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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) held its Health Symposium on December 6, 2025, at the NwSSU BDC, with the theme “Heal, Protect, Transform: Integrated Health Sessions on Mental Wellness and Anti-Sexual Harassment.” Hosted by the University Health Center, the event brought together Graduate School Students, for a day of learning and empowerment focused on critical health and safety issues. Undergraduate students with Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and Literacy Training Service (LTS) courses also attended the event virtually as part of their academic learning. The session kicked off with Mrs. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, Gender and Development (GAD) Director, who delivered a warm welcome message and shared the rationale behind the symposium—emphasizing the need to address gaps in mental health support and sexual harassment awareness among the university community. Ms. Toni Charm B. Calag, University Nurse, then introduced the first speaker, Dr. Ofelia Amores Monesit-Abayan, who led the discussion on mental health. Dr. Abayan’s discussion centered on the profound psychological impact of violence, discrimination, and harassment on individuals’ lives, while also providing practical guidance on how to respond when faced with such challenges—including knowing when and how to voice out and take action. Attendees actively engaged by sharing their personal experiences, fostering a safe environment. She also highlighted key tools and skills for mental wellness, such as integrating positive practices and strengthening resiliency to empower self-esteem. Following her insightful presentation, the university awarded Dr. Abayan with a certificate of appreciation. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Moving to the next phase of the event, Dr. Ellery D. Daguman, University Dentist, introduced Atty. Ma. Cecile Candida Yabao-Rueda, who discussed on sexual harassment and the legal frameworks governing it, mainly focusing on Republic Act (RA) 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) and RA 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995). Atty. Rueda elaborated complaint and investigation procedures, the role of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), penalties for violations, and strategies for prevention—including education, orientation, and gender sensitivity programs. She also stressed the importance of inclusivity and protection for all genders. After which, she was also awarded by the university a certificate of appreciation. The day concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Ian D. Becoñado, Multi-Faith Services Coordinator and CWTS Team Leader, who expressed gratitude to the university for prioritizing the safety and well-being of its stakeholders, as well as to the speakers for sharing their knowledge and expertise. He encouraged all students to not hesitate to report concerns to the University Health Center or GAD Office while assuring them full support and protection. Beyond benefiting the attendees, the symposium benefited as well NwSSU with its commitment to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive academic institution. The event also enhanced the university’s institutional reputation as a leader in addressing mental health and gender equality, aligned with its academic values of holistic student development. By equipping students and graduate students with knowledge and resources, the event prepares them to be responsible individuals who advocate for justice and wellness.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) proudly celebrates the success of its Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in English students who distinguished themselves at the 1st International and 3rd National Language and Literature Undergraduate Research Conference. Hosted by Leyte Normal University on November 27–28, 2025, the event saw NwSSU students showcasing exceptional research capability and academic confidence, earning recognition on the international stage. BSED English student Simon Peter Carl D. L. Maala brought home the Outstanding Paper Presentation Award after delivering a compelling presentation of his group’s study, “Exploring Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions of Translanguaging as a Pedagogical Tool.” Maala’s strong command of the topic, clear articulation, and insightful discussion impressed evaluators during the parallel sessions. The paper, co-authored with Regilene O. Salomon, Azi L. Cajurao, Ma. Fe Donadillo, and Alimar C. Deliquiña, was developed under the mentorship of Dr. Maria Lucil H. Dollado, whose guidance significantly strengthened the study’s scholarly depth. Representing the university with equal distinction, Aila L. Atis presented her group’s study titled “AI Reliance among Education Students: Basis for a Capability-Building Workshop on Responsible AI Use.” Delivered with poise and clarity, Atis’s presentation contributed to vital discussions on emerging technologies in education. The research, which highlights the need for ethical digital practices in academic work, was conducted with Dawn Bustillo, Rhea Encenares, John Alkind Pantaleon, Jesica Pobadora, and Vieda Zosie Talon under the advisership of Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada. These accomplishments strengthen NwSSU’s commitment to nurturing a robust research culture within the College of Education. The students’ success not only brings pride to the institution but also affirms the capability of “Norwesians” to excel in national and international academic arenas. NwSSU extends its warm congratulations to the presenters, researchers, and advisers for bringing honor to the university through their outstanding participation.

Faculty and non-teaching personnel from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the Training-Workshop on High Impact Extension Innovations with Field Exposure held on June 17–19, 2025, at Igorota Hall, Benguet State University (BSU) in La Trinidad, Benguet. The event brought together extension professionals and scholars to strengthen their skills in designing, managing, and evaluating community-centered, high-impact extension initiatives. The initiative was born out of the NwSSU Graduate School’s commitment to revitalize its extension mandate. In recent years, particularly during and after the pandemic, the University acknowledged a gap in faculty- and learner-initiated extension projects. This led to a purposeful exploration led by the VP for Administration & Finance who was concurrently the GS Extension Coordinator, joined by the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School, Extension Services Office, and Project Development Unit. This has resulted in proposing the training-workshop in partnership with the Bamboo Impact Lab OPC, led by Dr. Anneth Singh, Affiliate Scientist at Ateneo de Manila University. The effort aligns with the Commission on Higher Education’s Memorandum Order No. 15, s. 2019, which mandates graduate schools to promote advanced competencies that support agro-industrial productivity, entrepreneurship, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability. The event opened with a ceremonial signing between NwSSU, Civica Knowledge Management Solutions, and Bamboo Impact OPC—formally establishing a tripartite linkage in support of innovative, partnership- driven extension work. This was followed by plenary sessions that set the tone for the workshop’s central themes. The session titled “SIGLAT: Innovations in Youth and Community Development” was delivered by Mr. Adrian Leung on behalf of Dr. Donna R. Tabangin, followed by Dr. Marren Adan’s presentation on “Blue Economy Breakthroughs: Research-Based Extensions in Countryside Maritime.” Dr. Anneth Singh led the session on “Bamboo Impact Breakthroughs: From Research-Based Innovations to Business-Based Extensions,” and the final talk, “Bridging Leadership: Connecting Leadership Innovations and High-Impact Extension,” was facilitated by Dr. Elmer Soriano. On the second day, NwSSU participants engaged in a field exposure activity at the BSU Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry. Here, they interacted with project implementers and local stakeholders, gaining insights into how partnerships are initiated and sustained, how stakeholder relationships are nurtured, and how support systems, including funding mechanisms, are mobilized. These reflections guided the afternoon training-workshop, where participants crafted community involvement plans and designed partnership pipelines for extension projects. Outputs were presented, critiqued, and refined through collaborative feedback. The third day featured another field visit—this time to the BSU Agri-based Technology Business Incubator/Innovation Center (ATBI). Participants met with startup incubatees to learn about their entrepreneurial ventures, the institutional support provided by ATBI, and the importance of research- driven enterprise in rural development. The culminating training session back at Igorota Hall focused on developing impact assessment tools for extension programs. Participants shared their drafts and received constructive critiques to enhance effectiveness and applicability. The workshop concluded with a closing program that reinforced key insights and celebrated the participating institutions’ collective commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and high-impact extension practices. For NwSSU, the event significantly enhanced the competencies of its faculty and non-teaching staff in building strategic community linkages and responsive extension frameworks. It also enriched their professional growth and bolstered the University’s capacity to spearhead transformative, partnership- centered development in the region.

Ten faculty members from the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences (CCJS) of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the 11th World Conference on Women’s Studies held from May 29 to 30, 2025, in Bali, Indonesia The delegation not only represented NwSSU in one of the most prominent global platforms for gender discourse but also formalized the university’s international academic partnership with The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM). As part of the event, the faculty members presented a research paper centered on gender equality, adding to the global conversation on women’s rights and social justice through research-based insights Their participation marked a defining moment in the university’s global journey, amplifying the impact of its research and contributing meaningfully to international academic discourse. It also opened new avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange, strengthening NwSSU’s presence in the global academic community.

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.

NwSSU’s Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling together with representatives of other SUCs MANILA – Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) is actively taking part in the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, represented by Dr. Rhio Dimakiling on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo. The two-day event which opens today, is currently being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manila, gathering over 800 participants from more than 40 countries and 20 local governments to advance open governance, public participation, and digital transformation. The meeting serves as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and commit to ambitious reforms under the Open Gov Challenge, a global initiative introduced at the 2023 OGP Global Summit in Tallinn. This challenge urges governments to design and implement policies that address today’s governance complexities while promoting participatory and resilient democracies. Photo by: Presidential Communication Office During the opening plenary, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country’s commitment to open governance, highlighting key initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and public participation. “Beyond our variances in our approaches, our shared vision is clear-cut: we want every budget allocation, policy decision, and program implementation to involve public participation—all in pursuit of the empowerment and upliftment of our people,” he stated. Dr. Dimakiling joined high-level decision-makers and leaders as they outlined their vision for strengthening transparency and accountability in governance. Key discussions throughout the day included leadership strategies for advancing OGP’s goals from 2023 to 2028, the role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in governance, and initiatives promoting open data inclusivity. A session on the road ahead for open government in the Philippines tackled governance reforms and challenges specific to the country. Photo by: Presidential Communications Office The event also highlighted the importance of youth participation in climate change policies, along with strategies to protect public space and empower civil society organizations. Conversations on mainstreaming citizen participation in decision-making and strengthening national-local collaboration were also key areas of focus. Today’s schedule will conclude with a Cultural Night, where participants may engage in a cultural exchange showcasing various world heritages. Discussions will continue tomorrow, with sessions focusing on mainstreaming open government, citizen participation in policymaking, and national to local collaboration. NWSSU’s participation emphasizes the institution’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement as it aligns with global and regional movements toward open government. The 2025 OGP Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting highlights the shared dedication of governments and civil society to foster more inclusive, transparent, and accountable societies by advancing open governance.