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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) facilitated a five-day training on competency-based professional development for Child Development Workers (CDWs), teachers (CDTs), and social welfare personnel (MSWDO) from May 18 to 22, 2026, at the Diamond Hotel in Catarman, Northern Samar. The institutional extension project aimed to standardize public childcare operations and establish a benchmark for regional early childhood care. The sessions upgraded instructional and administrative skills through structured technical workshops. Frontline workers participated in hands-on training for designing creative learning experiences, practicing early literacy storytelling, and constructing teacher-made instructional materials. The curriculum also included practical exercises on child portfolio management, work sampling, anecdotal recording, and the formulation of localized daycare disaster risk and response plans. As the capital town and a major economic hub, Catarman serves as a model for educational standards in Northern Samar. Elevating the competencies of childcare providers in this central locality sets a higher standard that directly influences instructional practices in neighboring towns. The initiative reinforces the university’s commitment to community-driven development, ensuring that advancements made in the capital town help improve early childhood milestones throughout the wider region. #ASCENDNwSSU

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its University Health Center, conducted a four-day Standard First Aid (SFA) Training from June 16 to 19, 2026, at the second floor of the Business Development Center (BDC) Building. The training aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical skills in responding to emergencies and providing immediate care during accidents and medical situations. The activity opened with a rationale from Dr. Ma. Cleta A. Santos, who underscored the importance of first aid preparedness in ensuring safety within the University community. Participants then engaged in discussions and demonstrations facilitated by Dr. Sandro C. Daguman, Mr. Joseph Von P. Catorce, Ms. Ma. Fatima Shaira D. Adona, and Ms. Jamaica A. Ultra, covering essential first aid principles and emergency response procedures. Throughout the training, participants gained hands-on experience through return demonstrations and skills evaluation activities designed to assess their competence in applying first aid techniques. The practical sessions allowed trainees to reinforce their learning and build confidence in responding to real-life emergency situations The final days of the training focused on continued return demonstrations and skills assessments, ensuring that participants met the required competencies in basic emergency care and response. The activity concluded with the awarding of certificates to participants who successfully completed the program. Dr. Ellery D. Daguman delivered the closing remarks, commending the participants for their commitment to learning skills that can help save lives and contribute to a safer University environment. Through initiatives such as the Standard First Aid Training, NwSSU continues to promote health and safety awareness while empowering members of the University community with practical competencies that support preparedness, resilience, and service.

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) formalized an academic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held during the International Conference on Science Uniting Social, Health, and Environmental Aims for Innovation and Networking (iSUSTAIN) on June 15–17. The agreement provides opportunities for both institutions to collaborate in areas such as faculty exchange, research, extension programs, and other academic initiatives that promote knowledge sharing and institutional growth NwSSU President Dr. Lorelie F. Tangaran expressed her gratitude to UEP President Dr. Cherry I. Ultra for facilitating the agreement and supporting stronger cooperation between the two universities. The MOA serves as a foundation for future joint undertakings that will enhance research collaboration, strengthen academic programs, and contribute to the development of the communities served by both institutions. Through this partnership, NwSSU continues to expand its academic linkages and strengthen its programs in instruction, research, and extension services.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has successfully finalized its Strategic Futures Workshop: Futures Thinking Towards Sustainable Development Using the ACACIA Framework on May 21, 2026, at the Business Development Center. Spearheaded by the Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Division through the Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight and in partnership with the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures), the activity gathered the entire university officials to embed anticipatory governance and innovation in its systems, culminating in the development of HANDUM 2050: The Futures of NwSSU under the theme “WE BUILD WHAT STORMS CANNOT BREAK.” Day 2 followed on May 12, 2026, continuing online with participants deepening their understanding of strategic foresight processes and engaged in collaborative visioning facilitated by PhilFutures Fellow Ms. Jalaine Joyce V. Malabanan. The activities produced refined, shared aspirations that became core building blocks for HANDUM (Hingyap, Andam, Naton, Dungog, Ungod, Marig-on) 2050, equipping the institution with a forward-looking foundation to guide its development and community impact. Held onsite on May 20, 2026, Day 3 opened with messages from Senators Pia S. Cayetano and Win T. Gatchalian, CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), and PhilFutures’ Dr. Michville A. Rivera. Expert sessions included Dr. Bert J. Tuga’s analysis of trends in higher education, Dr. Michville A. Rivera’s discussion on the McKinsey 7S Framework, and workshops of Prof. Ramces M. Dili from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) on reimagining the university’s VMOKRAPI and scenario planning, strengthening participants’ strategic capabilities and shared commitment. On May 21, 2026, the fourth and final day centered on presenting drafted vision and mission outputs from various units and division for the Samar community. Dr. Ruperto S. Sangalang presented the PATRES framework and the unified planning architecture linking VMOKRAPI (Vision, Mission, Objectives, Key Result Areas, and Performance Indicators), SPATRES (Strategy, Programs, Activities, Tasks, Resources, Evaluation System), and PATRES (People, Academics, Technology, Research, Extension, and Stewardship), while Mr. Ramces M. Dili critiqued outputs using the ACACIA Framework, recognizing San Jorge Campus for meeting the “Samar test.” The four-day futures workshop successfully equipped NwSSU officials with essential foresight tools, methodologies, and a cohesive strategic direction. With HANDUM 2050 as its flagship output, the university now stands positioned as a future-ready institution, fully prepared to drive sustainable development, transformative education, and responsive governance across Samar for decades to come.

CALBAYOG CITY – The water supply across Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Main Campus has been given a clean bill of health following comprehensive water quality testing conducted on April 27, 2026. The results, released on May 6, 2026, indicate that water from seven key locations within the university grounds passed all necessary health standards, ensuring it is safe for consumption and general use by the university community. The testing initiative, managed by the University Health Center in collaboration with the SPFIDO, aimed to analyze the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the water supply to identify any potential contaminants and ensure compliance with established health regulations. The sampling sites, strategically chosen after a meeting with SPFIDO Repair and Maintenance Division Head Engr. John Dale E. Yabao and guided by Mr. Jerome S. Caliste, included the University Health Center, University Hotel, Food Court, Guardhouse Hamorawon, Guardhouse Rueda, COED, and the COOP Water Station (product). Ms. Janice Maribojoc, Operations Manager for Analytical Services from Calbayog Water Company, Inc., personally oversaw the water sampling at these designated sites. The collected water samples underwent thorough analysis using both the multiple tube fermentation technique and the pour plate method. These tests specifically looked for the presence of coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms, which are indicators of water purity. The findings from the analysis were overwhelmingly positive. All tested sites showed coliform and thermotolerant coliform levels of less than 1.1 MPN/100 ml, which were remarked as “passed.” This result provide assurance regarding the safety and quality of NwSSU’s water supply.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to innovation and global impact, earning the 381st position in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026: Global Top 500 Innovative Universities. This achievement builds upon the university’s exceptional performance in previous rankings, solidifying its place among worldwide institutions dedicated to forward-thinking strategies and transformative contributions. NwSSU’s consistent position in these prestigious rankings highlights its dedication to fostering an institution of innovation, pertinence, and sustainable development. WURI is a global ranking system which evaluates universities by focusing on their real-world contributions and societal impact, emphasizing innovation, resilience, and responsiveness in its academic, research, and community engagement. NwSSU’s participation and continued recognition in WURI emphasize its success in adopting innovative practices that address contemporary global challenges. Reflecting on its performance in the 2025 WURI Rankings, NwSSU previously achieved remarkable placements, including 24th globally in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Trend category. The university also secured 47th worldwide in Funding for Sustainability and 51st in Crisis Management. These past achievements exemplify NwSSU’s integrated approach to sustainability, ethical leadership, resourceful financial planning, and its agility in confronting disruptions and natural disasters. NwSSU’s sustained performance in the WURI rankings, now including its 381st spot in 2026, serves as a powerful testament to its UpRISE—progressive, inclusive, and impactful educational practices. By integrating sustainability, crisis resilience, and principled governance within its core, NwSSU continues to exemplify how state universities can drive transformative change, effectively serving both local communities and addressing broader global challenges. #WURI2026 #RISENwSSU

Northwest Samar State University celebrates its outstanding delegates for bringing pride and excellence to the national stage during the PASUC National Culture and the Arts Festival 2026, held at West Visayas State University in Iloilo City. Congratulations to Alyzza Grace P. Errojo for securing 2nd Place in Dramatic Monologue (English) and to Cristel Conarco for earning 3rd Place in Oratorio. Your performances reflect not only talent, but dedication to the craft and the power of storytelling. Kudos as well to our National Qualifiers: Teatro Dagway (Short and Sweet Play/Dialogue), Mary Hannah Gabrinao (Dramatic Monologue – Filipino), Jose Lou Salurio with Benzon Escobar (Banduria Competition), and the NwSSU Singers (Show Choir) for proudly representing the university in their respective categories. Your achievements highlight the strength of NwSSU in culture and the arts, proving that Norwessians continue to shine on the national stage. May these achievement continue to inspire more Norwessians to pursue excellence in the arts and beyond. Keep creating, keep striving, and keep raising the banner of the university! #RISENwSSU #PASUCNCAF2026

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) met with representatives from the Provincial Government of Samar and partner institutions to discuss preparations for the Fortresses and Frontiers: Student Heritage Documentation and Interpretation Challenge, during a coordination meeting held March 31, 2026, at the Spark Samar Development Hub in Catbalogan City. The meeting gathered representatives to align plans for the upcoming heritage-focused activity scheduled on May 20–23, 2026, at the Samar Convention Center. Among those present from NwSSU were Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, EnP. Novlloyd E. Celeste, and Ar. Vanessa R. Ayllon. Representatives from the Provincial Tourism Office included Mr. Etelbert D. Conde and Mr. Marvin R. Piczon, alongside faculty members from Samar State University (SSU). The challenge aims to engage college students in experiential learning through field immersion, research, and documentation of heritage structures. It challenges participants to compete in analyzing and creatively interpreting Samar’s defensive heritage using architectural documentation, storytelling, and insightful visualization into miniature models of the fortifications/sentinels. The coordination meeting resulted in the formalization of institutional participation and collaboration, with partner universities committing to organize student teams and faculty advisers for the activity. Roles and responsibilities were also outlined to ensure the smooth conduct of the multi-day challenge. The Fortresses and Frontiers challenge is expected to serve as a platform for experiential learning while contributing to ongoing heritage conservation efforts in the province.