Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has successfully finalized its Strategic Futures Workshop: Futures Thinking Towards Sustainable Development Using the ACACIA Framework on May 21, 2026, at the Business Development Center. Spearheaded by the Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Division through the Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight and in partnership with the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures), the activity gathered the entire university officials to embed anticipatory governance and innovation in its systems, culminating in the development of HANDUM 2050: The Futures of NwSSU under the theme “WE BUILD WHAT STORMS CANNOT BREAK.” Day 2 followed on May 12, 2026, continuing online with participants deepening their understanding of strategic foresight processes and engaged in collaborative visioning facilitated by PhilFutures Fellow Ms. Jalaine Joyce V. Malabanan. The activities produced refined, shared aspirations that became core building blocks for HANDUM (Hingyap, Andam, Naton, Dungog, Ungod, Marig-on) 2050, equipping the institution with a forward-looking foundation to guide its development and community impact. Held onsite on May 20, 2026, Day 3 opened with messages from Senators Pia S. Cayetano and Win T. Gatchalian, CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), and PhilFutures’ Dr. Michville A. Rivera. Expert sessions included Dr. Bert J. Tuga’s analysis of trends in higher education, Dr. Michville A. Rivera’s discussion on the McKinsey 7S Framework, and workshops of Prof. Ramces M. Dili from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) on reimagining the university’s VMOKRAPI and scenario planning, strengthening participants’ strategic capabilities and shared commitment. On May 21, 2026, the fourth and final day centered on presenting drafted vision and mission outputs from various units and division for the Samar community. Dr. Ruperto S. Sangalang presented the PATRES framework and the unified planning architecture linking VMOKRAPI (Vision, Mission, Objectives, Key Result Areas, and Performance Indicators), SPATRES (Strategy, Programs, Activities, Tasks, Resources, Evaluation System), and PATRES (People, Academics, Technology, Research, Extension, and Stewardship), while Mr. Ramces M. Dili critiqued outputs using the ACACIA Framework, recognizing San Jorge Campus for meeting the “Samar test.” The four-day futures workshop successfully equipped NwSSU officials with essential foresight tools, methodologies, and a cohesive strategic direction. With HANDUM 2050 as its flagship output, the university now stands positioned as a future-ready institution, fully prepared to drive sustainable development, transformative education, and responsive governance across Samar for decades to come.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Grounds came alive with nationalism on May 25, 2026, as the university held its final Flag Raising Ceremony for the month of May. Led by the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences (CCJS), the activity brought together faculty members, students, teaching and non-teaching personnel in unity with respect and pride. Dressed in their respective uniforms and office attire, the NwSSU community stands in formation while renewing their commitment to the university and the country. The ceremony served not only as a weekly tradition but also as a fitting conclusion to the month’s activities, strengthening values of unity, duty, and service to the institution while symbolizing hope and continued excellence as the university moves forward into the coming months.

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐍𝐰𝐒𝐒𝐔 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 The NwSSU announces the appointment of the new university key officials effective May 13, 2026: DR. ROMEO B. SANTOS – Vice President for Academic Affairs in concurrent capacity as Dean of the Graduate School DR. LEO JESUS M. LACABA – Vice President forAdministration and Finance DR. TEODORO A. AMATOSA, JR.Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Congratulations on your appointments!

MAY 12, 2026 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully wrapped up the two-day Strategic Futures Workshop: Futures Thinking Towards Sustainable Development Using the ACACIA Framework via Zoom. Organized by the Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Division through the Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight (FTSF), and in partnership with the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures), the activity forms part of a broader series of capability-building initiatives. Attended by NwSSU key officials, deans, and heads of offices, this workshop aimed to institutionalize futures thinking and anticipatory governance within the institution, laying the groundwork for activities such as the Campus Futures Thinking Workshop and Research Caravan in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Day 1 sessions featured Mr. Emmanuel De Guia, Resident Futurist of the Senate Committee on SDGs, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, who guided participants in shifting mindsets and rethinking assumptions about the future. Dr. Rupert S. Sangalang, Senior Fellow of PhilFutures, was also featured in the Day 1 sessions. He introduced the ACACIA Framework as a structured approach to align institutional identity, local values, and global development goals in crafting strategic plans. Meanwhile, Day 2 focused on deepening participants’ grasp of foresight methodologies and shaping the university’s envisioned future. The session began with an “Introduction to the Process of Strategic Foresight,” which broke down the systematic steps used to analyze trends, explore uncertainties, and prepare for long-term possibilities. ​The Day 2 session continued with “Future Possibilities: Ideate The Vision,” led by Ms. Jalaine Joyce V. Malabanan, Fellow at PhilFutures. She facilitated collaborative discussions and creative exercises, guiding participants to brainstorm, refine, and articulate shared aspirations—turning abstract ideas into concrete concepts that will serve as building blocks for the university’s long-term vision. ​Central to the entire initiative is defining the path toward Project HANDUM 2050: The Futures of NwSSU. Handum, a term widely used in the Hiligaynon and Waray-Samar dialects, translates to collective aspiration, shared vision, and purposeful imagination—values that serve as the philosophical foundation of the university’s futures initiative. With the conclusion of this workshop, the university now has a solid foundation to develop a comprehensive, inclusive, and forward-looking roadmap that will steer its growth, strengthen its community impact, and advance its contribution to sustainable development. ​This initiative equips NwSSU with the mindset and shared vision needed to navigate change confidently while ensuring that every plan and decision made every day aligns with the desired future it aims to build. #RISENwSSU

Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) Research, Extension, and Innovation (RIE) Division, through the Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight (FTSF), officially opened Day 1 of the Strategic Futures Workshop: Futures Thinking Towards Sustainable Development Using the ACACIA Framework via Zoom today, May 11, 2026. This activity marked the start of a series of capability-building initiatives aligned with the university’s goal to embed futures thinking, anticipatory governance, and innovation-driven research into its core systems. Held in partnership with the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures), the workshop sets the stage for broader activities including Campus Futures Thinking Workshop and Research Caravan with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. On behalf of NWSSU OIC President Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, CPA, CSEE, Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, Expanded Tertiary Education and Equivalency Program (ETEAEP) Director, delivered the opening remarks. He emphasized that the university’s move toward futures-oriented planning is a strategic step to ensure it remains relevant, responsive, and resilient amid a changing world. Adding weight to the event, welcome messages were shared through recorded videos from Senators Pia S. Cayetano and Win T. Gatchalian of the Senate of the Philippines. Both senators commended NwSSU’s leadership in adopting forward-looking approaches, noting that institutional foresight is key to advancing sustainable development goals nationwide. Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), also conveyed his full support via a recorded video, stating that such efforts set a benchmark for higher education institutions across the country. The technical sessions began with a compelling presentation titled Provocation and Reorienting the Institutional Mind, led by Mr. Emmanuel De Guia, Resident Futurist of the Senate Committee on SDGs, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, encouraged participants to question assumptions and imagine multiple possible futures for the university. This was followed by University Rootedness and ACACIA Framework for the Strategic Development Plan delivered by Dr. Rupert S. Sangalang, Senior Fellow of PhilFutures, who introduced the ACACIA Framework as a practical tool to structure foresight work, linking institutional identity, local culture, and global development goals to create meaningful, actionable strategies. At the heart of this whole undertaking is the flagship project HANDUM 2050: The Futures of NWSSU. Through this workshop and its activities, NwSSU aims to co-create a clear, inclusive, and forward-looking roadmap that will guide its growth, impact, and contribution to sustainable development over the coming years. Day 1 concluded with high engagement from participants, marking a promising start to the journey of turning shared dreams into tangible institutional action. #RISENwSSU

CALBAYOG CITY – The water supply across Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Main Campus has been given a clean bill of health following comprehensive water quality testing conducted on April 27, 2026. The results, released on May 6, 2026, indicate that water from seven key locations within the university grounds passed all necessary health standards, ensuring it is safe for consumption and general use by the university community. The testing initiative, managed by the University Health Center in collaboration with the SPFIDO, aimed to analyze the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the water supply to identify any potential contaminants and ensure compliance with established health regulations. The sampling sites, strategically chosen after a meeting with SPFIDO Repair and Maintenance Division Head Engr. John Dale E. Yabao and guided by Mr. Jerome S. Caliste, included the University Health Center, University Hotel, Food Court, Guardhouse Hamorawon, Guardhouse Rueda, COED, and the COOP Water Station (product). Ms. Janice Maribojoc, Operations Manager for Analytical Services from Calbayog Water Company, Inc., personally oversaw the water sampling at these designated sites. The collected water samples underwent thorough analysis using both the multiple tube fermentation technique and the pour plate method. These tests specifically looked for the presence of coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms, which are indicators of water purity. The findings from the analysis were overwhelmingly positive. All tested sites showed coliform and thermotolerant coliform levels of less than 1.1 MPN/100 ml, which were remarked as “passed.” This result provide assurance regarding the safety and quality of NwSSU’s water supply.