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To drive the advancement of arts, culture, and community development, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Calbayog City Arts and Culture Office (CACO) formalized a partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on May 7, 2025, at the University President’s Boardroom, setting the stage for a transformative cultural collaboration. NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and CACO Officer-in-Charge Ma. Salome L. Roleda led the ceremonial signing, marking the beginning of a collaborative partnership centered on arts, culture, as well as community development. The MoA outlines shared objectives to promote artistic expression, provide platforms for talents, and promote cultural awareness in Calbayog City. The partnership establishes a framework for joint initiatives, including training programs, performances, cultural mapping, and publication of local heritage materials. Witnesses to the MoA signing included Mr. Cerilo A. Irinco, Director of the Arts, Social, and Cultural Affairs (ASCA) Office; Mr. Rexor H. Magbutay, ASCA Discipline Representative; Dr. Ervin L. Rodriguez, Director of the Innovation Office; and Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada, Director of Creative Works. The partnership highlights the mutual commitment of both institutions to preserve, promote, and elevate the cultural and artistic heritage of Calbayog while empowering local creatives through support and partnership.

May 7, 2025 — Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) Students from Northwest Samar State University’s (NwSSU) College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) successfully hosted “Sparking Safety — An Electrical Safety Awareness Seminar” at the Admin Building in conjunction with this year’s celebration of Electrical Safety Month. The event, hosted by the Junior Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (JIIEE)—NwSSU Chapter in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Calbayog and the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE), featured relevant discussions and demonstrations centered on electrical safety and fire prevention from the BFP Calbayog. Signaling the beginning of the program, Engr. Merary C. Ca-ang from the College of Engineering & Architecture delivered his opening remarks, followed by the rationale from F/SINSP. Tereso, T. Tuazon, Acting City Fire Marshal, Calbayog City Fire Station. Both emphasized the importance of collaborative and insightful events like the seminar in promoting safety for everyone. The event’s highlight was discussions on Electrical Hazards and safety Practices, Fire Prevention Strategies, Emergency Response Procedures, and Real-Life Case Studies by the BFP Calbayog. To further enhance the participants’ learning, the program featured an Electrical Safety Awareness Walk and distribution of Pamphlets, a practical demonstration, and an interactive Q&A, allowing hands-on experience and insightful discourse. At the program’s closing, Program Chair for Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) Engr. Ma. Ritchel F. Aliman expressed her gratitude to the participants and key speakers for the success of the seminar. Participants were able to receive certificates, distributed by Engr. Ca-ang and Engr. Aliman. The success of “Sparking Safety — An Electrical Safety Awareness Seminar” reflects Northwest Samar State University’s (NwSSU) unwavering commitment to promoting the safety of the public. Through the efforts of the BSEE students and the support of partners such as the BFP Calbayog and JIIEE, and IIEE, NwSSU continues to promote a culture of safety, awareness, and public service.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through the College of College of Criminal Justice Studies (CCJS), held the Exit Conference for the Bachelor of Science in Community Development (BSCD) program on May 6, 2025, at the Business Development Center, NwSSU Main Campus. The activity marked the conclusion of the fourth-year students’ internship under the Student Internship Program of the Philippines (SIPP) and served as a venue for reporting, evaluation, and formal recognition of their fieldwork accomplishments. The program began with opening remarks from Dr. Armando A. Alviola, CCS Dean, and a rationale presented by EnP. Rosalina L. Tarrayo, MRD, BSCD Program Chairperson. Interns from various partner institutions presented their accomplishment reports, followed by feedback and messages from agency representatives. Certificates of completion were distributed after each segment. Participating partner organizations included City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), SIKAT, WESADEF, NwSSU Cooperative, Plan International Pilipinas, and Center for Empowerment and Resource Development (CERD). The conference also featured brief intermissions with performances from student interns. An inspirational message was delivered by Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, followed by closing remarks from Dr. Ana Gretchen Tobe, University SIPP Coordinator. The activity formally marked the conclusion of the internship phase for BSCD students and reinforced NwSSU’s continued commitment to partnership and collaboration with various community development institutions.         

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.