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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Graduate School deepened its commitment to leadership development through the conduct of the Seminar in Human Dynamics titled “Transformational Leadership through Inclusive Engagement in the 21st Century” on May 17, 2025, at the Business Development Center. The event, attended by graduate school faculty and students, aimed to enhance leadership skills and critical thinking, while encouraging a deeper understanding of transformational leadership in modern organizational contexts. Vice President for Administration and Finance Engr. Rhio Dimakiling opened the seminar by highlighting the necessity of equipping graduate students with tools to adapt and lead in an increasingly dynamic world. Keynote speaker Mr. Santi Getalado, popularly known as Dan Agila, captivated the audience with his thought-provoking talk. A transformational and spiritual life coach with over 87,000 followers on Facebook, Getalado drew from his background as a former Ateneo de Manila educator and coach to business leaders and change-makers. He emphasized inclusive engagement, internal transformation, and leadership as a force for community impact. The event also featured an open forum facilitated by A.H.E.A.D Adviser Dr. Nelcie Mabini, where students and faculty had the opportunity to ask direct questions and reflect on the seminar’s themes. Attendees explored topics such as navigating changing organizational structures, leading through values, and promoting purpose-driven initiatives. The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Nicolas L. Faller, MAPM Program Chair, who thanked the organizing committee and participants for their energy and engagement. He highlighted the practical value of the lessons shared, calling on attendees to apply these insights in their professional and personal endeavors. With its success, the Graduate School emphasized its dedication to nurturing future-ready leaders equipped with both technical competence ready for inclusive, transformational change.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) marked another milestone in student-led recognition of media excellence with the 14th NwSSU Student Choice Awards for Radio and Television (NSCART), held on May 7, 2025, at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. Hosted by the third-year students of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) program, this year’s NSCART carried the theme “Studentry Meets Synergy: Upholding the NSCART Spirit through Media Diversity.” The event celebrated the evolving media landscape and highlighted the dynamic partnerships between education and industry. National and local media practitioners were honored for their exceptional contributions to radio and television, particularly in public service, entertainment, and information dissemination. Notably, this year’s NSCART also featured a separate award for the Social Media category and special awards for leadership in media and social transformation. NWSSU STUDENTS’ CHOICE AWARDS FOR RADIO AND TELEVISION NOMINEES & WINNER PER CATEGORY Local Radio Category Best Local Radio News and Public Service Program Good Morning Calbayog – Radio Natin 104.9 Calbayog (Winner) Best Local Radio News and Public Service Program Male Host Ricky Brozas – Buena Mano Balita (Winner) Best Local Radio News and Public Service Program Female Host DJ Jess – Radyo Express Balita (NWSSU 89.5 Kauswagan Radio) (Winner) Best Local Radio Educational Program Popsicults – Radio Natin Calbayog (Winner) Best Local Radio Educational Program Host DJ Aped – Popsicults (Radio Natin Calbayog) (Winner) National TV Category Best Morning Show Unang Hirit – GMA 7 (Winner) Best Male Morning Show Host Arnold Clavio – Unang Hirit (GMA 7) (Winner) Best Female Morning Show Host Mariz Umali – Unang Hirit (GMA 7) (Winner) Best Television Business Oriented Program My Puhunan – Kapamilya Channel (Winner) Best Television Business Oriented Program Host Karen Davila – My Puhunan (Kapamilya Channel) (Winner) Best Public Service Program Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho – GMA 7 (Winner)   Best Public Service Program Host Jessica Soho – Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (GMA 7) (Winner) Best News and Public Affairs Program 24 Oras – GMA 7(Winner) Best News and Public Affairs News Male Anchor Noli de Castro – TV Patrol (Kapamilya Channel) (Winner) Best News and Public Affairs News Female Anchor Mel Tiangco – 24 Oras (GMA 7) (Winner) Best Documentary Program) Born to be Wild – GMA 7 (Winner) Best Documentary Program Host Kara David – iWitness (GMA 7) (Winner) Best Network with Balance Programming GMA Network (Winner) Social Media Category Best Filipino Solo Social Media Influencer Toni Gonzaga (Winner) Best Filipino Group Social Media Influencer Ka Mangyan Vlogs (Winner) Special Awards: Transformative Media Leadership Award Raymond C. Uy Leadership in Media for Social Transformation Award Rex Daguman Present during the event were University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and CHED Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela, Chairperson of the NwSSU Board of Regents, who graced the occasion in line with her visit to the university for an official board meeting. NSCART continues to be the first and only award-giving body of its kind in the Visayas region, reinforcing NWSSU’s commitment to experiential learning and student empowerment. By honoring trailblazers in broadcast media, NSCART remains a testament to the university’s pursuit of excellence and the students’ passion for meaningful engagement with the media industry.

The afternoon of May 14, 2025 marked a historic moment for the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Unit of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), as during the initial deliberation, it was officially declared Rank 1 in the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI) with an outstanding rating of 97.11%.  RAATI is a rigorous annual evaluation conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to assess the performance, discipline, administrative readiness, and tactical proficiency of ROTC units across the region. It serves as a measure of excellence in military training, leadership, and institutional support. The last time NwSSU clinched the RAATI Championship was in 2010. Now, after 15 long years, we are one step closer to reclaiming the title. While other participating institutions are still awaiting their inspections, NwSSU’s remarkable early lead places it in strong contention for the overall championship. Should this top rank hold through the final deliberations, NwSSU will proudly bring home the RAATI championship crown once again! Congratulations to the men and women of the NwSSU ROTC Unit — your dedication, discipline, and determination have paid off!

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) continued its commitment to intellectual property education with the Sixth Session of its IP Awareness Seminar Series, held on April 30, 2025, via Zoom. The session focused on “Copyright and Related Rights” and was attended by selected faculty members and students from the College of Nursing (CON), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS), College of Agriculture and Technology (CAT), College of Education (COED), and the San Jorge Campus. Mr. Novlloyd E. Celeste, Head of Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO), led the seminar with an in-depth lecture that tackled the fundamental aspects of copyright law, including the rights of creators, the scope of related rights, and the implications of digital media on copyright protection. Participants engaged with the topic through discussions on the legal and ethical use of protected works, furthering their understanding of how copyright functions as a safeguard for intellectual and creative output. The event concluded with a message from Mr. Celeste, who also delivered the closing remarks. He emphasized the importance of respecting intellectual property as a cornerstone of academic integrity and professional ethics. This session marked another milestone in NwSSU’s observance of Intellectual Property Month, further reinforcing its goal of cultivating a knowledgeable and responsible academic community.

Aiming to elevate the quality, reach, and sustainability of its extension programs, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its Extension Services Office, embarked on a multi-institutional cross-learning and benchmarking activity from April 29 to May 2, 2025. The four-day visit brought the NwSSU Extension Team to multiple academic institutions and development-driven organizations in Cagayan de Oro and Malaybalay, Bukidnon. In Bukidnon, the delegation engaged with Del Monte Philippines, Inc. and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, where they explored institutional models of corporate social responsibility, service learning, and research-based extension practices. They were welcomed by Camp Administrator Ms. Ailene Rose Molleno and HR Manager Ms. Urchielyn Basalio at Del Monte, and by Dr. Heidi R. Rabanes, Ms. Gail dela Rita, and Engr. Dexter Lo at Xavier University. In Malaybalay, the team conducted a study visit at Bukidnon State University (BukSU) and the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay ka Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO). With BukSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Carina Joane V. Barroso, Extension and Community Engagement Unit (ESCEU) Director Dr. Jemalyn B. Paulican, Innovative & Technology Support Office Manager Mr. Kierby Depalan and other staff from BukSU, NwSSU gained insights on inclusive and impact-oriented extension initiatives. At BUKTAMACO, Founder Atty. Burt Miquibas Estrada offered valuable perspectives on community empowerment and cooperative development. The cross-learning initiative provided the NwSSU team with an in-depth understanding of different strategies and best practices in conducting, managing, and sustaining community-focused programs. It also opened doors for possible collaborations that align with the university’s mission to foster inclusive development through education, innovation, and service. Led by Extension Services Director Dr. Catherine Rodriguez, the NwSSU delegation included faculty members, extension coordinators, research heads, and representatives from the Graduate School, GAD, and various colleges and campuses – reflecting the university’s collective commitment to strengthening its extension thrusts across all disciplines. With insights gained and connections established, the NwSSU team returns from the benchmarking activity inspired and equipped to further enhance the relevance, reach and impact of its extension services across the region.

In photo is the actual affixing of the Quality Seal by Ms. Donna Joy L. Saballe, DOT-8 Accreditation team representative at the hotel lobby entrance in the presence of Mr. Ronald Ricafort, Calbayog City Tourism Officer; Ms. Almira Calbes, UHR General Manager, and the hotel employees today, May 2, 2025.

APRIL 7 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the 803rd Infantry Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) at the President’s Boardroom of NwSSU, Calbayog City, sealing a partnership for joint peace education and extension initiatives. The agreement, signed by NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and 803rd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Efren F. Morados, PA, in the presence of CCJS Faculty and officials from the 803rd Infantry Brigade, establishes a collaborative framework for promoting research-driven and community-based programs in peace and education advocacy. Under the MoA, both parties committed to launching coordinated projects related to peacebuilding and education. These include collaboration with civil society groups such as the Nagkakaisang Nortehanon Agricultural Cooperative (NNAC) and local people’s organizations in barangays affected by insurgency. Meanwhile, the 803rd Infantry Brigade will support implementation by providing logistical and security support, subject-matter experts, and access to relevant data, as well as government partners. Both parties are committed to fostering sustainable peace and development through education and community outreach, addressing the roots of insurgency, and promoting inclusive growth in the region. This partnership reflects a shared dedication to creating positive change and promoting peace and development in the community.

MARCH 30 — Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) launched “Project Kalinaw”, a comprehensive program designed to empower women deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the BJMP Calbayog City Jail. Spearheaded by Mr. Joar V. Uy, and implemented by NWSSU faculty and key officials, the initiative is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and empowering women in the correctional system, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive. Project Kalinaw, which stands for “Kababaihang Lumalaban, Nagtitiwala, at Nagsusulong ng Ating Wastong Karapatan,” aims to provide women in confinement with literacy enhancement, values formation, legal awareness, livelihood skills training, guidance, and life enrichment activities.  The program is grounded in the mandates of CHED Memorandum Order No. 52, series of 2016, focusing on extension services in higher education and aligning with NWSSU’s mission of providing highly technical and professional education and lifelong learning. The program was launched during National Women’s Month, highlighting the significance of women’s rights and their crucial role in nation-building. This initiative emphasized the program’s goal of ensuring that every woman, regardless of her circumstances, has access to dignity, equal opportunities, and the ability to shape her future. Project Kalinaw represents NWSSU’s commitment to social transformation and its dedication to supporting marginalized communities. The university plans to continue this vital work, seeking further support from other sectors for partnerships, further empowering women, and  contributing to a more just and equitable society.

The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Parole and Probation Administration RO8 (PPA R08) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen community-based rehabilitation programs through Project THRIVE (Therapeutic Holistic Rehabilitation and Integration for Valuable Empowerment) on April 3, 2025 at the NwSSU President’s Boardroom, formalizing a collaborative effort to support the reintegration of probationers, parolees, and pardon recipients into society. NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and PPA R08 OIC Regional Director Ma. Beverly D. Ampo led the signing ceremony, reinforcing both institutions’ commitment to holistic rehabilitation. Project THRIVE, whose main proponent is Mr. Joar V. Uy from the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences (CCJS), aims to provide educational, skills training, livelihood, and values formation programs for individuals under parole and probation. Others present in the ceremonial signing were Mr. Wendell V. Yee, Calbayog City PPO Head, and Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez, Director of NwSSU’s Extension Services. Through this partnership, NwSSU will offer its expertise in research, quality education, and community development to implement initiatives that equip beneficiaries with the necessary tools for successful reintegration. These efforts align with the university’s mission to engage in socially responsive projects that promote inclusive development. OIC Regional Director Ampo expressed her gratitude for NwSSU’s support, noting that Project THRIVE provides an avenue for parolees and probationers to transform their lives through structured interventions. She highlighted the role of education and capacity-building in promoting personal growth and reducing recidivism. The MOU officially seals a long-term collaboration between NwSSU and PPA R08, ensuring sustained implementation of Project THRIVE. With this initiative, NwSSU and PPA R08 reinforce their shared vision of restorative justice and community transformation, offering second chances to individuals striving to rebuild their lives.