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Ormoc City, Leyte – In a bid to promote economic empowerment and sustainability, Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) collaborated with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Ormoc City, in partnership with the Integrated Population Gender and Development Office (IPGDO) of Ormoc City to implement a multidisciplinary outreach program focusing on dishwashing liquid production, titled “Multidisciplinary Outreach for Sustainable Livelihood: A Gender-Inclusive Initiative for Barangay Officials”. The two-day event, held on March 21-22, 2025, at the Liga ng mga Barangay Conference Hall, gathered Sangguniang Barangay (SB) members from Ormoc City, Leyte, to equip them with practical skills in small-scale livelihood ventures. The initiative aimed to foster economic empowerment and sustainability within their respective communities. Recognizing the importance of capacity-building and skills development, the program featured a range of topics, including a gender-inclusive livelihood initiative discussed by Mrs. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel. Other topics included innovative uses of recycled materials, such as using recycled dishwashing bottles for vertical gardening, presented by Dr. Getulio A. Barcenas Jr., and creating innovative mini-greenhouses using used dishwashing liquid plastic bottles, demonstrated by Mr. Eduardo G. Espejon Jr. The participants were also taught how to produce simplified dishwashing liquid, led by Mrs. Jayrose P. Ortiz. On the second day, selected participants showcased their skills in a return demonstration, applying the knowledge and skills they acquired from the program. Additional topics covered included using social media as a powerful communication tool for business growth, discussed by Mrs. Margerie Mae B. David, creating customer loyalty and pricing strategies, presented by Dr. Iris B. Bejasa, designing display booths, demonstrated by Architect Vanessa R. Ayllon, enhancing biosecurity through the use of dishwashing liquid in footbaths, led by Mrs. Sance J. Secondez, and customer service communication, presented by Mr. John M. Tan. Each participant received a dishwashing liquid production kit, complete with pails, dippers, and plastic bottles, to facilitate the cascading of their newfound skills to their constituents. This initiative is a testament to the commitment of NWSSU, DILG Ormoc City, and IPGDO to promote sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment among Barangay officials. The event was made possible with the help of Mr. Jean Redi T. Briones, the City Local Government Operations Officer of DILG Ormoc City, and the rest of his colleagues and subordinates in DILG Ormoc City. By providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge, they can create a positive impact in their respective communities, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As Ormoc City is aptly known as the “City of Beautiful People,” this outreach program serves as a shining example of the city’s dedication to fostering beautiful and sustainable communities.

On February 17, Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance, led a meeting to develop an operational manual for the student dormitory. The gathering brought together heads of various offices and representatives from different colleges to establish comprehensive guidelines for effective dormitory management and student welfare. Key discussion points included admission procedures, room allocations, facility maintenance, security protocols, and student support services. The manual aims to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for students while promoting operational efficiency. The meeting concluded with a commitment to refining the draft based on the feedback received, ensuring that the final manual addresses the student’s needs and concerns. A follow-up session has been scheduled to finalize the guidelines before their implementation. This initiative underscores NwSSU’s dedication to creating a secure, well-managed, and student-friendly living environment that enhances the overall experience for its constituents.

https://nwssu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/AQOhNL1miOfq45qcJSzaIvcOx38rEHerWfM9nHM7EIOTLERAPkW0QbQlmAvM8jgx2SnVdEhT7vB187TccGkZWlII.mp4 The recent continuous rains in Eastern Visayas caused by the shear line and northeast monsoon resulted to flooding in 31 barangays, affecting 6,436 families in Calbayog City. NwSSU took an active role in aiding the affected communities and would like to extend a great appreciation to everyone who took part in the charity effort. #HawakKamay#RISENwSSU

Jam-packed with quality pursuits, the NwSSU delegates led by Dr. Benjamin Pecayo participated in the following activities: Expert Focus Forum, Opening Panel on Higher Education in APAC: Defining and Measuring Success, Panel Discussion on Quality and Quantity: Refining and Improving International Student Enrolment, Keynote on the Role of Universities in Nurturing and Preparing Talent for Future Work, and Open Research on Strategies to Maximize and Safeguard the Value and Trust in Research, November 7.

The Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and Department of Agriculture – City Agriculture Office (DA), in collaboration with NwSSU-College of Agriculture and Technology, undertook a three-day GIS seminar-workshop titled “Introductory GIS in Agriculture, Climate Change Adaptation, and Disaster Risk Reduction Management, Site Specific for Calbayog City, Samar” on October 24-26, 2023, at Malajog Ridge Park, Brgy. Malajog, Calbayog City, Samar. Mr. Wendell L. Ultra, the facilitator from NwSSU and one of the proud mentees of the late Dr. Alejandro F. Tongco, a Balik Scientist Fellow, shared his Geographic Information System (GIS) skills to help the said agencies make accurate and localized maps to prepare for precise decision-making involving geospatial data.During the workshop, problems were found regarding the veracity of the existing data from various agencies on barangay borders and some hazard maps, which therefore prompted the agencies to focus on localization regarding the creation and generation of maps. Various agencies came up with valuable outputs regarding landslide prone areas, storm surge prone areas, rice farmers GIS, and farmers and fisherfolks at risk with climate change. The knowledge and skills that the participants gained in the workshop will help communities and could save lives, especially in hazardous areas where early warning signs should be indicated.

September 13, 2023- The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), represented by Dr. Sandro C. Daguman, CDRRM Officer and Northwest Samar State University led by Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, inked Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for effective disaster management and response strategies alongside with the research presentation of Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension at the same time the Project’ Principal Investigator of UAV- Aided Decision Support Tool with Analytic Hierarchy Process for Floodplain Risk Assessment at BDC, NwSSU.  Dr. Ortiz together with his members discussed their research project titled, “Floodplain Risk Modeling Utilizing Analytic Hierarchy Process for Calbayog City.” This work focused on gathering spatial data for floodplain risk assessment in the city and involved generating flood risk map. Results imply that AHP offers a structured approach to decision making in evaluating alternatives based on multiple attributes. “Kadako sini na bulig para sa aton…kay diri tanan na disaster aton ma-prevent sugad san bagyo, so kinahanglan ta la ma-mitigate,” Dr. Sandro C. Daguman commended the project during his talk. He added that there are four thematic areas of disaster- prevention and medication, preparedness, response and recovery, and rehabilitation. The MOA signing was witnessed by the deans, directors, heads of units, faculty members, and visitors. Mr. Harris C. Tarrayo, Director of Center for Innovative Computing and Data Analytics, mentioned the two paramount significance of the activity: (1) the MOA signing is a pivotal partnership for addressing and mitigating disaster risks effectively within the city and (2) the research results disseminate valuable insights on disaster preparedness and response strategies to a wider audience. Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo also explained that the devastation of typhoon Yolanda in Region VIII is an eye-opener of the city to be vigilant and prepared for any risk and disaster. Both parties are benefited on the partnership since the research project conducted by NwSSU creates awareness and improves disaster resiliency among Calbayognons and the CDRRMO, as the beneficiary unit, and at the same time, the research project itself is a manifestation that NwSSU is adhering to research and extension as two of the fourfold functions of any university.   The event also paved way to presentations of other commendable research projects of the university.

Open a Kabayan Savings Account to:- Save starting with Php100- Enjoy waived maintaining balance for as long as there is regular international remittance transaction for 2 years- Get an ATM debit card and a passbookVisit the booth on July 13, 2023 located near the Registrar’s Office from 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

“Nalilipay gud ako nga nagkita kita!”- Gov. Sharee Ann T. TanSamar Gov. Sharee Ann T. Tan sat down with the university delegation led by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo for a consultative meeting on how the provincial government, through the Office of the Governor, can support the university’s development plans. Among the agreed plans and commenced preparations are the Affirmative Action Plan of Educational Assistance to deserving students from the province’s poorest of the poor class, Extension Program on Agriculture Courses and Scholarship Program for Agriculture students, enrolment of provincial department heads and administrators to the Masters in Public Management program of the Special Academic Program, implementation of the SMART City program of DOST with NwSSU as Partner Academe, Free Review Program for the examinees of the Civil Service Examination, and board examinations for Criminology, Education, Engineering, and Nursing graduates, Free Dental Services Program through the University Health Center, and expediting the process of preparations for the opening of the Nursing program this coming new academic year. After the consultative meeting, both parties signed the Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of the Purple Desk Program in NwSSU as one of the measures to promote the well-being of the people, especially the students in the university, by ensuring that mental health is valued, promoted, and protected through several intervention programs and activities. SIRAK Kabataan spearheads the contextualized sub-program for mental health called Purple Desk, which aims to provide efficient and effective mental health services to the university community in accordance with Section 15 of the Mental Health Act. The program will involve the training of university mental health trainers, advocates, and peer counselors and the establishment of a Purple Desk Center.