Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

The Junior Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (JIIEE) at Northwest Samar State University held its general assembly on May 13, 2024, at the 4th floor of the Business Development Center. The assembly commenced with inspiring speeches from successful examinees of the recent Electrical Engineering Board Exam. They generously shared their insights and experiences to motivate current students and provide them with practical advice for their future careers. Following this, the assembly proceeded with the election of officers for the upcoming school year 2024-2025. The turnover ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the outgoing officers and officially welcomed the newly elected ones. Among the highlights of this significant moment was the oath-taking ceremony, during which the newly elected officers solemnly pledged their dedication and commitment to serving the JIIEE community. The final item on the agenda was the presentation of updates on forthcoming activities. This session provided valuable insights into the exciting initiatives and events planned for the next academic year. The aim is to engage JIIEE members, REELE passers, JIIEE advisers, and guest speaker Ar. Vanessa Ayllon, in shaping the future directions of the JIIEE and encouraging active participation from all its members.

Regional Development Council (RDC) VIII – Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) conducted field monitoring and on-site visits to various projects at Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) on May 14 to 15, 2024. These projects were implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DEO). They included the construction of a new school building at the NwSSU San Jorge Campus, the Balay Alumni building, and a Men’s Dormitory at the NwSSU Main Campus. The monitoring activity was conducted in accordance with Executive Order No. 325, series of 1996. The order requires RDCs to coordinate and evaluate development projects implemented by government bodies, local government units, state colleges, and universities.  The objective of the two-day visit was to ensure that the projects comply with the planned specifications, timelines, and quality standards. By closely monitoring these developments, the RDC VIII-RPMC emphasizes its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in implementing government-funded projects, thereby enhancing the educational infrastructure in the region. The committee’s findings will contribute to ongoing efforts to optimize project implementation and promptly address any potential issues.

Representatives from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), headed by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, convened at Calbayog City Hall today, May 13, 2024, to formalize a significant collaboration. They signed a Contract of Affiliation with Calbayog City Mayor Raymund C. Uy, establishing the City Health Office as an affiliating community health agency for the forthcoming Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This strategic partnership stems from the city’s endorsement via Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 2024-13-115, empowering the Local Chief Executive to forge alliances with NwSSU, indicating robust support from the city government for the nursing program’s inception.  In addition to cementing this pivotal agreement, discussions ensued regarding NwSSU’s hosting of this year’s Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA) Meet. Mayor Uy expressed the local government’s unwavering commitment to help in facilitating the event’s success. Both parties concurred on the necessity of a collaborative approach, pledging to convene joint meetings involving event committees and pertinent government offices to ensure seamless coordination.  Accompanying Dr. Pecayo were key university officials, including Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administrative Affairs; Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, Chief Administrative Officer for Finance Services; Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, Director of Student Affairs and Services; Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe, Coordinator of Student Internship Program; Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio; and Mr. Jake B. Calagos. Representing the City Health Office were Dr. Ginalee Vallar-Romano, Dr. Shweldon Lawrence Conquillo, and Ms. Niña B. Uy, RN.

The San Jorge campus of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has recently accomplished another significant milestone in its pursuit of academic excellence. It has been awarded the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for two Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degrees, specifically its Animal Sciences and Horticulture majors. The COPC signifies that NwSSU-SJC meets CHED’s standards for offering these two BS Agriculture programs as mandated by the Higher Education Act of 1994. This certification, effective for the academic year 2023-2024, highlights the institution’s dedication to providing top-notch education while complying with regulatory requirements. The rigorous evaluation process for the COPC took place on January 31, 2024, where NwSSU-SJC showed its adherence to CHED’s prescribed standards and requirements. Following thorough assessment and validation, both programs’ COPC was officially awarded on April 8, 2024, marking a significant achievement for the university. The entire NwSSU community, especially the College of Agriculture and Technology, is overjoyed by this significant milestone. Congratulations to the entire team responsible for this success! #RISENwSSU 

NwSSU Teatro Dagway once again wowed audiences by securing 7th place in the Short and Sweet Place category at the PASUC National Culture and the Arts Festival 2024. Representing the Eastern Visayas region, the university theatre group showcased their talent on the national stage in Manila on April 25, 2024. Despite facing tough competition from fifteen (15) other regional teams, they delivered a captivating performance that impressed the judges. This achievement builds upon their previous success as regional champions in the short and sweet play competition during the regional PASUC 8 held at Visayas State University last year. Congratulations to the ASCA performers for their exceptional accomplishment! #RISENwSSU 

Darryl D. Tambis, a student from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), has achieved the coveted title of champion in the Provincial Teacher Education Quiz Bee. Dr. Richard N. Verdeflor provided invaluable mentorship to Tambis throughout the competition. Notably, Samar State University (SSU) and Samar College secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively, in this fiercely contested event that proudly displayed the province’s academic excellence.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) celebrated its 13th NwSSU Student’s Choice Award for Radio and Television (NSCART) on April 19, 2024, at the RSU-Socio Cultural Center. Organized by the students of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), NSCART aims to recognize outstanding individuals and entities in the media industry while providing students with valuable learning opportunities. NSCART holds the distinction of being the first award-giving body for radio and television in the Visayas region. This prestigious event not only acknowledges excellence in media but also serves as a platform for students to explore diverse learning methodologies, preparing them for future careers in media and business administration. This year’s NSCART ceremony honored media outlets and figures at both local and national levels for their contributions to the industry. Notable awardees included the Rotaract Club of Greater Calbayog for Best Local Non-Government Volunteer Group of the Year, Radyo Natin Calbayog for Best Local Radio Public Service Program, 89.5 FM Kauswagan Radio for Best Local Radio for Educational Program, and GMA 7 for Best Network Balance Programming, among others. The event also recognized outstanding programs such as SAKSI for Best News and Public Affairs Program, IMBESTIGADOR for Best Investigative Journalism Program, Raffy Tulfo in Action for Best Public Service Program, My Puhunan Kaya Mo for Best Business Oriented Program, MAGPAKAILANMAN as Best Drama Anthology, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho for Best Magazine Program, and many more.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to implement the Tara Basa! Tutoring Program in the province. The MOA, signed on April 19, 2024, signifies the official launch of the program aimed at creating a supportive learning environment for Grade 2 learners struggling with reading. Led by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and joined by Samar Provincial Governor Sharee Ann Tan, NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo represented by Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, and Samar State University (SSU) President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, the signing ceremony took place at Tandaya Hall, Catbalogan City, Samar. The Tara Basa! Tutoring Program is a holistic initiative designed to bolster reading skills and foster academic success among Grade 2 students, aligning with NwSSU’s mission to promote inclusive education and address educational challenges in the region. NwSSU’s active participation in the Tara Basa! Tutoring Program was exemplified by the presence of its dedicated faculty members, including Dr. Catherine Rodriguez, Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, Dr. Julie Ann Edraga, Mrs. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, Mrs. Maria Lourdes Billate, Mr. Avin Carl Cruzada, Mr. Albros Mañanita, Mr. Arniel Disbarro, and Mr. Lito Mag-Ampo. Through collaborative efforts between NwSSU, DSWD, and other stakeholders, the program holds promise in making a meaningful impact on the academic journey of Grade 2 learners in Samar, contributing to their overall educational development and well-being.

“𝘐𝘮𝘣𝘶𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘐, 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘕𝘸𝘚𝘚𝘜, 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥-𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘥𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘘𝘈 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴.” – Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office 8 (DTI RO-8) bestowed upon Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) the prestigious Philippine Quality Award (PQA) on April 17, 2024, at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. This recognition marks a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to excellence and quality management. The PQA, hailed as the highest national recognition for exemplary organizational performance, mirrors the esteemed Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award of the United States of America. It operates on the performance excellence framework, aiming to elevate Philippine organizations to global standards of performance. By embracing this framework, organizations like NwSSU demonstrate their dedication to achieving world-class performance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.  DTI 8 Regional Director Dr. Celerina T. Bato, handed over the Philippine Quality Award trophy to Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, the esteemed President of NwSSU. This accolade not only recognizes the university’s commitment to quality management but also celebrates its innovative approaches, excellent deployment strategies, and outstanding performance across various domains. The conferment ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including key officials from regional and local government agencies. Among them were Dr. Celerina T. Bato, DTI-8 Regional Director; Dir. Meilou C. Macabare, DTI-Samar Provincial Director; Ma. Christina G. Aquino, Region 8 PQA National Consultant; Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona Jr., OIC-Schools Division Superintendent of Calbayog City Division; Mr. Dave Murjani, Calbayog Chamber of Commerce President; and Hon. City Mayor Raymund C. Uy, representing the Calbayog City LGU. In addition to NwSSU’s recognition, the PQA NwSSU Champions and Members, who played instrumental roles in achieving this prestigious award, were also honored with plaques and certificates of recognition.Congratulations to Northwest Samar State University on this remarkable achievement, and may this recognition inspire continued excellence and innovation in the pursuit of academic and organizational quality in the region. #RISENwSSU