Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

May 21, 2024 – Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to construct a new student dormitory building at NwSSU’s Main Campus. The project, with a budget of P13,600,000.00, aims to enhance the accommodation facilities for students. The signing ceremony took place at the President’s Board Room at NwSSU and was attended by university representatives, including Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, VP for Administrative Affairs, Engr. Marlon D. Sobreviga, Director of the Infrastructure Development Office, and Engr. Mary Grace D. Ramirez-Lopez, IDO Project Coordinator. Representatives from DPWH were Engr. Edgar B. Tabacon, CESO IV, DPWH VIII Regional Director, Engr. Nenita M. Acejo, Engr. Michael Joff O. Asiseo, and Engr. Christine Jessa G. Guiraldo. This collaboration signifies the commitment of both organizations towards enhancing the living conditions for NwSSU students, showcasing the university’s dedication to enhancing campus facilities and the DPWH’s support for educational infrastructure development.

The Junior Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (JIIEE) at Northwest Samar State University held its general assembly on May 13, 2024, at the 4th floor of the Business Development Center. The assembly commenced with inspiring speeches from successful examinees of the recent Electrical Engineering Board Exam. They generously shared their insights and experiences to motivate current students and provide them with practical advice for their future careers. Following this, the assembly proceeded with the election of officers for the upcoming school year 2024-2025. The turnover ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of the outgoing officers and officially welcomed the newly elected ones. Among the highlights of this significant moment was the oath-taking ceremony, during which the newly elected officers solemnly pledged their dedication and commitment to serving the JIIEE community. The final item on the agenda was the presentation of updates on forthcoming activities. This session provided valuable insights into the exciting initiatives and events planned for the next academic year. The aim is to engage JIIEE members, REELE passers, JIIEE advisers, and guest speaker Ar. Vanessa Ayllon, in shaping the future directions of the JIIEE and encouraging active participation from all its members.

Regional Development Council (RDC) VIII – Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) conducted field monitoring and on-site visits to various projects at Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) on May 14 to 15, 2024. These projects were implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DEO). They included the construction of a new school building at the NwSSU San Jorge Campus, the Balay Alumni building, and a Men’s Dormitory at the NwSSU Main Campus. The monitoring activity was conducted in accordance with Executive Order No. 325, series of 1996. The order requires RDCs to coordinate and evaluate development projects implemented by government bodies, local government units, state colleges, and universities.  The objective of the two-day visit was to ensure that the projects comply with the planned specifications, timelines, and quality standards. By closely monitoring these developments, the RDC VIII-RPMC emphasizes its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in implementing government-funded projects, thereby enhancing the educational infrastructure in the region. The committee’s findings will contribute to ongoing efforts to optimize project implementation and promptly address any potential issues.

Representatives from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), headed by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, convened at Calbayog City Hall today, May 13, 2024, to formalize a significant collaboration. They signed a Contract of Affiliation with Calbayog City Mayor Raymund C. Uy, establishing the City Health Office as an affiliating community health agency for the forthcoming Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This strategic partnership stems from the city’s endorsement via Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 2024-13-115, empowering the Local Chief Executive to forge alliances with NwSSU, indicating robust support from the city government for the nursing program’s inception.  In addition to cementing this pivotal agreement, discussions ensued regarding NwSSU’s hosting of this year’s Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA) Meet. Mayor Uy expressed the local government’s unwavering commitment to help in facilitating the event’s success. Both parties concurred on the necessity of a collaborative approach, pledging to convene joint meetings involving event committees and pertinent government offices to ensure seamless coordination.  Accompanying Dr. Pecayo were key university officials, including Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administrative Affairs; Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, Chief Administrative Officer for Finance Services; Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, Director of Student Affairs and Services; Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe, Coordinator of Student Internship Program; Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio; and Mr. Jake B. Calagos. Representing the City Health Office were Dr. Ginalee Vallar-Romano, Dr. Shweldon Lawrence Conquillo, and Ms. Niña B. Uy, RN.

The San Jorge campus of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has recently accomplished another significant milestone in its pursuit of academic excellence. It has been awarded the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for two Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degrees, specifically its Animal Sciences and Horticulture majors. The COPC signifies that NwSSU-SJC meets CHED’s standards for offering these two BS Agriculture programs as mandated by the Higher Education Act of 1994. This certification, effective for the academic year 2023-2024, highlights the institution’s dedication to providing top-notch education while complying with regulatory requirements. The rigorous evaluation process for the COPC took place on January 31, 2024, where NwSSU-SJC showed its adherence to CHED’s prescribed standards and requirements. Following thorough assessment and validation, both programs’ COPC was officially awarded on April 8, 2024, marking a significant achievement for the university. The entire NwSSU community, especially the College of Agriculture and Technology, is overjoyed by this significant milestone. Congratulations to the entire team responsible for this success! #RISENwSSU 

NwSSU Teatro Dagway once again wowed audiences by securing 7th place in the Short and Sweet Place category at the PASUC National Culture and the Arts Festival 2024. Representing the Eastern Visayas region, the university theatre group showcased their talent on the national stage in Manila on April 25, 2024. Despite facing tough competition from fifteen (15) other regional teams, they delivered a captivating performance that impressed the judges. This achievement builds upon their previous success as regional champions in the short and sweet play competition during the regional PASUC 8 held at Visayas State University last year. Congratulations to the ASCA performers for their exceptional accomplishment! #RISENwSSU 

Darryl D. Tambis, a student from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), has achieved the coveted title of champion in the Provincial Teacher Education Quiz Bee. Dr. Richard N. Verdeflor provided invaluable mentorship to Tambis throughout the competition. Notably, Samar State University (SSU) and Samar College secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively, in this fiercely contested event that proudly displayed the province’s academic excellence.