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In pursuit of producing industry-ready professionals, graduating civil engineering students of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) deepened their technical knowledge on permit processes during a technical seminar held on May 23, 2025, at the Function Room of the University Hotel and Restaurant. The event, spearheaded by the Junior Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (JPICE) – NwSSU Student Chapter, featured in-depth discussions on the application process for clearances and building permits which are essential in engineering practice. Dr. Teodoro A. Amatosa Jr., adviser of JPICE–NwSSU Student Chapter, welcomed participants in his opening remarks and emphasized the relevance of technical knowledge in the field of civil engineering. He encouraged students to engage with the discussions as future professionals expected to navigate complex infrastructure requirements. Serving as the resource speaker was Engr. Marlon D. Sobreviga, Director of the General Services and Infrastructure Project Management Office of NwSSU and a practicing consultant/engineer. Engr. Sobreviga delivered two technical sessions: the first focused on the processes behind obtaining clearances such as those from the local government, City Planning and Development Office (Locational/Zoning Clearance), Bureau of Fire Protection (Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance), Department of Public Works and Highways (ROW Clearance), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Height Clearance), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ECC/CNC), and other clearances needed to obtain as requirements. The second topic delved into the application procedures for various permits, including demolition, excavation, fencing, architectural, structural, sanitary/plumbing, electrical, mechanical, electronics, and occupancy permits. Engr. Sobreviga also emphasized compliance with national and local codes, professional coordination, and the importance of accuracy in permit documentation. Mr. Kent Joey B. Dosado, JPICE–NwSSU President, concluded the activity with his closing remarks, expressing gratitude to the speaker and participants for the productive and enlightening discussion. He also emphasized JPICE’s commitment to advancing the competence of future engineers through continued learning and exposure to real-world practices. The seminar contributed not only to the academic enrichment of NwSSU civil engineering students but also positioned them closer to becoming ethical and knowledgeable professionals capable of meeting global industry standards.

Credits to NwSSU Research, Innovation & Extention Office We are excited to announce that the 2nd International Conference on Resource Management & Governance, in collaboration with Rajamangala University of Technology’s RMUTCON2025, will be held on July 22-24, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. Would you like to present your paper at the conference? Like and follow now to stay updated. We will be posting the details soon.

April 28, 2025 – Representatives from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) attended the UNESCO World Heritage Nomination and Climate Change Mitigation Conference for Community Leaders of Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) held at the Samar Convention Center. The event, organized by the Provincial Government of Samar in partnership with the University of Santo Tomas Graduate Studies – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics, brought together community leaders, environmental agencies, academic institutions, and government representatives to discuss the ongoing efforts to nominate SINP as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As an academic partner of UST-CCCPET, NwSSU was among the participating institutions supporting the initiative. The university was represented by Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Riz Rupert Ortiz, with Mr. Joshua Rosillon, and Mr. Novlloyd Celeste, head of the Innovation Technology and Support Office, who attended the program and engaged in discussions on conservation, climate change mitigation, and community participation in heritage protection. Building on a week of focused environmental initiatives, the April 28 conference served as the culmination of a series of preparatory activities aimed at advancing the SINP Climate Change Action Plan. These included a Research Training session on April 23 and Data Gathering Sessions held from April 24 to 25. The conference highlighted the critical role of the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. With its dense forests, unique flora and fauna, and cultural significance, SINP is recognized as a vital natural resource that warrants global recognition and protection. Among the highlights of the event were presentations from key agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), along with discussions on the ecological value of SINP, climate change challenges, and the responsibilities of barangays in environmental protection. With the continued support of institutions like NwSSU, the vision of elevating SINP to global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site moves closer to reality, promising a more sustainable and resilient future for the people of Samar.

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.