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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Office, successfully conducted its annual Institutional In-House Review (IHR) for Research on April 21–22, 2025, at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS) Multimedia Room. The two-day activity aimed to evaluate, strengthen, and provide expert feedback on the university’s proposed research projects, further promoting a culture of excellence in research among faculty members. This activity was organized by the Office of Research and Development Services (ORDS), headed by Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director of the Research Development Services, along with the collective efforts of ORDS personnel: Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte, Ms. Precious Joyce D. Ogdoc, Ms. Rhea Jenny V. Ogalesco, Dr. Rolly L. Ortiz, and Ms. Renalyn Caca. Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, delivered the welcome remarks on Day 1, emphasizing the university’s commitment to evidence-based innovation and research-informed extension programs. He noted the important role of rigorous peer collaboration in ensuring the quality and impact of institutional research initiatives. The panel of esteemed evaluators included Dr. Marilyn Radam, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations at DOST Region 8 and Chairperson of the Internal Regional Technical Evaluation Committee; and Dr. Isabelita M. Pamposa, Senior Science Specialist and Quality Manager at DOST Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory. They were joined by Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte, Research Specialist for Science and Technology of NwSSU’s Office of Research Development Services (ORDS) ; Dr. Ervin L. Rodriguez, Director of the NwSSU Innovation Office; and Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez, Director of NwSSU’s Extension Services. The review featured research proposals from multiple NwSSU’s colleges, reflecting a wide spectrum of academic innovation and inquiry. Projects tackled pressing issues and emerging needs in fields such as inclusivity, education, economics, environmental science, disaster risk reduction and resource management, agriculture, public health, information technology, and cultural studies. Day 2 of the program continued with the remaining presentations and transitioned to Terminal Reports, which are essential tools for effectively capturing, analyzing, and presenting real-time data and system performance metrics. Each presentation was followed by constructive feedback from the panel, aimed at refining the proposals’ soundness, relevance, and practical application. The event served not only as a platform for feedback and critique but also as a venue for academic exchange, mentorship, and encouragement, reinforcing NwSSU’s role as a beacon of research-driven development in the country.

In response to rising temperatures and the Extreme Caution Heat Index Alert recently issued by PAG-ASA across several provinces, the Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) consulted with Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) for technical support—specifically on heat index data generated by the university’s Automatic Weather Station (AWS). On April 22, 2025, CDRRMO personnel, including Mr. Joseph Von P. Catorce, Operation and Warning Division Chief; Mr. Ritchie Yabao, Early Warning Section Team Leader; and Mr. John Christian Tarrayo, Weather Forecasting Focal Person, visited the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) at NwSSU. They were welcomed by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for RIE, to review the latest data from the Automatic Weather Station. The meeting focused on understanding the current heat index levels and discussing how this real-time weather data could help mitigate the impact of extreme heat on the local population. The conversation centered on the AWS’s ability to track key weather variables like temperature, humidity, and wind speed which are essential for issuing accurate heat warnings and minimizing the risks associated with intense heat waves for the community. As a resource for public safety, the AWS plays an important role in turning weather data into actionable insights. Through this collaboration, NwSSU continues to contribute to local government efforts, showing how research and innovation can provide practical solutions for addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Both NwSSU and CDRRMO expressed the need to improve data-sharing, ensuring that both institutions are better prepared to tackle the increasingly unpredictable climate patterns facing the region. They also expressed interest in formalizing their partnership with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to solidify their ongoing collaboration and further strengthen disaster preparedness efforts.

The Business Affairs Office, in collaboration with the Project Development Unit, successfully spearheaded a lock-in write-shop on April 15–16, 2025, at the Northwest Samar State University Hotel and Restaurant Conference Hall, aimed at revising and enhancing the University’s Income Generating Projects (IGP) Manual. Organized in support of NwSSU’s strategic direction to institutionalize sustainable and policy-aligned income-generating initiatives, the write-shop gathered key university officials, technical writers, and subject matter experts to collaboratively update the 2016 IGP Manual. The event’s outcome is expected to provide a strengthened framework for financial management, integrate national guidelines from CHED, DBM, and COA, and align with relevant laws including RA 12009. It also incorporates sustainability principles, clearer performance metrics, and refined monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Tasked with refining the IGP manual were Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Dr. Nicolas L. Faller, Ms. Florabel C. Canaman, and Mr. John M. Tan with the guidance of Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, the write-shop facilitator. Providing wise technical insights as experts were Mr. Rodolfo B. Corrales, Atty. Ma. Cecile Candida Y. Rueda, Mrs. Ivy B. Aligam, and Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta. The prorgam management staff, composed of Engineers Mariel Jane F. Saberon and Ms. Moira Angelika T. Repaja, assisted the program managers in ensuring efficiency in the conduct of the activity. The write-shop promoted collaborative discourse and expert insights of policies critical to NwSSU’s financial sustainability. It also deepened institutional awareness on efficient IGP operations and laid the groundwork for the eventual finalization of a more responsive and future-ready IGP Manual. Through this, NwSSU is poised to boost the efficiency, profitability, and transparency of its income-generating programs, reinforcing its commitment to financial sustainability and institutional development.

Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) has secured a significant milestone after its project, “SIPAG of Vegetable Farms: Solar-Powered Irrigation and BioPesticide Application Grid with Mobile Control,” was selected as one of the 13 recipients of the 2024 Innovation Grants from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). This groundbreaking project was conceptualized and proposed by Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte, a faculty member of the College of Agriculture and Technology, who spearheaded the development of the SIPAG initiative.  SIPAG, which stands for Solar-Powered Irrigation and BioPesticide Application Grid, revolutionizes agricultural practices by integrating renewable energy and modern technology. The project focuses on utilizing solar-powered irrigation systems to provide a continuous and cost-effective water supply for vegetable farms. By harnessing solar energy, farmers can reduce their reliance on traditional fuel-powered machinery, decreasing operational costs and promoting environmental sustainability.  The initiative also emphasizes the application of biopesticides, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. This approach enhances crop protection and production while maintaining soil health and biodiversity. Furthermore, the integration of mobile control systems enables farmers to monitor and manage irrigation and pest control processes remotely, increasing efficiency and productivity.  The approval of SIPAG aligns with the goals outlined in the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document 2023-2032, showcasing Filipino ingenuity in addressing local agricultural challenges. By adopting innovative solutions, NWSSU aims to enhance food security, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and promote sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.  The SIPAG initiative represents a significant step towards modernizing Philippine agriculture by integrating renewable energy and smart technologies. NWSSU’s SIPAG project is expected to serve as a model for sustainable agriculture, demonstrating how technology-driven solutions can transform traditional farming practices for a greener and more efficient future.

In a proactive move towards sustainable tourism, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in shaping Samar’s Sustainable Strategic Tourism Development Plan 2025-2034 by joining a Site Attraction Evaluation across the province from February 18-22, 2025. Representing NwSSU’s Tourism Management program, Assistant Professors Ghilson B. Amor and Mia Cheryl E. Casiracan assessed cities and municipalities, identifying and evaluating potential and existing tourist attractions that align with sustainable development goals. This project is a collaborative effort with the University of Santo Tomas College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, represented by Assistant Professor Jame Monren Mercado, the UST Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (CCCPET), represented by Ms. Beverly M. Bautista, and the Samar Provincial Tourism Office, represented by Mr. Mario R. Piczon. Through this partnership, NwSSU reinforces its commitment to contributing to regional tourism development, supporting initiatives that benefit the province’s economy, tourism, and environment through sustainable means. 

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.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) actively participated in a collaborative project aiming to conserve Samar’s historic fortifications, primarily the Sta. Rita, Bangahon, and Zumarraga fortification sites, last February 5-8, 2025. The initiative, titled “Safeguarding the Sentinels of the Seas: Conservation of Samar Fortifications,” funded through the Ambassadors Fund of Cultural Preservation of US Department of State through US Embassy in the Philippines and the Provincial Government of Samar is led by the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (USTGS-CCCPET) headed by Ms. Beverly M. Bautista, in partnership with Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), along with Samar State University (SSU) represented by Ms. Maria Rubi M. Parrocho, and Samar Provincial Tourism Office (SPTO) represented by Mr. Etelbert Conde. Representing NwSSU in this endeavor is Dr. Joseph Emil A. David (Director of Research and Development Services), alongside EnP. Novlloyd Celeste (Head of the Innovation and Technopreneurship Hub), and Architect Vanessa Ayllon. Their involvement focuses on collaborating with USTGS-CCCPET on research, documentation, and architectural assessment, contributing to the broader efforts of preserving the province’s historical structures. The four-day site visit encompassed comprehensive ocular inspections and assessments of 13 historic fortification sites. These sites included Basey, Villareal, Bangahon, Tinago ruins, Bangon, Napalisan, Caparangasan, Zumarraga (Arteche Historical Park), Samar Provincial Jail, Paranas, Jiabong, Pinabacdao, and Sta. Rita, showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Throughout the project, the teams will conduct site surveys and memory mapping, engage in archival and historical research, and perform detailed architectural and structural analyses of various historical sites across Samar. These efforts aim to develop a comprehensive site development plan that will guide future conservation initiatives. By working alongside USTGS-CCCPET, and the Samar Provincial Tourism Office, NwSSU strengthens its role in cultural heritage preservation. The university’s participation highlights its commitment to integrating research and collaborative efforts to enable Samar’s fortifications and ensure their conservation for future generations.