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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), represented by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, joined key stakeholders across Samar during the ceremonial turnover of three landmark provincial governance documents at Padayon Samar: The 2025 Inauguration and Oath-taking Ceremony for Newly Elected Officials held on June 30 at Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City. Governor Sharee Ann Tan led the ceremonial turnover of the province’s updated long-term plans and values formation modules, underscoring the administration’s direction toward inclusive, sustainable, and values-driven development. “These are critical in reshaping the direction of the province in the years ahead,” Gov. Tan said, referring to the three documents: the Samar Province Sustainable Strategic Cultural Management and Development Plan of 2025, the Samar Province Sustainable Strategic Tourism Development Plan 2025–2034, and the One Values Program Modules. The Cultural Management and Development Plan outlines a ten-year roadmap for preserving Samar’s cultural heritage and strengthening the province’s creative industry. The Tourism Development Plan, meanwhile, lays out a framework for community-based and heritage-driven tourism, aiming to generate livelihood without compromising local identity. The third document, the One Values Program Modules, is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary values formation initiative targeting children and families. “This progress is not only about infrastructure or economic development. It is about preparing our people morally and socially to become responsible, value-driven citizens,” Gov. Tan emphasized. Standing alongside other key provincial institutions, NwSSU reaffirmed its continuing role as a key partner in shaping forward-thinking, research-informed, and community-rooted development policies. Also present were Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling, Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, and University Board Secretary Engr. Roy Montejo. Governor Tan also expressed gratitude to the framers and technical working group members who helped craft the plans. “Let us recognize their hard work, vision, and dedication in shaping a long-term path for Samar: one rooted in identity, integrity, and inclusion,” she said. In alignment with this vision, NwSSU’s participation in the ceremony affirms its commitment to a development agenda that goes beyond education. The university remains ready to contribute to initiatives that cultivate not only informed minds but also responsible, value-driven communities. The ceremony highlighted the need for synchronized leadership, policy alignment, and inclusive partnerships in addressing local challenges. With its growing involvement in regional policymaking and its strengthened public sector partnerships, NwSSU positions itself at the forefront of transformative governance: ensuring that research, innovation, and public service continue to benefit the people of Samar.

Faculty and non-teaching personnel from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the Training-Workshop on High Impact Extension Innovations with Field Exposure held on June 17–19, 2025, at Igorota Hall, Benguet State University (BSU) in La Trinidad, Benguet. The event brought together extension professionals and scholars to strengthen their skills in designing, managing, and evaluating community-centered, high-impact extension initiatives. The initiative was born out of the NwSSU Graduate School’s commitment to revitalize its extension mandate. In recent years, particularly during and after the pandemic, the University acknowledged a gap in faculty- and learner-initiated extension projects. This led to a purposeful exploration led by the VP for Administration & Finance who was concurrently the GS Extension Coordinator, joined by the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School, Extension Services Office, and Project Development Unit. This has resulted in proposing the training-workshop in partnership with the Bamboo Impact Lab OPC, led by Dr. Anneth Singh, Affiliate Scientist at Ateneo de Manila University. The effort aligns with the Commission on Higher Education’s Memorandum Order No. 15, s. 2019, which mandates graduate schools to promote advanced competencies that support agro-industrial productivity, entrepreneurship, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability. The event opened with a ceremonial signing between NwSSU, Civica Knowledge Management Solutions, and Bamboo Impact OPC—formally establishing a tripartite linkage in support of innovative, partnership- driven extension work. This was followed by plenary sessions that set the tone for the workshop’s central themes. The session titled “SIGLAT: Innovations in Youth and Community Development” was delivered by Mr. Adrian Leung on behalf of Dr. Donna R. Tabangin, followed by Dr. Marren Adan’s presentation on “Blue Economy Breakthroughs: Research-Based Extensions in Countryside Maritime.” Dr. Anneth Singh led the session on “Bamboo Impact Breakthroughs: From Research-Based Innovations to Business-Based Extensions,” and the final talk, “Bridging Leadership: Connecting Leadership Innovations and High-Impact Extension,” was facilitated by Dr. Elmer Soriano. On the second day, NwSSU participants engaged in a field exposure activity at the BSU Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry. Here, they interacted with project implementers and local stakeholders, gaining insights into how partnerships are initiated and sustained, how stakeholder relationships are nurtured, and how support systems, including funding mechanisms, are mobilized. These reflections guided the afternoon training-workshop, where participants crafted community involvement plans and designed partnership pipelines for extension projects. Outputs were presented, critiqued, and refined through collaborative feedback. The third day featured another field visit—this time to the BSU Agri-based Technology Business Incubator/Innovation Center (ATBI). Participants met with startup incubatees to learn about their entrepreneurial ventures, the institutional support provided by ATBI, and the importance of research- driven enterprise in rural development. The culminating training session back at Igorota Hall focused on developing impact assessment tools for extension programs. Participants shared their drafts and received constructive critiques to enhance effectiveness and applicability. The workshop concluded with a closing program that reinforced key insights and celebrated the participating institutions’ collective commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and high-impact extension practices. For NwSSU, the event significantly enhanced the competencies of its faculty and non-teaching staff in building strategic community linkages and responsive extension frameworks. It also enriched their professional growth and bolstered the University’s capacity to spearhead transformative, partnership- centered development in the region.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) proudly clinched the Best Conference Paper award under the Social Sciences Track (Set C) at the 2nd International Research Opportunities, Developments, and Extension Outcomes (IRODEO) Conference 2025, held from June 16 to 18 at Liceo De Masbate, Masbate City. The winning research, titled “TAMBALAN: An Ethnobotanical Study of the Traditional Healers and Herbal Medicines of Brgy. Peña II, Calbayog City,” was a collaborative endeavor by NwSSU researchers Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez, Mr. Shian A. Morallos , Dr. Vercelle A. Docdoc, and Mr. Louiesito A. Magnaye Jr. Their study delved into the convergence of indigenous healing traditions and modern scientific inquiry, strengthening the growing body of research rooted in cultural tradition and local knowledge systems. Anchored on the theme “Innovative Pathways to Sustainable Development: Strengthening Inclusive Research and Extension Collaborations for Future-Ready Solutions,” the international conference brought together scholars, educators, and development practitioners from various institutions to showcase research that drives inclusive and sustainable change. This recognition affirms NwSSU’s vibrant research culture and steadfast commitment to producing collaborative, relevant, and socially impactful studies that uplift both local knowledge systems and global development goals.

The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Bamboo Impact Lab OPC on June 17, 2025 at the Igorota Hall of the Northern Philippines Rootcrops Research and Training Center of Benguet State University to launch the Sustainable Bamboo Resource Optimization and Innovation Program (SBROIP), a university-led research and extension initiative by NwSSU. The agreement was signed by NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and BIL OPC President Dr. Anneth S. Rigon. The ceremonial signing was witnessed by Project Leader Teody Lester V. Panela, NwSSU Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza B. Gamusa, and Bamboo Impact Lab Managing Director Dr. Elmer S. Soriano. SBROIP aims to address local challenges in the bamboo industry through research, community engagement, and sustainable innovation. With focus areas including resource mapping, bamboo processing, digital systems development, and training, the project aligns with multiple global development goals and opens pathways for future policy, academic, and market collaborations between NwSSU and BIL OPC. Under the agreement, NwSSU is responsible for implementing the project, managing its budget allocation across personnel services, MOOE, and capital outlay, and submitting financial and terminal reports. The Bamboo Impact Lab OPC, on the other hand, will contribute technical expertise in bamboo processing and silica extraction, assist in capacity-building activities, and support market development and policy integration. For NwSSU, the partnership reinforces its commitment to applied research, community development, and innovation; positioning the university as a key member in advancing sustainable resource industries in the province and the region.

Manila, Philippines — June 15, 2025 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) have officially formalized their collaboration on developing assessment frameworks under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the two institutions have committed to advancing academic accreditation standards, ensuring robust assessment tools and methodologies that align with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) requirements.  The partnership marks the launch of the “Creating Rubrics and Assessment Frameworks for Tertiary Equivalency (CRAFT) in ETEEAP: A Write-shop”, a joint initiative that aims to strengthen technical support and capacity-building efforts in crafting standardized assessment tools. Designed to enhance the accreditation process for professionals seeking academic equivalency, the initiative fosters innovation in assessment frameworks and ensures compliance with CHED’s rigorous academic evaluation standards. The write-shop is set to take place from July 7 to 11, 2025, at Villa Fructuosa Resort and Hotel in San Isidro, Northern Samar, bringing together key stakeholders and experts from both universities.  Leading the virtual MOA signing were NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and ETEEAP Director Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, signifying their shared commitment to educational excellence. A delegation from NwSSU was physically present at the TUP University Board Room, comprising Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Mrs. Ivy B. Aligam, Supervising Administrative Officer for Administration; Mr. Rodolfo B. Corrales Jr., Supervising Administrative Officer for Finance and Budget; Dr. Rolyn A. Catamora, IQA Director; and faculty members Mrs. Nilda C. Jamin and Mrs. Jayrose P. Ortiz from NwSSU San Jorge Campus. Representing TUP were University President Dr. Reynaldo P. Ramos and Dr. Ryan C. Reyes, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who reiterated their university’s dedication to academic innovation and collaborative research.  This partnership underscores the critical role of academic institutions in shaping the future of tertiary equivalency education. By jointly developing assessment rubrics and frameworks, NwSSU and TUP are setting a precedent for excellence in accreditation, bridging industry expertise with academic rigor. The initiative not only enhances the quality assurance process for ETEEAP but also empowers professionals seeking higher education equivalency, ensuring that their competencies are evaluated with fairness and precision. Ultimately, this collaboration strengthens institutional ties and paves the way for more inclusive, accessible, and high-standard accreditation practices in Philippine higher education.

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), in partnership with St. Camillus Hospital, conducted a lay forum on June 4, 2025, at the Business Development Center to raise awareness of lifestyle-related diseases and empower the university community to pursue better health. Hosted by the College of Nursing and  University Health Center, the forum focused on the prevention and management of common non-communicable diseases. A free health screening was also offered, including blood pressure monitoring, and cholesterol, uric acid, and blood sugar tests for NwSSU employees and community members. Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, expressing gratitude to the organizers, guest speakers, and attendees. College of Nursing Dean, Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, followed with the forum rationale, highlighting the importance of awareness, early detection, and collaboration with health institutions in addressing non-communicable diseases. The forum featured three key discussions. Dr. Luningning Y. Justiniano gave an in-depth presentation on Diabetes Mellitus, covering its causes, symptoms, complications, and prevention strategies. Dr. Emmanuel A. Rosales followed with a comprehensive talk on Coronary Artery Disease, focusing on cardiovascular risks, lifestyle factors, and treatment options. The final session, led by Dr. Jamie A. Roa, emphasized the role of nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and routine check-ups in preventive healthcare. An open forum encouraged active engagement, allowing attendees to ask questions and share concerns. The program concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Carl Neill M. Del Rosario, who urged the community to take proactive steps toward healthier living. Through this initiative, NwSSU reaffirmed its commitment to health literacy, preventive care, and fostering a culture of well-being within its academic community.