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Receiving Php 2.5 million grants from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the research project of Northwest Samar State University titled, “UAV-Aided Decision Support Tool with Analytic Hierarchy Process for the Floodplain Risk Assessment” has been eyed for its second phase during the conduct of Project Assessment Method, Monitoring and Evaluation of CHED, October 25, at Business Development Center, NwSSU.  The presenters with Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz as the project leader, have been acknowledged by the evaluators. The assessment encompassed the following positive points: appreciation of the conducted research activities, comprehensive discussion on the project’s scope and significance, and successful completion of the project within the stipulated time frame. For improvement, the researchers need to efficiently utilize the granted funds. Over all, the researchers received predominantly commendable feedback and the CHED, as the funding body, exhibited a keen interest for initiation of the second phase of the project. Over all, the researchers received predominantly commendable feedback and the CHED, as the funding body, exhibited a keen interest for initiation of the second phase of the project.

In order to assess the sustainability and development of CHED-funded project of Northwest Samar State University titled, “UAV-Aided Decision Support Tool with Analytic Hierarchy Process for the Floodplain Risk Assessment”, CHED evaluators namely: Mayumi G. Belandres, OIC Division Chief, CHED-OPRKM-RMD, Adelma C. Tercia, Education Program Specialist I, CHED-OPRKM-RMD, Gely Ann B. De la Paz, Supervising Admin Officer, CHED-HEDFS, and Norin T. Espocia, Education Program Specialist, CHEDRO 8 representative visit the University. They are warmly welcomed by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz- University Vice-President for Research, Innovation, and Extension from the airport arrival to a scrumptious lunch at the University Hotel and Restaurant. The project assessment shall cover until tomorrow, October 25.

September 13, 2023- The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), represented by Dr. Sandro C. Daguman, CDRRM Officer and Northwest Samar State University led by Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, inked Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for effective disaster management and response strategies alongside with the research presentation of Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension at the same time the Project’ Principal Investigator of UAV- Aided Decision Support Tool with Analytic Hierarchy Process for Floodplain Risk Assessment at BDC, NwSSU.  Dr. Ortiz together with his members discussed their research project titled, “Floodplain Risk Modeling Utilizing Analytic Hierarchy Process for Calbayog City.” This work focused on gathering spatial data for floodplain risk assessment in the city and involved generating flood risk map. Results imply that AHP offers a structured approach to decision making in evaluating alternatives based on multiple attributes. “Kadako sini na bulig para sa aton…kay diri tanan na disaster aton ma-prevent sugad san bagyo, so kinahanglan ta la ma-mitigate,” Dr. Sandro C. Daguman commended the project during his talk. He added that there are four thematic areas of disaster- prevention and medication, preparedness, response and recovery, and rehabilitation. The MOA signing was witnessed by the deans, directors, heads of units, faculty members, and visitors. Mr. Harris C. Tarrayo, Director of Center for Innovative Computing and Data Analytics, mentioned the two paramount significance of the activity: (1) the MOA signing is a pivotal partnership for addressing and mitigating disaster risks effectively within the city and (2) the research results disseminate valuable insights on disaster preparedness and response strategies to a wider audience. Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo also explained that the devastation of typhoon Yolanda in Region VIII is an eye-opener of the city to be vigilant and prepared for any risk and disaster. Both parties are benefited on the partnership since the research project conducted by NwSSU creates awareness and improves disaster resiliency among Calbayognons and the CDRRMO, as the beneficiary unit, and at the same time, the research project itself is a manifestation that NwSSU is adhering to research and extension as two of the fourfold functions of any university.   The event also paved way to presentations of other commendable research projects of the university.

Student volunteers from different colleges showed their willingness to learn Basic First Aid through a training conducted by the University Health Center today, September 1, 2023 at the Noisy Room

Wendell L. Ultra, a faculty member of the BS Agriculture program of NwSSU’s College of Agriculture and Technology, presented a research paper during the 2nd International Conference for Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) with the theme “Advancing Partnership in Climate Action for Sustainable Development in the ASEAN Region” at the Amari Don Muang Airport Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, on May 29–June 2, 2023. Ultra’s study, “Valorized Agricultural Wastes as Soil Amendments to Reduce Heavy Metal Accumulation in Rice,” highlights the importance of utilizing and recycling locally available agricultural wastes as a means to reduce the accumulation of heavy metals in crops that is rapidly accelerated by the effects of climate change. The said research is supported by DOST-PCAARRD and, together with the technical expertise of Balik-Scientist Fellow, Dr. Venecio U. Ultra Jr.The participation of the institution in the said conference also aims to create linkages and partnerships with other SUCs for possible collaboration on research projects in the future.

Through the leadership of the University Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, NwSSU participated in the 1st Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill.