Hon. Lacaba, a distinguished Doctor of Management and esteemed faculty member of the College of Management, was recently sworn in as the new President of the Federation of Faculty Associations during the 64th Regular Board Meeting of the NwSSU Governing Board held at the CHED Central Office, UP Diliman, Quezon City. We are confident that Hon. Lacaba’s expertise and commitment will significantly drive to the continued success and growth of NwSSU. We wish him all the best in his new endeavors.
CON Amphitheater – On November 11, 2024, Level-I nursing students of NwSSU attended a symposium titled, “Self-Conscious Awareness: Its Importance to Service,” featuring guest lecturer- Ms. Gemenita T. Equiza, a seasoned professional with a background in Psychology and government service. Aligned with the Understanding the Self course, the event emphasized the crucial role of self-awareness in nursing. Ms. Equiza shared valuable insights from her career, highlighting how self-awareness is essential for managing emotions, maintaining professionalism, and delivering compassionate care, especially in challenging situations. She encouraged students to embrace self-awareness as a powerful tool for personal growth and effective service. Quoting José Rizal’s belief that “the youth is the hope of our Motherland,” she inspired the students to take ownership of their development and lead with empathy and integrity. “This symposium reminded me that being an effective healthcare provider starts from within. Cultivating self-awareness will not only enhance my skills as a nurse but also help me navigate the emotional challenges of the profession. I am grateful for this learning opportunity and am committed to applying these lessons to grow both personally and professionally,” Justine Charles Diapolet, BS Nursing student reflected. he event was a powerful reminder of the importance of emotional intelligence and self-reflection in the development of healthcare professionals, setting the stage for NwSSU’s pioneering students to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose in their future careers.
Hon. Lacaba, a distinguished Doctor of Management and esteemed faculty member of the College of Management, was recently sworn in as the new President of the Federation of Faculty Associations during the 64th Regular Board Meeting of the NwSSU Governing Board held at the CHED Central Office, UP Diliman, Quezon City. We are confident that Hon. Lacaba’s expertise and commitment will significantly drive to the continued success and growth of NwSSU. We wish him all the best in his new endeavors.
The City Nutrition Council successfully conducted a Symposium on Health and Nutrition on November 26, 2024, held at City Convention Center, gathering health advocates, experts, and students to promote nutrition and wellness in the community. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts between the local government and academia including the active participation of the nursing students of Northwest Samar State University. The symposium was part of the Calbayog City’s Mission to establish itself as a Premier Eco- Agri Tourism hub led by healthy and well-nourished Calbayognons. This is in accordance with the Philippine Action for Nutrition, focusing on the improvement of the Nutritional well-being of individuals throughout all life stages.The symposium covered a wide spectr The symposium covered a wide spectrum of topics, starting with an overview of malnutrition presented by Dr. Roy P. Maribojoc, City Nutrition Action Officer and Vice Chairperson of the Council. Dr. Maribojoc also emphasized the importance of good health and proper nutrition across different life stages, from childhood to adulthood and into senior years, and promoted the “10 Kumainments,” a set of nutrition guidelines designed to encourage healthy eating habits. The “Pinggang Pinoy” food guide, a visual tool that helps individuals understand balanced meal portions, was also highlighted. Ralph Maribojoc, LPT, City Program Coordinator, discussed its application for children, teenagers, and pregnant and lactating mothers, while Emerlita O. Ortiz, RND, City Nutrition Program Coordinator, City Health Office, presented its relevance for adults, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. Further, a discussion on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections were tackled by Ms. Jocelyn A. Cuizon, RN, STI/HIV Coordinator, emphasizing the importance of prevention and awareness. This was followed by an open forum allowing attendees to ask questions and interact directly with the experts, ensuring their concerns were addressed comprehensively. These discussions provided valuable opportunities to address community concerns and deepen understanding of the issues presented. The event ended with a resounding success, reaffirming Calbayog City of its vision of a healthy and sustainable future.
Manila, Philippines – Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully hosted the 2024 International Conference on Resource Management and Governance (ICRMG) on November 21-22, 2024, at the University de Manila, in partnership with Universidad de Manila (UDM) and the Carl E. Balita Review Center (CBRC).With the theme “Innovative Collaboration Reimagined for Resource Management and Governance: Advancing Global Sustainability,” the event gathered researchers, academic leaders, and professionals nationwide. Dr. Francis Aldrine A. Uy, President and CEO of the Universal Structural Health Evaluation and Recording System (USHER), opened the conference with a keynote address on “Localized Technologies for Sustainable Resilience.” It was succeeded with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with partner institutions, signaling a commitment to collaboration. Following this, Ms. Gretchen Gonzaga, a junior researcher from the Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Germany, presented her talk on “Inclusive Sustainable Development and Post-Disaster Governance.” She emphasized the importance of equitable and inclusive recovery strategies to address global sustainability challenges. Day two featured keynotes from Dr. Carl E. Balita, CEO of CBRC, and Dr. Patricia Angela R. Abu of Ateneo de Manila University, discussing AI’s role in governance and intelligent solutions. ICRMG Chairperson Dr. Teody Lester Panela called the conference a milestone in advancing sustainability and fostering global collaboration.
On November 25, 2024, Northwest Samar State University conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for its Hydroponics with Solar Panel Project at the NwSSU Agri Nursery, marking a significant advancement in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy. This project, spearheaded by Dr. Archie Lauderes, with contributions from Dr. Rosalia L. Briones, Mr. Wendell L. Ultra, Ms. Sance J. Secondez, Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte, Dr. Eugenia A. Lonzaga, Mr. Mark Vincent G. Latras, Mr. Fernando A. Gariando and Ms. Maria Norfrelij J. Cuadra, integrates hydroponics with solar technology to advance efficient and environmentally friendly farming practices, thereby supporting NwSSU’s aim to spearhead research and development initiatives in the region. External funding for the project was provided by Department of Agriculture Region 8 under the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) amounting to 1.4 million pesos. The ceremony highlights the laying down of the time capsule, the site blessing by Fr. Rolly Laruda, and the official groundbreaking. Dr. Riz Rupert I. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation, extended a heartfelt message of gratitude to all the stakeholders who made the project possible, particularly the support from government agencies and private sector partners. The event was also supported by Dr. Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture Region VIII, represented by Judith A. Mendoza, Jason Fabillar, and Loren Joseph Arnaiz; Hon. Raymund C. Uy, Calbayog City Mayor, represented by City Councilor Hon. Marcelino Tan; Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, university key officials, faculty, students, and other guests.
Sponsored by the University Health Center in coordination with the Calbayog City Health Office, Northwest Samar State University promotes community health and safety by organizing a two-day Basic Life Support (BLS) Training for its teaching and non-teaching personnel held on November 25-26, 2024, at the CCIS Multimedia Room. The training, aligned with the Health Emergency Management Bureau’s vision of “Kaligtasang pang-Kalusugan sa Kalamidad sa Kamay ng Komunidad” (5K), aimed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills to respond effectively to emergencies. Participants were trained in various aspects of BLS, including: Principles of Emergency Care, Introduction to Basic Life Support, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Respiratory Arrest and Rescue Breathing, and Foreign Body Airway Obstruction. The training program followed a comprehensive approach, starting with a pre-test to assess participants’ existing knowledge, followed by interactive discussions and demonstrations led by expert resource speakers, Mr. Joseph Von P. Catorce and Ms. Ma. Fatima Shaira D. Adona. A post-test was conducted to evaluate participants’ understanding of the concepts. On the second day, participants practiced their newly acquired skills through return demonstrations and skills evaluations, overseen by Mr. Catorce, Ms. Adona, Dr. Sandro Daguman, and Ms. Jamaica Ultra. The event was anchored on the legal bases of Administrative Order 155 s. 2004, Section VI, and Republic Act 10871 – the “Basic Life Support Training in Schools Act.” This training program aligns with the strategic objective of developing the capacity of the community and families to prepare for, respond to, and cope with emergencies and disasters. “This training is very important and timely. Labi na kay this week, Intramurals na,” Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, the University Vice-President for Academic Affairs noted during his closing remarks. NwSSU’s Basic Life Support training underscores its dedication to creating a secure and healthy environment, not just within the university but also in the wider community. This initiative equips individuals to respond effectively to emergencies, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and prepared community.
The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) held its highly anticipated 79th Annual National Convention (ANC) from November 20 to 23, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City.Themed “Values Above All,” the four-day event gathered around 4,000 Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and finance professionals from across the nation and beyond, including representatives from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU): Mr. Gil Leovigildo Ancheta, Mr. Michael Angelo Lucero, Ms. Melanie Maria Senario, Mr. Cornelio Jr. Bautista, Mr. Rogelio Cabarles, Mr. Michael Noel Obrino, and Ms. Lizyl De Leon. The PICPA ANC, is one of the most significant event for Filipino CPAs, providing participants with opportunities to explore the latest advancements, best practices, and critical insights into the ever-evolving landscape of accountancy. With a comprehensive lineup of technical sessions led by esteemed experts, the event covered a wide range of topics, including emerging financial technologies, ethical leadership, and global accounting trends. NwSSU representatives actively engaged in the sessions, gaining new knowledge to enhance their professional expertise while also networking with peers and industry leaders. They brought out the importance of staying updated on current practices to further strengthen the university’s fiscal and administrative strategies. The convention fostered camaraderie among participants through various social activities designed to encourage collaboration and unity in the accountancy profession. NwSSU’s participation highlighted its dedication to excellence ensuring its personnel remain at the forefront of their profession.
Pasay City, Philippines – Hosted by the National Capital Region School Registrars Association (NACSRA), the Federation of School Registrars Association (FOSRA) successfully held its 16th General Assembly on November 14-15, 2024, at Le Pavillon Events Hall, Pasay City, uniting school registrars and international program officers from higher education institutions across the country, with the theme “Reconnecting Registrars in Bridging Borders and Navigating the Global Impact of Internationalization on Registrar Services.” Representing Northwest Samar State University were Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV, Registrar of the Main Campus, and Engr. Elegrecio M. Timan, San Jorge Campus Registrar. A highlight of the event was the recognition of Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV, who serves as the President of the Eastern Visayas Registrars Association of Higher Education Institutions (EVRAHEI). In acknowledgment of his exemplary leadership, Engr. Zosa was appointed as a member of the Board of Trustees of FOSRA, representing Region 8. His inclusion in the Board reflects his pivotal role in advancing registrar services in Eastern Visayas and strengthening the region’s voice on the national stage. “This is both an honor and a responsibility. As President of EVRAHEI and now a member of the FOSRA Board of Trustees, I will continue to advocate for professional growth and innovation among registrars, particularly in the context of internationalization,” Zosa said. Led by experts from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and top-performing HEIs, the assembly featured discussions such as internationalization program of CHED, strategies for implementation, and its implications for registrars and international program officers, Participants also shared experiences, tackled common challenges, and explored opportunities for collaboration in the context of international education. The event fostered camaraderie among registrars nationwide and promoted proactive engagement with CHED’s global initiatives. “The insights we’ve gained will help improve our practices at NwSSU and ensure we are globally competitive,” Engr. Timan noted. NwSSU’s active participation and recognition at the FOSRA 16th General Assembly reaffirms its dedication to academic excellence, global engagement, and innovative registrar services, positioning the institution as a key player in the internationalization of higher education in the Philippines.
Calbayog City Convention Center – The 24th UFTE National Annual Tourism Educators Convention 2024 and Research Conference, themed “Tourism and Peace: Sustainable Journeys, Timeless Memories,” continued its second day in Calbayog City on November 20, 2024, with a blend of cultural immersion and insightful discussions. Hosted by Northwest Samar State University and LGU Calbayog, the day showcased the warm hospitality of the Waraynon and highlighted the unique tourism offerings of Calbayog and the wider Samar region. The event was made possible by the strong support of Hon. Mayor Raymund C. Uy, Hon. Vice Mayor Rex Daguman, and Hon. Gov. Sharee Ann Tan. “Thank you for the soft heart in accepting this invitation,” Dr. Rumar Abaigar, UFTE President expressed gratitude to the host of the national convention. After kicking off with a Research Conference at Leyte Normal University, the second day of the national convention began with a festive atmosphere, featuring ASCA performances showcasing the vibrant Hadang Festival and traditional folk songs of Calbayog. The day’s program featured two engaging presentations. Mr. Ronald Ricafort, Calbayog City Tourism Officer, presented “Getting to Know Calbayog,” highlighting the city’s rich history as the 19th oldest city in the Philippines and its reputation as the “City of Waterfalls in Visayas.” Through captivating videos, he showcased the city’s diverse attractions, including the Malajog Ridge Zipline, Tarangban Falls, and Isla Pawikan, while emphasizing its unique culinary, arts, cultural experiences, farm tourism opportunities, and local products. Mr. Marvin R. Piczon, Samar Provincial Tourism Officer, in his presentation titled “Fostering Conscious Travelers’ Approaches for Promoting Responsible Tourism,” explored the “Spark Samar” initiative, a program launched in 2015 to boost tourism in Samar. He highlighted the region’s challenges, including poverty, natural disasters, and insurgency, but also celebrated its achievements, such as the aesthetic lighting of the San Juanico Bridge, the “Secret Kitchen of Samar,” and the development of “Lara,” a brand name for the region’s unique banig bags. Piczon underscored the importance of community-based tourism, highlighting the training of People’s Organizations and the creation of employment opportunities. He also accentuated the international and national awards received by Samar for its unique tourism offerings. The day concluded with an open forum, heritage tour in Calbayog City, and a cultural fellowship night which is one of the spectacular highlights sponsored by the LGU of Calbayog. The second day of the convention showcased the beauty, culture, and hospitality of Calbayog City and the Samar region, highlighting the region’s potential as a sustainable and responsible tourism destination. The event provided a valuable platform for tourism educators, industry partners, and local officials to share knowledge, collaborate, and explore new opportunities for the growth and development of the tourism sector in the Philippines. The UFTE National Convention will continue its third day with a Spark Samar Adventure Tour, hosted by Gov. Tan and the Provincial Government of Samar, featuring a torpedo boat ride in Paranas and an adventure to the Sohoton Cave in Basey. The convention will conclude on November 22nd with a Kalanggaman Island Tour.