechanical Engineers Licensure Examination with a record of 62.50% passing rate for first-time takers and an overall passing rate of 48.0%.Congratulations to the new Mechanical Engineers! Hats off to the College of Engineering and Architecture for this remarkable milestone in academic excellence! #NWSSUPride#MechanicalEngineering#BoardPassers2025#AcademicExcellence#EngineeringSuccess

NwSSU Researchers Clinch 3rd Place in VICARP Cluster 2 Best Paper – Completed Research Category

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) researchers earned distinction after placing third in the Best Paper – Completed Research Category during the VICARP Cluster 2 Inter-Agency Level 2 RDE Review held on August 7–8, 2025, at the Business Development Center, 2nd Floor, NwSSU Main Campus. The recognized study, “Species Composition, Structure, and Phytoremediation Potential of Plant Species for Cu, Zn, As, and Pb Along the Riparian Zone of Taft River, Eastern Samar,” was authored by Eduardo G. Espejon, Venecio Ultra, Jr., Shian A. Morallos, Jessie R. Sabijon, Zaldee Nino Tan, and Feleciano R. Bejar. The research examined the diversity, ecological structure, and phytoremediation capacity of plant species along the Taft River, focusing on their ability to absorb heavy metals such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb). The findings offer valuable insights into environmental management and pollution mitigation strategies. This recognition highlights the researchers’ dedication to producing high-impact studies that address pressing environmental concerns, and strengthens NwSSU’s commitment to advancing sustainable, science-based solutions for the region.

Mini-Awarding Ceremony for the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE)

Espazio Café, Tacloban City – July 31, 2025 The Department of Tourism Regional Office VIII proudly hosted the Mini-Awarding Ceremony for the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) on July 31, 2025, at Espazio Café, Tacloban City. The event celebrated the dedication of tourism stakeholders and service providers who successfully completed the FBSE training program and consistently uphold the highest standards of hospitality, anchored in the Filipino core values. Attended by representatives from various tourism-related establishments, government agencies and institutions, the ceremony highlighted a shared commitment to positioning Eastern Visayas as a leading tourism destination distinguished by its culture of warmth, respect, and service excellence. More than a recognition of achievements, the gathering served as a reaffirmation of the region’s collective vision to raise the bar for customer service in the tourism and hospitality industries. Representing Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Ms. Maffel Ivy S. Nacinopa, core faculty member of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) program under the College of Management. NwSSU’s commitment to integrating service excellence to both academic instruction and professional practice, inspiring students and colleagues alike to embody the principles of genuine Filipino hospitality. As a proud stakeholder, NwSSU conveyed its sincere gratitude to DOT-RO8 for championing the FBSE program and for continuously engaging the academe in meaningful capacity-building initiatives. The university emphasized that embedding service excellence principles into the learning experience of faculty, students, and tourism practitioners contributes significantly to producing globally competitive graduates and cultivating a tourism sector that reflects authentic Filipino hospitality. NwSSU also commended DOT-RO8 for fostering partnerships among the academe, local enterprises, and government agencies, working together to enhance service quality standards in the region. The university expressed its enthusiasm for future collaborations that will further strengthen the synergy between education and industry, contributing to the sustainable development of tourism in Eastern Visayas. The program concluded with an inspiring message from the Dir. Karina Rosa S. Tiopes, Regional Director, DOT Regional Office VIII encouraging awardees to be true ambassadors of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence within their institutions and communities ensuring that every guest’s experience in the region is memorable, meaningful, and authentically Filipino.