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As part of its continuing commitment to enhancing student welfare and institutional governance, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) conducted a consultation session on the draft University Student Dormitory Manual on June 9, 2025, at the 4th Floor of the Administration Building. The activity was led by Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, and Planning Director, Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo. The session brought together student representatives from the student body organizations to solicit feedback, integrate suggestions, and collaboratively refine the proposed dormitory policies. Student Regent Revy M. Magallano opened the event with a message underscoring the manual’s significance in nurturing consistency, order, and accountability in university housing. This was followed by a formal setting of the agenda by ISSC Secretary John Michael Giray, paving the way for a comprehensive discussion on the manual’s provisions and their implications for dormitory residents. In her remarks, Dr. Myra Pilpa, Director of the Student Affairs and Services Office, underscored the importance of inclusive policy-making and the shared responsibility in cultivating a safe and welcoming living environment on campus The core of the session featured a detailed presentation of the draft manual by Ms. Salcedo and Mrs. Billate, which served as the foundation for an open consultation. Students were encouraged to voice their views, clarify specific sections, and offer constructive recommendations. The open forum that followed allowed for further engagement, enabling participants to raise concerns and propose refinements to ensure the document reflects both institutional standards and student perspectives. The development and consultation of the University Student Dormitory Manual mark a significant step in institutionalizing student-centered governance at NwSSU. Actively involving student leaders and key administrative offices, the university reinforces its commitment to transparent, inclusive, and responsive policymaking, ensuring that the regulations guiding campus housing are both compliant with national guidelines and attuned to the lived experiences of its students.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), represented by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Cebu Normal University (CNU) through its University President, Dr. Daniel A. Ariaso Sr., on June 1 at the NwSSU University Boardroom. The ceremonial signing solidified both universities’ commitment to mutual cooperation in academic and research development. The partnership covers collaborative initiatives such as joint research, resource sharing, faculty training, and potential co-offering of programs, especially in education and leadership. Dr. Ariaso’s presence at NwSSU was dual in purpose. Aside from being the guest speaker at the Graduate School’s historic first standalone commencement exercises, his visit also marked a strengthened institutional connection between CNU and NwSSU. Also present during the MoA signing were Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Quality Assurance Director Dr. Rolyn A. Catamora, Student Affairs and Services (SAS) Director Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, and Strategic Initiatives and Project Planning (SIPP) Coordinator Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe. This milestone is a result of the initiative led by Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa and strongly supported by Dr. Pecayo, who acknowledged the steadily increasing number of graduate students at NwSSU and emphasized the need for broader academic linkages and leadership partnerships. The signed MoA affirms both institutions’ shared vision in cultivating advanced education pathways that empower its community as researchers, innovators, and service leaders.

Cebu City – The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) College of Nursing actively participated in the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) two-day Public Consultation and Orientation on Nursing Education, held on May 27–28, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City. The event served as a platform for academic leaders and policymakers to deliberate on critical reforms in nursing education and training across the country. The first day of the consultation focused on the proposed Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs) for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and the reorientation of the BS Nursing Program Outcomes to integrate Primary Health Care (PHC) competencies. Representing NwSSU were College of Nursing Dean Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio and Program Chair Mr. Carl Neill M. Del Rosario. Their participation underscored the university’s commitment to educational advancement and its support for nationwide academic reforms. The NwSSU delegation engaged in curriculum discussions for both the academic and professional tracks of the MSN program and exchanged insights with prominent figures in nursing education, including Hon. Dr. Leah Primitiva G. Samaco-Paquiz, Chairperson of the PRC Board of Nursing. The consultation opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal, Director of CHED Regional Office VII, followed by a statement of purpose from Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, Director of the Office of Programs and Standards Development. Both speakers emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration in implementing new standards that respond to the evolving needs of nursing education. The Technical Panel for Nursing Education led the sessions, presenting the proposed PSGs and facilitating interactive open forums that allowed participants to provide feedback and raise pertinent concerns. On the second day, the focus shifted to the accreditation process for health facilities used for the Related Learning Experience (RLE). The Technical Panel presented the proposed guidelines and led a comprehensive discussion on how higher education institutions and their partner healthcare facilities can meet the quality benchmarks set by CHED and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Graduate School deepened its commitment to leadership development through the conduct of the Seminar in Human Dynamics titled “Transformational Leadership through Inclusive Engagement in the 21st Century” on May 17, 2025, at the Business Development Center. The event, attended by graduate school faculty and students, aimed to enhance leadership skills and critical thinking, while encouraging a deeper understanding of transformational leadership in modern organizational contexts. Vice President for Administration and Finance Engr. Rhio Dimakiling opened the seminar by highlighting the necessity of equipping graduate students with tools to adapt and lead in an increasingly dynamic world. Keynote speaker Mr. Santi Getalado, popularly known as Dan Agila, captivated the audience with his thought-provoking talk. A transformational and spiritual life coach with over 87,000 followers on Facebook, Getalado drew from his background as a former Ateneo de Manila educator and coach to business leaders and change-makers. He emphasized inclusive engagement, internal transformation, and leadership as a force for community impact. The event also featured an open forum facilitated by A.H.E.A.D Adviser Dr. Nelcie Mabini, where students and faculty had the opportunity to ask direct questions and reflect on the seminar’s themes. Attendees explored topics such as navigating changing organizational structures, leading through values, and promoting purpose-driven initiatives. The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Nicolas L. Faller, MAPM Program Chair, who thanked the organizing committee and participants for their energy and engagement. He highlighted the practical value of the lessons shared, calling on attendees to apply these insights in their professional and personal endeavors. With its success, the Graduate School emphasized its dedication to nurturing future-ready leaders equipped with both technical competence ready for inclusive, transformational change.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) marked another milestone in student-led recognition of media excellence with the 14th NwSSU Student Choice Awards for Radio and Television (NSCART), held on May 7, 2025, at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. Hosted by the third-year students of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) program, this year’s NSCART carried the theme “Studentry Meets Synergy: Upholding the NSCART Spirit through Media Diversity.” The event celebrated the evolving media landscape and highlighted the dynamic partnerships between education and industry. National and local media practitioners were honored for their exceptional contributions to radio and television, particularly in public service, entertainment, and information dissemination. Notably, this year’s NSCART also featured a separate award for the Social Media category and special awards for leadership in media and social transformation. NWSSU STUDENTS’ CHOICE AWARDS FOR RADIO AND TELEVISION NOMINEES & WINNER PER CATEGORY Local Radio Category Best Local Radio News and Public Service Program Good Morning Calbayog – Radio Natin 104.9 Calbayog (Winner) Best Local Radio News and Public Service Program Male Host Ricky Brozas – Buena Mano Balita (Winner) Best Local Radio News and Public Service Program Female Host DJ Jess – Radyo Express Balita (NWSSU 89.5 Kauswagan Radio) (Winner) Best Local Radio Educational Program Popsicults – Radio Natin Calbayog (Winner) Best Local Radio Educational Program Host DJ Aped – Popsicults (Radio Natin Calbayog) (Winner) National TV Category Best Morning Show Unang Hirit – GMA 7 (Winner) Best Male Morning Show Host Arnold Clavio – Unang Hirit (GMA 7) (Winner) Best Female Morning Show Host Mariz Umali – Unang Hirit (GMA 7) (Winner) Best Television Business Oriented Program My Puhunan – Kapamilya Channel (Winner) Best Television Business Oriented Program Host Karen Davila – My Puhunan (Kapamilya Channel) (Winner) Best Public Service Program Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho – GMA 7 (Winner)   Best Public Service Program Host Jessica Soho – Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (GMA 7) (Winner) Best News and Public Affairs Program 24 Oras – GMA 7(Winner) Best News and Public Affairs News Male Anchor Noli de Castro – TV Patrol (Kapamilya Channel) (Winner) Best News and Public Affairs News Female Anchor Mel Tiangco – 24 Oras (GMA 7) (Winner) Best Documentary Program) Born to be Wild – GMA 7 (Winner) Best Documentary Program Host Kara David – iWitness (GMA 7) (Winner) Best Network with Balance Programming GMA Network (Winner) Social Media Category Best Filipino Solo Social Media Influencer Toni Gonzaga (Winner) Best Filipino Group Social Media Influencer Ka Mangyan Vlogs (Winner) Special Awards: Transformative Media Leadership Award Raymond C. Uy Leadership in Media for Social Transformation Award Rex Daguman Present during the event were University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and CHED Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela, Chairperson of the NwSSU Board of Regents, who graced the occasion in line with her visit to the university for an official board meeting. NSCART continues to be the first and only award-giving body of its kind in the Visayas region, reinforcing NWSSU’s commitment to experiential learning and student empowerment. By honoring trailblazers in broadcast media, NSCART remains a testament to the university’s pursuit of excellence and the students’ passion for meaningful engagement with the media industry.

The afternoon of May 14, 2025 marked a historic moment for the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Unit of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), as during the initial deliberation, it was officially declared Rank 1 in the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI) with an outstanding rating of 97.11%.  RAATI is a rigorous annual evaluation conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to assess the performance, discipline, administrative readiness, and tactical proficiency of ROTC units across the region. It serves as a measure of excellence in military training, leadership, and institutional support. The last time NwSSU clinched the RAATI Championship was in 2010. Now, after 15 long years, we are one step closer to reclaiming the title. While other participating institutions are still awaiting their inspections, NwSSU’s remarkable early lead places it in strong contention for the overall championship. Should this top rank hold through the final deliberations, NwSSU will proudly bring home the RAATI championship crown once again! Congratulations to the men and women of the NwSSU ROTC Unit — your dedication, discipline, and determination have paid off!

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) continued its commitment to intellectual property education with the Sixth Session of its IP Awareness Seminar Series, held on April 30, 2025, via Zoom. The session focused on “Copyright and Related Rights” and was attended by selected faculty members and students from the College of Nursing (CON), College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS), College of Agriculture and Technology (CAT), College of Education (COED), and the San Jorge Campus. Mr. Novlloyd E. Celeste, Head of Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO), led the seminar with an in-depth lecture that tackled the fundamental aspects of copyright law, including the rights of creators, the scope of related rights, and the implications of digital media on copyright protection. Participants engaged with the topic through discussions on the legal and ethical use of protected works, furthering their understanding of how copyright functions as a safeguard for intellectual and creative output. The event concluded with a message from Mr. Celeste, who also delivered the closing remarks. He emphasized the importance of respecting intellectual property as a cornerstone of academic integrity and professional ethics. This session marked another milestone in NwSSU’s observance of Intellectual Property Month, further reinforcing its goal of cultivating a knowledgeable and responsible academic community.

Aiming to elevate the quality, reach, and sustainability of its extension programs, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its Extension Services Office, embarked on a multi-institutional cross-learning and benchmarking activity from April 29 to May 2, 2025. The four-day visit brought the NwSSU Extension Team to multiple academic institutions and development-driven organizations in Cagayan de Oro and Malaybalay, Bukidnon. In Bukidnon, the delegation engaged with Del Monte Philippines, Inc. and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, where they explored institutional models of corporate social responsibility, service learning, and research-based extension practices. They were welcomed by Camp Administrator Ms. Ailene Rose Molleno and HR Manager Ms. Urchielyn Basalio at Del Monte, and by Dr. Heidi R. Rabanes, Ms. Gail dela Rita, and Engr. Dexter Lo at Xavier University. In Malaybalay, the team conducted a study visit at Bukidnon State University (BukSU) and the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay ka Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO). With BukSU Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Carina Joane V. Barroso, Extension and Community Engagement Unit (ESCEU) Director Dr. Jemalyn B. Paulican, Innovative & Technology Support Office Manager Mr. Kierby Depalan and other staff from BukSU, NwSSU gained insights on inclusive and impact-oriented extension initiatives. At BUKTAMACO, Founder Atty. Burt Miquibas Estrada offered valuable perspectives on community empowerment and cooperative development. The cross-learning initiative provided the NwSSU team with an in-depth understanding of different strategies and best practices in conducting, managing, and sustaining community-focused programs. It also opened doors for possible collaborations that align with the university’s mission to foster inclusive development through education, innovation, and service. Led by Extension Services Director Dr. Catherine Rodriguez, the NwSSU delegation included faculty members, extension coordinators, research heads, and representatives from the Graduate School, GAD, and various colleges and campuses – reflecting the university’s collective commitment to strengthening its extension thrusts across all disciplines. With insights gained and connections established, the NwSSU team returns from the benchmarking activity inspired and equipped to further enhance the relevance, reach and impact of its extension services across the region.

In photo is the actual affixing of the Quality Seal by Ms. Donna Joy L. Saballe, DOT-8 Accreditation team representative at the hotel lobby entrance in the presence of Mr. Ronald Ricafort, Calbayog City Tourism Officer; Ms. Almira Calbes, UHR General Manager, and the hotel employees today, May 2, 2025.