Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

Jam-packed with quality pursuits, the NwSSU delegates led by Dr. Benjamin Pecayo participated in the following activities: Expert Focus Forum, Opening Panel on Higher Education in APAC: Defining and Measuring Success, Panel Discussion on Quality and Quantity: Refining and Improving International Student Enrolment, Keynote on the Role of Universities in Nurturing and Preparing Talent for Future Work, and Open Research on Strategies to Maximize and Safeguard the Value and Trust in Research, November 7.

NwSSU, in partnership with Department of Energy, conducted Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign featuring the “Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001” which was attended by the students and faculty of College of Engineering and Architecture at RSU Socio-Cultural Center, November 9. Among the notable topics and discussants were Power Systems 101 by Engr. John Christ Beraya, Understanding RA 9136 by Engr. Sherwin Brian B. Estanislao, Understanding Electricity Rates by Ms. Deborah F. Gonzales, Understanding Lifeline Rate Extension Program by Engr. Joseph Ian Kim B. Vidon, Wholesale Electricity Spot Market 101 by Ms. Melanie C. Papa, MPA, Total Electrification by Mr. Vernon Ray N. Vinluan, and Energy Consumer’s Rights by Ms. Luz A. Lumbres, MPM. The credible discussants are all Science Research Specialists. This activity aims to amplify awareness of students and faculty on ensuring and accelerating total electrification to achieve greater operational and economic efficiency and enhance competitiveness of Philippine products in the global market.

NwSSU delegation led by University President, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo attends the first day of the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Higher Education Summit: Asia Pacific 2023 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia. The representatives are also set to accept NwSSU’s recognition for being rated 3 stars by the QS Intelligence Unit.The summit with the theme, “Creating the Right Outcomes: Universities and the Future of Work in the Asia Pacific” runs until November 9 and delves into the pivotal role of universities in shaping the future of work in the dynamic Asia Pacific region.

The College Education conducted its Pinning Ceremony for fourth year students at RSU- Socio Cultural Center, NwSSU, today, September 15.

Representing Northwest Samar State University, Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe, University Student Internship Program Coordinator, attended the Zonal Public Orientation on CHED Memorandum Order No. 10 Series of 2023, known as “Enhanced Policies, Standards, and Guidelines on Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP)” at Acacia Hotel, Davao City on October 26, 2023. Among the participants were heads, presidents, officers-in-charge, deans, and faculty members of higher education institutions, stakeholders, CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO) directors and supervisors in charge of SIAP from Visayas and Mindanao clusters.This orientation encourages and promotes student exchange and strong academic linkages for cross-cultural training and students’ skills enhancement to achieve national and global competitiveness of the tertiary students.

The Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and Department of Agriculture – City Agriculture Office (DA), in collaboration with NwSSU-College of Agriculture and Technology, undertook a three-day GIS seminar-workshop titled “Introductory GIS in Agriculture, Climate Change Adaptation, and Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Site Specific for Calbayog City, Samar” on October 24-26, 2023, at Malajog Ridge Park, Brgy. Malajog, Calbayog City, Samar. Mr. Wendell L. Ultra, the facilitator from NwSSU and one of the proud mentees of the late Dr. Alejandro F. Tongco, a Balik Scientist Fellow, shared his Geographic Information System (GIS) skills to help the said agencies make accurate and localized maps to prepare for precise decision-making involving geospatial data.During the workshop, problems were found regarding the veracity of the existing data from various agencies on barangay borders and some hazard maps, which therefore prompted the agencies to focus on localization regarding the creation and generation of maps. Various agencies came up with valuable outputs regarding landslide prone areas, storm surge prone areas, rice farmers GIS, and farmers and fisherfolks at risk with climate change. The knowledge and skills that the participants gained in the workshop will help communities and could save lives, especially in hazardous areas where early warning signs should be indicated.

Receiving Php 2.5 million grants from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the research project of Northwest Samar State University titled, “UAV-Aided Decision Support Tool with Analytic Hierarchy Process for the Floodplain Risk Assessment” has been eyed for its second phase during the conduct of Project Assessment Method, Monitoring and Evaluation of CHED, October 25, at Business Development Center, NwSSU.  The presenters with Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz as the project leader, have been acknowledged by the evaluators. The assessment encompassed the following positive points: appreciation of the conducted research activities, comprehensive discussion on the project’s scope and significance, and successful completion of the project within the stipulated time frame. For improvement, the researchers need to efficiently utilize the granted funds. Over all, the researchers received predominantly commendable feedback and the CHED, as the funding body, exhibited a keen interest for initiation of the second phase of the project. Over all, the researchers received predominantly commendable feedback and the CHED, as the funding body, exhibited a keen interest for initiation of the second phase of the project.

Representatives of NwSSU including VP for Administrative Affairs, Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, SAS Director, Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, and Jake B. Calagos, CHRA convened with Visayas State University Officials and College of Nursing personnel led by University President, Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin for a cross-learning activity in preparation of NwSSU’s Nursing program today, October 25, 2023, at VSU, Baybay City on the sidelines of the 37th Regional SCUAA Games. Also present in the activity were VSU College of Nursing Dean, Dr. Michelle D. Tolibas, and Clinical Instructor, Phoebe Lynn B. Calungsod

In order to assess the sustainability and development of CHED-funded project of Northwest Samar State University titled, “UAV-Aided Decision Support Tool with Analytic Hierarchy Process for the Floodplain Risk Assessment”, CHED evaluators namely: Mayumi G. Belandres, OIC Division Chief, CHED-OPRKM-RMD, Adelma C. Tercia, Education Program Specialist I, CHED-OPRKM-RMD, Gely Ann B. De la Paz, Supervising Admin Officer, CHED-HEDFS, and Norin T. Espocia, Education Program Specialist, CHEDRO 8 representative visit the University. They are warmly welcomed by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz- University Vice-President for Research, Innovation, and Extension from the airport arrival to a scrumptious lunch at the University Hotel and Restaurant. The project assessment shall cover until tomorrow, October 25.