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Faculty members from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) completed a two-day Basic Research Ethics Training on October 19-20, 2026, at the 3rd floor of the BDC Building, organized by the Research Integrity Office with the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board – Committee on Information Dissemination, Training, and Advocacy (PHREB – CIDTA) of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), under the Department of Science and Technology. Faculty members from the different colleges of the NwSSU Main Campus and the San Jorge Campus participated in the training which aimed to equip them  to apply research ethics principles, evaluate protocols, and navigate the national and institutional ethics process. PHREB’s Dr. Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio and Prof. Maria Cecilia C.G. Conaco both served as resource speakers. The Day 1 lectures covered historical research abuses, protections for human participants, core ethics principles, informed consent, and justice. Through group work, participants applied these principles to cases and protocols, then reviewed a protocol, consent form, and relevant guidelines. On Day 2, the resource speakers discussed research ethics governance, the roles of institutional research ethics committees, types of ethics review, researcher responsibilities, and current issues such as “publish or perish” and artificial intelligence. Participants also had group discussions and shared their own experiences related to the topics covered. The training, spearheaded by Mr. Felix John Refamonte, Director of NwSSU’s Research Integrity Office, marks another step toward the full operationalization of the university’s Research Ethics Committee. A response to the need to uphold research integrity and scientific soundness in the work of both faculty and students.

NwSSU strengthened its international academic presence as Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Professor 5 of the College of Management, represented the University at the International Visiting Professor Program (IVPP) at Parul University in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from September 1 to 25, 2026. Dr. Patimo joined 26 delegates from 15 countries in the international program, which brought together academics for teaching, research, and cross-border academic exchange. Parul University is the youngest university in India to receive an “A++ accreditation grade” from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). As part of the program, Dr. Patimo was hosted by the Parul Institute of Management Studies, where he delivered 32 hours of instruction in Project Management and Data Analytics to selected Master of Business Administration (MBA) students. He also participated in eight hours of research meetings with Parul University faculty to explore potential collaborations in joint research projects and publications. For Dr. Patimo, the experience extended beyond academic and research engagements. His immersion in Indian culture and interaction with academics from different countries offered new perspectives on teaching, collaboration, and the role of cultural understanding in international education. The experience further reinforced the value of stepping beyond familiar academic environments to learn from different perspectives and bring those insights back to the University. Dr. Patimo’s participation in the IVPP highlights NwSSU’s continuing commitment to internationalization, faculty development, academic mobility, and global research collaboration, providing its faculty with opportunities to share expertise and build partnerships beyond the Philippines.   Photo Courtesy: Parul University

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar — Looking beyond institutional borders, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Marinduque State University (MarSU) and the Senate Committee on SDGs, Innovation, and Futures Thinking explored shared pathways in research, innovation, extension, and futures thinking during a three-day exploratory and benchmarking visit on October 5–7, 2026. The visit brought together the higher education institutions to exchange practices and explore areas for institutional collaboration, particularly in research, innovation, extension, futures thinking, and strategic foresight. The engagement was also designed to provide opportunities for technical presentations, roundtable discussions, and benchmarking of institutional programs and initiatives. The three-day activity began with a courtesy visit to the Calbayog City Mayor on October 5. On the second day, the MarSU delegation, led by Ms. Lenie P. Zulueta, Executive Assistant III of MarSU, together with Mr. Emmanuel R. De Guia, Resident Futurist and representative of the Philippine Futures Thinking Society and Senator Pia S. Cayetano, proceeded to NwSSU for a courtesy visit with University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, DM, and key University officials. The program featured presentations on NwSSU’s research, innovation, and extension programs, as well as its planning, futures thinking, and strategic foresight initiatives. The latter was presented by Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, Head of the Planning Office and Director for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight. Discussions then moved toward a roundtable on areas of mutual interest and collaboration, allowing the participating institutions to identify opportunities for joint initiatives and knowledge exchange. This was followed by the drafting of terms for the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and its ceremonial signing, formalizing the institutions’ intent to pursue collaboration in identified areas. The second day also included a campus tour and site visits at the NwSSU Main Campus, giving the visiting delegation an opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the University’s facilities, programs, and institutional operations. On the final day, October 7, the delegation proceeded to the NwSSU San Jorge Campus for a site visit before concluding the activity with a send-off. The exploratory visit strengthens opportunities for inter-institutional exchange and sets the groundwork for future partnerships between NwSSU and MarSU in advancing research, innovation, extension, and futures-oriented institutional development.

Palo, Leyte —Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) was conferred the Higher Education Resource Partnership Award by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Regional Office No. VIII on September 17, 2026, at the Leyte Convention Complex, Brgy. Pawing, Palo, Leyte.   The recognition was given during Project BISIG (Bridging Institutions and Stakeholders for Inclusive Governance), a project under the Regional Open Government Program, held September 17–18, 2026 under the theme “Building Stronger Partnerships and Strengthening Citizen Participation for Inclusive Co-Creation and Sustained Collaboration on Public Financial Management.” The award cited NwSSU’s invaluable partnership in advancing accessible, responsive, and quality higher education through the effective and responsible management of public resources. Representing the university at the event were Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, University President; Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, Head of Planning; and Mr. Clark Mujeres, Budget Officer, who accepted the award on behalf of the institution.   The certificate was signed by Imelda C. Laceras, CESO III, Director IV, and Wilford Will L. Wong, Undersecretary, of DBM Region VIII. The award underscores NwSSU’s continuing collaboration with government agencies in promoting transparency, citizen participation, and sound public financial management practices.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) strengthened its role in advancing Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight in Eastern Visayas following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a one-year preparatory partnership for the development of a regional futures and foresight framework. The MOU was signed on September 16 at the EVSU’s Graduate Programs Function Hall, bringing together NwSSU, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Regional Office VIII (DEPDev VIII), and the Department of Budget and Management Regional Office VIII (DBM VIII).   Representing NwSSU, University President Atty. Lorelie M. Fabillar-Tangaran signed the agreement alongside EVSU President Dr. Dennis C. De Paz, DEPDev VIII Regional Director Meylene C. Rosales, and DBM VIII Regional Director Imelda C. Laceras, represented by DBM VIII Budget and Management Specialist Carl Patrick H. Bernardo. The partnership establishes groundwork for coordination, capacity-building, and the proposed Eastern Visayas Futures and Foresight Framework (EVFFF). It is anchored on the Concept Paper, “The Paglusad, Pagsaka, and Pagsaad of Eastern Visayas: A Foresight-to-Policy Framework,” and responds to the policy directions under Republic Act No. 12145, or the Economy, Planning, and Development Act, as well as the Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan 2023–2028 Midterm Update. For NwSSU, the partnership further advances the University’s institutional commitment to Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight through its Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight (CFTSF). Leading the University’s foresight initiatives is Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, Head of the Planning Office and Director of the Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight, who represented NwSSU’s institutional foresight work during the regional partnership. Through the CFTSF, NwSSU has been strengthening its capacity to apply Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight to institutional planning, development, innovation, and decision-making. The University’s continuing efforts seek to cultivate an anticipatory approach to emerging challenges and opportunities and support more forward-looking strategies for institutional and regional development. The regional MOU provides NwSSU with an avenue to contribute its institutional experience in foresight while collaborating with academic institutions and government agencies in developing approaches that can support evidence-informed and future-oriented regional planning. The initiative brings together academic and government institutions in establishing groundwork for the proposed Eastern Visayas Futures and Foresight Framework, which aims to strengthen the integration of foresight approaches into regional development and policy processes. Also present during the signing were Dr. Jovito B. Madeja, Director of the EVSU Institutional Planning and Development Office; Jensen D. Rico, Supervising Economic Development Specialist of DEPDev VIII; and Emmanuel R. De Guia, Resident Futurist. The partnership reflects NwSSU’s continuing efforts to expand its role beyond traditional academic functions and contribute to strategic conversations on the future of Eastern Visayas. By strengthening Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight, the University contributes to building institutional and regional capacities to anticipate change, examine alternative futures, and develop more responsive strategies for long-term development. Through the collaboration, NwSSU reaffirms its commitment to innovation, strategic planning, and partnerships that support sustainable and future-oriented development in Eastern Visayas.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) brought its teaching and non-teaching staff together for a three-day In-Service Training from September 9 to 11, 2026, at Villa Cruz Resort, San Roque, Northern Samar. The training opened with a GCash orientation led by Mr. Amed Macabit, who introduced the platform’s features for faster, easier, safer, and cashless transactions for university services and personal errands. He shared that NwSSU is now one of the first State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region 8, along with Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), to partner with GCash, in line with the government’s vision to build a more digital Philippine nation under Executive Order 170. Mr. Macabit noted that the University’s own GCash QR code will be launched soon, enabling students to pay for services through GCash and supporting the disbursement of student subsidies, scholarship allowances, and personnel funds through an NwSSU institutional wallet with real-time reporting and monitoring. NwSSU constituents will also receive a free GCash card once launched. University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, DM, delivered a message and institutional updates centered on the “N” in the University’s ASCEND Framework — nurturing human resources. She emphasized the need to upskill in the age of AI to provide better, transformative, and globally competitive education, noting that competitiveness also means being relevant and responsive. She underscored that AI should be treated as a tool, not a replacement, calling for assessments and methods to be realigned to develop students’ critical thinking, alongside policies and guidelines that evolve with the times. She announced that the University’s new vision and mission statements will be launched soon, geared toward digital transformation — beginning with an assessment of processes that could be digitalized or automated, the establishment of a centralized digital platform, and updates to university manuals and the university code. She also called for stronger safety and security measures through preventive and proactive steps, guided by the ASCEND and ACHIEVE frameworks, and asked for the community’s support in performing their duties toward the University’s institutional targets. Dr. Teodoro A. Amatosa, Jr., Vice President for RIEEA, presented the Source-to-Sea Framework, anchored on NwSSU’s geographic and academic mandate along the ecological continuum of Samar, with focus areas in agriculture, forestry, natural resources, maritime affairs, fisheries, and advanced technologies. He identified gaps in infrastructure, leadership, and siloed academic operations, and outlined plans to streamline internal procurement systems, activate grant support and mentoring mechanisms, and create incentives for research productivity, envisioning NwSSU as a Research-Led University delivering on its mandate of Resilience, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. He also introduced the Triple Helix Ecosystem as the University’s guiding model for innovation and development programs, with NwSSU set to develop its own research and extension agenda harmonized with stakeholders and national R&D frameworks. Dr. Archie B. Lauderes, Director of Extension Services, discussed the DBM Joint Circular guidelines on faculty reclassification, common areas where faculty applications fall short, and ways to address them moving forward, alongside updated procedures under the revised Extension Manual. Mr. LJ A. Magnaye, Director of Research Services, guided participants on structuring research papers for publication, from establishing a clear research gap to presenting a solution, emphasizing clarity and simplicity over jargon. He also shared how AI tools can support research writing, literature review, and presentation, and walked participants through selecting appropriate journals based on scope, reach, indexing, metrics, article processing charges, peer review process, and turnaround and acceptance rates. He cautioned participants against predatory journals, citing red flags such as unusually rapid reviews or acceptance rates, hidden fees, fabricated editorial boards, and clone journals that falsely use the logos and names of legitimate organizations. Day 2 highlighted a keynote lecture on artificial intelligence in education, “From Prompt to Pedagogy: AI-Enabled Teaching, Learning & Assessment for the Future – Ready Educator,” delivered by resource speaker Dr. Las Johansen Caluza. The afternoon session covered key policy and compliance topics, including a talk on nihilistic violent extremism by PLtCol. Alden E. Dugan, the University’s gambling prohibition policy, an orientation on student off-campus requirements, and international travel guidelines, alongside updates on quality assurance and procurement processes for SUCs. The training concluded on September 11 with team building activities for the NwSSU teaching and non-teaching staff, capping a program designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and institutional alignment of the University’s workforce as NwSSU continues to advance its commitment to service, integrity, and excellence.     For more photos, view the full album here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/183EDbCmAGwXA4gNZ66bNb46kXNs2r9pt?usp=sharing

NwSSU Main Campus’ ISSC Officers and CSC Governors, together with 3 advisers, proudly joined the much-anticipated Philippines I Transform! Leaders Convention (PITLC) which gathered youth leaders from across the country in Baguio City, DepEd Teacher’s Camp this September 3-8, 2026. With the theme “COMBATING POVERTY, ACHIEVING PROSPERITY FOR ALL,” the convention focused on empowering leaders to advance the Sustainable Development Goals in their respective communities. The 13th PITLC welcomed participants from Sangguniang Kabataan, Local Youth Development Councils, Local Youth Development Offices, Higher Educational Institutions, and Community-Based Organizations. The NwSSU team was recognized with the MAGNUS AWARD for Biggest Delegation under the University Category, a testament to NWSSU’s strong commitment to youth leadership and service. Beyond the sessions and competitions, NWSSU delegates actively participated in different competitions, showcasing talent, teamwork, and the NWSSU spirit on a national stage. In line with this, two of the ISSC Leaders achieved recognitions in their different competitions: Alyzza Grace P. Errojo with her coach Ms. Jessabel C. Orongan – 3rd Place in Extemporaneous Speech Competition Amber Gebriel I. Nueva with her coach Ms. Jacquelyn V. Tapil – 3rd Place in Photo Advocacy Competition The experience reaffirmed the role of student leaders to lead with purpose, address poverty, and work toward prosperity for all.

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.