Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

In a series of high-level engagements held on July 16, 2026, the new leadership of Northwestern Samar State University (NwSSU) took its first major steps toward reinforcing strategic partnerships with three of the country’s leading higher education institutions — Mapua University, Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran and Vice President for Research, Innovation, Extension, and External Affairs (RIEEA) Dr. Teody Amatosa led the exploratory discussions, which were arranged by Mr. Tingzon as part of the Project and Development Office’s (PDO) continuing efforts to sustain and deepen NwSSU’s ties with fellow State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). The engagement with Mapua University served as a formal introduction of NwSSU’s new leadership to the Mapua team, opening the floor for a recalibration of existing collaborative ties. Central to the discussion was the review and strengthening of Project HARIGI, a co-creation initiative between NwSSU and Mapua, with both parties working toward its approval and eventual implementation. Beyond HARIGI, the two institutions explored possibilities for further co-creation, including micro-credentialing programs and transnational exchange initiatives — signaling a broader ambition to diversify the scope of their partnership. At the meeting with TUP, discussions centered on strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two universities, beginning with introductions of NwSSU’s new leadership to the TUP team. A key agenda item was the involvement of TUP’s Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) in the certification process for NwSSU’s own ETEEAP assessors — a move expected to enhance the quality and credibility of NwSSU’s equivalency assessment mechanisms. The two institutions also opened talks on potential joint research initiatives, laying the groundwork for future academic collaboration. The engagement with PUP likewise began with an introduction of NwSSU’s new leadership, followed by discussions on recalibrating and strengthening the partnership between the two institutions. Echoing the conversation held with TUP, NwSSU and PUP explored the co-creation and co-implementation of a certification process for NwSSU-ETEEAP assessors. The discussion further extended to collaborative opportunities in establishing NwSSU’s Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL) program, Technology Business Incubator (TBI), and other emerging initiatives. Across all three engagements, a common thread emerged: the University’s commitment to sustaining and expanding meaningful collaborations that support its academic, research, and innovation agenda. With President Fabillar-Tangaran and VP Amatosa at the helm of these discussions, NwSSU signaled a clear intent to build on existing foundations while charting new areas of cooperation with its partner institutions. The engagements mark an early but significant milestone for the university’s new leadership, reflecting a proactive approach to institutional partnership-building.

Calbayog City, Samar — Demonstrating its commitment to institutional excellence and accountability, the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), under the leadership of Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, University President, conducted the Orientation and Institutional Preparatory Meeting on the FY 2024 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) Guidelines, held through the Planning and Development Services Office, in preparation for the University’s upcoming national evaluation and validation process. The meeting was convened in response to the issuance of Executive Order No. 61 Technical Working Group Resolution No. 2026-1 and Memorandum Circular No. 2026-1, which prescribe the guidelines for the grant of the FY 2024 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB). University officials, including Vice Presidents, College Deans, Directors, Unit Heads, Campus Administrators, and representatives from concerned offices, were oriented on the updated eligibility requirements, scoring system, four performance assessment dimensions, agency accountability measures, documentary requirements, and validation procedures. As the FY 2024 PBB is anchored on the University’s performance during Fiscal Year 2024, the activity likewise recognized the collective efforts of the University’s officials, faculty, and staff during the previous administration, whose stewardship guided the implementation of the programs, projects, and institutional initiatives that now form the basis of the current performance evaluation. The present administration continues this commitment by ensuring that all documentary requirements are properly consolidated, validated, and submitted in accordance with national guidelines. A major focus of the meeting was the University’s preparation for the submission of documentary requirements to the validating agencies on or before the prescribed deadline of 28 July 2026. Participants emphasized the importance of ensuring full compliance, as NwSSU will undergo a comprehensive evaluation covering Performance Results, Process Results, Financial Results, Citizen/Client Satisfaction Results, and Agency Accountabilities, all of which determine the University’s eligibility for the FY 2024 PBB. The orientation was facilitated by Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, Planning Officer and University PBB Focal Person, who discussed the updated PBB guidelines, assigned office-specific responsibilities, established internal submission timelines, and strengthened inter-office coordination to ensure the timely completion and validation of all required documents. The activity reflects NwSSU’s commitment to good governance, recognizing the accomplishments  to uphold transparency, accountability, and results-based public service. Through this collaborative approach, the University remains steadfast in its pursuit of organizational excellence and compliance with national government performance standards.

PASAY CITY — Delegates from Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU), led by University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar – Tangaran alongside key university officials, attended the opening day of the 2026 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly. The three-day event kicked off today, July 13, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Anchored on the theme, “Transformative Leadership and Strategic Governance: Empowering SUCs for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures,” this year’s convention coincides with PASUC’s 59th Founding Anniversary. The gathering brings together higher education leaders, policymakers, and industry partners to address systemic shifts and chart strategic directions for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across the country. Adhering to the prescribed cultural attire, the NWSSU delegation joined fellow academic executives from across the archipelago in wearing traditional Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog. Registration officially commenced, paving the way for a jam-packed Day 1 roster focused on setting the strategic direction for public higher education. The Opening Ceremonies formally began with a grand processional of PASUC regional chairs, national officers, and distinguished guests. Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta, PASUC Auditor, introduced the delegates, followed by a formal welcome and opening declaration from PASUC President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo. Hon. Michelle A. Ong, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), delivered an inspirational message, emphasizing collaborative governance and institutional excellence. The morning session reached its peak with an opening keynote address from Senate President Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian of the 20th Congress, who spoke comprehensively on how transformative leadership can empower SUCs to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. Following a welcome luncheon, the afternoon transition shifted from ceremonial to rigorous policy dialogue. The NWSSU officials participated in a High-Level Dialogue featuring key national education agency heads, including Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez. Moderated by Dr. Karol Mark R. Yee, Executive Director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), and council member Hon. Ma. Cynthia Rose B. Bautista, the dialogue zeroed in on “Navigating the Role of SUCs: Translating National Education Reforms into Institutional Transformation”. The discussion provided NWSSU and other member institutions with critical policy updates and structural frameworks aimed at aligning campus governance with the country’s long-term workforce and development goals.