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NwSSU’s Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling together with representatives of other SUCs MANILA – Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) is actively taking part in the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, represented by Dr. Rhio Dimakiling on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo. The two-day event which opens today, is currently being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manila, gathering over 800 participants from more than 40 countries and 20 local governments to advance open governance, public participation, and digital transformation. The meeting serves as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and commit to ambitious reforms under the Open Gov Challenge, a global initiative introduced at the 2023 OGP Global Summit in Tallinn. This challenge urges governments to design and implement policies that address today’s governance complexities while promoting participatory and resilient democracies. Photo by: Presidential Communication Office During the opening plenary, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country’s commitment to open governance, highlighting key initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and public participation. “Beyond our variances in our approaches, our shared vision is clear-cut: we want every budget allocation, policy decision, and program implementation to involve public participation—all in pursuit of the empowerment and upliftment of our people,” he stated. Dr. Dimakiling joined high-level decision-makers and leaders as they outlined their vision for strengthening transparency and accountability in governance. Key discussions throughout the day included leadership strategies for advancing OGP’s goals from 2023 to 2028, the role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in governance, and initiatives promoting open data inclusivity. A session on the road ahead for open government in the Philippines tackled governance reforms and challenges specific to the country. Photo by: Presidential Communications Office The event also highlighted the importance of youth participation in climate change policies, along with strategies to protect public space and empower civil society organizations. Conversations on mainstreaming citizen participation in decision-making and strengthening national-local collaboration were also key areas of focus. Today’s schedule will conclude with a Cultural Night, where participants may engage in a cultural exchange showcasing various world heritages. Discussions will continue tomorrow, with sessions focusing on mainstreaming open government, citizen participation in policymaking, and national to local collaboration. NWSSU’s participation emphasizes the institution’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement as it aligns with global and regional movements toward open government. The 2025 OGP Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting highlights the shared dedication of governments and civil society to foster more inclusive, transparent, and accountable societies by advancing open governance.

Northwest Samar State University’s (NWSSU) Graduate School achieved a significant milestone by convening a Stakeholders’ Forum on the Validation of Graduate School Policy and Curriculum Revisions on February 1, 2025, at the Business Development Center. The forum aimed to modernize graduate education, bringing together key administrators, faculty, alumni, and stakeholders to enhance program offerings and align them with contemporary educational standards. Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration, emphasized the university’s commitment to accessibility through online learning modalities. “Our focus is on making graduate education more convenient for working professionals,” Dr. Dimakiling stated, highlighting the institution’s drive to accommodate students from remote locations. Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa underscored the importance of these revisions, particularly in securing the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC). “These updates are essential for maintaining our programs’ excellence and relevance,” Dr. Gamusa noted, calling for collaborative support from all stakeholders. The day-long event featured intensive breakout sessions where stakeholders reviewed curriculum checklists and provided valuable feedback across various programs, including PhDM, MAPM, MEM, MSGC, PhDE, MAED, MABA, and MASE. Alumni representatives shared compelling testimonials, with Mr. Edbryan Yepes advocating for a more streamlined curriculum that maintains academic rigor while considering students’ well-being. Dr. Joy Saldana, one of the experts/consultants/stakeholders, praised the institution’s proactive approach to meeting CHED requirements and adapting to educational evolution. The forum demonstrates NWSSU’s commitment to educational excellence and its proactive approach to adapting to the evolving landscape of graduate education in the region.

The Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) College of Education successfully conducted its Parent-Student Teaching Internship Assembly on January 21, 2025, at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. Held from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the event revolved around the theme, “𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘌𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦,” emphasizing the essential partnership between student teachers, parents, and advisers in preparing future educators. The assembly began with the opening remarks delivered by Dr. Julie Ann Edraga, who highlighted the importance of preparation and collaboration for a successful teaching internship. Following this, Graduating Class President Mr. Pears Bob Picorro provided an overview of the teaching internship program, outlining its objectives, structure, and significance in the professional development of the future educators.Discussed during the assembly were a series of discourse aimed at equipping student teachers and their parents and guardians with essential knowledge for a successful teaching internship such as the requirements needed for the teaching internship and outputs expected from the student teachers. Dr. Ana Gretchen Tobe, SIPP Coordinator, discussed the roles and responsibilities of the parents and student teachers during the deployment period as mandated by CHED and DepEd guidelines for Student Internship Program in the Philippines (SIPP). Meanwhile Mr. Rowee Caneda, Internship Supervisor, informed the future educators regarding the professional conduct and performance expected from student teachers during the teaching internship. To help the students in addressing challenges during the internship, Mr. Cerilo Irinco, University Guidance Councilor offered advice on overcoming common hurdles faced by student teachers. An open forum, facilitated by Internship Supervisor Mr. Remelito Labasbas, encouraged participants to raise concerns and share insights. The assembly concluded with inspiring words from Dr. Richard N. Verdeflor, Coordinator for the Student internship program who expressed his gratitude for the support of the parents on this journey of the student teachers. The event served as a crucial platform for addressing challenges and setting expectations, ensuring a smooth transition for student teachers into the field of education. With this assembly, NWSSU CoED demonstrated its commitment to preparing competent and confident future educators.

1st National Peace Convention at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) NwSSU delegation headed by the University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo attends the 1st National Peace Convention organized by the Volunteer Individuals for Peace, a non-government organization promoting peace and non-violence, established by CHED Commissioner Dr. Ronald L. Adamat.

The University administration rejoices its latest achievement, the Philippine Quality Award (PQA). The PQA of the Department of Trade and Industry is the highest national recognition program that recognizes achievements of public and private sector organizations in their journey towards performance excellence.What a way to end the year! Congratulations Norwesians! #RISENwSSU

Attended by the top management including the President, Vice President, Heads, and Directors, the Year End Evaluation and Cascading of Targets was held this December 18, 2023 at Business Development Center, NwSSU. The activity started with plenary sessions by Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo, Planning Director in which she discussed the following- Strategic Plan Year 1 Implementation Status and Key Insights: Enhancing Organizational Growth, PBB Projected Results and Other Updates, and Presentation of the Proposed Harmonized Graduate Tracer Working Components. It was followed by parallel sessions on Year-End Evaluation of the different departments and offices under the Academic Division, RIE Division, Administrative Division, and San Jorge Campus. In the afternoon was the presentation and cascading of targets by Dr. Ramil S. Catamora of Academic Division, Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz of RIE Division, Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling in the Admin Division, and Dr. Reynaldo R. Aquino of San Jorge Campus.This annual activity aims to strengthen the goals and objectives of the university by assessing the implementation of programs and activities of each department and office, and targeting greater heights in the next fiscal year.

The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII commends NwSSU for its updated, revised, organized, and well-packaged Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) pursuant to Republic Act No. 11396. To the members of the Technical Working Group, job well done! #RISENwSSU

Republic Act No. 10398 declares November 25 of Every Year as the “National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children”. In connection, November 25 to December 12 of every year was declared as the “18-day Campaign to End VAW” in the Philippines. With this, the Northwest Samar State University- Office of Gender and Development conducted a joint program with NwSSU Multi-Purpose Cooperative for a Culmination Activity of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women on December 12, 2023 at RSU Socio-Cultural Center, NwSSU.   The activity highlighted important topics such as RA 9995- Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 and RA 11596- Anti-Child Marriage Act discussed by Atty. Shirly Bohol-Matados, and Solo Parent Welfare Act explained by Betty Jane Arnejo, RSW. It was followed by the awarding of cash prizes and certificates to the winners of Poster Making Contest in which Ainah Erica Solayao got the first place, followed by Jeff Angelo Galing, Aquiluz Deliquina in the third spot, Frances Mike Mahinay for the fourth, and John Lloyd Mayolathe in the fifth place. An inspirational talk of Mr. Cornelio Bautista, Chairman of NwSSU Multi-Purpose Cooperative also ensued.

NwSSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Engr. Ramil S. Catamora received prestigious recognition for being the Outstanding Mechanical Engineer for the Field of Education and the Meritorious Service Awardee by the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) – San Juanico Chapter last December 9, 2023 at Costa Brava Hotel, San Jose, Tacloban City. VP Catamora was awarded in recognition to his achievement and exemplary service to the organization, distinguishing himself in the practice of Mechanical Engineering Profession thereby contributing to its sustainable development and growth. “I am truly honored and humbled to receive the awards. I am grateful for these recognitions and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the organization for this prestigious honor. These awards serve as great motivation for me to continue striving for excellence in the field of mechanical engineering. I am deeply thankful for this wonderful acknowledgement of my efforts.” – VP Catamora The entire NwSSU community is proud of VP Catamora’s achievement and excellence.

Pursuant to National Budget Memorandum Circular No. 154, NwSSU like other agencies conducted Civil Society Organization Consultation which was participated by students, alumni, teaching, non-teaching and private sectors, and other external agencies such as Department of Education, Calbayog City Water District Inc., and City Environment and Natural Resources Office last December 7, 2023 at Business Development Center, NwSSU. The consultation aims to solicit comments and recommendations from NwSSU’s stakeholders which are grounded with the intention of helping the university in achieving the university’s goals, mandates, and directions; and to forge the Budget Partnership Agreement.