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

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

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.

NwSSU Partners with Calbayog City in the Journey to Become a Smart City

In a significant step toward sustainable development, Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) collaborated with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Calbayog City and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) for a three-day planning workshop series titled “Calbayog City Journey to Become a Smart City.” The event, held from January 27 to 30 at the BDC of NWSSU, brought together unit heads from various LGU offices, national government agencies (NGAs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, and the private sector to lay the groundwork for Calbayog City’s transformation into a smart and sustainable city. This initiative is part of the four-year project “Establishment of Calbayog City into Smart and Sustainable City through STI Ecosystem Approach,” spearheaded by the LGU Calbayog and DOST Samar PSTO. The project aims to enhance the capabilities of local government officials and stakeholders in developing and implementing smart city initiatives, leveraging science, technology, and innovation (STI) to drive progress. The workshop featured expert lectures on the concept of a Smart City, emphasizing the importance of integrating technology, sustainability, and community engagement in urban development. Participants then engaged in workshops to develop the “Smart City Roadmap for Calbayog City,” a strategic framework for the city’s development projects. DOST8 Regional Director Dr. John Glenn D. Ocana highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in achieving the city’s vision. Experts from the University of the Philippines Los Baños also led lectures and discussions. NWSSU played a key role in the event, with representatives Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, and Dr. Nancy G. Lanuza from the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS), actively participating in the initiatives. Their participation highlighted the university’s commitment to support development through research and innovation. The DOST’s Smart City Project aims to utilize technology and innovation to create models for sustainable urban development that can be replicated across the Philippines. By supporting Calbayog City’s journey, the DOST hopes to demonstrate how smart city initiatives can improve governance, enhance public services, and foster economic and environmental resilience. The collaboration between the LGU, DOST, NWSSU, and other stakeholders marks a promising beginning for Calbayog City’s transformation into a smart and sustainable city. The outcomes of the workshop are expected to pave the way for a more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable future for the city and its residents. #RISENwSSU

Gate Pass Policy Enforcement

Starting February 10, 2025, vehicles of University employees and students without the latest gate passes will not be permitted to enter the premises. Exceptions will be made for visitors with official transactions and clients of the University Hotel and Restaurant. For more information and to obtain the latest gate passes, please visit the University Security Office. Source: Office of the VP for Administration and Finance #RISENwSSU

Utilization of Electric Generator Set

Due to the power interruption scheduled on February 2, 2025, the electric generator set of the Main Campus will be utilized to ensure continuity in the compliance of tasks scheduled on the said date. Personnel are encouraged to maximize this opportunity to accomplish backlogs and prepare for future projects, activities, and programs.Source: Office of the VP for Administration and Finance

NwSSU Criminology Students Unite for Criminology Day 2025

Criminology students from Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) gathered for the annual Criminology Day 2025, a two-day event aimed at fostering trust and camaraderie through team-building activities and competitions. Held in partnership with the Junior Criminologists Association of the Philippines (JCAP), the event transpired on January 30-31 at the NWSSU campus grounds. The 2-day program featured various team-focused activities and games designed to test participants’ knowledge, strength, agility, teamwork, strategy, and endurance. As a long-standing tradition at NWSSU, Criminology Day helps students build strong relationships, reflecting the teamwork essential for their future careers in criminology.

A Step Closer Towards Internship Readiness: Teaching Demo Fest 2025 Concludes

The College of Education’s Demonstration Festival (Teaching Demo Fest) successfully concluded on January 31, 2025, at the CoEd Building, marking the end of an intensive week-long teaching demonstration by pre-deployment teachers.   Designed to prepare future educators for their upcoming teaching internships, the program required student teachers to craft lesson plans and demonstrate them in a mock class setting. The festival featured 10 demonstrators per day, with five in the morning and five in the afternoon, followed by a post-conference where internship supervisors and CoEd faculty provided constructive feedback. Notably, despite being assigned the same topics, students showcased diverse teaching styles and strategies, reflecting their unique approaches to education. The event aimed to enhance participants’ teaching skills, reinforce proper pedagogical practices, and offer valuable evaluation before their internship deployment.   Dr. Richard Verdeflor, one of the internship supervisors, emphasized the importance of continuous growth in education, stating, “We have to continue the momentum of our teachers by fostering a culture of continuous improvement in the fields of teaching and learning within the College of Education.” As the Teaching Demo Fest concludes, the College of Education reaffirms its commitment to developing competent educators. This program reflects NWSSU’s broader mission of academic excellence and professional readiness, equipping future teachers with the skills and confidence needed to uphold the university’s standards in education and service.

Strategic Alliance: NwSSU Forges Groundbreaking Initiatives

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has embarked on a mission to establish groundbreaking collaborations with esteemed institutions, paving the way for high-impact programs and projects. A ten-day exploratory visit to various government and private institutions in Metro Manila, Baguio City, and Davao City marked the beginning of this endeavor. The University’s delegation, comprising Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling (Vice President for Administration & Finance), Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez (Director for Extension Services), and Mr. Redem D. Tingzon (Project Development Unit Head and ETEEAP Center Director), engaged in productive meetings with representatives from notable organizations. These included the United Nations, City Planning & Development Office of LGU-Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, and several other reputable institutions such as Civika Asian Development Academy, Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc., Philippine Coast Guard National Head Quarters, Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Davao University, and Galing Pook Foundation. These discussions opened up avenues for potential collaborations, enabling NwSSU to explore innovative extension initiatives and strengthen its linkages with prospective funding institutions. The meetings also facilitated the exchange of ideas and best practices, enriching the University’s portfolio of programs and projects. The initiative was made possible through the reconnection between Mr. Redem D. Tingzon and Dr. Elmer S. Soriano, a fellow from the Asian School of Governance and a long-time ally of the former in the academe. Although unable to join the delegation, University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and the dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, expressed their full support for the intensified extension programs conceptualized during these meetings. This strategic move is poised to propel NwSSU towards achieving its vision of becoming a premier institution, fostering growth and development through innovative partnerships and initiatives.

NwSSU Celebrates National Bible Month

January 31, 2025—Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) culminated its celebration of National Bible Month with a heartwarming event that showcased the university’s commitment to service, community, and values-based education. Organized by the MCGI Bible Readers (BRead) Society – NwSSU Chapter, in partnership with MCGI Cares, the event brought together students, faculty, and community members for a day of fellowship, service, and spiritual enrichment. The BReadTalk, a thought-provoking discussion on “The Authenticity of the Bible,” was a central focus of the event. Students from various colleges participated in this meaningful exchange, reflecting on the historical and spiritual significance of the scripture. A lively Bible Quiz followed, encouraging students to deepen their understanding of the Bible. Beyond intellectual engagement, the celebration emphasized service to the community. The LiBRead Free Services, held at the CCJS Parking lot, offered attendees a warm meal of Arroz caldo with pandesal and free haircuts.  This culminating activity was held in observance of Republic Act No. 11163, the “National Bible Day Act,” and Presidential Proclamation No. 124, which declares January as “National Bible Month.” These official acts recognize the profound influence of the Bible on the moral and spiritual fabric of Filipino society. Through this event, the MCGI Bible Readers (BRead) Society – NwSSU Chapter aimed to share the blessings of the Bible with the wider community. By providing free services, the organizers demonstrated the spirit of generosity and service that the Bible promotes. The event served as a reminder of the importance of the Bible in shaping individual lives and the nation as a whole. NwSSU’s celebration of National Bible Month was a testament to the university’s commitment to values-based education, community service, and spiritual growth.