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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) played a critical role in regional economic collaboration by joining the Eastern Visayas Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Summit 2025. The event was held on December 5, 2025, at The Tropics at McArthur in Palo, Leyte. As one of the valued SSF cooperators, NwSSU was represented by Mrs. Ivy B. Aligam, Supervising Administrative Officer, and Mr. Jake B. Calagos, Director of the Integrated Multimedia and Communications Office (IMCO). Their participation reflected NwSSU’s commitment to addressing challenges and shaping actionable solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development through local SSF Programs. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the summit united SSF partners across Eastern Visayas to celebrate achievements, share best practices, and explore opportunities for business growth and networking. The SSF Program is designed to empower MSMEs and boost their productivity by providing access to essential machinery, equipment, tools, and skills. NwSSU currently manages two SSFs for Food Processing across both its campuses and is preparing to launch an upcoming SSF for a Digital Fabrication and Printing Production Center. This highlights its potential role as a catalyst for economic innovation in the region. The summit commenced with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the SSF Photo Gallery and Region 8 Product Special Setting, led by DTI Regional Director Dr. Celerina T. Bato. Opening remarks emphasized collaboration, featuring messages of support from regional directors and focal persons. Attendees then delved into an agenda that blended reflective discussions with forward-looking strategies. Mr. Artemio T. Almazan III, OIC of the Chief of the Business Development Division (BDD), provided an overview of the summit’s goals, followed by Mr. Alfee Rei Galapon, Chief Trade Industry Development Specialist (CTIDS), who presented the SSF Physical and Financial Accomplishments. An open forum concluded the morning session, allowing stakeholders to voice concerns, with DTI’s Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED) pledging national action to address regional challenges. adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. The afternoon session featured the event’s highlight: the presentation of the Best SSF Project Award 2025 from the SSF Programs across Eastern Visayas’ six provinces. A “Fast Talk” segment then showcased insights from the Region 8 Best SSF 2025 Nominees, offering inspiration for scalable models in various sectors, including digital manufacturing. NwSSU’s representatives actively participated, sharing expertise on best practices and strategies concerning presentation, usufruct agreements, ownership transfer, and local MSME development. As academic cooperators, they focused on the integration of academic resources with industry needs. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the Region 8 Best SSF Project 2025 awardee and the panel judges. The awardee’s acceptance speech highlighted the transformative potential of partnerships, while the judges emphasized the importance of adaptability in sustaining MSME competitiveness. The SSF Summit 2025 not only celebrated progress but also outlined a roadmap for resiliency and inclusive growth. By nurturing interaction among academia, government, and industry, events like this strengthen the SSF Program’s impact, turning challenges into opportunities. NwSSU’s proactive role signals its evolution from an educational institution to a key regional development partner, ready to equip MSMEs with the means to thrive in an evolving economy. As Eastern Visayas embraces innovation and collaboration, the summit’s outcomes promise a brighter future for local enterprises and communities across the region.

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) solidified its commitment to advancing graduate employability by formalizing a key collaboration during the “Bridging Futures: Partnership Signing and Turnover Ceremony,” held on December 5, 2025, at the Balay Samarnon (Old PNB Building). University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo played a pivotal role in the event, signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Career Development Support and Employment Facilitation Program. This strategic partnership aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring graduates gain streamlined access to career opportunities. Hon. Sharee Ann Tan, Governor of Samar Province, opened the ceremony with an inspiring welcome message, emphasizing the region’s dedication to fostering education that transforms lives. The highlight of the event was the partnership signing and turnover, symbolizing a unified effort among NwSSU, Samar State University (SSU), and the Schools Division Offices (SDOs) of DepEd Catbalogan, Calbayog, and Samar. Representatives from each institution emphasized their shared goals: equipping graduates with competitive skills and facilitating sustainable employment. Messages from DepEd SDO officials and university presidents further emphasized the vital link between education and workforce development. ​Before the ceremony concluded, Mr. Klint Francis P. Langi, President of the Samar National High School SSLG, delivered a heartfelt closing speech, urging the representatives to persist in their efforts to secure a bright future for the student body. The event concluded with the turnover of partnership documents, marking a new chapter for Samar’s educational institutions. The ceremony not only celebrated institutional unity but also asserted a collective mission to turn education into opportunity, ensuring every graduate steps confidently into a thriving future.

DECEMBER 2, 2025 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through the Office of Community that Adapts Sustainable Paralled Gender Inclusive Beneficial Opportunities and Nurturing Governance (CASUGBONG), united and demonstrated its commitment to ending Violence Against Women (VAW) with a dynamic 18-Day Celebration event at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. The campaign’s activities, themed “VAW-Free Philippines,” blended advocacy, education, and community engagement to raise awareness about gender-based violence and empower faculty, students, and staff to take action. The morning session commenced with the VAW-Free Philippines Motorcade 2025, a vibrant procession from the university to the Calbayog community highways, symbolizing solidarity against gender-based violence. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, Director of the Office of Gender and Development, emphasized the event’s rationale, highlighting the urgency of addressing VAW through collective efforts. Calbayog PNP officer followed with a safety briefing, ensuring participants adhered to protocols during the motorcade. After the motorcade, the focus shifted to education with a symposium on RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), led by Atty. Ma. Cecile Candida Y. Rueda. Her discussion emphasized the law’s role in combating online harassment and protecting women in cybercrimes. Concurrently, students showcased their creativity and knowledge through an On-the-Spot Slogan Contest and Quiz Bee, fostering student involvement in the advocacy. The afternoon session opened with Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivering welcome remarks that reaffirmed NwSSU’s dedication to gender equality. Atty. Rueda resumed her symposium, diving deeper into cybercrime prevention strategies and ones’ rights, giving participants practical insights into legal protections and reporting mechanisms. The event then celebrated outstanding students with the Awarding of Winners for the slogan and quiz competitions, recognizing their contributions to boosting the campaign’s goal. As the day concluded, Mr. Alvin Lentejas, NwSSU’s Multi-Purpose Manager, delivered a sincere message of support, urging the university and the society to sustain momentum beyond the 18-day observance. His speech highlighted the university’s role as a pioneer for societal change, calling for continuous collaboration among students, faculty, and local partners. NwSSU’s 18-Day Campaign Celebration not only educated participants but also strengthened solidarity to eradicate VAW. By integrating policy education, creative expression, and institutional leadership, the event exemplified the principles of a VAW-Free Philippines, inspiring hope and action across Samar and beyond.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) took a decisive step toward academic excellence as top administrators and teaching and non-teaching personnel gathered for a two-day Strategic Revision of the University Research and Extension Manual on November 12-13, 2025, at the College of Computer and Information Sciences (CCIS) Multimedia Room. Led by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, the workshop brought together stakeholders to refine policies, rationalize processes, and connect the manual with the university’s progressing vision for industry impact and innovation. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Ortiz, who emphasized the critical role of research and extension in NwSSU’s mission. Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director for Research and Development Services, then spearheaded the program overview, setting the room for intensive breakout sessions. Throughout the day, participants engaged in lively discussions, assessing existing protocols and analyzing revisions. The day 1 concluded with an open forum, where participants shared status updates and challenges, fostering transparency and collective problem-solving. The continuation of the event happened in the second day witnessing transformative presentations as participants presented revised guidelines and policy outputs. Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez, Director for Extension Services and as the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz for the day, delivered the closing remarks, urging the participants’ dedication and sustained collaboration. As the event put to an end, the event culminated with the playing of the NwSSU Hymn through an audio-visual presentation, symbolizing pride in the institution’s mission. This strategic workshop aimed to upgrade NwSSU’s research and extension frameworks, ensuring they meet global standards and local community needs. By consolidating the manual with current academic trends and institutional goals, the university strengthens its commitment to fostering innovation, ethical research, and innovative extension programs. The collaborative revisions are expected to pave the way for improved workflows, enhanced faculty support, and greater societal and global impact.

On October 21, 2025, NWSSU participated in the Regional Consultation Workshop for the Mid-Term Review of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Reforms Roadmap 2024–2028, held in Bohol. The gathering convened representatives from government institutions across the Visayas to exchange insights on advancing fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in public service. The event was spearheaded by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Representing NWSSU, Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo took part in the World Café session, where she offered thoughtful perspectives on strengthening capacity-building efforts for local implementers. She emphasized the importance of launching a Masterclass on PFM—one that transcends technical frameworks to include ethical foundations and moral leadership. Her contribution highlighted a compelling call for values-based governance, advocating for integrity and principled service as pillars of sustainable reform.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) was recognized as a steadfast partner in innovation and enterprise development during the Samar MSME Convergence 2025: Digitalization, Innovation, and Growth, held on October 22, 2025, at the Samar Convention Center, Catbalogan City  The university, represented by Mr. Jake B. Calagos, Director of the Integrated Multimedia and Communications Office (IMCO), was among the key institutions honored for their significant contributions to local economic growth. ​Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Samar Provincial Office, the convergence brought together micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners, partner agencies, and development stakeholders. The event served as a crucial platform to discuss emerging trends, technologies, and strategies that are currently shaping Samar’s dynamic business landscape. The program kicked off with opening remarks from DTI–Samar Provincial Director Engr. Meilou Cinco-Macabare, followed by high-impact presentations about ​Trends in MSME Development: Local and Global by DTI Region VIII, ​Digitalization and AI Marketing Tools by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and ​Science and Innovation by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The afternoon sessions focused on strategic planning and inspiration. Mr. Joseph Gabuay of the Samar Technical Institute for Development Studies (STIDS) led an engaging forum on Shaping Samar 2026 Onwards, which was followed by the inspiring Success Stories of Samarnon MSMEs. The day concluded on a high note with an inspirational message from Samar Governor Hon. Sharee Ann Tan and the Night of Appreciation for MSME Champions. NwSSU proudly received a Plaque of Appreciation in recognition of its unwavering commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and strong industry-academe collaboration. ​This award symbolizes the university’s dedication to nurturing future entrepreneurs and directly supporting local economic progress through its impactful research, extension programs, and innovation-driven initiatives. ​Through this vital recognition, NwSSU significantly strengthens its partnership with DTI–Samar and other key agencies, actively working to build a thriving culture of innovation and enterprise development. This collaboration is essential in fostering a stronger, more resilient MSME community throughout the province.

Tamkang University, Taiwan — Representatives from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) took part in the 11th Asia-Pacific Futures Network (APFN) Conference held on October 16–18, 2025, at Tamkang University, Taiwan. With the theme “AI + SDGs + ESG: Co-creating Ethical and Sustainable Futures,” the conference convened futurists, educators, and policymakers from across the region to explore anticipatory governance, AI ethics, and transformative foresight in education and governance. The NwSSU delegation led by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, together with Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez and Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo, joined global experts in workshops and dialogues on participatory futures, green universities, and futures literacy, advancing the university’s commitment to foresight-driven education and innovation. Among the key sessions were led by eminent futurists including Prof. Sohail Inayatullah, Dr. John Sweeney, and Dr. Jose Ramos, emphasizing the role of AI and futures thinking in shaping ethical, inclusive, and sustainable societies. NwSSU’s participation marks its continued engagement in futures-oriented discourse, strengthening its network in the global futures community and reaffirming its vision to integrate anticipatory leadership and futures literacy into institutional development, research, and academic practices.

The Creative Works Office (CWO) of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) spearheaded the Workshop on Developing the Creative Works Manual on October 17, 2025, at the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) Function Hall. This all-day collaborative forum gathered faculty members, creative practitioners, and university officials, aiming to institutionalize the rigorous recognition and management of the university’s creative outputs. The program commenced with a prayer led by Ms. Maria Lourdes Mae V. Billate, followed by the National Anthem. Though unable to attend in person, University President, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo extended his full support for the initiative. Dr. Pecayo emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “Recognizing creativity means valuing the ideas and imagination that keep our university alive and moving forward.” Setting the vision, Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada, Director for Creative Works, delivered his Statement of Purpose and Overview of the CWO Mandate. “This workshop is more than policy crafting—it is about giving structure to our creative spirit. The manual we build together will be our shared framework for recognizing creativity as an essential part of academic life,” Cruzada articulated. The day’s main agenda centered on intensive breakout sessions, where participants collaboratively developed specific policy points focusing on creative work categories, peer review mechanisms, recognition and incentive systems, and robust documentation processes. To ensure focused and comprehensive outputs across four major thematic areas, designated facilitators oversaw the deep-dive discussions. Mr. Alwin Mondido led the discussion on the CWO Agenda, detailing the Creative Works Thrusts, Priorities, Organizational Structure, and Director’s Functions. Concurrently, Ms. Rhea Jenny A. Ogalesco mapped the Categories and Scope of Creative Works, which encompassed the Literary, Visual, Performing, and Digital and Media Arts. Furthermore, Mr. Rexor Magbutay spearheaded the group tackling the Recordation, Deposit, and Evaluation of Creative Works, focusing on General Principles, the Review and Evaluation Framework, and Reporting and Documentation Procedures. Crucially, Dr. Maria Lucil H. Dollado presided over the discussion on Incentives, Recognition, and Revenue Sharing, highlighting both Monetary and Non-Monetary Rewards and provisions for commercialized works. The proceedings were officially closed with a prayer led by Mr. Cerilo Irinco, ASCA Head, and hosted by Mr. Rexor H. Magbutay. ​This workshop represents a major institutional leap forward for NwSSU in building a community that values both intellectual rigor and creative excellence—firmly asserting the university’s mission to nurture artistry, innovation, and cultural identity in higher education.