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The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Bamboo Impact Lab OPC on June 17, 2025 at the Igorota Hall of the Northern Philippines Rootcrops Research and Training Center of Benguet State University to launch the Sustainable Bamboo Resource Optimization and Innovation Program (SBROIP), a university-led research and extension initiative by NwSSU. The agreement was signed by NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and BIL OPC President Dr. Anneth S. Rigon. The ceremonial signing was witnessed by Project Leader Teody Lester V. Panela, NwSSU Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza B. Gamusa, and Bamboo Impact Lab Managing Director Dr. Elmer S. Soriano. SBROIP aims to address local challenges in the bamboo industry through research, community engagement, and sustainable innovation. With focus areas including resource mapping, bamboo processing, digital systems development, and training, the project aligns with multiple global development goals and opens pathways for future policy, academic, and market collaborations between NwSSU and BIL OPC. Under the agreement, NwSSU is responsible for implementing the project, managing its budget allocation across personnel services, MOOE, and capital outlay, and submitting financial and terminal reports. The Bamboo Impact Lab OPC, on the other hand, will contribute technical expertise in bamboo processing and silica extraction, assist in capacity-building activities, and support market development and policy integration. For NwSSU, the partnership reinforces its commitment to applied research, community development, and innovation; positioning the university as a key member in advancing sustainable resource industries in the province and the region.

Sta. Margarita, Samar – May 23, 2025 — Guided by a shared commitment to nutrition and hygiene, students from the Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTED) program at Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) brought both joy and education to children in Brgy. Burabod, Sta. Margarita, Samar through their outreach initiative, NUTRILIKAS: Empowering Communities with Healthy Meals through the BTVTED-FSM Program.  With the theme “Feeding Drive for Children,” the program featured engaging activities, including discussions on “10 Kumainments and Pinggang Pinoy,” demonstrations on proper handwashing, energizers, and interactive games. Children also received nutritious lunch packs and snacks to reinforce the message of healthy eating.  The initiative was spearheaded by BTVTED 3 students and supervised by their BTVTED Instructor – Mr. Rowee O. Cañedo, alongside Mrs. Marianni Joy D. Lacaba and Mr. Russell Sambalilo. Through NUTRILIKAS, NwSSU continues to uphold its mission of service and community involvement—empowering students to become agents of positive change while nurturing healthier, well-informed communities.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) served as the venue for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pre-Deployment Activity for tutors and youth development workers on May 8 at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. As part of the preparations under the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, the event gathered school heads from Calbayog City, Sta. Margarita, San Jorge, and Matuguinao, alongside NwSSU faculty and staff, In his welcome message, NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo emphasized the university’s role in strengthening community-based education and highlighted the need to respond to gaps in the field of education with proactive collaboration. The activity, which covered child protection policies and guidelines under the Cash-for-Work scheme as part of the Tara Basa program, marks another step in NwSSU’s efforts to supporting national programs that promote literacy and youth empowerment. By hosting the deployment activity, NwSSU also reinforces its standing as an active partner in promoting education and its dedication to contributing meaningfully to regional development initiatives.

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.