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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) researchers Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez and Mr. Louiesito A. Magnaye Jr. were recognized as Best Oral Research Presenters under the Social Sciences Track (Set C) at the 2nd International Research Opportunities, Developments, and Extension Outcomes (IRODEO) Conference 2025, held from June 16 to 18 at Liceo de Masbate, Masbate City. Their presentation, “Tambalan: An Ethnobotanical Study of Traditional Healers and Herbal Medicines in Barangay Peña II, Calbayog City,” earned praise for its depth, relevance, and social significance. The study documents the medicinal practices of local tambalans (traditional healers), detailing 62 medicinal plants, preparation methods, and the spiritual and communal dimensions of healing. The research reveals how oral traditions, indigenous rituals, and experiential learning form the bedrock of grassroots healthcare in areas with limited access to modern medicine. The research was a joint endeavor with fellow NwSSU researchers Mr. Vercelle A. Docdoc and Mr. Shian A. Morallos, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach that bridges ethnobotany, cultural studies, and community health. Together, the team spotlighted not only the rich botanical knowledge preserved in rural practice, but also the vital sociocultural roles of healers serving Calbayog’s communities. This recognition strengthens NwSSU’s growing influence as a hub for culturally grounded, community-responsive research. By engaging deeply with themes rooted in Samar’s local traditions and lived experiences, the university continues to champion scholarship that is inclusive, transformative, and anchored on local realities. The award also reinforces its strategic emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems.

June 16, 2025 | Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City  To advance academic leadership, graduate instruction, research culture, and library modernization, faculty members of the Graduate School and key administrators from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) embarked on a cross-learning visit to Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) on June 16, 2025.  Representing the Graduate School were Mrs. Jenith T. Salem, Mr. John M. Tan, Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada, Dr. Nelcie E. Mabini, Dr. Judith S. Calamayo, Dr. Maria Lucil H. Dollado, Mr. Rodel Ventures, and Engr. Christian S. Cabral. They were joined by university officials Engr. Nemesio F.M. Napuran and Engr. Elegrecio M. Timan, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and institutional development.  The delegation was warmly welcomed by Dr. Rafael A. Guerrero, Dean of the School of Science and Engineering, who shared Ateneo’s best practices in graduate education, research integration, and faculty advancement. He emphasized the significance of interdisciplinary approaches, research-driven instruction, and sustained academic linkages in fostering innovation across science and engineering disciplines.  Further enriching the visit, the NwSSU team engaged with Dr. Joel T. Maquiling, Research Scientist and Head of the Geodynamics Research Laboratory, who provided insights into ongoing geophysical and seismological studies. They also met with Prof. Ivan B. Culaba from the Department of Physics—a distinguished faculty member with roots in Leyte—who shared perspectives on enhancing regional science education.  A guided tour of Ateneo’s premier libraries, led by Sir Edsel, the Head Librarian, offered the visitors an exclusive look at the Old Library, the Asia Pacific Library, and the renowned Rizal Library. The group had the rare opportunity to view national treasures, including original copies of José Rizal’s El Filibusterismo, his personal study desk, and a preserved film copy of La Solidaridad. Ateneo’s advanced library systems, digital archiving practices, and knowledge preservation strategies provided valuable insights into modern academic resource management.  This immersive academic exposure allowed NwSSU educators and administrators to reflect on innovative models for instructional development, research enrichment, and library modernization—key initiatives that will inform future enhancements in graduate education at the university.

Northwest Samar State University formally presented its BANTAY (Blue Economy Action for Nurturing Transformation and Adaptive Yields), an extension project championed by the Graduate School, to the Philippines Coast Guard’s CGSSIAC (Coast Guard Strategic Studies and Implementation Affairs Center), for exploring specific areas of collaborations on the implementation of the project Mr. Jake B. Calagos served as the main presenter for the NWSSU team, led by Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV. The delegation also included Engr. Eugene S. Calong, Dr. Enrique B. Montecalvo, Dr. Ma. Bernadette A. Lucero, Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe, Mr. Clark Mujeres, and Mr. Neil Getalado. Their proposal introduces a multi-sectoral framework that integrates participatory engagement, policy alignment, and technological innovation to promote sustainable coastal economies. Personnel from the CGSSIAC, led by Capt. Jomel Q. Panes, PCG (Chief of the Doctrine, Strategy, and Policy Division), attended the presentation alongside Lieutenant Commander Lenar Augustus A. Limbag, PCG (Chief, Office of Strategy Management), and Commander Aileen P. Cainap, PCG (Chief, Office of Strategic and Special Studies). Their participation reinforced the importance of strategic alignment between academic research and maritime governance. The BANTAY Project employs a Blue Economy approach that emphasizes the responsible and sustainable use of ocean resources to improve livelihoods, encourage economic diversification, and ensure long-term ecosystem health. Framed within a three-year timeline, the project outlines a progression from initiation and capacity building in the first year to implementation and scaling in the second, and sustainability and institutionalization in the third. The presentation underscored the project’s goal to enhance coastal resilience through climate-smart fisheries, ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, and inclusive education campaigns. It also highlighted the need for strong partnerships among local stakeholders, government agencies, private institutions, and community organizations to ensure broad-based support and effective governance. In response to worsening climate challenges—such as overfishing, unpredictable weather patterns, and habitat degradation—the BANTAY Project seeks to equip fisherfolk with the tools, knowledge, and support systems necessary to sustain both environmental conservation and economic stability. By anchoring its strategies in community realities and scientific research, the project envisions long-term, scalable solutions tailored to the specific needs of vulnerable coastal areas. NwSSU’s collaboration with the CGSSIAC reflects its growing commitment to producing research-driven initiatives with real-world impact. The event also marked an important step in aligning academic proposals with the country’s marine development agenda under the Blue Economy framework.

Four distinguished faculty members from the Graduate School of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) proudly represented the university at the 2025 Asian-GRAduate Studies Summit (A-GRASS), held from May 21 to 24 at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE), Vietnam. Organized by the Asia Pacific Consortium of Researchers and Educators (APCORE), A-GRASS 2025 brought together academic leaders, researchers, and graduate education experts from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond—including India, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Nigeria. The summit served as a dynamic platform for engaging in meaningful dialogues on sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration, under the theme: “Bridging Knowledge to Action: Transformative Graduate Education and Research for a Sustainable Asia.” Representing NwSSU at the summit were faculty members of the Graduate School: Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Program Chair of the Master of Arts in Mathematics Education and Master of Engineering Management; Dr. Rolyn A. Catamora, Quality Assurance Director and Program Chair of the Master of Arts in Business Administration; Avin Carl V. Cruzada, faculty of the Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program and Creative Works Director; and Engr. Christian Cabral, faculty of the Master of Arts in Mathematics Education (MAME) program and Graduate School Quality Assurance Coordinator. “We are serious in our commitment to shaping a more responsive and relevant graduate education—one that truly makes an impact beyond the classroom. That is why we sent our faculty to A-GRASS 2025 in Vietnam. Their presence not only represents NwSSU but also reflects our shared desire to grow, learn from others, and contribute to building a more sustainable and connected academic community,” said Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, Dean of the Graduate School.

In a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and community empowerment, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and Bamboo Impact OPC, Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. The partnership aims to conduct a Training-Workshop on High Impact Extension Projects with Field Exposures for the Graduate School Faculty. Key Objectives of the Partnership – Enhance Extension Services: Boost the extension services feats of the NwSSU Graduate School – Uplift Marginalized Communities: Improve the conditions of marginalized sectors in communities surrounding the university – Capacity Building: Equip graduate school faculty with skills and knowledge to design and implement high-impact projects The MOA signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, representing NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, and Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, who facilitated the activity. Bamboo Impact Lab was represented by Dr. Anneth Singh and Dr. Elmer Soriano. This partnership is a testament to NwSSU’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and community engagement. By working together, NwSSU and Bamboo Impact OPC, Inc. aim to create positive change in the lives of marginalized communities and contribute to the university’s extension services goals. Northwest Samar State University is a public university governed by the government in the Philippines, located in Calbayog, with an extension campus in San Jorge, Samar. The university is mandated to provide advanced education, higher technological, and professional instruction in various fields. While specific details about Bamboo Impact OPC are limited, the organization’s focus on bamboo-related initiatives aligns with the provincial government’s efforts to promote sustainable practices and combat climate change through bamboo planting.

May 14, 2025 – To uphold academic integrity and promote a culture of research excellence, the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Graduate School held its Public Research Presentation at the 4th Floor of the Administration Building, in full compliance with CHED Memorandum Order No. 15, s. 2019, “Policies, Standards, and Guidelines for Graduate Programs.” The event gathered graduate students, faculty members, academic administrators, and an esteemed panel of evaluators to witness the formal presentation of approved theses – an institutional requirement for the completion of graduate programs. As stipulated by CHED, graduate students are mandated to produce a major scholarly output which must be publicly presented before its eventual publication in the university or peer-reviewed journal. The program commenced with a rationale and welcome message from Dr. Jannel C. Alviola, Doctor of Philosophy major in Educational Administration (PhDEA) Program Chair, who emphasized the crucial role of research in addressing systemic societal challenges. University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo followed with a message of support, underscoring the importance of integrating advanced academic research into institutional progress, innovation, and sustainable development. Doctoral candidates presented their dissertations before an esteemed panel comprising Dr. Edelyn O. Echapare, Director of the Environmental Sustainability Research and Development Center of Samar State University; Ms. Galina V. Panela, Senior Education Program Specialist of SGOD-Planning and Research Section of the DepEd Schools Division of Calbayog City; and Charmaine C. Perito, Program Producer and Announcer I at the Bureau of Broadcast Services (Radyo Pilipinas Calbayog). The panelists provided insightful critiques and posed thought-provoking questions to ensure research alignment with academic standards and contemporary needs. In recognition of their contributions, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ramil S. Catamora and Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa presented certificates of appreciation to the panelists and research presenters. In his closing remarks, Dr. Catamora emphasized the Graduate School’s commitment to nurturing adaptive innovators through evidence-based research. This event reiterates NwSSU’s dedication to research excellence, reinforcing the university’s mission to generate transformative innovations and scholarly outputs aligned with both regional and national development goals.

In a four-day intensive workshop held from May 13 to 16, 2025, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its Innovation Office, empowered local innovators and MSMEs with critical knowledge in intellectual property through the IP Activity Writeshop: Patent Search and Drafting 2025 for MSMEs. The capacity-building event, held at the university’s Business Development Center, convened aspiring patent holders from NwSSU’s various departments to delve into the foundations of patent documentation and protection – an essential step toward commercializing innovation and safeguarding original ideas. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ramil S. Catamora emphasized the growing need for inventors to understand intellectual property landscape, especially in the context of local enterprise development and academic research. Throughout the writeshop, subject matter experts from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) led hands-on sessions, including patent search, claim drafting, specification writing, and formatting of technical drawings. Afternoon sessions also included an open forum and evaluation following the workshops lead by the guest speakers. Mr. Romeo Jason L.  Padulla, IP Specialist from IPOPHL, opened the series with in-depth discussions on patent search strategies and interpreting International Patent Classification (IPC) codes. Succeeding sessions were conducted by Engr. Eric C. Paden, Assistant Division Chief of the IPOPHL Regional Operations Division, who guided participants through the technical processes of claim drafting, specification writing, and patent drawing standards. The writeshop concluded with closing remarks from Ervin L. Rodriguez, Director of the Innovation Office, who highlighted the University’s commitment to nurturing innovation and transforming research outputs into protected, impactful technologies. With this initiative, NwSSU reinforces its role as a catalyst for sustainable development and inclusive innovation in the region.

Credits to NwSSU Research, Innovation and Extension Office Northwest Samar State University, together with Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, will be hosting the 2nd International Conference on Resource Management and Governance (RMUTCON 2025 Special Session) on 22-24 July 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. Do you want to present your paper? You may register and submit your Abstract through this form, or scan the QR code below, until 15 June 2025: https://forms.gle/HMKgm88a6A7nY3Z77(file name format: 2ICRMG-Last Name-First Name)

Catbalogan City, Samar – On May 5, 2025, 263 pre-service teachers from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators (PAFTE) 8 Regional Pre-service Teachers’ Congress 2025, held at the Maceda Gymnasium of Samar State University (SSU). Themed “Shaping the Futures of AI-Supported Teaching and Learning: Upholding Pedagogical Duty for Inclusion and Affirmative Action,” the congress gathered aspiring educators from universities and colleges across Samar, including NwSSU Main and San Jorge Campus, SSU, Eastern Samar State University, University of Eastern Philippines, Christ the King College of Calbayog, and Samar Colleges. The event provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education, with a particular focus on inclusion and affirmative action in pedagogy. Photo by The Tradesman In continuation of its successful 2024 iteration, the event featured a series of insightful sessions, beginning with a keynote address by Dr. Edward Jay M. Quinto, Dean of Mapúa University’s School of Education and Basic Studies. Dr. Quinto’s address highlighted the critical role of AI in tackling global challenges within teaching and learning environments. The afternoon session included a talk show with notable Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) topnotchers from Samar Island. Featured speakers Rhea Mae Baillo (ESSU-Main, Top 6, LEPT September 2022), Maria Shara Lene Lamoste (SSU-Main, Top 10, LEPT March 2024), and Darryl Tambis (NwSSU-Main, Top 7, LEPT September 2024) shared their personal journeys to success, providing invaluable study tips and motivational insights to aspiring teachers. Photo by The Tradesman Other sessions focused on redefining pedagogy to enhance inclusivity, led by Dr. Perlita Vivero, ETEEAP Director of Leyte Normal University , and developing ethical technological frameworks for quality teaching, presented by Dr. Marife Daga, also from Leyte Normal University. These sessions aimed to equip future educators with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly digital and inclusive educational landscape. NwSSU delegates also showcased their competitive spirit in the congress’ quiz bee, with participants finishing in second and third place, further highlighting the excellence of the university’s pre-service teachers. The PAFTE 8 Regional Pre-service Teachers’ Congress proved to be a valuable experience for NwSSU’s pre-service teachers, who actively participated in discussions and showcased their skills. Their involvement in the event highlights NwSSU’s commitment to equipping future educators with the knowledge and tools necessary for success in today’s evolving educational landscape.

After a productive series of accreditation activities, including the virtual campus tour on April 29 that showcased facilities and learning resources, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) reached another key milestone in the AACCUP Preliminary Survey Visit with the Exit Conference held via Zoom on May 2, 2025. University officials attended the virtual conference, where the accrediting team offered their general impressions of NwSSU’s performance. While no official findings or results were presented, the accreditors praised the university’s clear commitment to academic quality and continuous improvement. The well-organized virtual tour and document presentation were among the aspects positively noted during the session. The Exit Conference also featured a simple awarding of certificates to the accreditors in appreciation of their work and collaboration throughout the visit. NwSSU remains committed to pursuing excellence through active engagement in accreditation processes, using each phase as an opportunity for growth and institutional enhancement.