Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) strengthened its collaboration with Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) through a strategic exploratory meeting focused on advancing joint research and innovation initiatives. University President Atty. Lorelie M. Fabillar-Tangaran led the meeting with representatives from the Ateneo de Manila University Intellectual Property Office (AdMU-IPO) to discuss opportunities for the co-development of research projects and initiatives that may be supported through grants and other funding opportunities from credible funding agencies. The discussion builds on the partnership established between the two institutions in 2025 and reflects their shared commitment to expanding collaborative efforts in research, innovation, and intellectual property development. Present during the meeting were Dr. Proceso “Jon” Fernandez Jr., Director of the AdMU Intellectual Property Office; Dr. Teodoro A. Amatosa Jr., Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Mr. Luisito A. Magnaye Jr., Director of the Research and Development Services Office; Dr. Ervin L. Rodriguez, Director of the Innovation Office; Mr. Eduard G. Espejon, Research, Innovation, and Extension Director of the San Jorge Campus; and Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, Head of the Project Development Office. The initiative reinforces NwSSU’s continuing efforts to establish strategic partnerships that enhance research capability, foster innovation, and create opportunities for institutional growth.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) co-facilitated a two-day Training of Trainers (TOT) for Silvino Lubos Child Development Workers (CDWs) and Teachers (CDTs) on June 11–12, 2026. The capacity-building initiative introduced the “Being the Best CDW I Can Be” toolkit and a system for competency-based professional development. It targeted frontline early childhood educators and municipal welfare personnel to improve local childcare delivery. The engagement served local daycare workers, childcare practitioners, and key leaders, including MSWDO Agner S. Sagonoy and Vice Mayor Melvin A. Jarito, to align municipal operations with provincial mandates. University resource persons led technical modules on Republic Act 12199, foundational competency standards, and Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP). Participants also completed training on disaster risk response, sanitary health protocols, and integrating creative activities using localized instructional materials. By extending technical expertise, this extension program addresses the distinct professional development needs of upland childcare providers. This localized implementation ensures that early childhood educators in Silvino Lubos possess standardized instructional competencies. The initiative reinforces the university’s role in supporting grassroots governance and securing educational equity for remote communities.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) facilitated a five-day training on competency-based professional development for Child Development Workers (CDWs), teachers (CDTs), and social welfare personnel (MSWDO) from May 18 to 22, 2026, at the Diamond Hotel in Catarman, Northern Samar. The institutional extension project aimed to standardize public childcare operations and establish a benchmark for regional early childhood care. The sessions upgraded instructional and administrative skills through structured technical workshops. Frontline workers participated in hands-on training for designing creative learning experiences, practicing early literacy storytelling, and constructing teacher-made instructional materials. The curriculum also included practical exercises on child portfolio management, work sampling, anecdotal recording, and the formulation of localized daycare disaster risk and response plans. As the capital town and a major economic hub, Catarman serves as a model for educational standards in Northern Samar. Elevating the competencies of childcare providers in this central locality sets a higher standard that directly influences instructional practices in neighboring towns. The initiative reinforces the university’s commitment to community-driven development, ensuring that advancements made in the capital town help improve early childhood milestones throughout the wider region. #ASCENDNwSSU

𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒! The University’s Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2026 NwSSU Outstanding Officials and Employees Awards.  The deadline for submission of nomations is on August 31, 2026. #ASCENDNwSSU

Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) marks another milestone as it officially secures a spot in the prestigious 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings. ​This global ranking evaluates higher education institutions based on their commitment and contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ​According to the performance metrics, NWSSU actively participated in 16 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), earning an overall score of 46.8 out of 100. This robust engagement has placed the institution in the 1501+ rank band globally out of 2,318 participating universities. ​Congratulations, NWSSU! #TogetherWeAscend

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its University Health Center, conducted a four-day Standard First Aid (SFA) Training from June 16 to 19, 2026, at the second floor of the Business Development Center (BDC) Building. The training aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical skills in responding to emergencies and providing immediate care during accidents and medical situations. The activity opened with a rationale from Dr. Ma. Cleta A. Santos, who underscored the importance of first aid preparedness in ensuring safety within the University community. Participants then engaged in discussions and demonstrations facilitated by Dr. Sandro C. Daguman, Mr. Joseph Von P. Catorce, Ms. Ma. Fatima Shaira D. Adona, and Ms. Jamaica A. Ultra, covering essential first aid principles and emergency response procedures. Throughout the training, participants gained hands-on experience through return demonstrations and skills evaluation activities designed to assess their competence in applying first aid techniques. The practical sessions allowed trainees to reinforce their learning and build confidence in responding to real-life emergency situations The final days of the training focused on continued return demonstrations and skills assessments, ensuring that participants met the required competencies in basic emergency care and response. The activity concluded with the awarding of certificates to participants who successfully completed the program. Dr. Ellery D. Daguman delivered the closing remarks, commending the participants for their commitment to learning skills that can help save lives and contribute to a safer University environment. Through initiatives such as the Standard First Aid Training, NwSSU continues to promote health and safety awareness while empowering members of the University community with practical competencies that support preparedness, resilience, and service.

NwSSU Food Technology Program Earns PRC Certificate of Compliance, First in the University Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) achieved a significant milestone after its Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT) program was awarded a Certificate of Compliance (COC) by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) through the Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology. Issued on April 28, 2026, the Certificate of Compliance affirms that the University’s Food Technology program has successfully undergone inspection and monitoring by the PRC and has been found fully compliant with the requirements of Republic Act No. 11052, otherwise known as the Philippine Food Technology Act. Notably, the BS Food Technology program is the first academic program in the University to receive a PRC Certificate of Compliance, marking a major achievement for NwSSU and its Food Technology community. The recognition reflects the efforts of the University administration, faculty, and staff in ensuring that the program meets national standards for Food Technology education.

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) formalized an academic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held during the International Conference on Science Uniting Social, Health, and Environmental Aims for Innovation and Networking (iSUSTAIN) on June 15–17. The agreement provides opportunities for both institutions to collaborate in areas such as faculty exchange, research, extension programs, and other academic initiatives that promote knowledge sharing and institutional growth NwSSU President Dr. Lorelie F. Tangaran expressed her gratitude to UEP President Dr. Cherry I. Ultra for facilitating the agreement and supporting stronger cooperation between the two universities. The MOA serves as a foundation for future joint undertakings that will enhance research collaboration, strengthen academic programs, and contribute to the development of the communities served by both institutions. Through this partnership, NwSSU continues to expand its academic linkages and strengthen its programs in instruction, research, and extension services.

CALBAYOG CITY — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is set to establish a Shared Service Facility (SSF) for the NwSSU Digital Fabrication and Printing Production Center. University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran and SSF Project Focal Person Mr. Jake B. Calagos signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Usufruct Agreement today, June 17, 2026, at the University Board Room. Also present in the activity was Ms. Aura Rose Tamor-Felices, NC-TIDS/SSF Coordinator from the DTI Samar Provincial Office. The signed documents will be forwarded to the DTI Region 8 and Central Offices for final execution by DTI officials. Funded through the Region 8 SSF Fund under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the ₱13-million project successfully cleared evaluations by both Regional and National Technical Committees. Under the agreement, DTI will handle the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment, while NwSSU will provide the physical housing, manpower, and operational capital. ​The center will serve local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and students, offering accessible digital fabrication and printing services at minimal fees. By providing training and assisted equipment use, the facility aims to significantly boost Samar’s local creative economy. ​The facility is scheduled to launch in the final quarter of 2026.