DICT officially endorses NwSSU-ISSP

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through the Office of Undersecretary of E-Government David L. Amirol Jr., has officially endorsed the Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) for Fiscal Year 2024-2026. On February 5, 2025, Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling personally received the stamped NwSSU-ISSP and the endorsement letter from Undersecretary Almirol. In a formal endorsement letter addressed to Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, Almirol emphasized that the NwSSU-ISSP “demonstrates a clear understanding of the University’s current technological landscape, setting a roadmap for future advancements and enhancements.” Engr. Rhio Dimakiling, being the Head Planner, led the development of the NwSSU-ISSP, along with Engr. Romeo Corsiga, MIS Director, as Co-Head Planner. Corsiga recalled that the university had long been working on the completion of this extensive document, but it was only in 2024, under Pecayo’s and Dimakiling’s leadership that the effort was revived and completed. A Technical Working Group (TWG), co-chaired by Mr. Redem Tingzon, Project Development Unit Head, assisted the Head Planners in determining detailed specifications and crafting the plan. The TWG members included Engr. Mariel Jane F. Saberon, Ms. Xenon Chloe Gaden, Engr. Eugene Calong, Engr. Nicko De Guzman, and Mr. Dexter Catienza. This endorsement marks a significant milestone for NwSSU as it strives to modernize its technological infrastructure, demonstrating the university’s commitment to accessible, equitable, and inclusive services.

PAO Brings Free Notarization Services to NwSSU Personnel

Posted on by Cerilo Dela Tonga

The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Calbayog City District Office conducted a free notarization service outreach program for Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) faculty and staff today, February 6th. The initiative, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Administration Building’s 4th floor was part of PAO’s outreach program. University personnel were able to have their Personal Data Sheets (PDS) and Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) notarized without incurring any fees for the said services. The notarization of these documents is a crucial requirement for all government employees to ensure compliance with administrative and legal obligations. For many employees, the event provided a convenient and cost-free way to complete this much-needed transaction. Instead of seeking private legal services, which often require additional time and expense, faculty and staff were able to process their paperwork swiftly with the assistance of PAO through Atty. Shirley Joyce B. Matados and Atty. Jamela B. Sani. The program was well-received by university personnel, who expressed their gratitude for the accessibility of the free service. By bringing legal assistance directly to NWSSU, PAO helped ease the burden of processing documents for employees, reinforcing its commitment to efficient public service and legal accessibility.

NwSSU Joins 2025 OGP ASIA-Pacific Regional Opening in Manila

Posted on by Raffy Ticong

NwSSU’s Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling together with representatives of other SUCs MANILA – Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) is actively taking part in the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, represented by Dr. Rhio Dimakiling on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo. The two-day event which opens today, is currently being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manila, gathering over 800 participants from more than 40 countries and 20 local governments to advance open governance, public participation, and digital transformation. The meeting serves as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and commit to ambitious reforms under the Open Gov Challenge, a global initiative introduced at the 2023 OGP Global Summit in Tallinn. This challenge urges governments to design and implement policies that address today’s governance complexities while promoting participatory and resilient democracies. Photo by: Presidential Communication Office During the opening plenary, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country’s commitment to open governance, highlighting key initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and public participation. “Beyond our variances in our approaches, our shared vision is clear-cut: we want every budget allocation, policy decision, and program implementation to involve public participation—all in pursuit of the empowerment and upliftment of our people,” he stated. Dr. Dimakiling joined high-level decision-makers and leaders as they outlined their vision for strengthening transparency and accountability in governance. Key discussions throughout the day included leadership strategies for advancing OGP’s goals from 2023 to 2028, the role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in governance, and initiatives promoting open data inclusivity. A session on the road ahead for open government in the Philippines tackled governance reforms and challenges specific to the country. Photo by: Presidential Communications Office The event also highlighted the importance of youth participation in climate change policies, along with strategies to protect public space and empower civil society organizations. Conversations on mainstreaming citizen participation in decision-making and strengthening national-local collaboration were also key areas of focus. Today’s schedule will conclude with a Cultural Night, where participants may engage in a cultural exchange showcasing various world heritages. Discussions will continue tomorrow, with sessions focusing on mainstreaming open government, citizen participation in policymaking, and national to local collaboration. NWSSU’s participation emphasizes the institution’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement as it aligns with global and regional movements toward open government. The 2025 OGP Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting highlights the shared dedication of governments and civil society to foster more inclusive, transparent, and accountable societies by advancing open governance.

NwSSU Graduate School Hosts Pioneering Forum for Curriculum Innovation

Posted on by Cerilo Dela Tonga

Northwest Samar State University’s (NWSSU) Graduate School achieved a significant milestone by convening a Stakeholders’ Forum on the Validation of Graduate School Policy and Curriculum Revisions on February 1, 2025, at the Business Development Center. The forum aimed to modernize graduate education, bringing together key administrators, faculty, alumni, and stakeholders to enhance program offerings and align them with contemporary educational standards. Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration, emphasized the university’s commitment to accessibility through online learning modalities. “Our focus is on making graduate education more convenient for working professionals,” Dr. Dimakiling stated, highlighting the institution’s drive to accommodate students from remote locations. Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa underscored the importance of these revisions, particularly in securing the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC). “These updates are essential for maintaining our programs’ excellence and relevance,” Dr. Gamusa noted, calling for collaborative support from all stakeholders. The day-long event featured intensive breakout sessions where stakeholders reviewed curriculum checklists and provided valuable feedback across various programs, including PhDM, MAPM, MEM, MSGC, PhDE, MAED, MABA, and MASE. Alumni representatives shared compelling testimonials, with Mr. Edbryan Yepes advocating for a more streamlined curriculum that maintains academic rigor while considering students’ well-being. Dr. Joy Saldana, one of the experts/consultants/stakeholders, praised the institution’s proactive approach to meeting CHED requirements and adapting to educational evolution. The forum demonstrates NWSSU’s commitment to educational excellence and its proactive approach to adapting to the evolving landscape of graduate education in the region.

NwSSU Holds Pre-Teaching Internship Orientation for Aspiring Educators

Posted on by Raffy Ticong

The College of Education of Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU), in collaboration with the Schools Division of Calbayog, conducted a Pre-Teaching Internship Orientation on February 5, 2025, at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. Themed “Shaping the Future, One Prepared Educator at a Time,” the event brought together student teachers, teaching internship supervisors, and school administrators to prepare for the internship deployment. In her message of support, Dr. Jannel C. Alviola, College Dean emphasized the crucial partnership between the college and the schools division. “This internship is not just an academic requirement— it is the cornerstone of their future careers as educators,” Dr. Alviola stated, highlighting the importance of the transition from academic learning to practical teaching experience. Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, VP for Research, Innovation, and Extension, delivered a message on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, commending the College of Education faculty for shaping future educators. “Shaping the minds that shape the nation is not just a responsibility of one, but a responsibility of all,” he said, urging collective efforts in guiding the next generation of teachers. A key part of the program was the introduction of Calbayog school principals by Dr. Renato S. Cagomoc, CID Chief, allowing student interns to familiarize themselves with the heads of cooperating schools. Dr. Richard N. Verdeflor, Internship Coordinator, then discussed DepEd Order No. 3, s. 2017 and JDCMO No. 1, s. 2021, highlighting the roles and responsibilities of cooperating teachers. Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona, Schools Division Superintendent, reinforced the importance of a learner-centered teaching approach, while Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, Director of the Office of Gender and Development, provided insights on RA 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act. Meanwhile, Dr. Julie Ann Edraga, Internship Supervisor, tackled CMO 104 and the internship grading system. The event also included an open forum facilitated by Mr. Rowee O. Cañedo, allowing participants to address questions and concerns. Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, concluded the orientation by expressing gratitude to the cooperating teachers and schools for their role in developing future educators. The orientation served as a crucial preparatory step for the student teachers who will begin their internship tomorrow at various schools within the Calbayog City Division. The event underscored the collaborative effort between NwSSU and the Schools Division of Calbayog City in preparing the next generation of educators, emphasizing both practical teaching skills and professional development. Through this partnership, the institution continues to strengthen its commitment to academic excellence and the formation of competent teaching professionals.

NwSSU Secures FY 2023 Performance-Based Bonus Eligibility

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

The University administration is pleased to announce that Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has been declared eligible for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) by the Inter-agency Task Force on the Harmonization of National Government Performance Monitoring, Information and Reporting Systems. This achievement marks NwSSU’s fourth consecutive year of meeting the required standards, having obtained 75 points for the PBB Criteria and Conditions as outlined in Task Force Memorandum Circular No. 2023-1. The PBB is a merit-based incentive that recognizes employees’ outstanding performance and contributions to their department’s overall targets and commitments. To facilitate the processing and release of the FY 2023 PBB, the University will promptly submit additional requirements. This accomplishment is a testament to NwSSU’s commitment to quality service. Congratulations to the University community!

NwSSU Hosts Informative Session on Industrial Security Management for BSISM Students

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Last Friday, January 31, 2025, students from the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Security Management (BSISM) program gathered for an informative discussion titled “Resilience Dedicated Unwavering Industrial Security Management” at the NWSSU BDC Hall. The event aimed to provide students with valuable insights into their future career paths and recent legislative developments in the field. Two distinguished faculty members from the BSISM department led the session. Ms. Melanie Magdaraog, SSMTF Adviser, presented a comprehensive overview of career opportunities available to BSISM graduates, highlighting sectors where industrial security management professionals are in high demand, such as corporate security, risk management, and facility protection. Students actively engaged in the discussion, inquiring about job prospects and professional development opportunities. Mr. Fel Alviola, Security Officer, delivered an in-depth analysis of Republic Act No. 11917, focusing on its impact on the industrial security landscape and implications for future security management professionals. He emphasized the importance of staying current with regulatory changes and understanding their practical applications. The talk, which took place from 2 PM to 5 PM, equipped students with essential knowledge about their chosen field. The event demonstrated the institution’s commitment to keeping students informed about professional opportunities and regulatory frameworks in industrial security management. This successful event highlights NWSSU’s ongoing efforts to equip BSISM students with practical knowledge and industry insights. As future security professionals, they will benefit from the combination of career guidance and legislative understanding, providing a strong foundation for their professional journey in industrial security management.  

NwSSU CCIS Kicks Off Second Batch of ICT Training for Sto. Niño LGUs

Posted on by Raffy Ticong

JANUARY 30—The Northwest Samar State University College of Computing and Information Systems (NWSSU CCIS) launched the second batch of its “Digital Empowerment: Enhancing LGU Capacities Through ICT Literacy” program today. This initiative aims to equip Sto. Niño local government personnel with essential digital skills, building on the success of the first batch held last week. The three-day training, which will run until February 1 at the CCIS Computer Laboratory, covers Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These daily sessions are designed to improve efficiency in governance and public service delivery, addressing specific gaps in the LGUs’ technological capabilities. Interactive activities, group discussions, and collaborative exercises ensure practical learning. By providing LGUs with tools to navigate digital challenges, NWSSU strengthens its partnership with local governance bodies. Post-training support, including mentorship and resource access, will further solidify participants’ progress, marking a significant milestone in NWSSU’s extension initiatives.

BSEd-English 2 Student Shine in “The Tunnel’s End” Theatre Performance

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) RSU Socio-Cultural Center was abuzz with excitement as BSED-English 2 students, under Teatro Elaya Production, presented “The Tunnel’s End: A Theatre Performance” on January 31, 2025. This two-part event, comprising a theatric play and a variety show, was a major course output for the students’ English 5 Speech and Theatre Arts subject. The showcase highlighted the students’ talents and hard work, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The evening began with a captivating theatre play, “The Tunnel’s End,” which drew the audience into a compelling narrative and explored thought-provoking themes. The play demonstrated the students’ acting prowess and their ability to bring a story to life on stage. A vibrant variety show followed, entertaining the crowd with music, dance, and other performance arts. This showcase provided a delightful contrast to the dramatic play, highlighting the students’ versatility and creativity. This production served as a valuable platform for the students to apply their classroom learning. The students were in charge of all aspects, from acting and directing to scriptwriting, set design, and stage management. “The Tunnel’s End” was not only an academic requirement but also an opportunity for the students to demonstrate their creativity, collaboration, and passion for theatre and performance. The dedication and effort invested in the production were evident in every detail. The NwSSU community, along with the students’ families and friends, packed the RSU Socio-Cultural Center, showing their support for these budding artists. The performances received enthusiastic applause and positive feedback, making “The Tunnel’s End” a resounding success. The event was a testament to the talent and dedication of the BSED-English 2 students and a memorable experience for all who attended.