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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.

MANILA – Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) actively participated in the final day of the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting on Friday, reaffirming its dedication to open governance. Represented by Dr. Rhio Dimakiling on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, NWSSU joined discussions on pressing governance issues and strategies to strengthen democratic institutions. The day began with high-level roundtable conversations on the intersection of open government, economic development, and democratic security, emphasizing how transparency can drive sustainable progress across all regions. A session on women, peace, and security highlighted the role of open governance in advancing gender-inclusive policymaking. Another talk focused on safeguarding electoral integrity by addressing issues that arise during elections, such as state resource abuse, vote buying, and vote selling. Other discussions explored ways to enhance collaboration among local leaders, public organizations, and development partners in promoting good governance. The role of data interoperability in governance and strategies for a fair and credible energy transition were also examined. Conventions in the afternoon provided a platform for in-depth conversations on designing impactful reforms, with a key focus on open contracting and fiscal openness. A session on political finance transparency examined ways to ensure accountability in electoral processes. Legal enforcers were also recognized as key players in championing inclusive governance and upholding justice reforms. As the two-day summit came to a close, NWSSU’s participation highlighted the importance of integrating open governance principles into institutional and national frameworks. The university’s engagement with regional and global discussions reinforced its role in promoting transparency and public participation. With new insights and strengthened partnerships, NWSSU remains committed to promoting open governance within its community and beyond.

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!

Plenary Talks on Requirements on Organizing People’s Organization and Organizing the Bulongto Eco-Tourism Park’s People’s Organization clinched the Day 2 highlights of Multi-Sectoral Capability Building for Community Members, November 25

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.

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.