Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

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.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) once again proved its commitment to excellence as it received a Plaque of Commendation during the Gawad Parangal 2026 held on June 3, 2026, at the HRDC Gymnasium of Leyte Normal University (LNU), Tacloban City. The award recognized the University’s inclusion in the WURI 2026 Global Top 500 Innovative Universities, where NwSSU ranked 381st worldwide. The recognition reflects the institution’s continuing efforts in innovation, research, and quality higher education. Also recognized during the event was Areis Luaton Misperos from the College of Education of NwSSU for placing 10th in the September and November 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) – Secondary Level. The recognition highlighted the University’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to producing competent, resilient and globally competitive professionals. The awarding ceremony was part of CHED’s 32nd Founding Anniversary and 6th National Higher Education Day celebration carrying the theme, “ACHIEVE-ing Knowledge Economy Together for a Future-ready Bagong Pilipinas.” These achievements continue to inspire the NwSSU community in its pursuit of excellence in instruction, research, innovation, and public service. #ASCENDNwSSU

MAY 29, 2026 – The Calbayog City Sports Center came alive with pride and excitement as Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) held the Day 2 of its 47th Commencement Exercises. Started promptly at 2:00 PM, the celebration carried the theme “Rising Beyond Limits: Shaping the Future Through Innovation and Excellence.” The venue was filled with graduates, alongside their parents and guardians, faculty, and guests, all gathered to mark a significant milestone in the academic journey of students from the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences (CCJS) and the College of Agriculture and Technology (CAT). The formal program began with the official declaration of the 47th Commencement Exercises by NwSSU University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran. Following her declaration, Jonathan M. Peru, a Magna Cum Laude candidate for Bachelor of Science in Food Technology, delivered the address of petition, speaking on behalf of his fellow graduates. He affirmed the graduates’ readiness to take on responsibilities and serve the community with the knowledge and skills they have acquired. A key highlight of the graduation was the presentation of candidates for degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Dr. Armando A. Alviola, Dean of CCJS, presented a total of 376 candidates, while Dr. Jessie Sabijon, Dean of CAT, presented 315 candidates, recognizing each student for their hard work, perseverance, and academic achievements. This segment paved the way for the conferment of degrees and titles, as well as the investiture of caps and hoods, personally led by President Tangaran. President Tangaran then introduced the event’s Guest of Honor and Speaker, Hon. Arnold V. Tan, Vice Governor of the Province of Samar. In his address, Vice Governor Tan emphasized the significance of this year’s theme and connected it directly to the progress and development of Samar province. He encouraged the graduates to use their education and expertise to drive innovation, address community challenges, and contribute to the growth of the society, reminding them that they are the province’s greatest hope for a progressive and sustainable future. “Do not be afraid to fail, for failure is often just first drafts of innovation,” he said. “Great leaders and successful individuals are those who rise despite difficulties, continue dreaming, believing in yourself,” he added. Before the meaningful program concluded, Jerome Endiza, a Summa Cum Laude candidate for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Horticulture, delivered the address of gratitude on behalf of the entire Class 2026. He thanked everyone who played a part in their success—from parents and guardians who offered unwavering support, to teachers and administrators who guided and inspired them. Day 2 of the 47th Commencement Exercises not only celebrated academic achievement but also strengthened NwSSU’s vision: producing graduates who ASCEND above challenges, lead with excellence, and shape a better future for Samar and beyond. #ASCENDNwSSU#NwSSU47thCommencementExercises