Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

Represented by Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Northwest Samar State University joined the 11th Asia Technological University Network (ATU-Net) Board Meeting 2023 at Rizqun International Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam on October 23, 2023.   This annual congregation mainly highlights an overview of the 2023 ATU-Net achievements together with the 2024 planning, ATU-Net Consortium Collaboration Exchange/Signing Ceremony for new member institutions, and Networking High Tea.

To ensure quality processes, methods, skills, and controls of the institution, the three-day QMS Updating and IQA Capability Building Training Workshop had ensued on October 18, 2023 and concluded today, October 20 at BDC, NwSSU. This was attended by the faculty members of the university. On the first day, a pre-term exam and introduction were given to the participants. It was followed by in-depth discussion of relevant topics on the second day. On the last day, the prospective auditors underwent mock and actual audits on Curriculum Development, Library Management, Learning and Development, and Management of Learning. The capability building training workshop aims to boost the processes and structures of the institution and raise awareness on the quality management system of the University.

Flaunting the diverse culture of Eastern Visayas, the PASUC Regional Culture and Arts Festival officially started on October 17, 2023 with its Opening Program and Solidarity Meeting at Visayas State University Gymnatorium. The program commenced at 7pm. Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, VSU and PASUC Region 8 President graced the opening of the event with his warm message emphasizing the importance of arts and culture through creative expression. After four years, the said festival made its comeback. Northwest Samar State University is among the 10 competing state universities of this event which covers from October 17-20, 2023.

The University Health Center in collaboration with the Guidance and Counseling Office, Gender and Development Office, and NSTP Faculty conducted a Health Talk to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS and Mental Health today, October 14, 2023, at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. The resource speakers were Jocelyn A. Cuizon, RN., and Dr. Ofelia A. Monesit.

RS Legal Migration Services in collaboration with the NWSSU CCJS and COED faculties conduct Orientation Session for Australian Migration today, October 11, 2023, at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center.

Mr. Adrian M. Moslares, a BS Agriculture student of Northwest Samar State University was hailed as winner in the Song Writing Competition of the ASEANWave Webxhibition and Festival National Awards 2022. The brought accolade was honored during the Flag Ceremony of the University, this October 9, 2023. The competition was held last 2022 and the awarding ceremony was graced on October 6, 2023 during the Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards 2023. University International Affairs Director, Dr. Iris Bejasa received the award at Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City. The song “Timog Silangan” by Mr. Moslares can be viewed at https://fb.watch/fnRj0Yf9BU/.

Spearheaded by the Human Resource Development Office, the part-time instructors of the universities were oriented last September 29, 2023 at the Business Development Center, NwSSU. A pre-test was administered to the participants. Among the topics discussed were the NwSSU Vision, Mission, Core Values and Quality Policy, and Key Officials and Offices of the University by Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo, Planning Office Director; Assessment of Student Learning which was delivered by Dr. Enrique B. Montecalvo, Dean of the Graduate School; Outcome-Based Education, Teaching Strategies, Construction of OBE-Aligned Syllabus, Grading System, and Conducting of Classes by Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Dean of College of Management; and Teaching Hours Policy and Others by Ms. Maria Jona V. Ty, Human Resource Management Officer. After the orientation, a post-test was done.The activity was conducted to allow the participants to understand the goals and policies of the university, and their duties and responsibilities as part-time lecturers.

Fourteen (14) faculty members coming from the different colleges of Northwest Samar State University participated in the annual cross-learning activity titled, “Modelling Extension Programs and Projects from a Level-IV State University” spearheaded by the Office of the Extension Services through its Director, Dr. Catherine Rodriguez at Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte and Southern Leyte State University, Sugod, Southern Leyte on September 25-27, 2023. The visit focused on best practices in extension program and project implementation, and the alignment of processes and policies in extension services. The activity provides the participants actual exposure and interaction with the implementers, beneficiaries, and the areas where the two Universities implement their projects. The outcomes are designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to effectively contribute to the development and management of their respective extension programs and projects, fostering sustainability, community engagement, and responsible tourism practices.