Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Bamboo Impact Lab OPC on June 17, 2025 at the Igorota Hall of the Northern Philippines Rootcrops Research and Training Center of Benguet State University to launch the Sustainable Bamboo Resource Optimization and Innovation Program (SBROIP), a university-led research and extension initiative by NwSSU. The agreement was signed by NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and BIL OPC President Dr. Anneth S. Rigon. The ceremonial signing was witnessed by Project Leader Teody Lester V. Panela, NwSSU Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza B. Gamusa, and Bamboo Impact Lab Managing Director Dr. Elmer S. Soriano. SBROIP aims to address local challenges in the bamboo industry through research, community engagement, and sustainable innovation. With focus areas including resource mapping, bamboo processing, digital systems development, and training, the project aligns with multiple global development goals and opens pathways for future policy, academic, and market collaborations between NwSSU and BIL OPC. Under the agreement, NwSSU is responsible for implementing the project, managing its budget allocation across personnel services, MOOE, and capital outlay, and submitting financial and terminal reports. The Bamboo Impact Lab OPC, on the other hand, will contribute technical expertise in bamboo processing and silica extraction, assist in capacity-building activities, and support market development and policy integration. For NwSSU, the partnership reinforces its commitment to applied research, community development, and innovation; positioning the university as a key member in advancing sustainable resource industries in the province and the region.

Manila, Philippines — June 15, 2025 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) have officially formalized their collaboration on developing assessment frameworks under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the two institutions have committed to advancing academic accreditation standards, ensuring robust assessment tools and methodologies that align with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) requirements.  The partnership marks the launch of the “Creating Rubrics and Assessment Frameworks for Tertiary Equivalency (CRAFT) in ETEEAP: A Write-shop”, a joint initiative that aims to strengthen technical support and capacity-building efforts in crafting standardized assessment tools. Designed to enhance the accreditation process for professionals seeking academic equivalency, the initiative fosters innovation in assessment frameworks and ensures compliance with CHED’s rigorous academic evaluation standards. The write-shop is set to take place from July 7 to 11, 2025, at Villa Fructuosa Resort and Hotel in San Isidro, Northern Samar, bringing together key stakeholders and experts from both universities.  Leading the virtual MOA signing were NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and ETEEAP Director Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, signifying their shared commitment to educational excellence. A delegation from NwSSU was physically present at the TUP University Board Room, comprising Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Mrs. Ivy B. Aligam, Supervising Administrative Officer for Administration; Mr. Rodolfo B. Corrales Jr., Supervising Administrative Officer for Finance and Budget; Dr. Rolyn A. Catamora, IQA Director; and faculty members Mrs. Nilda C. Jamin and Mrs. Jayrose P. Ortiz from NwSSU San Jorge Campus. Representing TUP were University President Dr. Reynaldo P. Ramos and Dr. Ryan C. Reyes, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who reiterated their university’s dedication to academic innovation and collaborative research.  This partnership underscores the critical role of academic institutions in shaping the future of tertiary equivalency education. By jointly developing assessment rubrics and frameworks, NwSSU and TUP are setting a precedent for excellence in accreditation, bridging industry expertise with academic rigor. The initiative not only enhances the quality assurance process for ETEEAP but also empowers professionals seeking higher education equivalency, ensuring that their competencies are evaluated with fairness and precision. Ultimately, this collaboration strengthens institutional ties and paves the way for more inclusive, accessible, and high-standard accreditation practices in Philippine higher education.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), represented by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Cebu Normal University (CNU) through its University President, Dr. Daniel A. Ariaso Sr., on June 1 at the NwSSU University Boardroom. The ceremonial signing solidified both universities’ commitment to mutual cooperation in academic and research development. The partnership covers collaborative initiatives such as joint research, resource sharing, faculty training, and potential co-offering of programs, especially in education and leadership. Dr. Ariaso’s presence at NwSSU was dual in purpose. Aside from being the guest speaker at the Graduate School’s historic first standalone commencement exercises, his visit also marked a strengthened institutional connection between CNU and NwSSU. Also present during the MoA signing were Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Quality Assurance Director Dr. Rolyn A. Catamora, Student Affairs and Services (SAS) Director Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, and Strategic Initiatives and Project Planning (SIPP) Coordinator Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe. This milestone is a result of the initiative led by Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa and strongly supported by Dr. Pecayo, who acknowledged the steadily increasing number of graduate students at NwSSU and emphasized the need for broader academic linkages and leadership partnerships. The signed MoA affirms both institutions’ shared vision in cultivating advanced education pathways that empower its community as researchers, innovators, and service leaders.

Northwest Samar State University’s Health Center successfully conducted the Health Matters: Free Laboratory Services and Healthy Lifestyle Check campaign on May 14–15, 2025. This two-day initiative aimed to promote early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the NwSSU community. A total of 161 individuals, consisting of 67 employees and 94 students, participated in the campaign, taking advantage of free laboratory tests that included blood sugar, cholesterol, uric acid, and urinalysis. Alongside these diagnostic tests, participants underwent individual risk assessments for lifestyle-related diseases, reinforcing the importance of preventive health measures.  The campaign was anchored on the Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223) and the Joint Administrative Order on Healthy Settings in Learning Institutions, highlighting the university’s commitment to fostering a proactive health culture. Laboratory services were administered by medical technologists from the City Health Office—Mardelen C. Langomes, Fhilip Ruis S. Saballa, Mereythel Vile L. de los Reyes, and Stephanie Jis P. Rosales—whose expertise ensured the accurate and efficient processing of diagnostic tests throughout the event.  Meanwhile, the non-communicable disease risk assessments and health education sessions were carried out through the combined efforts of the University Health Center and the City Health Office team, led by Proserfina Bingayen. Participants received valuable insights into their current health status and practical guidance on managing or preventing chronic illnesses through proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and routine health monitoring.  Overall, the campaign successfully enhanced health awareness and reinforced the university’s commitment to promoting a health-conscious academic environment. By making health services both accessible and educational, the University Health Center played a crucial role in supporting the well-being of the entire NwSSU community.

Ten faculty members from the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences (CCJS) of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the 11th World Conference on Women’s Studies held from May 29 to 30, 2025, in Bali, Indonesia The delegation not only represented NwSSU in one of the most prominent global platforms for gender discourse but also formalized the university’s international academic partnership with The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM). As part of the event, the faculty members presented a research paper centered on gender equality, adding to the global conversation on women’s rights and social justice through research-based insights Their participation marked a defining moment in the university’s global journey, amplifying the impact of its research and contributing meaningfully to international academic discourse. It also opened new avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange, strengthening NwSSU’s presence in the global academic community.

Faculty members, students, and parents convened at the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Business Development Center on May 28, 2025, for the Pre-Internship Orientation and Parent Consultation for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) program. Organized by the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS), the event reinforced NwSSU’s commitment to preparing future interns and their guardians through essential discussions on OJT protocols, workplace etiquette, and institutional expectations.  In his opening remarks, CCIS Dean, Dr. Francisco B. Bacamante Jr. underscored the importance of early professional preparation and the university’s role in bridging academic learning with real-world experience.  The orientation featured key discussions, including “Harassment in the Workplace & Etiquette” by Ms. April Winamar R. Gabitanan, which addressed common workplace challenges and proper intern conduct. This was followed by an overview of “OJT Policies and Guidelines” by University SIPP Director, Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe, who outlined university requirements and expectations from partner industries.  A standout moment of the program was the testimony of CCIS graduate, Mr. Cerilo Dela Tonga, who shared reflections on his OJT journey. His firsthand experiences provided invaluable insights and encouragement to the incoming batch of interns, emphasizing how NwSSU’s training equipped him for industry demands.  Further strengthening internship preparedness, Computer Science Program Chairperson, Mr. Rodel R. Ventures, led a session on “OJT Forms and Requirements”, detailing documentation and procedural guidelines for intern deployment. He also delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to students and parents for their active participation.  By fostering collaboration between academic stakeholders and family members, the consultation underscored NwSSU’s dedication to holistic student development, ensuring a well-informed and supported internship experience.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) earned regional recognition at the Gawad Parangal 2025, held on May 27 at the Mary Ngo Hall of Saint Paul School of Professional Studies in Palo, Leyte. Organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII, the ceremony celebrated the achievements of Eastern Visayas’ most outstanding individuals and higher education institutions.  Representing NwSSU at the event were Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Reynaldo Aquino, Campus Director of NwSSU San Jorge Campus. The university proudly honored two of its exceptional graduates who received prestigious accolades for their outstanding performance in the Licensure Examinations for Professional Teachers (LEPT).  Ms. Prime Rose Villa was recognized for securing the 9th place in the March 2024 LEPT (Elementary Level) with an impressive rating of 90.80 percent, while Mr. Darryl Dealagdon Tambis was awarded for ranking 7th in the September 2024 LEPT (Secondary Level) with an outstanding rating of 93.20 percent. Their achievements not only highlight their academic excellence and perseverance but also bring honor to NwSSU and the entire region.  The awards solidify NwSSU’s commitment to advancing the quality of higher education in Region VIII and strengthening its reputation as a premier academic institution. The success of Ms. Villa and Mr. Tambis stands as a testament to the university’s dedication to academic excellence and the unwavering support of its faculty and community.