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CALBAYOG CITY — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully bridged the gap between student welfare and proactive education through its recent seminar, “Awareness in Action: Substance Abuse and Oral Health Strategies.” Held on February 21 at the NWSSU Business Development Center (BDC), the activity was a collaborative triumph spearheaded by the University Health Clinic in partnership with the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and the College of Nursing Care (CONCare). The half-day event served as a unified front for health advocacy, drawing a diverse audience of NSTP and Nursing faculty, University Health Clinic staff, and a dedicated cohort of nursing students and NSTP student representatives. The drive aimed not only to disseminate information but to strengthen the preventive strategies necessary to protect the university community from the dual threats of substance abuse and poor oral health. The program opened with a clear sense of purpose as Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV, NSTP Director, delivered the rationale of the activity. He emphasized that addressing substance abuse among the youth requires more than just policy; it requires proactive education and consistent community engagement. This sentiment was echoed by Engr. Ignacio G. Tocayon, Jr., OIC-Vice President for Academic Affairs, whose opening remarks highlighted the University’s unwavering commitment to holistic student development and the essential integration of health education into the academic experience. Expert insights formed the core of the morning’s discussions. Representing the Calbayog City Police Office, Police Colonel Michelle Cinco provided a comprehensive legal perspective on drug abuse. Her presentation detailed the specific laws governing illegal substances and the heavy penalties associated with them, reminding the audience that awareness and personal accountability are the primary shields against falling into illegal drug involvement. The medical narrative was then addressed by University Nurse, Ms. Toni Charm B. Calag, who underscored the grave physical and mental health consequences of substance use, illustrating how addiction can permanently alter a student’s physiological well-being. Complementing this medical overview, Dr. Ellery D. Daguman transitioned the focus to oral health, shedding light on the often-overlooked connection between substance abuse and dental deterioration. Her session reinforced the vital importance of proper hygiene and preventive care as cornerstones of overall health. The drive concluded with a powerful charge from Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, Dean of the College of Nursing. In her closing remarks, she reminded the attendees that while knowledge is a powerful tool, awareness is only the first step. She challenged the students to translate what they learned into responsible personal choices and to act as advocates for healthy lifestyles within their own social circles. The event wrapped up with an open forum moderated by CONcare Officers, where students engaged in a candid dialogue with the speakers to further clarify the complexities of the topics discussed. Through this multi-faceted initiative, Northwest Samar State University reaffirms its dedication to preventive health programs. By empowering its students with the right information, the university continues to foster an informed, responsible, and healthy academic community ready to contribute positively to society.

Officials of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the Regional Budget Forum for FY 2027 Budget Preparation hosted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Regional Office VIII on February 10, 2026, at The Tropics, MacArthur Park, Candahug, Palo, Leyte. Representing the University were Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Mr. Rodolfo B. Corrales, SAO-Finance; and Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, Planning Officer. The forum provided comprehensive guidance on the FY 2027 budget preparation process, including formulation guidelines, submission requirements, updated budget preparation forms and instructions, and key timelines for National Budget Call compliance. The activity also featured discussions on budget convergence, performance-based budgeting considerations, and policy directions from DBM officials. The University’s participation reinforces its commitment to ensuring timely, compliant, and strategically aligned budget proposals in accordance with national budgeting policies and fiscal management standards.

CALBAYOG CITY — In a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and operational efficiency, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) conducted a comprehensive Internal Quality Audit (IQA) across all academic units of its main campus on February 2, 2026. The audit, which was executed simultaneously by a dedicated pool of internal quality auditors, serves as a critical mechanism in the university’s Quality Management System (QMS). By deploying multiple audit teams at once, the university ensured a synchronized evaluation of various departments. The university’s Internal Audit Unit outlined several primary objectives for the day-long activity, starting with the verification of continued compliance with the rigorous requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard. Beyond international certification, the auditors were tasked with assessing the extent to which academic units have achieved their set performance targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This involved a deep dive into whether the institutional goals are being translated into measurable results at the classroom and departmental levels. Furthermore, the audit sought to evaluate compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements mandated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other governing bodies, ensuring the university remains in good standing with national law. Auditors also measured conformance to the university’s own subscribed standards and internal policies to maintain consistency across the campus. Crucially, the process was designed to identify “Opportunities for Improvement” (OFIs) and potential non-conformities (NCs), allowing the university to address gaps before they impact the quality of service. During the opening meeting, the internal auditors emphasized that the audit is not a “fault-finding” mission but rather a “fact-finding” endeavor aimed at strengthening the institution’s service delivery. The auditors reviewed a vast array of documentation, including course syllabi, faculty evaluation results, research outputs, and student support service records. Interviews with department heads and staff were also conducted to verify that the documented procedures align with actual daily operations. This internal exercise precedes the regular surveillance audits conducted by external certifying bodies, ensuring that NwSSU remains “audit-ready” and consistently provides high-quality education to its stakeholders. The conduct of this internal audit reinforces Northwest Samar State University’s culture of accountability and transparency. By systematically identifying gaps in the current system, the university can implement data-driven improvements that directly enhance the student experience and faculty productivity. Ultimately, maintaining ISO 9001:2015 certification through these rigorous internal checks boosts the institution’s prestige and ensures that the “Quality Policy” is not merely a statement on a wall, but a lived reality in every classroom and office

Congratulations to Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) for securing 8th place regionally and an impressive 5,413th globally in the January 2026 edition of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities! This milestone represents a monumental leap from the previous year’s world ranking of 23,112th. While maintaining its strong regional position at 8th place, this global ascent is a powerful testament to the university’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence, digital presence, and its commitment to delivering high-quality education. Webometrics, also known as the Ranking Web of Universities, has been published since 2004. Its primary mission is to promote Open Access to the knowledge generated by institutions worldwide. The January 2026 edition evaluated 33,649 higher education institutions (HEIs). The rankings are determined by a composite indicator that evaluates web presence and research impact, with data gathered from reputable sources such as Majestic, Google Scholar, and Scimago-Scopus. We are immensely proud of this achievement and remain steadfast in our mission to strive for even greater excellence in the years to come!r

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) College of Education (COED) joined hands with the Schools Division of Calbayog City for its Pre-Teaching Internship Orientation, themed “Shaping the future, one prepared educator at a time!” on January 20, 2026 at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. The gathering brought together COED fourth-year practice teachers, faculty members, and principals from partner schools in the division. The university aims to align theory with practice between classroom learning and real-world teaching experience, ensuring that aspiring educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to nurture the next generation of learners. The event commenced with warm welcome remarks from Dr. Jannel C. Alviola, COED Dean, followed by inspiring messages from Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Calbayog City Division, and Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President. During the event, student teachers posed for commemorative photos alongside the principals of their assigned schools, COED faculty, and the university president – marking the official start of their journey into professional teaching. The orientation then featured key discussions on regulatory guidelines, with Ms. Corie B. Senolos, Division Student Teaching Coordinator, presenting salient points from DepEd Order No. 3, Series of 2012 and Joint Division-City Memorandum Order No. 1, Series of 2021. Mrs. Ma Gemma L. Tapel, Director of the Office of Gender and Development, also led a session on Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, emphasizing the importance of fostering respectful and inclusive learning environments. Before the activity ended, an open forum moderated by Mr. Rowee O. Cañedo, COED faculty member, allowed practice teachers to raise concerns and clarify questions about their upcoming internship. The program concluded with closing remarks from Engr. Ignacio G. Tocayon, Jr., OIC Vice President for Academic Affairs, who encouraged the student teachers to embrace their role as catalysts for positive change in education.

Creativity and public service converged as Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its BTLED Major in ICT students, conducted the “Kingkoy Chronicles: LGU Animated Info Series” outreach program in Tagapul-an, Samar, on December 12–13, 2025. This two-day activity was designed to strengthen the public information dissemination of the Local Government Unit (LGU) by utilizing the power of creative digital animation to reach the community more effectively. The first day of the program was held at Baquiw National High School and Tagapul-an National High School, where the focus was placed on orienting learners regarding the importance of animation as a modern communication tool. Participants were introduced to how animated content can simplify complex information, improve audience engagement, and significantly enhance the impact of LGU public information campaigns. This theoretical foundation was immediately followed by hands-on activities, in which learners applied basic animation skills to create their own digital outputs. The success of the outreach was made possible through the collaboration of local leaders and educators. The organizers extend their sincere appreciation to Hon. Vicente Jun M. Limpiado, Municipal Vice Mayor, and Mayor Princess Kate Limpiado for their warm welcome and the generous provision of accommodations and meals. Furthermore, gratitude is extended to Mr. Roy S. Atega, Mr. Jestoni R. Sajorda, and Mr. Ederick A. Dela Cruz for their invaluable coordination and hospitality. The program concluded by encouraging learners to view ICT skills as a tool for both personal growth and community development, reinforcing NwSSU’s commitment to service-learning.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) College of Nursing (CON) brought together its faculty, BS Nursing Level I and II students, and their parents for a CON-sultative Assembly, spearheaded by Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, CON Dean. The actuvity aimed to foster clear communication, align all stakeholders, and ensure shared understanding of key academic and administrative matters critical to the smooth implementation of the Second Semester. The program opened with warm welcome remarks and a rationale by Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, Director for Student Affairs Services, representing Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Pilpa emphasized the importance of parental support in helping students pursue their goal of becoming the nation’s noble healthcare frontliners. Following the opening segment, the event recognized academic excellence through the awarding of Top Performing students from the First Semester of Academic Year 2025-2026. Dr. Bedio then led the assembly proper, covering essential agenda items including second semester academic requirements, schedules of classes, duties, and fees. The assembly ensured all attendees were fully informed of institutional standards and expectations for the upcoming semester. After the core discussion, Mr. Rafael Jason N. Tarrayo, a CON faculty member, facilitated an open forum where parents and students raised concerns, asked questions, and engaged in collaborative discussion with the college team. The CON-sultative Assembly successfully achieved its objectives, providing timely guidance to students, addressing pressing concerns, and strengthening policies that support academic progression. Moving forward, the College of Nursing highlighted its commitment to working hand-in-hand to nurture competent, compassionate nursing professionals.

The University Performance Management Team (UPMT) from Northwest Samar State University’s Main and San Jorge Campuses convened at the University President’s Board Room for a crucial assembly regarding the university’s Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) on January 6, 2026. The assembly centered on the presentation and calibration of targets under Operational Plan 2026, as well as the submission of Organizational Performance Commitment and Review (OPCR), Departmental Performance Commitment and Review (DPCR), and Individual Performance Commitment and Review (IPCR) documents. The gathering aimed to ensure all necessary paperwork and supporting data were prepared and aligned for the year’s strategic implementation. During the session, the team’s members—including University Vice Presidents Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz (VP for Research, Innovation, and Extension), Dr. Ramil S. Catamora (VP for Academic Affairs), and Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling (VP for Administration and Finance)—engaged in constructive discussions calibrating targets, programs, and projects across various university units. These included the internal audit office, legal unit, internationalization office, planning office, General Services and Infrastructure Project Management Office, Project Development Unit (PDU), and all academic colleges. The collaborative effort strengthened alignment between central and campus-level operations, laying a solid foundation for transparent and accountable performance management throughout the institution. With these preparations complete, the university is poised to pursue its 2026 priorities with improvement, coordination, and a shared commitment to excellence.

The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Administrative Division rounded out 2025 with a lively holiday celebration on December 20, bringing all administrative personnel together at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center for their annual Christmas Party. Following the theme “Rock the Track with Denims and Colors,” the venue came alive with celebratory holiday as personnel dressed in stylish denim attires with cheerful hues, matching the vibe of the event. Led by the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the gathering was organized to mark the end of the year with camaraderie and joy.Spearheaded by Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance, the celebration was filled with fun activities that kept everyone engaged from start to finish. The program featured exciting raffle draws with special prizes, vibrant games and contests that ignited friendly competition, and a high-energy “track grind” session played by DJ Van Geras. Every moment was filled with enjoyment and cheer, creating memories as the team celebrated their collective achievements and welcomed the holiday season.

Congratulations to Hon. Teodoro A. Amatosa, Jr. on formally stepping into his role as the newly elected President of the Federation of Alumni Association, Newly Sworn Alumni Regent! Hon. Amatosa’s oath taking took place on December 17, 2025, during the Fourth Quarter Board of Regents Meeting, marking a key turning point in his commitment to serving the alumni community and contributing to the strategic direction of the institution. We look forward to his leadership as he bridges the interests of alumni and the academic leadership, fostering stronger connections and leading initiatives that raise the entire Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) family.