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Leaders of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) gathered at the University of Rizal System (URS) Morong Campus for the 3rd SUCs Executive Forum, which officially commenced on September 1, 2026, under the theme “Building Smart SUCs Through Collaborative Leadership, Digital Innovation, and Institutional Excellence.” Spearheaded by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Dr. Desiderio R. Apag III, the three-day forum runs until September 3, 2026, and aims to institutionalize modern frameworks and foster digital adaptation among among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). The conference opened with a warm reception led by URS President Dr. Nancy T. Pascual, alongside kumustahay moments with other SUC leaders. Highlights of the opening sessions included the State of the Commissioner’s Address (SOCA), delivered by Commissioner Apag III, and the highly anticipated launch of the SMART SUCs 2030 Framework, which outlines a comprehensive digital ecosystem and development roadmaps for local public universities over the next decade. Key activities lined up for the executive forum include the OCDRA Election for Executive Officers, managed by PSAU President Dr. Anita G. David, and a dedicated “SMART SUCs Excellence Showcase” featuring institutional breakthroughs from Bukidnon State University, Davao Oriental State University, and the University of Antique. SUC leaders, including NwSSU President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, DM, also joined the President’s Roundtable Discussion. NwSSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Romeo B. Santos, together with Mrs. Maria Lourdes Mae V. Billate, Ms. Jireh S. Fortaleza, Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, and Ms. Miel Rosse C. Solayao, participated in technical talks on the SMART University Ecosystem led by BEFIED GROUP Chief Executive Mr. Ryan Soh. The subsequent days of the forum will focus heavily on governance and compliance, covering technical workshops on board protocols, CHED-OIQAG universityhood status led by Dr. Lora L. Yusi, and Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) guidelines under Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes. Technical staff will also run specialized presentation and workshop tracks covering crucial internal platforms, such as the Travel Authority System, E-Agenda, and the SUCs Profiling Integrated System, ensuring that operational and administrative efficiency scales uniformly across all participant institutions. The forum is scheduled to wrap up on September 3 following an open forum, a community exhibition networking night, and a general thanksgiving mass hosted by the University of Rizal System.

CALBAYOG CITY, SAMAR — This October 18, hundreds of applicants and police officers across Eastern Visayas will take the PNP Entrance Examination, PNP Promotional Examinations, and the Police Executive Service Eligibility–Written Examination (PESE-WE). For those taking the exams in Calbayog City, that journey will be made easier as Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) opens its doors as an examination venue. The arrangement is made possible through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between NwSSU and the National Police Commission Regional Office VIII (NAPOLCOM RO8), bringing together education and public service in a partnership that benefits not only the two institutions, but also the people they serve. Making the Journey Easier For examinees, one of the biggest benefits is simple: convenience. Applicants and police officers from Calbayog City and nearby communities can take their examinations closer to home. A more accessible testing venue means less travel time, lower transportation costs, and less stress—giving examinees more time and energy to focus on preparing for an important career milestone. A Stronger Partner for NAPOLCOM For NAPOLCOM RO8, having NwSSU as a partner provides a reliable and accessible venue for conducting examinations. Such partnership was forged during the ceremonial MOA signing on Augst 28 at the NwSSU’s President’s Boardroom which was executed by Atty.  Lorelie Facbillar-Tanagran, University President and Atty. Risty N. Sibay, NAPOLCOM 8 Regional Director.  With its classrooms and facilities, the university can help support a testing environment that is safe, orderly, and conducive to examinees. This partnership also strengthens NAPOLCOM’s connection with the academic community and creates an avenue for future collaboration.   Growing Through Service For NwSSU, the partnership is an opportunity to put its resources and academic environment in the service of the community. By hosting national examinations, the university strengthens its role as more than a place for learning. It becomes a space where people can take important steps toward their professional goals. The partnership also allows NwSSU to deepen its relationship with a government agency and gain greater exposure to the needs and realities of public service. These connections can open possibilities for future collaborative activities in education, training, research, community engagement, and other areas that can benefit students and the wider community.  In this way, the university’s involvement reflects its commitment to being an active partner in community and nation-building—using its facilities, people, and expertise to create opportunities for others.

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Department of Justice–Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) Region VIII signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Thursday, August 13, 2026, to launch a reintegration program for parolees and probationers. The one-year initiative marks the second phase of a collaborative partnership designed to provide skills development, employment opportunities, and community support for rehabilitated individuals. NwSSU President Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran and DOJ-PPA Region VIII Regional Director Ma. Beverly D. Ampo formalized the agreement. Under the said MOA, beneficiaries will undergo competency-based vocational training. Courses include food processing, agri-business, basic house wiring, and driving. The program also features certification opportunities, job search assistance, and direct linkages to local employers. NwSSU will provide project resources, including funding, manpower, training venues, and monthly learning sessions. The university has also committed on-campus space for hands-on work experience and entrepreneurial development. DOJ-PPA Region VIII will identify qualified clients, manage case supervision, and facilitate connections with families and partner organizations. The agency will handle all participant data in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. The initiative also includes individualized coaching, family reintegration sessions, mentoring, and community restorative service programs.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) received four recognitions from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region VIII during the FY 2026 Mid-Year Performance Dialogue for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), CHED, and TESDA on August 19, 2026, at the DBM Regional Office VIII Conference Hall in Marasbaras, Tacloban City.   The recognitions were given in acknowledgment of the University’s performance in income collection, physical performance, income utilization, and reportorial compliance. NWSSU was recognized with the following: Income Collection Award – for achieving a 134.57% income collection rate, exceeding its target collection for FY 2025; Physical Performance Achiever – for attaining 100% of the Physical Performance Indicators under the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act; Income Utilization Performance Award – for achieving a 61.30% average income utilization rate for FY 2021–2025, placing 3rd among SUCs in Region VIII; and Reportorial Compliance Award for the 1st and 2nd Quarters of FY 2026 – for the complete and timely submission of the required Budget and Financial Accountability Reports (BFARs), with a 100% compliance rate covering all 24 required reports. The awards reflect the University’s continuing efforts in financial management, efficient utilization of resources, and compliance with government reporting requirements. NWSSU extends its appreciation to the administration, faculty, staff, and offices whose collective efforts contributed to these accomplishments. Congratulations, NWSSU!

The outgoing ETEEAP Director formally turned over the leadership of the Center to the incoming designated ETEEAP Director. The turnover highlighted a seamless transition of responsibilities through a comprehensive briefing on the Center’s current operations, the progress of its deputization, the documentary requirements for submission to CHED, and the official handover of relevant records and documents. This orderly transition reflects the University’s commitment to continuity, accountability, and excellence in delivering quality ETEEAP services. Present during the turnover ceremony were Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, PDO Head and outgoing NwSSU-ETEEAP Director; Dr. Rey James B. Roxas, Dean of the College of Management; Dr. Romeo B. Santos, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Francis B. Toleza, incoming NwSSU-ETEEAP Director. Congratulations to the new leadership, and sincere appreciation to the outgoing Director for his dedicated service and commitment to advancing lifelong learning at NwSSU.

𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒! The University’s Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2026 NwSSU Outstanding Officials and Employees Awards.  The deadline for submission of nomations is on August 31, 2026. #ASCENDNwSSU

Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) marks another milestone as it officially secures a spot in the prestigious 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings. ​This global ranking evaluates higher education institutions based on their commitment and contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ​According to the performance metrics, NWSSU actively participated in 16 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), earning an overall score of 46.8 out of 100. This robust engagement has placed the institution in the 1501+ rank band globally out of 2,318 participating universities. ​Congratulations, NWSSU! #TogetherWeAscend