Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

April 18, 2024 – The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program at Northwest Samar State University underwent rigorous evaluation by the Professional Regulatory Board (PRB), with Board Chairperson Hon. Emma K. Sales and PRB Member Hon. Annabelle S. Sarabia leading the assessment alongside Ms. Sharon Matienzo, Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) Tacloban Representative for Region 8. The evaluation and monitoring team meticulously scrutinized the program to ensure its compliance with the minimum standards set forth by the PRB, PRC, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). After thorough examination, the team concluded that the BS in Agriculture at NwSSU meets all necessary requirements. With this positive evaluation, NwSSU reaffirms its position as a leading institution in agricultural education, poised to empower students and make significant contributions to the agricultural landscape. #RISENwSSU

Resolution No. 2024-13-115, sponsored by Hon. Eduardo P. Tibo and passed on April 12, 2024, authorized Mayor Raymund “Monmon” C. Uy to establish a partnership with NwSSU. This collaboration aims to designate the City Health Office as an Affiliating Community Health Agency for the University’s upcoming Nursing program. Formalization of the partnership will soon commence through the signing of affiliation documents between the City Mayor’s Office and NwSSU. Photo courtesy of Sangguniang Panlungsod – Calbayog City Read: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=725784509729904&set=pcb.725785466396475 #RISENwSSU

LGU Sta. Margarita Mayor, Felix R. Panganoron solidifies his full support for the opening of the University’s Nursing Program after he signed the Contract of Affiliation with NwSSU for the conduct of its Related Learning Experience in Community Health Nursing last April 17, 2024, at the Municipal Hall, Sta. Margarita, Samar. The mayor’s act was pursuant to the approval of his request through the Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Nestor A. Cailo, to the Sangguinang Bayan (SB) to grant him authority to enter into contract of affiliation. With the motion of Hon. Winefreda D. Relos and seconded by the body, the SB 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 approved the passage of Resolution No. 012, Series of 2024 last March 27, 2024. Mayor Felix assured NwSSU the LGU’s full support especially because the partnership will help in the promotion of health and wellness of their constituents. He also expressed his great appreciation for the upcoming program offering for it will give incoming tertiary students from Sta. Margarita an option to receive quality and affordable nursing education. On the sidelines of the signing, the updates on the University’s plan to establish both the extension campus and the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering program in Sta. Margarita were also discussed. Mayor Felix also expressed his support and commitment to contribute to expedite the preparations. NwSSU was represented by the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Chief Administrative Officer for Finance Services, Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, and Mr. Jake B. Calagos, CHRA.

“The whole NwSSU will work and continue improving our four-fold function embedded in our Quality Management System, this will surely motivate us to keep our university thriving for excellence.” – Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) recently achieved a significant milestone following a successful audit from April 15 to April 16, 2024. SOCOTEC auditors conducted the Second Surveillance Audit, evaluating the institution’s adherence to the Quality Management System of the ISO 9001:2015 standard. Led by Ms. Marisse Cruz, along with Mr. Mark Allan Balbarino, the SOCOTEC Audit Team assessed the operations at the NwSSU-Mai The primary goal of the audit was to ensure that NwSSU’scertified management system consistently meets ISO standards, maintaining confidence between recertification audits. This involved a comprehensive examination of various university operations to ensure conformity and continuous improvement. The culmination of the audit process brought forth excellent news for NwSSU, as the university has received a recommendation for continued ISO 9001:2015 certification. Congratulations NwSSU on this remarkable achievement, and kudos to everyone involved in ensuring the success of the Second Surveillance Audit! #RISENwSSU

The NwSSU College of Agriculture and Technology (CAT) recently convened with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 8 on April 5, 2024 at the RIE Conference Room to discuss the implementation of the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP). Led by Dr. Rosalia L. Briones, Dean of CAT, faculty members from the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) and Bachelor of Agricultural Technology (BAT) programs were present, alongside representatives from DA Region 8. A key highlight of the meeting was the discussion on NwSSU’s role as a recipient of various agricultural equipment, including multi cultivators, grass cutters, water pumps, shredders, and farm tools. These resources will augment the Agricultural Entrepreneurial Demo farm, further enhancing hands-on learning opportunities for students.

NwSSU met with First District of Samar Representative, Congressman Stephen James “Jimboy” Tan last April 10, 2024, to discuss its plan to become a center of technical education and skills development. The latest promising venture aims to formally train residents from the first district at both campuses and satellite training centers of Local Government Units within the district. Congressman Tan is set to coordinate with the concerned Local Chief Executives and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to accelerate the preparations and implement the program within the year. Despite his limited allotted funds from TESDA, he pledged to personally provide additional funding to effectively execute the program. Updates regarding the plan to offer the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering program were also discussed. Congressman Tan pledged a parcel of land in Sta. Margarita, Samar, for the University’s Extension Campus, where the program will be available. Both parties will coordinate with interested organizations which expressed willingness to offer support in preparing for the program’s launch in 2025. The Congressman also addressed matters concerning the status of the modernization of the oval facilities including the track, stating that the planning is nearing its final stages. Additionally, he mentioned that the implementation, estimated to take only two months, will commence immediately. The improved oval is set to be inaugurated in preparation for the 38th Regional SCUAA Games, scheduled to take place in the last quarter of 2024.NwSSU was represented by Chief Administrative Officer for Finance Services, Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, CPA, TESDA Training and Assessment Director, Mr. Papiniano O. Macayan, Jr., and Mr. Jake B. Calagos, CHRA. #GugmaNganSerbisyo #OnePeopleOneSamar #AksyonPadayon#SparkSamar #RISENwSSU

The group contests witnessed The Courier team’s collective brilliance, as they clinched numerous top positions. The team bagged the titles of Best Website, Best Vlog, and Best Social Video, showcasing their versatility and innovation in digital media. Moreover, their dedication to traditional print media was recognized with the title of 1st Runner Up in the Best Magazine category. The team also secured respectable positions in various other group contests, including 3rd place in Best Radio News Bulletin, and 4th place in both Best Newsletter and Best Creative Folio. Their efforts in filmmaking were also acknowledged with the 5th place in both Best Short Film and Best Promotional Video categories In the individual contests, several NwSSU students showcased their exceptional writing skills, clinching top positions in their respective categories. Vivienne Kyla C. Caber led the charge by securing the 1st place in English News Writing, followed by Rosegene Mae L. Senario, who earned the 3rd place in English Copyreading and Headline Writing. While Florentino S. Mainit III and Eunice Marsha M. Alorro showcased their prowess by securing the 5th place in English Development Writing and Investigative Writing, respectively. In the Filipino category, Dioven D. Cardinas exhibited commendable skills by securing the 4th place in News Writing. The group contests witnessed The Courier team’s collective brilliance, as they clinched numerous top positions. The team bagged the titles of Best Website, Best Vlog, and Best Social Video, showcasing their versatility and innovation in digital media. Moreover, their dedication to traditional print media was recognized with the title of 1st Runner Up in the Best Magazine category. The team also secured respectable positions in various other group contests, including 3rd place in Best Radio News Bulletin, and 4th place in both Best Newsletter and Best Creative Folio. Their efforts in filmmaking were also acknowledged with the 5th place in both Best Short Film and Best Promotional Video categories. Furthermore, the Radio Broadcasting Special Awards highlighted the exceptional talent within The Courier team. Marylou S. Ortillo was recognized as the Best Anchor, while Michael John E. Lavendia earned the title of Best News Presenter. Their exceptional performances underscored the depth of talent and dedication within NwSSU’s student journalism community. With an impressive haul of awards in both individual and group contests, they have proven their journalistic prowess. Congratulations to the talented individuals and the entire team for their hard work and dedication! Your commitment to excellence truly embodies the spirit of NwSSU. #RISENwSSU

On April 5, 2024, the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) administration officials and the Faculty Association of NwSSU (FANwSSU) convened in the President’s Board Room to discuss the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) between the University Administration and the faculty association. The purpose of the CNA is to establish a mutually beneficial contract between the accredited faculty’s organization and the university administration, outlining terms and conditions of employment, as well as improvements. Among other things, the CNA addresses the duties and responsibilities, privileges, and benefits of faculty members, which promote productivity and well-being above all. Present during the meeting were the key university officials including Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension, Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administrative Affairs, and the officers of the Faculty Association of NwSSU (FANwSSU) headed by its president, Dr. Romeo B. Santos. A notable outcome of the meeting was the agreement to establish a CNA valid for three years, ensuring stability and clarity in the working relationship between the university and its faculty members. While the meeting concluded with initial discussions, further additions and suggestions were noted for modification in the CNA document. As a result, the signing of the finalized agreement was deferred to a later date.

On April 3, 2024, the RCLG-NwSSU external project, “Strategic ICT Evolution: Enhancing Local Government Network Connectivity and User Proficiency of the Municipality of Almagro,” received its initial funding. The project is headed by Mr. Nicolas Faller. Ms. Krishia Mae D. Jabonero, representing LGU-Almagro, visited NwSSU’s Office of Research Center for Local Governance to present a cheque for ₱886,178.00 to Mr. Faller. This contribution is part of the project’s total funding of ₱2,241,910.00 and signals the start of the project’s first phase, which focuses on network infrastructure enhancement.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) is proud to announce that its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) program has once again been accredited with Level III status by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP). Following a rigorous assessment conducted by AACCUP Inc. from November 22 to 24, 2022, the BSCS program at NwSSU demonstrated excellence across various criteria, earning its Level 3 accreditation status. This accreditation, effective from December 1, 2023, signifies the BSCS program’s compliance to AACCUP’s standards, affirming its status as a reputable institution for computer science education. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and hard work of those involved in the program’s continuous enhancement and development. NwSSU extends its heartfelt congratulations to the BSCS program’s faculty, staff, and administrators who were instrumental to the attainment of this accolade. #RISENwSSU