Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

The afternoon of May 14, 2025 marked a historic moment for the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Unit of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), as during the initial deliberation, it was officially declared Rank 1 in the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI) with an outstanding rating of 97.11%.  RAATI is a rigorous annual evaluation conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to assess the performance, discipline, administrative readiness, and tactical proficiency of ROTC units across the region. It serves as a measure of excellence in military training, leadership, and institutional support. The last time NwSSU clinched the RAATI Championship was in 2010. Now, after 15 long years, we are one step closer to reclaiming the title. While other participating institutions are still awaiting their inspections, NwSSU’s remarkable early lead places it in strong contention for the overall championship. Should this top rank hold through the final deliberations, NwSSU will proudly bring home the RAATI championship crown once again! Congratulations to the men and women of the NwSSU ROTC Unit — your dedication, discipline, and determination have paid off!

Credits to NwSSU Research, Innovation & Extention Office We are excited to announce that the 2nd International Conference on Resource Management & Governance, in collaboration with Rajamangala University of Technology’s RMUTCON2025, will be held on July 22-24, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. Would you like to present your paper at the conference? Like and follow now to stay updated. We will be posting the details soon.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with three other state universities on Samar Island to develop cooperation through collaborative activities in academic areas of interest. The partner universities are Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Samar State University (SSU), and the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP). The university administration, represented by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, and SSU’s Director for Environmental Sustainability, Research, and Development Dr. Edelyn O. Echapare, formally secured the MOU. The activity was witnessed by VP for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling and University Ombudsman Atty. Ma. Cecille Candida Y. Rueda. Through this partnership, the universities will engage in collaborative activities such as exchanging faculty, researchers, and students, conducting joint research and extension projects, and sharing academic information and materials. They will also organize lectures, seminars, conferences, and capacity-building programs to enhance their academic offerings and research capabilities. This partnership is expected to have a significant impact on the region’s educational landscape, enhancing research capabilities, improving academic programs, increasing student opportunities, and contributing to community development through joint research and extension projects. By pooling resources and expertise, the participating universities can drive positive change in the region and achieve their mandates to provide advanced education, research, and extension services.

April 28, 2025 – Representatives from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) attended the UNESCO World Heritage Nomination and Climate Change Mitigation Conference for Community Leaders of Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) held at the Samar Convention Center. The event, organized by the Provincial Government of Samar in partnership with the University of Santo Tomas Graduate Studies – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics, brought together community leaders, environmental agencies, academic institutions, and government representatives to discuss the ongoing efforts to nominate SINP as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As an academic partner of UST-CCCPET, NwSSU was among the participating institutions supporting the initiative. The university was represented by Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Riz Rupert Ortiz, with Mr. Joshua Rosillon, and Mr. Novlloyd Celeste, head of the Innovation Technology and Support Office, who attended the program and engaged in discussions on conservation, climate change mitigation, and community participation in heritage protection. Building on a week of focused environmental initiatives, the April 28 conference served as the culmination of a series of preparatory activities aimed at advancing the SINP Climate Change Action Plan. These included a Research Training session on April 23 and Data Gathering Sessions held from April 24 to 25. The conference highlighted the critical role of the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. With its dense forests, unique flora and fauna, and cultural significance, SINP is recognized as a vital natural resource that warrants global recognition and protection. Among the highlights of the event were presentations from key agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), along with discussions on the ecological value of SINP, climate change challenges, and the responsibilities of barangays in environmental protection. With the continued support of institutions like NwSSU, the vision of elevating SINP to global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site moves closer to reality, promising a more sustainable and resilient future for the people of Samar.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Department of Education Schools Division of Calbayog City through its Alternative Learning System (DepEd ALS) have initiated discussions for a forthcoming Memorandum of Agreement that will formalize their collaboration for the implementation of the university’s community extension initiative, the LIWANAG Program on May 9, 2025. The LIWANAG Program, short for Livelihood Integration and Wit on Communication Skills for ALS Nurturing Aspirations and Growth, is designed to respond to key challenges faced by the ALS community in Calbayog. It includes three core projects: EGG YOLK Project, a livelihood initiative focused on salted egg production, branding, and marketing strategies; BOOT Project, a digital literacy effort introducing basic computer operations and troubleshooting skills; and LOVE TALK Project, a communications development program utilizing speech drills and creative expression to enhance verbal proficiency. The initial coordination meeting was made between NwSSU Planning and Development Services Director Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta and Calbayog City National High School Principal Mr. Milaner R. Oyo-a. The upcoming Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), now being scheduled for signing by NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona Jr., will formalize the collaborative effort between the two institutions. The partnership supports the shared commitment of both institutions to inclusive education, skills development, and community empowerment. The MOA is expected to strengthen local educational initiatives for ALS learners while providing opportunities for NwSSU faculty and non-teaching personnel to engage in meaningful community work.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) served as the venue for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pre-Deployment Activity for tutors and youth development workers on May 8 at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. As part of the preparations under the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, the event gathered school heads from Calbayog City, Sta. Margarita, San Jorge, and Matuguinao, alongside NwSSU faculty and staff, In his welcome message, NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo emphasized the university’s role in strengthening community-based education and highlighted the need to respond to gaps in the field of education with proactive collaboration. The activity, which covered child protection policies and guidelines under the Cash-for-Work scheme as part of the Tara Basa program, marks another step in NwSSU’s efforts to supporting national programs that promote literacy and youth empowerment. By hosting the deployment activity, NwSSU also reinforces its standing as an active partner in promoting education and its dedication to contributing meaningfully to regional development initiatives.

To drive the advancement of arts, culture, and community development, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Calbayog City Arts and Culture Office (CACO) formalized a partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on May 7, 2025, at the University President’s Boardroom, setting the stage for a transformative cultural collaboration. NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and CACO Officer-in-Charge Ma. Salome L. Roleda led the ceremonial signing, marking the beginning of a collaborative partnership centered on arts, culture, as well as community development. The MoA outlines shared objectives to promote artistic expression, provide platforms for talents, and promote cultural awareness in Calbayog City. The partnership establishes a framework for joint initiatives, including training programs, performances, cultural mapping, and publication of local heritage materials. Witnesses to the MoA signing included Mr. Cerilo A. Irinco, Director of the Arts, Social, and Cultural Affairs (ASCA) Office; Mr. Rexor H. Magbutay, ASCA Discipline Representative; Dr. Ervin L. Rodriguez, Director of the Innovation Office; and Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada, Director of Creative Works. The partnership highlights the mutual commitment of both institutions to preserve, promote, and elevate the cultural and artistic heritage of Calbayog while empowering local creatives through support and partnership.

May 7, 2025 — Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) Students from Northwest Samar State University’s (NwSSU) College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) successfully hosted “Sparking Safety — An Electrical Safety Awareness Seminar” at the Admin Building in conjunction with this year’s celebration of Electrical Safety Month. The event, hosted by the Junior Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (JIIEE)—NwSSU Chapter in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Calbayog and the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE), featured relevant discussions and demonstrations centered on electrical safety and fire prevention from the BFP Calbayog. Signaling the beginning of the program, Engr. Merary C. Ca-ang from the College of Engineering & Architecture delivered his opening remarks, followed by the rationale from F/SINSP. Tereso, T. Tuazon, Acting City Fire Marshal, Calbayog City Fire Station. Both emphasized the importance of collaborative and insightful events like the seminar in promoting safety for everyone. The event’s highlight was discussions on Electrical Hazards and safety Practices, Fire Prevention Strategies, Emergency Response Procedures, and Real-Life Case Studies by the BFP Calbayog. To further enhance the participants’ learning, the program featured an Electrical Safety Awareness Walk and distribution of Pamphlets, a practical demonstration, and an interactive Q&A, allowing hands-on experience and insightful discourse. At the program’s closing, Program Chair for Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) Engr. Ma. Ritchel F. Aliman expressed her gratitude to the participants and key speakers for the success of the seminar. Participants were able to receive certificates, distributed by Engr. Ca-ang and Engr. Aliman. The success of “Sparking Safety — An Electrical Safety Awareness Seminar” reflects Northwest Samar State University’s (NwSSU) unwavering commitment to promoting the safety of the public. Through the efforts of the BSEE students and the support of partners such as the BFP Calbayog and JIIEE, and IIEE, NwSSU continues to promote a culture of safety, awareness, and public service.