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Calbayog City, Samar — April 21, 2026The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Samar Field Office headed by Dir. Rey Albert B. Uy, and the Supervising Human Resource Specialist Mr. Rowell M. Amor, conducted its Mid-Term Review (MTR) for the awardees of the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM), with Northwest Samar State University among the institutions evaluated. The review forms part of the continuing assessment for agencies that have previously earned recognition under CSC’s PRIME-HRM program. NwSSU, a recipient of the Bronze Award pursuant to CSC Resolution No. 1801509, presented updated documents, evidences, and compliance reports covering the four core Human Resource Management (HRM) systems: Recruitment, Selection and Placement (RSP), Learning and Development (L&D), Performance Management (PM), and Rewards and Recognition (R&R). The activity was spearheaded by Ms. Maria Jona V. Ty, the head of the Human Resource Management Office, together with Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance Services, who formally opened the session by welcoming the CSC validators and university officials. The preparation was carried out in collaboration with the Human Resource Development Office led by HRDO Director Ms. Jenith T. Salem and the Planning Office headed by Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, contributing to the success of the activity. Also present during the meeting was Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, who actively participated and responded to several queries during the interview session. In the afternoon, the Officer-in-Charge University President, Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, joined the proceedings, extending appreciation to the CSC representatives for their continued guidance and support in aligning university practices with national HR standards. Following the evaluation, the CSC-Samar Field Office validators noted that the university has successfully maintained its Bronze Award status. This initial finding allows NwSSU to move forward in the process, with its MTR results set for endorsement to the CSC Regional Office through the Policies and Systems Evaluation Division (PSED). With its Maturity Level 2 status sustained, NwSSU is now positioned for the Full-Term Review (FTR), scheduled for the coming year—marking another step in the institution’s ongoing commitment to excellence and meritocracy in human resource management.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), represented by the Teatro Dagway Organization, proudly received the People’s Choice Award during the DBM–SUCs–CHED–TESDA FY 2025 Annual Agency Performance Review (APR) Conference Presentation held on March 3, 2026 at the D Pavilion, San Jose, Tacloban City. The recognition was awarded after NwSSU garnered the highest number of votes in the online poll, reflecting strong public support for its creative and impactful presentation of the University’s accomplishments and performance results. Through an engaging artistic performance delivered by Teatro Dagway, NwSSU effectively translated institutional achievements, budget utilization, and development initiatives into a compelling and accessible narrative. The presentation demonstrated how public resources are transformed into meaningful programs, services, and outcomes that benefit students, communities, and stakeholders. Winning the People’s Choice Award signifies that the audience and participants of the conference recognized NwSSU’s presentation as the most outstanding among the participating agencies. The award represents public appreciation, audience engagement, and the ability to communicate government performance in a clear, creative, and relatable manner. This recognition further affirms NwSSU’s commitment to  accountability, and innovation in public service, while showcasing the talents of its student performers who continue to bring pride to the University. The University extends its gratitude to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region VIII, partner agencies, and the voting audience for the support and recognition. Padayon, NwSSU!

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through the Office of Research and Development Services (ORDS), recently held an online engagement with representatives from Elsevier to explore how Scopus and Scopus AI can further strengthen the university’s research ecosystem. The virtual session brought together key NwSSU research personnel and Elsevier/Scopus representatives to discuss tools that can support evidence-based scholarship. Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director for Research and Development Services, and Mr. Ian D. Becoñado, University Statistician, represented Northwest Samar State University. From Elsevier/Scopus, Ms. Rafida Inas Fairuz, Sales Development Representative, and Ms. Cristy Pineda, Account Manager, joined the meeting to present how Scopus can serve as a strategic platform for institutional research growth. Scopus is Elsevier’s curated abstract and citation database that indexes literature from more than 27,000 academic journals across disciplines. Ms. Rafida Inas Fairuz opened the program with welcome remarks and a brief introduction of Elsevier and its suite of research solutions tailored for higher education institutions (HEIs). She emphasized Elsevier’s commitment to partnering with universities like NwSSU in building a more robust research culture and in advancing societal impact. This was followed by a comprehensive presentation from Ms. Cristy Pineda on how Scopus can help NwSSU researchers navigate global literature, identify influential works, and track citation impact more efficiently. She also provided an overview of Scopus AI, a generative AI–powered search tool that offers topic summaries, concept overviews, and key references using trusted Scopus content. During the session, Elsevier reiterated its readiness to support NwSSU through capacity-building activities, including specialized training for faculty members to become more proficient in using Scopus and Scopus AI for literature review, research design, and impact tracking. Scopus AI enables researchers to ask natural-language questions and receive synthesized, cited summaries of research topics, helping them quickly grasp existing work and identify gaps for further study. The NwSSU-ORDS expressed its intent to formally tap Scopus as a key partner in enhancing the visibility and quality of NwSSU research outputs. As a state university mandated to undertake research and extension services, NwSSU sees the integration of advanced analytics and discovery tools as vital to strengthening its contribution to national development and its standing in the global research community. By leveraging Scopus and Scopus AI, NwSSU aims to equip its faculty and researchers with deeper insights into global scholarship, more strategic publication planning, and stronger evidence of research impact, which can lead to increased Scopus-indexed outputs for the university. The collaboration is expected to support NwSSU’s drive to cultivate a more vibrant, data-informed research culture aligned with its vision of producing globally competitive and innovative graduates.

Espazio Café, Tacloban City – July 31, 2025 The Department of Tourism Regional Office VIII proudly hosted the Mini-Awarding Ceremony for the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) on July 31, 2025, at Espazio Café, Tacloban City. The event celebrated the dedication of tourism stakeholders and service providers who successfully completed the FBSE training program and consistently uphold the highest standards of hospitality, anchored in the Filipino core values. Attended by representatives from various tourism-related establishments, government agencies and institutions, the ceremony highlighted a shared commitment to positioning Eastern Visayas as a leading tourism destination distinguished by its culture of warmth, respect, and service excellence. More than a recognition of achievements, the gathering served as a reaffirmation of the region’s collective vision to raise the bar for customer service in the tourism and hospitality industries. Representing Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Ms. Maffel Ivy S. Nacinopa, core faculty member of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) program under the College of Management. NwSSU’s commitment to integrating service excellence to both academic instruction and professional practice, inspiring students and colleagues alike to embody the principles of genuine Filipino hospitality. As a proud stakeholder, NwSSU conveyed its sincere gratitude to DOT-RO8 for championing the FBSE program and for continuously engaging the academe in meaningful capacity-building initiatives. The university emphasized that embedding service excellence principles into the learning experience of faculty, students, and tourism practitioners contributes significantly to producing globally competitive graduates and cultivating a tourism sector that reflects authentic Filipino hospitality. NwSSU also commended DOT-RO8 for fostering partnerships among the academe, local enterprises, and government agencies, working together to enhance service quality standards in the region. The university expressed its enthusiasm for future collaborations that will further strengthen the synergy between education and industry, contributing to the sustainable development of tourism in Eastern Visayas. The program concluded with an inspiring message from the Dir. Karina Rosa S. Tiopes, Regional Director, DOT Regional Office VIII encouraging awardees to be true ambassadors of the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence within their institutions and communities ensuring that every guest’s experience in the region is memorable, meaningful, and authentically Filipino.

July 11, 2025 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, successfully conducted a Gender Sensitivity Orientation Seminar on July 11, 2025, at the Business Development Center. The event gathered university personnel, staff, and invited participants with the aim of deepening their understanding of gender sensitivity and promoting a more inclusive and respectful academic and workplace environment. The seminar commenced with an Opening Remarks and the Rationale of the Activity delivered by Mr. Eugene C. Calumba, Head of the University Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, on behalf of Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz. In his message, Mr. Calumba emphasized the significance of fostering safe, equitable spaces in academic and professional settings, reaffirming NwSSU’s strong commitment to gender equality and the mainstreaming of gender-sensitive practices across all university units and services. The first session was led by Mrs. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, GAD Director, who delivered an engaging and timely discussion on Gender Sensitivity in the Workplace. She addressed the importance of dismantling gender stereotypes, promoting equity, and ensuring fair and respectful treatment for all, regardless of gender identity or orientation. A legal perspective was provided by Atty. Ma. Cecile Candida Y. Rueda, University Ombudsman, through her session on Laws on Gender Sensitivity. Her presentation highlighted relevant national policies, legal safeguards, and the institutional responsibilities in addressing gender-based discrimination and upholding human rights. Health and emergency response topics were also covered. Ms. Toni Charm Calag, University Nurse, led a session titled “The Medical Responders”, which focused on the role of healthcare professionals in applying gender-aware approaches during medical emergencies. Representing the Bureau of Fire Protection, FO2 Evann Steve P. Ultra delivered a presentation titled The Rescuers, on behalf of City Fire Marshal FSINSP Tereso T. Tuazon. FO2 Ultra stressed the need for gender-sensitive strategies in emergency response and rescue operations, reinforcing the relevance of inclusivity even in crisis situations. The program concluded with the awarding of certificates to the speakers and participants, followed by the closing remarks. Through this initiative, NwSSU strengthens its ongoing commitment to equipping its academic community with the knowledge, tools, and values needed to build a more inclusive, respectful, and gender-sensitive university environment.

Cebu City — In pursuit of stronger institutional frameworks and future-proofing its core functions, the Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Division of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), in partnership with the University Budget Office, conducted a cross-learning activity and capability-building  in Cebu City from June 26 to 29, 2025. The activity commenced with official learning visits to Cebu Normal University (CNU) on June 26 and the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJR) on June 27. Both institutions, known for their forward-thinking approaches to research and extension—, particularly in integrating artificial intelligence—, shared their established research journals, manuals, policies, and operational strategies with the NwSSU delegation. In-depth discussions with university officials, along with tours of key facilities, enabled the team to document practical insights and observe firsthand how host institutions implement and sustain their research and extension initiatives. This initiative marks a significant leap forward in NwSSU’s commitment to advancing Research, Innovation, and Extension as an integrated thrust. By grounding manual development in reflective practices and contextual insights, the university is proactively positioning itself to elevate NwSSU’s role as a catalyst for inclusive, knowledge-driven development in the region. This initiative marks a significant leap forward in NwSSU’s commitment to advancing Research, Innovation, and Extension as an integrated thrust. By grounding manual development in reflective practices and contextual insights, the university is proactively positioning itself to elevate NwSSU’s role as a catalyst for inclusive, knowledge-driven development in the region.  

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.