Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

For the second time, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has recognized Northwest Samar State University’s commitment to agricultural innovation by awarding a PHP 4.992 million grant from the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) for the upgrade of its food processing facility through an official signing of the grant agreement. The grant agreement was signed by representatives from the two institutions: Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Secretary of DA and Head, ACEF Executive Committee, and Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, President of NwSSU. The project, led by Ms. Maria Norfrelij J. Cuadra, Program Chairperson of the BS Food Technology (BSFT) program, intends to strengthen agricultural research that would be of great advantage to local farmers and fisherfolk through the boosting of innovation in food technology. It will enhance NwSSU’s capacity to deliver frontline advanced trainings and research on food processing, while designing and implementing sustainable practices that will lift regional economic growth. Ms. Cuadra with her co-project leaders, Dr. Rosalia L. Briones, Dr. Lorelie F. Tangaran, Ms. Nelissa A. Sudaria, and Ms. Maria Joana T. Nicolas, will oversee the upgrade of the food processing facility, including renovations, procurement of essential equipment, and the development of an operational manual. This falls with the thrust of DA in empowering rural communities through new opportunities and increased productivity for the agricultural sector in Samar. The entire NwSSU community extends heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Norfrelij Cuadra and her co-project leaders to their leadership in bringing this project to realization. This endeavor not only strengthens NwSSU’s infrastructure but also solidifies its role as a catalyst for growth and resilience within Samar’s agricultural sector. NwSSU also expresses its deep gratitude to the DA and ACEF Executive Committee for this invaluable opportunity. #RISENwSSU#DAACEFGrantsNwSSU

In a retro vibe, Northwest Samar State University marked a momentous occasion with its Papuri and Pasundayag Night, uniting the university community to honor its 64th Foundation Anniversary, 42nd Charter Day, and 15th Universityhood Anniversary all under the theme, “Unity in Milestones: Celebrating 64 Years of Tradition, Transformation, and Triumph,” on November 18. As part of the two-day University Days celebration, the event, hosted by the College of Education, featured the much-awaited State of the University Address (SUA) 2024 delivered by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo. In his address, Dr. Pecayo outlined the university’s significant accomplishments over the past year, including infrastructure projects, curriculum advancements, and research breakthroughs, while sharing ambitious goals for the future. One of the most anticipated parts of the program was the Papuri/PRAISE Awarding, which acknowledged outstanding contributions from faculty, staff, and stakeholders. Leading the ceremony were Dr. Pecayo, university’s key officials, and the PRAISE Committee, who presented the awards such Retiree Service, Loyalty, Best Supervisor, and Posthumous to deserving employees of the university. The event continued through “Pasundayag” kicking off a lively presentation from the ASCA performers. The excitement continued with a singing competition, where solo and duet performers battled. For dance competition, participants dazzled with their mastery of Cha-Cha, Swing, and Tango routines. Adding to the excitement was the raffle draw, where lucky participants won special prizes. The evening concluded with a solidarity dance, embodying the spirit of togetherness and celebration that defines the NwSSU community.

Business Development Center | Northwest Samar State University hosted a timely and informative forum on HIV, Cervical Cancer, and SOGIE 101 awareness as part of its University Days celebration on November 18, 2024. This collaborative effort, led by Gender and Development (GAD) Office, Guidance Office, University Clinic, and Faculty Association of NwSSU (FANwSSU), with support from the LGU of Calbayog City, drew faculty and staff together, aiming to raise awareness and promote preventive measures related to these critical health and social issues. Dr. Ma. Felipa Fabrigaras, a physician and resource speaker at the forum, stressed the importance of prevention when it comes to cervical cancer. She stated that prevention is better than cure and that women should undergo regular checkups and vaccinations, even if they do not experience any symptoms. She recommended HPV vaccines, pap smear tests, and visual inspection with acetic acid as effective preventive measures. Dr. Fabrigaras also emphasized that addressing cervical cancer is a shared responsibility, urging both men and women to be informed about the disease. Another esteemed resource speaker and Human Rights advocate, Atty. Marcel Milliam, addressed SOGIE 101 and HIV-AIDS. He discussed salient insights on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, and sexual characteristics. He then urged parents to allow children to express themselves freely. “Parents should not suppress children in following specific gender roles while playing. Let them play and soon they will discover their identity,” he said as suppression will further lead to fixation. He then stressed that, “SOGIE is personal and self-determined.” Atty. Milliam also highlighted the importance of understanding HIV. He explained that people should bear in mind the ESSE Principle of HIV Transmission – Exit, Sufficiency, Survival, and Entry. He concluded by stating that HIV patients need support, not discrimination. The forum served as a valuable platform for raising awareness and promoting open dialogue about these important issues within the NwSSU community. As part of this initiative, the University Clinic also offered free screening and testing for HIV, cervical cancer, and syphilis to pregnant women. This reflects the university’s dedication to strengthening a safe and inclusive environment where all members feel supported and empowered to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Northwest Samar State University is celebrating a noteworthy breakthrough with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) approval and research funding support of ₱4 million pesos for the project titled, “Upgrading of Poultry and High Value Crops Production Facility.” The project proposal, led by Dr. Archie Lauderes with project members- Dr. Rosalia L. Briones, Mr. Wendell L. Ultra, Ms. Sance J. Secondez, Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte, Dr. Eugenia A. Lonzaga, and Mr. Mark Vincent G. Latras, was submitted to the DA through the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and has secured a research grant under the Agricultural Competitive Enhancement Fund ( ACEF). The project aims to: (1) operate the upgraded laboratory facilities to support extension and research activities, benefiting farmer beneficiaries in Calbayog City, (2) augment laboratory facilities and equipment for the BS in Agriculture (BSA) and Bachelor of Agricultural Technology (BAT) programs, leading to skills development in students, and (3) provide the necessary laboratory requirements to achieve Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) and meet the standards of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). This funding will enable NwSSU to strengthen its commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainable development in the Samar region. The DA’s support is an epitome of the strength of NwSSU’s project proposal and its potential to contribute to the advancement of agriculture in the region. Congratulations to Dr. Lauderes and the entire NwSSU team for this remarkable achievement!

In accordance with the provisions of RA 7722 or the Higher Education Act of 1994, and by virtue of the Commission on Higher Education Commission En Banc Resolution No. 580-2024, CHED Central Office has issued the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) of NwSSU’s BS Nursing Program. The COPC certifies that the university complies with at least the prescribed minimum requirements stipulated in the program policies, standards, and guidelines by CHED to offer the program. The COPC was received today, November 13, 2024 by the Vice President for Administration and Finance, Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling at the CHED Central Office in Quezon City. Congratulations, NwSSU! #RISENwSSU#NwSSUBSN

The Center for Local Governance of Northwest Samar State University -Research Innovation and Extension had a productive meeting with Hon. Mayor Felix R. Panganoron of Sta. Margarita, Samar, on November 12, 2024. The meeting, which took place in Sta. Margarita, gathered key figures from both the local government and NwSSU, including Dr. Nicolas L. Faller, Director of the Center for Local Governance, Engr. Eugene S. Calong, University Network Administrator, and Ms. Glomarie Orongan, office staff of the CLG. The main agenda is to propose Smart Municipality project in digitizing various aspects of Sta. Margarita’s local governance and services. The project which will be a partnership between the local government and NwSSU’s Center for Local Governance, seeks to enhance the municipality’s efficiency and accessibility by integrating modern digital technologies. The initial discussions were positive, with Mayor Felix expressing enthusiasm and looking forward for a successful partnership with the project. The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with plans for further collaboration and development of the smart municipality framework set to continue in the coming months. This partnership will mark the exciting phase of modernization in the Sta. Margarita local government as NwSSU expertise takes the lead in turning the municipality into a more connected and efficient community.

The Office of Extension Services of Northwest Samar State University, through the leadership of Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez and other review panel members, held an In-House Review 2024 on November 11-12 at the RIE Conference Room. The two-day event showcased innovative extension proposals which were reviewed by the institutional extension review panel members together with two expert evaluators, Dr. Getulio A. Barcenas Jr. and Oscar D. Billate Jr. The two-day event gathered personnel of the university, extensionists, and stakeholders to review a diverse array of projects designed to address critical community needs in the Samar region. The first day featured a wide range of projects emphasizing agriculture, environmental conservation, and community development, presented by a dedicated group of experts. The second day highlighted initiatives aimed at educational and community empowerment, with a particular focus on supporting educators and enhancing learning systems for lasting impact. The In-House Review 2024 became the proving ground for the expansion of NwSSU academic expertise in addressing real-world issues. It targets initiatives in disaster preparedness, agriculture, digital literacy, and education support that could empower Samar communities toward sustainable solutions. These extension projects reinforce NwSSU’s dedication to quality education and meaningful societal contributions, ensuring a lasting positive impact on local communities.

Northwest Samar State University took a significant step toward fostering innovation and intellectual property (IP) awareness by hosting the “Invention Spotting: Patent Search Workshop” held on November 4-5, 2024 at RSU-Socio Cultural Center. Organized by the NwSSU Innovation Office, the workshop provided participants with essential skills to conduct effective patent searches and understand the process of securing intellectual property rights for their inventions. The two-day workshop featured interactive sessions, each lasting eight hours, led by Dr. Ervin L. Rodriguez, NwSSU’s ITSO Manager and Director of the Innovation Office. The event drew over 400 participants, including third-year BSIT students, MSME beneficiaries, and representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Center for Excellence in Intellectual Property (CEIPO). This initiative aligns with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL)’s “DREAM” mandate, which promotes the use of patent knowledge as a tool for technological advancement. By offering this training, NwSSU plays a vital role in empowering its community to protect and develop new ideas, contributing to local and national innovation. Through this workshop, NwSSU positions itself as a key driver of technological progress in Samar, equipping students, faculty, and local stakeholders with the tools to secure intellectual property and forge future innovations.

On November 8, 2024, the College of Management of Northwest Samar State University transformed the RSU Socio-Cultural Center into a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture with its “Fiesta Fiasco” event. Aligned with the Philippine Tourism, Geography, and Culture course, the event aimed to honor and showcase the nation’s rich heritage through music, dance, and traditional attire which are evident to the valiant performers from first year BS Hospitality Management and BS Tourism Management students. The highlight of “Fiesta Fiasco” was a vivacious competition in which students performed traditional dances, musical numbers, and showcased costumes, each team striving to capture the essence of a Filipino fiesta. The event commenced with an invocation, followed by an opening message from Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Dean of the College of Management. Mrs. Camela B. Gabia, a core faculty member for the BSTM program, then presented the rationale behind the celebration. Dr. Iris Bejasa, a core faculty member of the BSHM program, delivered closing remarks to conclude the formal program, with other faculty members in attendance. Awards were presented to outstanding participants in recognition of their creativity and dedication to celebrating Filipino culture. “Fiesta Fiasco” proved to be both an enjoyable and educational experience, inspiring students and attendees alike to embrace and take pride in their cultural heritage.

The Quality Assurance and Internal Audit (QAIA) unit conducted a three-day training workshop on Quality Assurance and Internal Audit from November 5-7, 2024. The activity was held at the 2nd floor of BDC building with sessions of the last day held at the University Hotel Conference Room. This workshop was participated in by newly hired teaching and non-teaching personnel of Northwest Samar State University. In a significant move to enhance its quality management practices, the Quality Assurance and Internal Audit (QAIA) program spearheaded by the university’s ISO Focal Person and IQA Head, Claville Meneses, aims to bolster the institution’s dedication to achieving excellence in education and institutional performance. Key speakers at the event included Ms. Claville Meneses, Ms. Florabel C. Canaman, Mrs. Maria Lourdes V. Billate, and Mr. Paolo N. Meñozo. Topics covered included a comprehensive overview of the Quality Management System (QMS) and its requirements (Clauses 4-10), principles of internal quality auditing, characteristics of an effective auditor, best practices in conducting audits, and detailed insights into NwSSU’s internal quality audit processes. University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo also attended, showing strong support for the initiative. The QAIA project seeks to orient and train a team of internal quality auditors within NwSSU, with an emphasis on fostering a deeper understanding of the university’s Quality Management System (QMS) processes and ISO 9001:2015 standards. The Tagalog word “KAYA,” meaning “can” or “able to,” encapsulates the empowering mission of this training, which encourages every participant to contribute actively to quality assurance efforts. The workshop is designed not only to educate but also to equip staff with practical, hands-on auditing skills to help drive improvements across campus operations.