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PALO, LEYTE – Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) College of Education (COEd) reaffirmed its regional dominance after securing the “Grand Slam” for the Largest Delegation at the 2026 PAFTE Student Congress. Mobilizing 351 pre-service teachers and 13 faculty members, NwSSU marked its third consecutive year as the largest contingent in this regional gathering of future educators in Eastern Visayas—a distinction the university has consistently maintained through its culture of professional engagement. The delegation was led by Dr. Richard N. Verdeflor, Student Teaching Coordinator, alongside program chairs Dr. Julie Ann D. Edraga (BSED), Mr. Lito M. Mag-ampo (BEED), and Mr. Remelito T. Labasbas (BPED), with SIPP Coordinator Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe. Eight additional faculty members— Mr. Lenard A. Belano, Mrs. Maria Lourdes Mae V. Billate, Mr. Niel Darryl G. Branzuela, Mr. Julif B. Calesa, Mr. Rowee O. Cañedo, Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada, Mr. Albros D. Mañanita, and Mrs. Christy B. De Veyra—joined as mentors and chaperones, ensuring the students were guided throughout the various pedagogical and cultural sessions. The congress featured a series of high-level addresses aimed at inspiring the next generation of teachers. Dr. Leo D. Camposano, representing the CHED Regional Director, Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, CESO III, opened the discourse by challenging students to transcend the licensure examination and become “indispensable educators” who advance national development. Keynote speaker and Samar State University President, Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, expanded on this by introducing the “AIM” philosophy. He encouraged delegates to be Adaptive to changing landscapes, Innovative in their pedagogical approaches, and Mindful of both their professional influence and their own mental health. Adding a layer of classroom reality, Master Teacher III Rodel L. Cabuhoc provided a resource talk that navigated the transition from student to professional, offering a roadmap for resilience and growth. The event balanced academic rigor with artistic school spirit. During the “Educators Got Talent” segment, NwSSU BPED students delivered a contemporary dance performance inspired by the Hadang Festival, proudly showcasing the university’s cultural heritage and artistic excellence. The afternoon sessions shifted toward professional mentorship through the “Voices of Victory” talk, where LET topnotchers from Leyte Normal University, Eastern Samar State University, Samar State University, and Biliran Province State University shared personal study strategies and insights on overcoming challenges in the teaching profession. In the competitive segments, the Pre-Service Teachers’ Teaching Pageant 2026 served as a dynamic platform for pedagogical competence. While Leyte Normal University secured first place, followed by Samar College and Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), the event emphasized the collective passion of Region VIII’s aspiring teachers. Additionally, an “On-the-Spot Uniform Fashion Showcase” highlighted the importance of professional identity; two NwSSU representatives confidently presented the university’s official student teaching uniform, symbolizing their readiness to enter the classroom as polished professionals. The congress concluded with closing remarks from PIT Graduate School Dean and PAFTE VIII Adviser, Dr. Jennifer Gorumba. For NwSSU, the three-year “Grand Slam” achievement is more than a numerical victory; it serves as a testament to the college’s mission of producing future-ready, ethical, and collaborative educators prepared to serve the communities of Eastern Visayas and beyond.

The Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLED) Program of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) took the lead in implementing the “Kingkoy Chronicles: Animated Info Series” during a TECH-LECTORS outreach activity held at Sta. Margarita National High School on December 17, 2025. This program underscored the BTLED Program’s commitment to translating technical knowledge into meaningful community service through the medium of creative digital animation. Designed and carried out by both students and faculty, the outreach centered on using animation as a strategic tool for enhancing Local Government Unit (LGU) information campaigns. Throughout the session, senior high school learners were introduced to basic animation principles and visual storytelling techniques through structured tutorials and hands-on activities. These lessons were specifically aimed at improving the clarity, engagement, and accessibility of public information. The activity featured an intensive tutorial followed by a production session where participants developed sample animated materials inspired by real-life LGU information needs. Learners eventually presented their outputs, successfully demonstrating how creative media can simplify complex governmental messages and make public information more relatable to a diverse audience. BTLED Program Chair Engr. Christy B. De Veyra emphasized the program’s advocacy for purposeful technology use, noting that the goal is to equip learners with practical ICT skills while showing them that digital animation is a powerful tool for public service. The outreach concluded with the awarding of tokens and certificates during a closing program that reinforced the importance of continuous learning and the responsible use of technology in the digital age. By leading this initiative, the BTLED Program reaffirmed its role in strengthening school-community partnerships and promoting innovative approaches to information dissemination. The organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael Jude T. Casaljay, Municipal Information Officer, and Mr. Mark Anthony G. Domingo, Sangguniang Bayan Secretary of the Municipality of Sta. Margarita, for their generous support and donation of snacks. Their contribution significantly enhanced the comfort and positive learning experience of the participants, reflecting a strong collaboration between the local government and the academic community. Additionally, sincere appreciation was extended to Dr. Alvin A. Aguirre, the Secondary School Principal of Sta. Margarita National High School, whose unwavering support and cooperation were vital to the smooth implementation and overall success of the activity.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) convened a deliberation meeting to finalize its institutional entries for the World University Innovative Ranking, consolidating 40 flagship programs aligned across 24 recognized categories. The meeting was presided over by the Officer-in-Charge Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mr. Niel Darryl Branzuela, and attended by designated focal persons representing each category. The deliberation aimed to validate program documentation, ensure alignment with global innovation indicators, and confirm the strategic positioning of NwSSU’s initiatives in relation to teaching innovation, research impact, sustainability, community engagement, and governance effectiveness. NwSSU’s participation underscores its commitment to benchmarking institutional performance against international standards, advancing a culture of innovation, and gaining global visibility for locally grounded solutions. By joining the ranking, the University seeks to objectively assess its competitiveness, identify areas for improvement, and affirm the relevance of its programs in addressing community and development challenges. The 40 programs demonstrate tangible impacts across instruction, research, extension, and innovation. These include technology-enabled learning initiatives, inclusive access to education, applied research responsive to regional needs, sustainable development projects, and partnerships that translate academic outputs into social and economic value. University officials emphasized that the exercise goes beyond compliance and recognition. It reflects NwSSU’s strategic direction to institutionalize innovation, scale high-impact programs, and position the University as a proactive contributor to national and global development agendas.

Hanoi, Vietnam – October 31, 2025 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) marked another milestone in its international engagement by participating in the 13th Asia Technological University Network (ATU-Net) Board Meeting, hosted by Phenikaa University in Hanoi, Vietnam. Representing NwSSU were Dr. Iris B. Bejasa, Director of the International Affairs Office–Main Campus, and Mr. John M. Tan, Head of the International Affairs Office–San Jorge Campus. They attended on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, who was unable to join due to equally important administrative commitments. The ATU-Net Board Meeting convened university presidents, directors, and international affairs officials from member institutions across Asia to strengthen academic collaboration, deepen research partnerships, and broaden cross-border mobility programs. The annual gathering served as a forum for sharing forward-looking practices in higher education and for charting the consortium’s strategic direction for the coming year. The one-day event opened with a cultural immersion at Van Phuc Silk Village, a renowned Vietnamese craft community celebrated for its handwoven silk and centuries-old weaving traditions. The visit offered delegates a rich glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural heritage and creative industries, fostering mutual appreciation and cross-cultural understanding. This was followed by guided laboratory visits at Phenikaa University. Delegates toured key research hubs, including the Polymer-Composite Laboratory, Bioresources Research Center, and Environmental Chemistry & Ecotoxicology Laboratory (Tour 1), as well as the Applied Electro-Chemical Lab, Renewable Energy Conversion & Storage Laboratory, and Semiconductor & Advanced Materials Fabrication Laboratory (Tour 2). These visits showcased the university’s dedication to scientific advancement, sustainability, and practical learning environments. A brief stop at the university’s modern library capped the morning itinerary, followed by a shared lunch and musical performance at the campus cafeteria—an opportunity for cultural exchange and collegial fellowship. The formal Board Meeting began at 1:00 p.m., presided over by Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim, Chair of ATU-Net. Key agenda items included the 2025 ATU-Net Achievements, Financial Report, 2026 Strategic Plan and Budget Proposal. The meeting also tackled initiatives such as Scopus-indexed research collaborations, faculty and staff exchange programs, the development of an ATU-Net Mobility Portal, the rollout of Global Classroom initiatives, and the expansion of Articulation Programs among member universities. The event strengthened the shared commitment of ATU-Net institutions to foster internationalization, inclusive education, and academic innovation across Asia. For NwSSU, its active participation reflects a steadfast dedication to building global linkages, advancing academic excellence, and ensuring that its students and faculty thrive within a vibrant international academic community.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) actively joined the opening ceremonies of the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) held on September 3 at the Summit Hotel, Tacloban City. Spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), this year’s celebration carries the theme “Siyensiya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Kinabukasan” and centers on the regional thrust “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities.” The week-long event underscores the transformative role of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in fostering inclusive and sustainable development across Eastern Visayas. On the second day, NwSSU engaged in the Inter-Consortia R&D Forum through a compelling poster and video presentation. Representing the university were Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, alongside Mr. Harris Tarrayo, Mr. Mervin Madria, Mr. Ervin Rodriguez, and Mr. Novlloyd Celeste—each contributing expertise and insight into NwSSU’s ongoing research initiatives. As RSTW unfolds, NwSSU remains committed to engaging in its full slate of activities, proudly showcasing its innovations and collaborative efforts with fellow institutions in the region. Through its presence and participation, the university foregrounds its dedication to advancing research and technology that empower resilient, future-ready communities.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Calbayog formally strengthened their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on August 15, 2025, at the NwSSU Business Development Center. The agreement centers on the Flood Guard Calbayog initiative, a system designed to deliver accurate and dependable flood risk maps using Automated Weather Station (AWS) precipitation and weather data. The partnership outlines NwSSU’s commitment to ensure the system’s reliability, provide technical assistance, conduct training for LGU personnel, and share relevant data in compliance with privacy and security regulations. Meanwhile, the LGU commits to integrating the flood risk maps into disaster risk reduction plans, assigning trained personnel, and ensuring the responsible use of shared data. Present during the signing were Hon. Raymund C. Uy, City Mayor of Calbayog; Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, NwSSU President; Mr. Augusto L. Magdaraog, City Administrator; Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; and Dr. Sandro Daguman, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer. Their presence underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to building a more resilient community.

  Affirming its role as a driver of regional innovation and digital empowerment, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) actively engaged in the 34th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC), a three-day gathering of business, government, and academic leaders held from July 23 to 25, 2025. With the theme “Visayas Rising: Accelerating Business Growth through Digital Transformation,” the event brought together stakeholders to advance digital readiness among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The conference was hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) – Tacloban Leyte, Inc. at the Leyte Convention Center in Palo, Leyte. Representing NwSSU were Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Chief Administrative Officer for Business Affairs Ms. Ivy B. Aligam, and ASBAO Director Ms. Florabel C. Canaman, who joined forums and workshops exploring policy, innovation, and inclusive growth. Insights and Innovation on Day 1 Opening ceremonies included a festive Pintados Festival performance and welcome messages from PCCI Tacloban-Leyte President Eugene A. Tan, PCCI Eastern Visayas Regional Governor Stephanie Diane “Twinkle” Chu, and Palo Mayor Hon. Remedios “Matin” Petilla. The keynote address, “Visayas Rising: Transforming Vision into Business Impact for a Future-Ready Region,” was delivered by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV (TBC), followed by a lecture from Converge ICT CEO Dennis Anthony Uy. The first plenary session, “Defining Digitalization,” gathered experts from QBO Innovation Hub, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, and Mynt (GCash), who shared insights on strengthening MSMEs through innovation. A hands-on Digital Readiness Workshop led by Flow21 co-founder Ian Denver Sanchez emphasized practical strategies for digital integration. Day 2: Reimagining Resilient Cities and Inclusive Growth Discussions on the second day focused on future-ready urban planning and inclusive digital economies. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Leechiu Property Consultants CEO David Leechiu,  Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr. and DPWH VIII Regional Director Edgar Tabacon led the 2nd plenary session “Reimagining Future-Ready Cities in the Visayas.” Digital Transformation Labs followed, with sessions including: Empowering Enterprises through Digital Business Solutions by DevTac President Walter Garcia, Building Smarter Businesses Through the Cloud by AWS Philippines’ Carlo Espejo, Harnessing AI for Competitive Advantage by Ralph Regalado of AI Kollab. In the afternoon, Plenary Session 3: Catalyzing a Future-Ready Economy through Digital Policy, Trade, and Inclusion featured PCCI Chairman George Barcelon, BDO Capital President Eduardo Francisco (TBC), and Pasig City Mayor Hon. Victor “Vico” Sotto (TBC), moderated by Melvin Esteban of WeLead Financial Advisory. Breakout industry roundtables tackled challenges and solutions in tourism, commerce, agri-tech, and food value chains. This included Hackathons, B2B Matchmaking, and Chamber Development. Beyond the conference halls, participants took part in pocket events such as VABC Golf Tournament at San Juanico Park for informal networking, Commerce Exchange, a B2B platform for buyers and suppliers, Byte Forward Hackathon, where students and businesses co-developed tech solutions in 24 hours, Visayas Chamber Development Workshop, which strengthened institutional capabilities across the region Continuing the Digital Journey The event closed with the adoption of the 34th VABC Resolutions, the turnover of hosting duties, and a preview of the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E). NwSSU’s meaningful engagement in the 34th VABC demonstrates its dedication to supporting digital transformation not only within its institution but also across communities and industries it serves. As the region advances into a digitally driven future, NwSSU remains a committed partner in building inclusive, innovation-led development.

The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully hosted a two-day capacity-building seminar-workshop on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), held in cooperation with the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) of the Philippines. The training took place on June 26–27, 2025, at the Business Development Center, NwSSU Main Campus. Spearheaded by the university’s Planning and Development Services Office (PDSO), the initiative aimed to empower implementing units with essential knowledge and practical tools to identify, assess, and prepare potential PPP projects. It also served to evaluate NwSSU’s institutional readiness and begin shaping a preliminary pipeline of proposals aligned with national PPP frameworks. In his message of gratitude, Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, the PDSO Director, underscored the workshop’s significance, saying “As we move forward, let us remember that Public-Private Partnership is not merely a mechanism—it is a mindset. It challenges us to think strategically, innovatively, and collaboratively. With this training, NwSSU is better equipped and more empowered to pursue this path—confident not only in our readiness but in our shared commitment to deliver transformative projects that will uplift the lives of our students, stakeholders, and the communities we serve.” Experts from the PPP Center of the Philippines provided technical inputs on the overall PPP program framework, including legal protocols, procedural guidelines, and use of screening tools such as the Project Information Sheet and the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) tool. The workshop participants engaged actively in group discussions and hands-on exercises that culminated in the presentation and critique of draft PPPiable project proposals. In addition, the PPPC representatives introduced the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF)—a dedicated funding mechanism designed to support the preparation of high-quality, implementation-ready PPP initiatives. The seminar-workshop concluded with a certificate awarding ceremony and a synthesis session, during which participants consolidated the university’s initial list of PPP concepts for further refinement and development. The activity forms part of NwSSU’s continuing efforts to explore innovative and sustainable approaches to infrastructure development and service delivery through dynamic multisectoral partnerships.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), represented by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, joined key stakeholders across Samar during the ceremonial turnover of three landmark provincial governance documents at Padayon Samar: The 2025 Inauguration and Oath-taking Ceremony for Newly Elected Officials held on June 30 at Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City. Governor Sharee Ann Tan led the ceremonial turnover of the province’s updated long-term plans and values formation modules, underscoring the administration’s direction toward inclusive, sustainable, and values-driven development. “These are critical in reshaping the direction of the province in the years ahead,” Gov. Tan said, referring to the three documents: the Samar Province Sustainable Strategic Cultural Management and Development Plan of 2025, the Samar Province Sustainable Strategic Tourism Development Plan 2025–2034, and the One Values Program Modules. The Cultural Management and Development Plan outlines a ten-year roadmap for preserving Samar’s cultural heritage and strengthening the province’s creative industry. The Tourism Development Plan, meanwhile, lays out a framework for community-based and heritage-driven tourism, aiming to generate livelihood without compromising local identity. The third document, the One Values Program Modules, is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary values formation initiative targeting children and families. “This progress is not only about infrastructure or economic development. It is about preparing our people morally and socially to become responsible, value-driven citizens,” Gov. Tan emphasized. Standing alongside other key provincial institutions, NwSSU reaffirmed its continuing role as a key partner in shaping forward-thinking, research-informed, and community-rooted development policies. Also present were Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling, Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, and University Board Secretary Engr. Roy Montejo. Governor Tan also expressed gratitude to the framers and technical working group members who helped craft the plans. “Let us recognize their hard work, vision, and dedication in shaping a long-term path for Samar: one rooted in identity, integrity, and inclusion,” she said. In alignment with this vision, NwSSU’s participation in the ceremony affirms its commitment to a development agenda that goes beyond education. The university remains ready to contribute to initiatives that cultivate not only informed minds but also responsible, value-driven communities. The ceremony highlighted the need for synchronized leadership, policy alignment, and inclusive partnerships in addressing local challenges. With its growing involvement in regional policymaking and its strengthened public sector partnerships, NwSSU positions itself at the forefront of transformative governance: ensuring that research, innovation, and public service continue to benefit the people of Samar.

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.