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Calbayog City, August 30, 2025 — The Graduate School of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) officially opened the academic year with a comprehensive Orientation Program at the Business Development Center, welcoming both new and continuing students. The event highlighted the university’s commitment to quality graduate education, student services, and academic excellence. In her opening remarks, Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa reminded students that they are central to the institution’s success. “Please take note that your role as a student is important in helping us achieve our goals. By embodying the RISE values, you directly contribute to the graduate school’s success. Your resilience in overcoming academic hurdles, integrity in your research, and commitment to excellence in your scholarly work elevate the quality of our entire institution. When you engage in service through your research, you help solve real-world problems and enhance the reputation of NwSSU. Simply put, when you RISE, we all RISE,” she said. Representing the University President, Dr. Rhio Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered the inspirational message. He encouraged students to be motivated by the example of their professors, many of whom are also pursuing higher degrees. “If your professors, despite their busy schedules, still find time to study, so should you. Let this be your motivation — never grow tired of learning,” he emphasized. The same spirit was echoed in the closing remarks of Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, who not only encouraged perseverance but also gave recognition to the faculty. In a symbolic moment, he called each professor of the Graduate School on stage, introducing them one by one to the students. “Graduate education requires discipline and dedication, but the reward is greater impact in your communities and professions,” he said, emphasizing the collaborative journey between mentors and learners. Academic updates and services were presented, including Registrar Services by Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV and Graduate School Operations by Dr. Teody Lester Panela. Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, SAS Director, led an important session on student rights, duties, and responsibilities, reminding students of their integral role in shaping an ethical and engaged graduate community. The day also showcased the talents of graduate students, with Philip Joseph C. Franco performing an intermission, Ms. Maureen Durmiendo, a MAED Language Teaching student, giving a surprise number, and the NwSSU Rondalla offering cultural music. These performances highlighted the diverse strengths and creativity of the student body. The event was hosted by Mr. John Lloyd Tarrayo, a MAED Language Teaching student, who guided the flow of the program with energy and confidence. Currently, the NwSSU Graduate School is home to students enrolled in diverse academic tracks. These include doctoral students in the PhD in Education major in Educational Administration (PHDE) and the PhD in Management (PhDM), as well as master’s students pursuing MAED with majors in Administration and Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction, Language Teaching, and Cultural Education, along with Other programs are the Master of Arts in Science Education (MASE), Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (MAME), Master of Arts in Public Management (MAPM), Master of Arts in Business Administration (MABA), Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM), Master of Science in Guidance Counseling (MSGC), and the Master in Information Technology (MIT) programs. The orientation served not only as an information-sharing activity but also as a celebration of both students as partners in academic excellence and faculty as dedicated mentors, reinforcing NwSSU’s commitment to cultivating leaders and innovators in education, management, science, business, and technology.

With the theme “Bawat Kawani, Lingkod Bayani: Puso, Dangal, at Galing Para sa Bayan,” this year’s celebration honors the unwavering dedication of public servants in realizing the aspirations of a Bagong Pilipinas through patriotism, excellence, and integrity in service. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the enduring role of the civil service as the permanent bureaucracy that sustains governance beyond electoral terms, preserves institutional memory, and ensures the effective implementation of programs for the Filipino people. https://nwssu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/aa2ee02a-bf09-4fc0-b370-327ed811f53c-1.mp4#t=1 Civil Service Commission Chairperson Atty. Marilyn B. Yap, meanwhile, highlighted Lingkod Bayani, a program that recognizes exemplary performance and integrity, as well as honors fallen civil servants through the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani (PLBi). NwSSU takes pride in standing with the Philippine civil service as it reaffirms its commitment to responsive, ethical, and transformative public service.

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.

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII (CHED RO VIII) and university presidents from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) in Eastern Visayas gathered last January 30, 2025 at the CHED Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City, for a reconciliation meeting with the Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD). Led by Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, CESO III, Director IV of OPSD, and Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe Jr., CESO III, Director IV of CHED Regional Office VIII, the meeting centered on evaluating compliance documents submitted in response to deficiencies identified during the recent joint Technical Committee (TC) and Regional Quality Assurance Team (RQAT) evaluation of engineering programs. Additionally, the review of compliance documents for graduate programs and the scheduling of upcoming TC and RQAT visits for various graduate programs were discussed. Representatives from Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) attended the meeting, including Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, Dean of the Graduate School; and Engr. Ignacio G. Tocayon Jr., Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture. Guided by CHED Regional Memorandum Order No. 12, Series of 2025, the discussion aimed to ensure that higher education institutions in Region VIII meet the required standards, reaffirming their commitment to quality education and accreditation compliance. The reconciliation meeting marks a significant step towards enhancing the quality of higher education in Region VIII. CHED RO VIII remains committed to supporting and guiding SUCs and LUCs in their pursuit of excellence, ultimately benefiting the students and communities they serve.

The second day of the COEd Teaching Demo Fest unfolds today, featuring another batch of aspiring educators presenting their lesson plans and teaching skills to a panel of evaluators. Hosted at the COEd Building, today’s sessions sustained the event’s momentum as a new group of student teachers delivered their teaching demonstrations. Evaluators, comprising internship supervisors and COEd faculty members, provided constructive feedback during post-conference sessions, guiding participants in refining their pedagogical strategies and classroom management techniques. The Demo Fest continues to serve as an invaluable platform, equipping future educators with practical experience and insights in preparation for their forthcoming internships.

JANUARY 27 — Northwest Samar State University’s College of Education (COEd) kicked off its highly anticipated Teaching Demonstration Festival, a week-long showcase of innovative teaching strategies and techniques. Aspiring educators, poised for deployment, will put their skills to the test in simulated classroom settings, receiving valuable feedback from esteemed panels of Internship Supervisors and COEd faculty. This immersive event serves as a critical platform for pre-deployment student teachers to hone their instructional expertise, refine lesson plans, classroom management and gear up for successful careers in education. Dr. Richard N. Verdeflor, a COED faculty member and internship supervisor, highlighted the festival’s purpose: “The demonstration festival is a showcase of talent and refining teaching skills. It serves as a platform for aspiring teachers to demonstrate their pedagogical skills and allows constructive feedback and peer learning helping practice teachers identify areas for improvement.” The program, which will run until January 31, aims to enhance teaching competencies, foster innovative methodologies, and ensure future educators adopt best practices before entering real classroom settings. With a focus on hands-on preparation and collaborative mentorship, the fest highlights COED’s commitment to shaping effective, confident teachers ready to inspire tomorrow’s learners to bridge the gap between the theory and practice, enabling aspiring future educators.

January 22, 2025 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) key officials and representatives gathered today at the President’s Boardroom to deliberate and prioritize the Proposed Programs, Activities, and Projects (PAPs) for Fiscal Year 2026. The meeting served as a crucial step in addressing feedback and concerns raised during the Consultative Meeting with internal and external stakeholders held last October 28,2024. Through collaborative discussions, the officials aimed to align the proposed initiatives with NwSSU’s institutional goals and the needs of its constituents This strategic planning session highlights NwSSU’s commitment to inclusive decision-making, ensuring that its programs and projects are thoughtfully designed to drive institutional growth and positively impact the university’s progressive development.