sdg15

Northwest Samar State University’s Office of Research, Innovation, Extension, and External Affairs (RIEEA) secured 3rd Place in the Applied Research Category at the ViCARP Level 2, Cluster 2 Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Review, held September 16–17, 2026, at the University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar. The team, composed of Vice President for RIEEA Teodoro A. Amatosa, Jr., together with RIEEA research staff Apollo L. Frivaldo and Aliah Zimone S. Luistro, was recognized for their paper titled “Valorization of Lead- and Copper-Contaminated Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) into Solid Fuel Briquettes: Structural and Thermal Performance.” The study explores turning bamboo contaminated with heavy metals like lead and copper into solid fuel briquettes, offering a potential approach to sustainable energy production while addressing environmental contamination. The RDE Review was conducted under the Visayas Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Program (ViCARP), the regional arm of the National Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Network under the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), which evaluates research outputs from institutions across Eastern Visayas. As RIEEA continues to expand its research portfolio, this recognition adds another marker of the office’s role in advancing science-driven solutions to real-world environmental challenges in the region.

Northwest Samar State University proudly celebrates another significant research milestone as DR. ARCHIE B. LAUDERES, Director of Extension Services and Faculty of the College of Agriculture and Technology, successfully published her research entitled: “Field-Based Evaluation of Rice Suitability Classification as Influenced by Cultural Management Interventions.” Published in the Indian Journal of Agricultural Research (Volume 60, Issue 6, June 2026, DOI: 10.18805/IJARe.AF-1037), the study validates rice land suitability classifications through field-based experiments and demonstrates how site-specific cultural management practices and soil-based fertilizer recommendations can significantly improve rice productivity across varying land suitability conditions. The findings provide valuable scientific evidence that supports sustainable agriculture, efficient resource utilization, and improved crop yields for farming communities. This remarkable achievement reflects NwSSU’s unwavering commitment to producing impactful, globally recognized research that contributes to agricultural innovation, food security, and sustainable rural development. Congratulations to Dr. Archie B. Lauderes for bringing honor to Northwest Samar State University through this outstanding scholarly contribution! Read the full research article here:Indian Journal of Agricultural Research –Field-Based Evaluation of Rice Suitability Classification as Influenced by Cultural Management Interventions (https://demo.arccjournals.com/…/indian-journal…/AF-1037) #NwSSU#ResearchExcellence #AgricultureResearch #SustainableAgriculture#RiceProduction#GlobalResearch#NwSSUResearch #CollegeOfAgricultureAndTechnology

On April 6, 2026, NwSSU held an online exploratory meeting with representatives from the PPP Center to discuss potential cooperation in preparing feasibility studies for the University’s key initiatives. The meeting was led by Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, OIC-University President, together with heads of offices from the General Services and Infrastructure Planning and Management Office (GSIPMO), Planning Office, and Project Development Office. Representing the PPP Center was Atty. Cyris Ann A. Ng-Santiago, joined by personnel from the Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Service and the Technical Advisory Division. The primary objective of the meeting was to secure collaboration with the PPP Center in developing feasibility studies for NwSSU’s top three PPP priority projects: the Student Centers and Business Incubation, the Development of an Eco-Tourism Park and Resort, and the NwSSU-SJ Farm Tourism project. These initiatives are intended for submission under the solicited PPP track. As an outcome of the discussion, both institutions agreed to conduct a collaborative feasibility study (FS) writing workshop. This initiative aims to strengthen project proposals and position them as high-priority, implementable PPP projects. The partnership is expected to enhance the University’s capacity to deliver improved services and facilities for its students, faculty, and stakeholders, while contributing to broader development in the education sector.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) researchers earned distinction after placing third in the Best Paper – Completed Research Category during the VICARP Cluster 2 Inter-Agency Level 2 RDE Review held on August 7–8, 2025, at the Business Development Center, 2nd Floor, NwSSU Main Campus. The recognized study, “Species Composition, Structure, and Phytoremediation Potential of Plant Species for Cu, Zn, As, and Pb Along the Riparian Zone of Taft River, Eastern Samar,” was authored by Eduardo G. Espejon, Venecio Ultra, Jr., Shian A. Morallos, Jessie R. Sabijon, Zaldee Nino Tan, and Feleciano R. Bejar. The research examined the diversity, ecological structure, and phytoremediation capacity of plant species along the Taft River, focusing on their ability to absorb heavy metals such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb). The findings offer valuable insights into environmental management and pollution mitigation strategies. This recognition highlights the researchers’ dedication to producing high-impact studies that address pressing environmental concerns, and strengthens NwSSU’s commitment to advancing sustainable, science-based solutions for the region.

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.

The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Bamboo Impact Lab OPC on June 17, 2025 at the Igorota Hall of the Northern Philippines Rootcrops Research and Training Center of Benguet State University to launch the Sustainable Bamboo Resource Optimization and Innovation Program (SBROIP), a university-led research and extension initiative by NwSSU. The agreement was signed by NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and BIL OPC President Dr. Anneth S. Rigon. The ceremonial signing was witnessed by Project Leader Teody Lester V. Panela, NwSSU Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza B. Gamusa, and Bamboo Impact Lab Managing Director Dr. Elmer S. Soriano. SBROIP aims to address local challenges in the bamboo industry through research, community engagement, and sustainable innovation. With focus areas including resource mapping, bamboo processing, digital systems development, and training, the project aligns with multiple global development goals and opens pathways for future policy, academic, and market collaborations between NwSSU and BIL OPC. Under the agreement, NwSSU is responsible for implementing the project, managing its budget allocation across personnel services, MOOE, and capital outlay, and submitting financial and terminal reports. The Bamboo Impact Lab OPC, on the other hand, will contribute technical expertise in bamboo processing and silica extraction, assist in capacity-building activities, and support market development and policy integration. For NwSSU, the partnership reinforces its commitment to applied research, community development, and innovation; positioning the university as a key member in advancing sustainable resource industries in the province and the region.

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.