Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

In an effort to foster international partnership and recognition, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) took part in the recently held 4-day UTM Mobility Carnival (UMC) 2024, held at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Bahru Campus, Malaysia, from May 27-30. The UMC 2024 aimed to provide a platform for higher education institutions to showcase their mobility programs. During this event, each participating university had the opportunity to exhibit their institution and the mobility programs they offer. The event also featured booth exhibitions, networking and sharing sessions, as well as cultural performances. A total of sixty-six (66) participants representing thirty-nine (39) universities from sixteen (16) countries participated in this event. The event brought together students, faculty, and professionals from various disciplines and backgrounds. Dr. Iris B. Bejasa, Director of International Affairs, and Mr. John M. Tan, NwSSU-San Jorge Campus Head of International Affairs, represented NwSSU at the event. Both representatives successfully established connections with other institutions and organizations, leading to significant international linkages and collaboration for NwSSU.

The Union of Filipino Tourism Educators (UFTE) President Dr. Rumar Abaigar visited the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) to discuss its partnership for the upcoming National Convention for Tourism and Hospitality Educators in the Eastern Visayas region. The NwSSU was represented by Dr. Ramil Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Donald Patimo, Dean of the College of Management; Dr. Joseph Emil David, representative from the Research Office; and Mr. Ghilson Amor, BSTM Program Chairperson and UFTE Board Member. This event supports our quest to promote the local tourism industry in the Eastern Visayas region. Likewise, we expect educators, partners, guests, and visitors from different places and other institutions to explore the Samar and Leyte Provinces. The details of the said convention will be announced soon in collaboration with the Department of Tourism Region 8, Provincial Government of Samar, LGU Calbayog, Leyte Normal University, and Northwest Samar State University. #RISENwSSU

Northwest Samar State University’s School Plant, Facilities, and Infrastructure Development Office (NwSSU-SPFIDO) collaborated with Triton Paints to conduct a seminar on fundamental painting applications on May 27, 2024. The seminar was held at the University Hotel and Restaurant Conference Room and featured esteemed speakers, Ms. Analyn C. Galvez, Triton Promotion Advertising Manager, who delivered a presentation on Triton Paints Products; and Mr. Antonio T. Renato Jr., Triton Sales and Marketing Executive, who discussed Basic Painting Applications and Methods. The seminar was attended by the SPFIDO staff, led by Engr. Marlon D. Sobreviga, SPFIDO Director, and Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, VP for Administrative Affairs. This collaboration proved to be a valuable opportunity for the NwSSU-SPFIDO, as it enhanced their knowledge and skills in painting techniques and applications.

May 27, 2024—Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities at the university. The agreement was formalized in the President’s Board Room, establishing a partnership to support the University Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office with Basic Life Support Training, Basic Rescue, and Search and Rescue training, facilitated by the CDRRMO.  As per the agreement, the CDRRMO will extend technical expertise, training equipment, and materials for disaster risk reduction management training, conduct periodic monitoring and evaluation of trainees, facilitate the proper turnover of trainees, and supervise NwSSU emergency first responders during major events. NwSSU, on the other hand, will allocate funds for the training of university personnel and student volunteers, provide terminal reports of the trainings, conduct project monitoring and evaluation, and offer assistance to the CDRRMO through its DRRM facilities, personnel, and equipment when required. The MOA was signed by Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, and Mr. Sandro C. Daguman, DRRM Officer of Calbayog City, in the presence of Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administrative Affairs, and Mr. Joseph Von Catorce, Assistant DRRM Officer of Calbayog City.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and West Samar Doctors Hospital, Inc. (WSDHI) formalized a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 27, 2024, to enhance health education and safety initiatives. The signing ceremony, held in the President’s Board Room, heralds a significant partnership aimed at improving health services for NwSSU students and employees. Under the agreement, West Samar Doctors Hospital, Inc. will offer comprehensive support, including health education lectures, assistance with occupational safety and health campaigns, a 10% discount on laboratory services, outpatient care, and optional professional fees for attending doctors. In return, NwSSU commits to funding health programs conducted by the University Health Center, actively participating in trainings, and facilitating referrals for personnel and students requiring in-patient admission, emergency care, and laboratory services. Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, President of NwSSU, and Dr. Jonathan G. Ang, President of WSDHI, signed the MOA. Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, the Director of Student Affairs Services at NwSSU, and Dr. Christine D. Apostol, the Chairman of the Board of Directors at WSDHI, witnessed the event.

Class section LARK of the Master of Arts Major in Public Management conducted its Culminating Activity last May 24, 2024, at Pacita’s Garden, Calbayog City. The activity, which was part of the requirements for the degree, included case presentations, presentations of class outputs, and Professors’ Time which was an opportunity for the professors to report their evaluation of the class performance. The class was commended for its active participation, project proposals, and for producing the greatest number of semestral outputs despite the challenges, such as the composition of its members who are from different sectors and agencies. The rains and winds of Tropical Depression “Aghon” did not hinder the students from realizing the event. Present in the activity were Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administrative Affairs; Eliza V. Gamusa, Dean of the Graduate School; the Adjunct Professors, Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta and Dr. Edgar M. Guya; and Section LARK students, Jake Calagos, Avelina Montejo, Rodel Zeta, Roberto Gamusa, Jr., and Paula Zhan Acoba.

The Graduate School’s public presentation of research outputs for the 2023-2024 academic year, led by Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, took place on May 24, 2024, at the Administration Building’s 4th floor. This event highlighted the hard work and academic achievements of graduating students.  Public defense is a crucial part of graduate programs and a requirement for graduation. It allows graduate students to showcase their research and expertise in their fields. This year’s defense was more impactful with a panel of evaluators, including Dr. Edelyn Oliverio-Echapare, Director of SSU-Environmental Sustainability Research and Development Center; Dr. Jay G. Abia, District Supervisor of Almagro District, DepEd Schools Division of Samar; and Prof. Edgar M. Guya, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer of the City of Catbalogan, who provided valuable feedback. Key officials, including Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice-President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Riz Rupert Ortiz, Vice-President for Research, Extension, and Innovation; and Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice-President for Administrative Affairs, attended the activity, along with program chairs and faculty, expressing support for the students and gratitude to the evaluators. The Graduate School is dedicated to maintaining excellence in research and innovation, ensuring graduates can make a positive impact on society through their research outputs.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) recently conducted an online benchmarking activity with Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), focusing on instructional materials development. The event took place on May 22, 2024, via Zoom Meeting. The activity was initiated by the Innovative Teaching and Technology Center (ITTC) with the aim of discovering best practices from JRMSU to enhance NwSSU’s instructional materials development system. Attendees included ITTC staff and selected faculty members from both NwSSU’s Main Campus and San Jorge Campus. The benchmarking activity aimed to uncover effective strategies and methodologies employed by JRMSU, which could then be adapted and implemented at NwSSU to improve the quality and efficiency of its instructional materials. In addition to the exchange of best practices, both universities committed to establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the sharing of resources and further collaboration.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has resumed participation in the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI) after a five-year break. Scheduled from May 12-25, 2024, this event features 11 active Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) units and one affiliated ROTC unit from Eastern Visayas. The RAATI serves as a platform for ROTC units to demonstrate their tactical and survival skills in a competitive environment, promoting their respective colleges.  NwSSU’s RAATI activities took place on May 17, 2024, starting with a courtesy call to the university president. Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, represented the university president at the official opening. Notable attendees included COL. Raymundo C. Picut, Jr., (GSC) INF PA, Deputy Group Commander of 8RCDG and Director of 803CDC; Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV, the NSTP Director; LTCOL JIT Rommel M. Casiño (RES) PA, the 803CDC Battalion Commander; CPT Jefferson M. Mariano (INF) PA, NwSSU ROTCU Commandant; CPT RANIL T. PIGON (INF) PA, Assistant Commandant; and CPT Jesus Reyes, Jr. (FS) PA, Senior Tactical NCO of NwSSU ROTCU. After receiving a call from the university head, the RAATI inspection began with a handover ceremony. During the ceremony, LTC Benjy Roberto G. Ferreras, MNSA PA (RES), Chairman of the RAATI, was handed the university flag. NwSSU was the sixth institution to present out of the twelve participating institutions, and they last won the RAATI competition in 2011. In addition, the event included the donning of ranks for newly commissioned officers and newly promoted enlisted reservists. This part of the ceremony was officiated by Col. Raymundo C. Picut Jr. This year, the university’s officers, cadets, and cadettes are determined and eager to reclaim the title. The results will be announced once all schools have completed their presentations.