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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.

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!