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Cebu City — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), represented by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Extension, and Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director of Research and Development Services, took part in the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization (TTCC) Zonal Conference for the Visayas Cluster on February 20, 2025, at Cebu Technological University. The conference introduced Program PROPEL, DOST’s commercialization arm designed to accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological innovations into successful enterprises. The event also highlighted other progressive initiatives, including STI4SDGs (Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development Goals) and PAGTANAW 2050, a long-term roadmap to align the Philippines’ STI efforts with global sustainability goals. DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization (TTCC), Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr., opened the conference, emphasizing the need for stronger collaborative innovation between academic institutions, government agencies, business chambers, and private enterprises. Cebu Technological University President Dr. Joseph C. Pepito and Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia delivered welcome messages, both expressing enthusiasm and optimism for the flagship projects. At the same time, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. highlighted the role of innovation in holistic national development. Representatives from various DOST regional offices and research institutions expressed their support for these initiatives, including Engr. Jesus F. Zamora Jr. (DOST VII Regional Director), Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga (DOST VI Regional Director), Dr. Leah J. Buendia (DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development)., Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang (Undersecretary for Regional Operations), Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora (Executive Director, DOST-PCAARRD), and Her Excellency Laure Nicole Stephanie Beaufils, British Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau. The conference featured presentations and workshops on emerging technologies such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence. Among the key speakers were Mr. Glenn Quiro, a technology advocate from the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International and a former Intel executive, as well as Dr. John Anthony Jose from De La Salle University. As the conference concluded, participants engaged in networking opportunities aimed at boosting collaborations for future technological commercialization endeavors. The presence of NwSSU at the event emphasizes the university’s commitment to leveraging science, technology, and innovation in promoting sustainable and highly adaptable ventures for economic and technological growth.

Northwest Samar State University through the Human Resource Development Office(HRDO), in partnership with the Human Resource Management Office(HRMO), hosted a comprehensive 3-Day Orientation Program designed to welcome and integrate new entrants into the organization from February 19 to 21, 2025, on the 2nd Floor of the NwSSU BDC Building Day 1: Institutional Overview and Professional Ethics The program’s first day began with opening remarks from Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension. He emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration among its faculty and staff. A pre-test facilitated by Ms. Jenith T. Salem, HRDO-Main Campus Director, and Mr. John M. Tan, HRDO-San Jorge Campus Associate Professor II followed to assess the participants’ knowledge. Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo, Head of the Planning Office, introduced NWSSU’s Vision, Mission, Core Values, and Quality Policy, providing a comprehensive overview of the university’s guiding principles. She emphasized how these foundational elements shape institutional policies and drive the university’s long-term goals. Following this, she presented the key officials and offices of NWSSU, detailing their respective roles and responsibilities in the institution. Dr. Helen S. Cabral then discussed professional ethics and workplace etiquette, providing the participants with insights on proper conduct. The session continued with Dr. Teody Lester V. Panela, University Statistician and former Director of Research and Development Services, elaborating on the university’s research services. Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez, Director of Extension Services, tackled extension programs of the University, highlighting the university’s commitment to forging partnerships and linkages. The day concluded with an in-depth discussion on NWSSU’s customized PRIME-HRM System of NwSSU and its processes which includes: RSP, L&D, SPMS, and R&R led by Ms. Maria Jona V. Ty, NwSSU Main Campus HRMO, Mr. John M. Tan, HRDO of NwSSU San Jorge Campus, Vice-president for Research, Innovation and Extension Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, and Mr. John Lloyd B. Tarrayo, HRMO Support Staff on behalf of Vice-president for Administrative Affairs Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling. Day 2: Quality Assurance, Finance, and Pedagogical Strategies The second day of the event focused on quality assurance and administrative processes. Ms. Claville Meneses, Head of Internal Quality Audit, discussed NWSSU’s quality assurance measures, followed by Ms. Jireh S. Fortaleza’s presentation on the University’s Quality Management System. Ms. Melanie Maria J. Senario, NwSSU San Jorge Campus Accountant and Ms. Jenith T. Salem, HRDO Director of NwSSU Main Campus provided guidelines on travel request processes and requirements, while Mr. Rodolfo B. Corrales, Jr., Supervising Administrative Officer, explained university financial matters. Personnel policies on government working hours and leave privileges were also presented by NwSSU Main Campus HRMO, Ms. Maria Jona V. Ty. The day concluded with a session led by Engr. Ignacio G. Tocayon Jr., Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture, on Outcomes-Based Education, teaching strategies, syllabus construction, grading systems, and class management. Day 3: University Services, Associations, and Financial Literacy The final day highlighted university services and personnel development. Ms. Toni Charm B. Calag, University Nurse III, introduced medical and dental services within the university, while Ms. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, Director of the Gender and Development Office, discussed gender sensitivity and gender mainstreaming. Dr. Jannel C. Alviola, Dean of the College of Education, elaborated on the four-fold functions of teachers. This was followed by a presentation from Dr. Leo Jesus M. Lacaba, Confederated President of FFPA-NWSSU and President of FANWSSU, introducing the Faculty Association, highlighting its role in advocating for the welfare of teaching personnel as well as the university’s Non-Teaching Personnel Association and its mission of upholding the rights of non-teaching personnel. The session also included an overview of Communication Manual CMO 63, s. 2017, by SIPP Coordinator Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe, and a discussion on financial literacy by Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, Director of Planning and Development Office. An open forum followed, allowing participants to raise questions and clarifications. The post-test assessment was conducted afterward. The event concluded with a closing ceremony where certificates were distributed by Ms. Maria Jona V. Ty, Ms. Jenith T. Salem, Mr. John M. Tan, and Ms. Florida C. Sison. In his closing remarks, For. Reynaldo R. Aquino, Campus Administrator of the San Jorge Campus, emphasized NWSSU’s commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, ensuring that all faculty and staff are well-equipped to fulfill their roles effectively. The program reaffirmed the university’s dedication to empowering its faculty and staff, ensuring that they are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to NWSSU’s mission of delivering quality education and public service. By equipping both teaching and non-teaching personnel with essential knowledge of university policies, ethical standards, and institutional goals, NWSSU aims to create an environment that promotes excellence, professional growth, and collaboration.