Powering Up Opportunity: NwSSU Launches JOBS NEXT HUB

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Thirty computer units were successfully turned over at the University President’s Board Room on August 19, 2026, as Northwest Samar State University formally received the equipment from the Provincial Local Government Unit’s Public Employment Service Office (PLGU-PESO), marking the launch of the university’s newest facility: the JOBS NEXT HUB. The turnover was simple, but its purpose is far-reaching. The hub was established to give NwSSU alumni, local jobseekers, and community members a shared space to build digital skills and connect with employment opportunities, using resources many would otherwise have limited access to. For graduates, the hub offers a dedicated workspace to refine portfolios and ease the shift from student life into the workforce. For jobseekers in the community, it opens the door to drafting resumes, applying for local and remote positions, and navigating online employment platforms. And for residents simply looking to build their digital literacy, the facility offers a starting point to grow more comfortable navigating an increasingly online job market. The hub’s role won’t stop at providing equipment. It is expected to host career workshops, upskilling sessions, and technical training in the months ahead, positioning it as an ongoing resource rather than a one-time initiative. The partnership between NwSSU and PLGU-PESO reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to digital tools and employment support in the province, one that university officials hope will translate into real opportunities for the community it serves.

NwSSU, DOJ-PPA Partner for Parolee Reintegration Program

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Department of Justice–Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) Region VIII signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Thursday, August 13, 2026, to launch a reintegration program for parolees and probationers. The one-year initiative marks the second phase of a collaborative partnership designed to provide skills development, employment opportunities, and community support for rehabilitated individuals. NwSSU President Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran and DOJ-PPA Region VIII Regional Director Ma. Beverly D. Ampo formalized the agreement. Under the said MOA, beneficiaries will undergo competency-based vocational training. Courses include food processing, agri-business, basic house wiring, and driving. The program also features certification opportunities, job search assistance, and direct linkages to local employers. NwSSU will provide project resources, including funding, manpower, training venues, and monthly learning sessions. The university has also committed on-campus space for hands-on work experience and entrepreneurial development. DOJ-PPA Region VIII will identify qualified clients, manage case supervision, and facilitate connections with families and partner organizations. The agency will handle all participant data in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. The initiative also includes individualized coaching, family reintegration sessions, mentoring, and community restorative service programs.

NWSSU RECEIVES FOUR RECOGNITIONS FROM DBM REGION VIII

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) received four recognitions from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region VIII during the FY 2026 Mid-Year Performance Dialogue for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), CHED, and TESDA on August 19, 2026, at the DBM Regional Office VIII Conference Hall in Marasbaras, Tacloban City.   The recognitions were given in acknowledgment of the University’s performance in income collection, physical performance, income utilization, and reportorial compliance. NWSSU was recognized with the following: Income Collection Award – for achieving a 134.57% income collection rate, exceeding its target collection for FY 2025; Physical Performance Achiever – for attaining 100% of the Physical Performance Indicators under the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act; Income Utilization Performance Award – for achieving a 61.30% average income utilization rate for FY 2021–2025, placing 3rd among SUCs in Region VIII; and Reportorial Compliance Award for the 1st and 2nd Quarters of FY 2026 – for the complete and timely submission of the required Budget and Financial Accountability Reports (BFARs), with a 100% compliance rate covering all 24 required reports. The awards reflect the University’s continuing efforts in financial management, efficient utilization of resources, and compliance with government reporting requirements. NWSSU extends its appreciation to the administration, faculty, staff, and offices whose collective efforts contributed to these accomplishments. Congratulations, NWSSU!

NwSSU Research Spotlight | Unveiling the Soil Beneath Our Forest Through Agricultural Research

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

What lies beneath a thriving forest, and why does it matter? Beneath every thriving forest lies a story written in its soil. Bringing that story to light, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) proudly highlights another remarkable achievement in scientific research through the publication of the study titled: “𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐩𝐡𝐨-𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 (𝐍𝐰𝐒𝐒𝐔-𝐒𝐉𝐂), 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫, 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬.” The research was authored by DR. JESSIE R. SABIJON, Director of the Samar Integrated Organic Agriculture Research and Development Center (SIOARDC) and Former Dean of the College of Agriculture and Technology (CAT). The study was published in the prestigious Indian Journal of Agricultural Research in Volume 60 Issue 6 (June 2026). Focusing on the plantation forest of Northwest Samar State University in San Jorge, Samar, the study provides a comprehensive assessment of the soil’s morpho-physical characteristics and nutrient status. Its findings offer valuable baseline information for improving forest management practices, guiding sustainable land-use planning, enhancing soil fertility conservation, and supporting future agricultural and environmental research. Beyond advancing soil science, this publication reinforces the importance of understanding local ecosystems as a foundation for sustainable forestry, agricultural productivity, and environmental conservation. The study demonstrates how evidence-based research can help protect natural resources while strengthening resilience against environmental challenges. This achievement reflects Northwest Samar State University’s unwavering commitment to producing high-impact research that addresses local concerns with global relevance. Through scientific inquiry and innovation, NwSSU continues to generate knowledge that contributes to sustainable natural resource management and the advancement of agricultural and environmental sciences. Congratulations to Dr. Jessie R. Sabijon on this outstanding scholarly achievement. Your dedication to research excellence continues to strengthen NwSSU’s reputation as a hub for innovative and impactful research, inspiring future generations of scientists, researchers, and environmental stewards. Read the full publication: https://arccjournals.com/…/indian-journal-of…/AF-1021 #ASCENDNwSSU #NwSSUResearchSpotlight #ResearchExcellence #NorthwestSamarStateUniversity #SustainableAgriculture #EnvironmentalResearch #NaturalResourceManagement #ResearchForImpact #SDG2_ZeroHunger #SDG13_ClimateAction #SDG15_LifeOnLand

NwSSU deepens strategic foresight through Day 2 of AN HANDUM

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully concluded the second day of AN HANDUM: Paglusad ngan Pagsaka para sa NwSSU, para sa Samar – A Strategic Foresight and Development Planning Series on July 22, 2026, through an online platform, further advancing preparations for the formulation of the NwSSU Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2027–2036. Focusing on practical strategic foresight tools, the second day equipped participants with methodologies for environmental scanning, horizon scanning, and strategic mapping in preparation for the University’s onsite planning workshops. The program opened with a Message of Support from University President Atty. Lorelie M. Fabillar-Tangaran, who underscored the importance of the HANDUM Strategic Development Planning Series in shaping NwSSU’s future. She emphasized that the Strategic Development Plan should serve not only as a planning document but as a shared roadmap that reflects the aspirations of the University community, responds to emerging challenges, and advances NwSSU’s commitment to transformative education, research, innovation, extension, and public service. She also encouraged participants to actively contribute, recognizing that every insight will help define the University’s direction over the next decade. The first technical session, “Environmental Scanning: Register HABI – Reading the Landscape,” was facilitated by Ms. Jalaine Joyce V. Malabanan, Fellow of the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures). Participants examined internal and external drivers influencing higher education and regional development, including social, technological, economic, environmental, and political trends. Ms. Malabanan also facilitated the LLLL Circle: Foresight Orientation – Register HANDUM: Scanning the Horizon, introducing participants to horizon scanning and futures thinking as essential tools for anticipating emerging issues, recognizing weak signals, and preparing for alternative futures. This was followed by the ASCEND Agenda Mapping Unit – Register HABI: Thread Assignment, facilitated by Mr. Ramces M. Dili, Fellow of PhilFutures, who guided participants in aligning their offices and units with the University’s strategic priorities and institutional transformation agenda. In the afternoon, participants took part in the Horizon Scanning Breakout, facilitated by Dr. Michville A. Rivera, Secretary General of PhilFutures, together with Mr. Ramces M. Dili and Ms. Jalaine Joyce V. Malabanan. Through collaborative discussions, participants identified emerging trends, disruptive forces, opportunities, and risks that may shape the future of Northwest Samar State University. The breakout outputs were consolidated during the workshop sessions, where participants synthesized their analyses into initial strategic insights. Facilitators provided guidance to ensure that the outputs remained evidence-based, context-driven, and aligned with the University’s long-term aspirations. To conclude the day’s activities, Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, Head of the Planning Office and Director of the Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight, conducted the Pre-Onsite Briefing and Logistics, orienting participants on the objectives, expected outputs, workshop mechanics, and logistical arrangements for the face-to-face planning sessions. The second day reinforced NwSSU’s commitment to participatory, evidence-informed, and futures-oriented planning. The AN HANDUM Strategic Development Planning Series now transitions to the onsite workshops, where participants will translate these insights into strategic priorities, programs, and transformative initiatives that will shape the University’s development through 2036 and strengthen its contribution to the sustainable development of Samar.