Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

In a significant milestone, Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV, University Registrar of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), has been nominated and appointed as the Regional Representative for Eastern Visayas during the 13th National Convention of the National Association of Registrars of State Universities and Colleges (NARSUC). This appointment also marks his induction into the NARSUC Board of Directors, bolstering the region’s influence in national discussions on higher education registration and records management. NARSUC is a national organization composed of registrars from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across the Philippines. It is a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and policy development to improve records management, enrollment processes, and academic services in higher education institutions. While primarily composed of SUCs, NARSUC welcomes Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) and other private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as members, fostering a more inclusive network of academic registrars working toward standardized and efficient educational processes. The induction ceremony, led by Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), ushered in a new leadership term dedicated to enhancing policies, streamlining processes, and advocating for the needs of registrars nationwide. Both registrars of NwSSU’s campuses – Engr. Elegrecio Timan of the San Jorge Campus and Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV of the Main Campus – actively participated in the convention. Their attendance reflects NwSSU’s commitment to staying engaged in national discussions on academic records management, ensuring that the university remains aligned with best practices and policy developments in higher education. Engr. Zosa’s appointment is a testament to NwSSU’s commitment to excellence and active participation in advancing educational administration in the country. His leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping national policies and promoting best practices in records and enrollment management, ultimately benefiting higher education institutions (HEIs) in Eastern Visayas. 

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) have officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in academic, research, and extension initiatives. The signing ceremony took place at PUP’s campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, with key officials from both universities present to formalize the partnership. Present during the signing was Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President of NwSSU, alongside key university officials, including Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance, and Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension. Representing PUP was University President Manuel M. Muhi, D.Tech., ASEAN Engr., alongside Dr. Emanuel C. De Guzman, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Rudolf Anthony A. Lacerna, Executive Director of the Open University System. Several deans from NwSSU also attended, including Engr. Ignacio Tocayon Jr., Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture; Dr. Rosalia Briones, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Technology; Dr. Francisco B. Bacamante Jr., Dean of the College of Computing and Information Sciences; Dr. Armando A. Alviola, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences; Dr. Jannel C. Alviola, Dean of the College of Education; Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Dean of the College of Management; Dr. Bianca Genel Bedio, Dean of the College of Nursing; and Dr. Getulio Barcenas Jr., NwSSU San Jorge Campus Dean. ETEEAP Director Mr. Redem D. Tingzon and Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director of the Office of Research and Development Services, were also present to witness the momentous undertaking. Recognizing their shared commitment to advancing higher education, both institutions aim to become leading producers of breakthrough knowledge, competitive research, and innovative technologies that contribute to national and international development. The partnership provides a framework for mutual cooperation, allowing NwSSU and PUP to engage in various academic and research activities that promote innovation and knowledge exchange. Through this linkage, NwSSU and PUP reaffirm their dedication to contributing to national progress through impactful research and academic initiatives. The MOU serves as a foundation for a long-term partnership, ensuring that both institutions continue to advance the quality of higher education and research in the country.

Congratulations to Northwest Samar State University for ranking 8th in the regional ranking of the January 2025 edition of the Webometric University Rankings! This notable achievement is a testament to the university’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence and its commitment to providing quality education.  The Ranking Web (Webometrics) has been published since 2004 with the aim of promoting open access to knowledge generated by universities worldwide. This year’s edition evaluates nearly 32,000 higher education institutions (HEIs) based on webometric and bibliometric indicators, collected from reliable sources such as Majestic, Google Scholar, and Scimago-Scopus.  We are proud of this achievement and look forward to continuing to strive for excellence!

FEBRUARY 28 — Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) and the Philippine National Bank (PNB) convened today to discuss initiatives to enhance financial awareness among the university’s faculty, staff, and students. As a result of the meeting, PNB will conduct a Local Marketing Activity at NwSSU to promote knowledge of banking products, savings, investments, insurance, and digital banking. Notably, NwSSU interns will take the lead in facilitating the event. A key highlight of the agreement is the involvement of NwSSU’s BS Business Administration interns, who will manage the booths and assist in promoting PNB’s financial products and banking services. This collaboration will provide the interns with hands-on experience in marketing and services while helping the NwSSU community gain better access to essential banking solutions. The said agreement was finalized after a prior meeting between Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice-President for Administration and Finance, and Mr. Alfred D. Franzuela, SM,OIC Branch Head of PNB Samar Calbayog Branch. The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice-President for Administration and Finance. Also in attendance were Mr. Jake B. Calagos, Director of the Integrated Multimedia and Communications Office (IMCO), and Mr. Jay Angelo Gohol, IMCO staff. Representing the interns were Vincent Franco, Rochelle Dacutanan, Trisha Mae Delda, and Adrienne Marri Lising. The collaboration between PNB and NwSSU aims to empower the university community with financial knowledge and access to essential banking services while providing interns with valuable training and experience. The PNB Local Marketing Activity is scheduled to take place on Monday, March 3, 2025, at NwSSU. 

A public safety reminder to the Norwessian Community In light of the ongoing dengue risk, it is essential to stay informed and adopt preventive measures to help reduce the spread of this illness. Dengue is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Early detection of symptoms and adherence to recommended safety practices are crucial in preventing further transmission and safeguarding public health. To protect yourself and others, please ensure cleanliness and eliminate any stagnant water, which can be a breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes. We encourage everyone to remain safe and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and others from dengue. For more detailed information, please refer to the attached infographics. Stay safe, Norwesians!

Northwest Samar State University’s (NwSSU) College of Nursing students and faculty gathered at the NwSSU Nursing Amphitheater on February 26 for ConBoarding 2025: an event designed to reinforce their understanding of the college’s vision, policies, and academic framework by providing them with a clear roadmap for the academic year. The event aimed to ensure students remain aligned with the institution’s standards as they progress through their nursing education. Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, opened the program with a message highlighting the vital role of nursing students in shaping the healthcare scene. Following this, College of Nursing Program Chair Carl Neill M. Del Rosario, RN, MAN, LPT, presented the event’s rationale, emphasizing the importance of the learners’ proactive participation. Student representatives took the stage to present principles guiding the College of Nursing. Joyce Floriane C. Acebuche (Level 1-A) introduced the College of Nursing’s vision, mission, and goals, while Jillian Gayle G. Maquidato (Level 1-B) outlined the college’s objectives and core values. The program also included a session on faculty introductions, class schedules, fee structures, and course requirements, led by College of Nursing Dean, Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, RN, MAN, CHRA. Rosilda D. Macapanas, RN, MAN, LPT, one of CoN’s advisers, detailed classroom policies, while Mr. Del Rosario, in his role as CoN’s Clinical Coordinator, discussed Related Learning Experience (RLE) policies essential for the nursings students’ academic journey. A significant part of the event was the election of class officers, facilitated by Mr. Francis Joelrey B. Portugaliza, CONCARE President, to select key student officials ensuring the students will have credible student leaders at the forefront. The event concluded with closing remarks from College of Nursing Dean, Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, who expressed gratitude for everyone’s collaborative participation and encouraged the students to embrace their academic journey with dedication and perseverance.

Congratulations to our new Mechanical Engineers for passing the February 2025 Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination! Your dedication and perseverance have paid off, and your NwSSU family is incredibly proud of your achievement. This milestone marks the beginning of your bright future, and we celebrate this success with you! #RISENwSSU

In its bid to establish the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Center, the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) underwent a series of coaching sessions under the tutelage of the Technological University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and Arellano University on February 18 to 20, 2025. The sessions focused on essential topics such as assessment, admission, and registration procedures. The participants also shared insights on developing assessment tools and rubrics, as well as designing supplemental and enrichment tools. The delegation team headed by the NwSSU – ETEEAP Center Director, Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, also visited the Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD) at the CHED Central Office where they received practical ideas on the deputization process in accordance with the relevant CMO’s and other standing policies. The meeting was presided over by Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, CESO III, the Chief of OPSD. Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling (VP for Admin & Finance), Dr. Donald M. Patimo (Dean of the College of Management), Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV (University Registrar), Dr. Jessica C. Alorro (Program Chair, BSHM), Ms. Bevelyn A. Puerto (Program Chair, BSOAd), Dr. Rolyn A. Catamora (ETEEAP Assessment Coordinator), Ms. Ivy B. Aligam (ETEEAP Finance Coordinator) and Mr. Edward Abanilla (ETEEAP Admission & Records Management Staff) joined Mr. Tingzon in the said endeavor. The establishment of the ETEEAP Center is authorized under Board Resolution No. 75, s. 2024, which allows the University President to pursue deputization for the ETEEAP. The program will offer Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) and Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (BSOAd) programs. The CHED Memorandum Order No. 29, s. 2021 defines the ETEEAP as a comprehensive program of identifying, accessing, validating, and assigning the equivalent undergraduate level of prior learnings from formal, non-formal, and informal training and relevant work experience and completion of competency enrichment and other program requirement/s toward the final granting of appropriate academic degrees. This program is in adherence with Executive Order No. 330 titled Adopting the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency And Accreditation Program as an Integral Part of the Educational System and Designating the Commission on Higher Education as the Authority Responsible for its Implementation, which was issued by His Excellency Fidel V. Ramos. The said EO No. 330 was aimed at “expanding and strengthening the system of academic equivalency and validation of the knowledge and expertise derived by individuals from relevant work experience and high level, non–formal training to harness their full potentials.” The full deputization of the NwSSU – ETEEAP Center is envisioned to expand the University’s reach for strengthening the Samarnon manpower, both locally and internationally.

February 24 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) in collaboration with Trinidad National High School (TriNHS) took a proactive step in shaping the future of students by hosting the Division School-Based Orientation on Career Guidance Program (CGP) and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) for Grade 10 and Grade 12 learners. The event provided essential insights to help students make informed decisions about their career paths and personal development. The program commenced with a warm welcome from School Principal I, Mrs. Wilma L. Reyes, who emphasized the importance of career preparedness and responsible decision-making. Dr. Renato S. Cagomoc, Chief of the Curriculum and Instruction Division (CID), followed with an inspiring message, urging students to maximize the opportunities presented to them. Mrs. Gina R. Montilla, Senior High School Guidance Designate, then delivered the rationale behind the orientation, highlighting its significance in guiding students toward their future career paths. A series of informative sessions unfolded, starting with a discussion on Career Pathing and Entrepreneurial Skills led by Mr. Arnold M. Jaraba, Education Program Supervisor in TLE and Senior High Division Coordinator. His presentation emphasized the importance of skill development and adaptability in today’s competitive professional environment. Dr. Nelson R. Bello, Education Program Supervisor for ESP and Guidance, provided an in-depth look into the Career Guidance Program for Grade 12 students. He outlined the curriculum exit options and career portfolio preparation strategies, equipping students with the tools necessary for a seamless transition into higher education and professional endeavors. Representatives from various universities and colleges, including Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) introduced the diverse tertiary education courses available, with a notable presentation from Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, Dean of the College of Nursing, who promoted the university’s Nursing program. Additionally, experts from TESDA, DOLE, and industry partners offered crucial insights into employment readiness and the development of middle skills, preparing students for a range of vocational and professional opportunities. Guidance counselors from higher education institutions (HEIs) provided valuable strategies for successfully passing university admission tests, IQ tests, and aptitude assessments. Their guidance aimed to boost students’ confidence and readiness for academic challenges ahead. The event proved to be an essential platform, empowering students with knowledge and guidance as they navigate their future careers and personal growth. By being proactive in fostering career awareness and holistic education, NwSSU continues to uphold its commitment to help prepare learners for a brighter future.