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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.

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII commends NwSSU for its updated, revised, organized, and well-packaged Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) pursuant to Republic Act No. 11396. To the members of the Technical Working Group, job well done! #RISENwSSU

Facilitated by University Health Center, twenty-four participants from Quick Response Team (QRT) students and Administrative Division underwent the Standard First Aid Training last December 4-6, 2023 at the Business Development Center, NwSSU Main Campus. The free training’s professional trainers were Dr. Sandro C. Daguman, Mr. Joseph Von P. Catorce, Ms. Ma. Fatima Shaira D. Adona, RN, and Ms. Jamaica A. Ultra, RN. The timely training serves as preparation for emergencies resulting from calamities and disasters. The activity concluded with the awarding of certificates of training which is valid for 2 years.

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

Spearheaded by the University Health Center, NwSSU faculty and students underwent two-day Basic Life Support Training with the tagline, “Learn the Skills to Give Someone a Fighting Chance”, on November 28-29, at Business Development Center, NwSSU.

Our 5K Fun Run is dedicated to ending violence against women. Join us for a powerful event that combines fitness and advocacy. Let’s run together to create a world where every woman feels safe and empowered. Assembly Time is 3:00 PM of December 1, 2023 at RSU- Socio Cultural Center, NwSSU. Don’t miss the exciting prices, too, during Raffle Draw. Register and let your steps speak louder than words!

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.

Flaunting the diverse culture of Eastern Visayas, the PASUC Regional Culture and Arts Festival officially started on October 17, 2023 with its Opening Program and Solidarity Meeting at Visayas State University Gymnatorium. The program commenced at 7pm. Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, VSU and PASUC Region 8 President graced the opening of the event with his warm message emphasizing the importance of arts and culture through creative expression. After four years, the said festival made its comeback. Northwest Samar State University is among the 10 competing state universities of this event which covers from October 17-20, 2023.

Mr. Adrian M. Moslares, a BS Agriculture student of Northwest Samar State University was hailed as winner in the Song Writing Competition of the ASEANWave Webxhibition and Festival National Awards 2022. The brought accolade was honored during the Flag Ceremony of the University, this October 9, 2023. The competition was held last 2022 and the awarding ceremony was graced on October 6, 2023 during the Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards 2023. University International Affairs Director, Dr. Iris Bejasa received the award at Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City. The song “Timog Silangan” by Mr. Moslares can be viewed at https://fb.watch/fnRj0Yf9BU/.