News and Events

In pursuit of enhancing its income-generating programs, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) conducted a benchmarking visit to the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) on April 14, 2025, to learn from the latter’s established practices in managing and sustaining Income Generating Projects (IGPs). The activity aimed to draw insights from UEP’s policies, systems, and innovations to support NwSSU’s goal of strengthening its own IGP initiatives. The NwSSU delegation, comprised of Mrs. Ivy B. Aligam, Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Atty. Cecile Candida Y. Rueda, Ms. Florabel C. Canaman, Mr. Rodolfo B. Corrales Jr., Dr. Nicolas I. Faller, Mr. John M. Tan, and Mr. Edward Abanilla, was warmly welcomed by UEP key officials, headed by University President Dr. Cherry I. Ultra, with support from Dr. Nelia M. Adora, Vice President for External Affairs, and other university officials. The activity began with a welcome program and introductions between participants from both institutions. This was followed by a series of presentations highlighting UEP’s IGP framework. Dr. Tia Mare L. Ebdane, Director of the Auxiliary Services and Business Affairs Office, presented an overview of UEP’s IGP policies, financial processes, and planning mechanisms. Mr. Arjay Traqueña, University Accountant, discussed financial management strategies, while Budget Officer Mr. Ferdie Reyes shared practical insights into budget planning. Dr. Ultra also addressed the group, emphasizing the importance of IGPs in supporting the mission and goals of higher education institutions. She shared UEP’s current initiatives, future directions, and expressed the university’s willingness to support NwSSU in its IGP development journey. After the program, NwSSU participants toured several of UEP’s operational IGPs, including the UEP White Beach, Kapihan, Kiddie Learning Center, Printing Press, Farmers Training Center, Garments and Textile Center, and the UEP Gymnatorium and Centennial Building. To cap the activity, NwSSU presented a Certificate of Appreciation to UEP as a gesture of gratitude for the warm reception and the knowledge shared throughout the day. The benchmarking visit marked a meaningful exchange of experiences and opened opportunities for continued collaboration between the two institutions.

CALBAYOG CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) officially launched the World Immunization Week 2025 campaign on April 24 with a kickoff program held in San Joaquin, Calbayog City, signaling the start of a nationwide immunization effort that will run until April 30 across Bicol, Samar, Davao, and various regions in the Philippines. With the theme “Bakuna Para sa Lahat: Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” the weeklong campaign emphasizes the importance of protecting all age groups: infants, children, pregnant women, and senior citizens through appropriate and updated immunization. The program enjoins the public to visit their nearest health centers and actively participate in the vaccination drive, aligning with the DOH’s goal of strengthening public health protection through community-wide participation. Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) was among the institutions present during the event. Representing the university were Dr. Armando Alviola, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences (CCJS) and Mr. Joar V. Uy, from CCJS. Their presence emphasized NwSSU’s support for collaborative community health initiatives and its commitment to promoting wellbeing and awareness among partner institutions. Distinguished guests from the national and international health sectors were also present at the event. Dr. Janis Macazo and Mr. Rojun Catbagan from the DOH Central Office, Dr. Achyut Shresthaa of the World Health Organization (WHO), and Engr. Bernie Bersola of UNICEF joined the local stakeholders in emphasizing the global significance of access to vaccines and reliable immunization. The launch opened with solidarity messages from officials representing local government units, health agencies, and partner sectors. The event highlighted cooperation among agencies in sustaining public immunization programs and ensuring access to life-saving vaccines, especially in underserved and vulnerable communities. World Immunization Week is observed globally every April, aiming to raise awareness and increase vaccine coverage worldwide. NwSSU’s participation highlights its continued support for community-driven health initiatives and its active engagement in national efforts that promote the well-being of every Filipino. Through its presence, the university reaffirmed its role as a partner in advancing public health and social development.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Office, successfully conducted its annual Institutional In-House Review (IHR) for Research on April 21–22, 2025, at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS) Multimedia Room. The two-day activity aimed to evaluate, strengthen, and provide expert feedback on the university’s proposed research projects, further promoting a culture of excellence in research among faculty members. This activity was organized by the Office of Research and Development Services (ORDS), headed by Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director of the Research Development Services, along with the collective efforts of ORDS personnel: Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte, Ms. Precious Joyce D. Ogdoc, Ms. Rhea Jenny V. Ogalesco, Dr. Rolly L. Ortiz, and Ms. Renalyn Caca. Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, delivered the welcome remarks on Day 1, emphasizing the university’s commitment to evidence-based innovation and research-informed extension programs. He noted the important role of rigorous peer collaboration in ensuring the quality and impact of institutional research initiatives. The panel of esteemed evaluators included Dr. Marilyn Radam, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations at DOST Region 8 and Chairperson of the Internal Regional Technical Evaluation Committee; and Dr. Isabelita M. Pamposa, Senior Science Specialist and Quality Manager at DOST Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory. They were joined by Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte, Research Specialist for Science and Technology of NwSSU’s Office of Research Development Services (ORDS) ; Dr. Ervin L. Rodriguez, Director of the NwSSU Innovation Office; and Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez, Director of NwSSU’s Extension Services. The review featured research proposals from multiple NwSSU’s colleges, reflecting a wide spectrum of academic innovation and inquiry. Projects tackled pressing issues and emerging needs in fields such as inclusivity, education, economics, environmental science, disaster risk reduction and resource management, agriculture, public health, information technology, and cultural studies. Day 2 of the program continued with the remaining presentations and transitioned to Terminal Reports, which are essential tools for effectively capturing, analyzing, and presenting real-time data and system performance metrics. Each presentation was followed by constructive feedback from the panel, aimed at refining the proposals’ soundness, relevance, and practical application. The event served not only as a platform for feedback and critique but also as a venue for academic exchange, mentorship, and encouragement, reinforcing NwSSU’s role as a beacon of research-driven development in the country.

In response to rising temperatures and the Extreme Caution Heat Index Alert recently issued by PAG-ASA across several provinces, the Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) consulted with Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) for technical support—specifically on heat index data generated by the university’s Automatic Weather Station (AWS). On April 22, 2025, CDRRMO personnel, including Mr. Joseph Von P. Catorce, Operation and Warning Division Chief; Mr. Ritchie Yabao, Early Warning Section Team Leader; and Mr. John Christian Tarrayo, Weather Forecasting Focal Person, visited the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) at NwSSU. They were welcomed by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for RIE, to review the latest data from the Automatic Weather Station. The meeting focused on understanding the current heat index levels and discussing how this real-time weather data could help mitigate the impact of extreme heat on the local population. The conversation centered on the AWS’s ability to track key weather variables like temperature, humidity, and wind speed which are essential for issuing accurate heat warnings and minimizing the risks associated with intense heat waves for the community. As a resource for public safety, the AWS plays an important role in turning weather data into actionable insights. Through this collaboration, NwSSU continues to contribute to local government efforts, showing how research and innovation can provide practical solutions for addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Both NwSSU and CDRRMO expressed the need to improve data-sharing, ensuring that both institutions are better prepared to tackle the increasingly unpredictable climate patterns facing the region. They also expressed interest in formalizing their partnership with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to solidify their ongoing collaboration and further strengthen disaster preparedness efforts.

The Business Affairs Office, in collaboration with the Project Development Unit, successfully spearheaded a lock-in write-shop on April 15–16, 2025, at the Northwest Samar State University Hotel and Restaurant Conference Hall, aimed at revising and enhancing the University’s Income Generating Projects (IGP) Manual. Organized in support of NwSSU’s strategic direction to institutionalize sustainable and policy-aligned income-generating initiatives, the write-shop gathered key university officials, technical writers, and subject matter experts to collaboratively update the 2016 IGP Manual. The event’s outcome is expected to provide a strengthened framework for financial management, integrate national guidelines from CHED, DBM, and COA, and align with relevant laws including RA 12009. It also incorporates sustainability principles, clearer performance metrics, and refined monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Tasked with refining the IGP manual were Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Dr. Nicolas L. Faller, Ms. Florabel C. Canaman, and Mr. John M. Tan with the guidance of Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, the write-shop facilitator. Providing wise technical insights as experts were Mr. Rodolfo B. Corrales, Atty. Ma. Cecile Candida Y. Rueda, Mrs. Ivy B. Aligam, and Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta. The prorgam management staff, composed of Engineers Mariel Jane F. Saberon and Ms. Moira Angelika T. Repaja, assisted the program managers in ensuring efficiency in the conduct of the activity. The write-shop promoted collaborative discourse and expert insights of policies critical to NwSSU’s financial sustainability. It also deepened institutional awareness on efficient IGP operations and laid the groundwork for the eventual finalization of a more responsive and future-ready IGP Manual. Through this, NwSSU is poised to boost the efficiency, profitability, and transparency of its income-generating programs, reinforcing its commitment to financial sustainability and institutional development.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) is making waves in energy conservation and financial efficiency after successfully saving Php 320,402.70 on its electricity bill for 2024, which is directly attributed to the implementation of the Solar Energy Project. This achievement highlights the university’s commitment to implementing cost-saving measures and adopting sustainable energy practices. The savings were realized yearly following the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Administration Building, a key initiative spearheaded by the General Services and Infrastructure Project Management Office (GSIPMO) under the directorship of Engr. Marlon D. Sobreviga. This strategic move to harness solar energy has demonstrably reduced the university’s reliance on traditional electricity sources, resulting in substantial reductions in monthly utility expenses. “This three hundred twenty thousand pesos savings is a testament to the proactive and forward-thinking approach of the GSIPMO and the entire university administration,” stated Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, the Vice President for Administration and Finance. “The Solar Energy Project is not only a significant step towards reducing our operational costs but also aligns with our broader commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management.” University President Dr. Benjamin Pecayo also commended the team’s efforts and reasserted NwSSU’s commitment to sustainability. “Our goal is to build a strong and sustainable institution that not only provides quality education but also contributes to the well-being of our community and the environment,” Dr. Pecayo said. “Initiatives like the Solar Energy Project are crucial in achieving this vision and ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of our university.” The installation of the solar panels on the Administration Building represents a tangible outcome of the university’s cost-cutting program, which aims to identify and implement innovative solutions to optimize resource utilization. The GSIPMO played a crucial role in the planning, execution, and monitoring of the project, ensuring its successful completion and the realization of these significant financial benefits. The savings incurred in 2024 will be strategically reinvested into other crucial university programs and initiatives, further enhancing the quality of education and services offered to the students and the community. This successful implementation of the Solar Energy Project serves as a model for future sustainability initiatives within the university and potentially for other institutions in the region. NwSSU remains dedicated to exploring and adopting environmentally sound and economically viable solutions that contribute to its long-term growth and sustainability.