sdg13

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Calbayog City, and San Jorge will hold tabletop and scenario workshops this October to prepare for the El Niño–La Niña phenomenon. DOST-PAGASA has warned that the ongoing El Niño is expected to intensify into a very strong event and persist through the first half of 2027. El Niño generally brings warmer temperatures and below-normal rainfall across much of the country, increasing the risk of dry spells and drought, although heavy rainfall and flooding may still occur during tropical cyclones and other rain-bearing weather systems. The agreement came out of an October 12, 2026, coordination meeting among NwSSU’s Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight (CFTSF), the University Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Council, and officials from both local government units. Representatives from the water, agriculture and fisheries, energy, and health sectors, along with barangay officials and University representatives, will take part in the tabletop exercises and scenario-planning workshops. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has placed Samar under drought since September and expects it to last through March 2027, while still anticipating three to five tropical cyclones. Calbayog has declared a state of calamity four times since 2022, all because of floods. Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, CFTSF Director and Head of the Planning Office, said the LGUs hold the authority to declare a state of calamity, release quick response funds, and order evacuations, while NwSSU contributes data, research, and a neutral venue for planning. Resident Futurist Emmanuel R. de Guia said the greatest danger lies in the handover between drought and flood, when a city must shift from saving water to evacuating families. “Foresight is not predicting the storm. It is deciding, while it is quiet, who will do what when it comes,” he said. The workshops will use scenarios, early-warning signals, and a map of who may declare rationing, begin flood readiness, or release funds, guided by the ground rule “No owner, no commitment.” NwSSU will provide weather-station data, research, and facilitation, building on its 2023 and 2025 flood-risk agreements with Calbayog and extending them to drought and to San Jorge. Both LGUs also asked for scenario planning, community information materials, and GIS mapping and climate modeling. The schedule and venues will be announced soon. Assigning clear owners before the next weather shock will help Calbayog and San Jorge turn forecasts into timely decisions for their communities.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) strengthened its commitment to community resilience and disaster preparedness as it hosted the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for an orientation on the Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) on October 6, 2026, at the University Hotel Function Room. Organized by the Center for Local Governance and the University Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Office in partnership with DSWD, the activity brought together university officials, academic representatives, extension personnel, and DRRM focal persons to explore opportunities for collaboration in disaster risk reduction, sustainable livelihoods, and community-driven development. The orientation featured discussions on the DSWD’s KALAHI-CIDSS program, disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), and Sustainable Livelihood Program. Ms. Susana F. Urmeneta, Team Leader of DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS, together with Francis C. Batula and Jinky Rose A. Merino and Maria Christina L. Manicani of DSWD, shared insights on community-driven initiatives that promote preparedness, sustainable livelihoods, and resilience among vulnerable communities. The discussions centered on the Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project, a national initiative designed to help communities address disaster risks, environmental challenges, and economic shocks through participatory development and locally driven solutions. The orientation also provided an avenue for university representatives to explore how NwSSU’s academic programs, research initiatives, and extension services can contribute to community-based resilience efforts. The activity concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and translating the insights gained into initiatives that support disaster preparedness, sustainable development, and safer, more resilient communities. Through partnerships with national agencies and local stakeholders, NwSSU continues to advance its A.S.C.E.N.D. commitment to responsive education, meaningful extension services, and inclusive community development.

Community-based and women-led organizations from four Samar municipalities gathered at the NwSSU Hotel and Restaurant on September 1 and 2, 2026, for a workshop aimed at strengthening their capacity to respond to climate and disaster-related risks. The workshop, titled “Participatory Risk and Resource Mapping, Stakeholder Analysis and Capacity Assessment for Climate Disaster Resilience and Organizational Development.” brought together community-based organizations (CBOs) and women-led organizations (WLOs) to validate and deepen earlier profiling results, identify capacity development needs across the ecosystem’s local government units, and begin shaping a capacity building program suited to their context. The workshop unfolded in stages: participatory surfacing activities on Day 1, followed by consolidation and validation through key informant interviews on Day 2 morning, and concluding with the prioritization of training needs and the co-creation of a capacity building program on Day 2 afternoon. Ms. Gina Dean facilitated several of the workshop’s key sessions on Day 1. She led the discussion on understanding CDR and the salient points of Republic Act 10121, guided participants through participatory resource mapping and hazard identification, and co-facilitated the Social Network Analysis and Stakeholder Influence and interest sessions alongside with Mr. Ian Mark Nibalvos. By the end of the day, discussions were brought together in a synthesis session, consolidating the issues, capacities, gaps, and emerging training needs that surfaced throughout the day. The activity was conducted under the Governance for Climate and Disaster Resilience (Gov-CDE) Project, a six-year, a CAD-funded initiative running from 2024 to 2030 and implemented by Alinea International in partnership with the National Resilience Council and national government agencies to strengthen climate and disaster resilience across the Philippines. Samar Province is one of the project’s priority areas, implemented locally through Alinea Philippines. On the workshop’s second day, Dr. Teody Amatosa, NwSSU Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension, welcomed the CBOs and WLOs of Gandara, Matuguinao, San Jorge, and Pagsanghan on behalf of NwSSU President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, DM, together with the Gov-CDR team of Alinea Philippines. By opening its doors to the workshop, NwSSU lent its support to an effort that reaches beyond training; one that equips local organizations with the tools to face climate and disaster-related challenges on their own terms, long after the workshop tables are cleared.

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.

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 (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.

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.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the 2025 International and National Summer Course hosted by Universitas Brawijaya in Malang, Indonesia. Designed as a hybrid program combining online and onsite sessions, the course runs from June to August 2025, with the onsite sessions held from June 22 to 27. The program revolved around the theme “Innovative Agricultural Technologies for Future Food Security, Green Industry, and Environmental Sustainability,” delving into forward-looking frameworks and emerging technologies aimed at redefining sustainability within the agro-industrial landscape. Representing NwSSU was Jonathan M. Peru, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Food Technology student, accompanied by a BSFT faculty member – Ms. Maria Joana T. Nicolas. Their participation marked the implementation of the institutional collaboration between NwSSU and Universitas Brawijaya, reflecting a shared commitment to cross-border academic mobility and scholarly exchange. Mr. Peru made a remarkable impression during the summer course, hailed as the Champion for the Best International Group Presenter and earned the second place in the Artefact (Dance Competition). His commendable performance showcased not only individual aptitude but also the university’s growing imprint in international academic excellence. This engagement highlighted NwSSU’s commitment to global linkages and preparing students to be proactive contributors in solving global challenges, particularly in food security and environmental sustainability. By engaging in such initiatives, the university continues to build a strong presence in international academic communities.