NwSSU Conducts Cross-Learning Activity on Research Ethics with ADMU and TUA

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Aiming to uphold the highest standards of ethical research, the Office of Research and Development Services (ORDS) of Northwest Samar State University conducted a cross-learning activity at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and Trinity University of Asia (TUA) on April 28-29, 2025. The two-day activity facilitated fruitful discussions between the NwSSU Research team, the ADMU Research Ethics Committee, and the TUA Research Office. The activity focused on identifying institutional policies and structures that support Research Ethics Committee (REC) operations. ADMU and TUA shared their best practices in REC operations that NwSSU may adopt in operationalizing its own REC. The ADMU team was composed of Dr. Marc P. Gellynck, UREC Chair; Dr. Eduardo Ezekiel S. Denzon, UREC Vice-Chair; Mr. Joseph B. Johnson, UREC Secretary; Ms. Camille Z. Aspillera; and Ms. Lilia Christin P. Umali, Administrative Assistants of the University Research Integrity Office. The TUA team included Dr. Maria Antonia C. Capili, URDC Director; Dr. Michael O. Baclig, Assistant URDC Director; Ms. Shaira Santiago, TUA-IERC Staff; and Ms. Kathriena Cabanting, URDC Administrative Staff. During the visit, the NwSSU team also made a courtesy visit to TUA’s President, Dr. Gisela DA. Luna and they were warmly welcomed. The NwSSU team was composed of Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, ORDS Director; Mr. Jessie Sabijon; and Ms. Mary Joy Mustacisa Capito of San-Jorge Campus Research Office; Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte; and Ms. Precious Joyce Ogdoc, University Researchers; Ms. Rhea Jenny V. Ogalesco, Communication Specialist; and Research Staff Mr. Joshua A. Rosillon, Ms. Jane Cabradilla, and Ms. Renalyn Caca. The learnings from this cross-learning activity are expected to enhance the impact and ethical standards of NwSSU’s research, as mandated by the Commission on Higher Education. This initiative demonstrates NwSSU’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of research ethics and advancing its research capabilities.

NwSSU Joins Public Consultation for ETEEAP Act IRR

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

In its continuing commitment to academic innovation and educational access, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the National Public Consultation on the Draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12124, otherwise known as the “Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act,” held on April 29, 2025, at the CHED Auditorium, Higher Education Development Center Building, C.P. Garcia Avenue, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Representing NwSSU in the consultation were Dr. Ramil Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, Director of the NwSSU ETEEAP Center. Their participation highlights the University’s commitment to shaping policies that expand access to higher education for Filipinos. The public consultation, organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through its Office of Programs and Standards Development (OPSD), gathered presidents, vice presidents, academic officials, faculty members, students from both public and private higher education institutions, as well as regional CHED directors and key stakeholders from across the country. During the session, attendees were invited to provide feedback and recommendations on the proposed IRR to ensure that the expanded ETEEAP remains responsive to the needs of lifelong learners and working professionals seeking academic advancement through adaptive pathways. Through its active involvement, NwSSU emphasizes its support for inclusive and flexible education systems that recognize and value prior learning and professional experience, opening more opportunities for people to achieve their educational and career goals.

NwSSU Student Volunteers Gear Up for Deployment as Tara, Basa! Capability Building Concludes

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

After five days of intensive capacity-building sessions, tutors and youth development workers from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) are now set to officially begin their roles in the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, a national initiative that empowers youth to promote literacy and community development. Held from April 21 to 25, 2025, at the NwSSU RSU Socio-Cultural Center, the preparatory sessions equipped the volunteers with essential skills in pedagogy, child development, values formation, and community engagement, crucial in supporting early-grade learners who struggle with reading. The capability-building also emphasized the importance of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and educational equity in tutoring marginalized youth. In addition to assisting children, the program also includes parents as participants in the Nanay Tatay Sessions, a program facilitated by youth development workers that educates parents on the importance of a nurturing and loving home environment in a child’s development. The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, launched by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with State University Colleges, Deped, and PLGU Samar through Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, is a community-based initiative designed to assist low-income families with young learners while providing college students the opportunity to earn through a cash-for-work scheme. The program empowers youth to serve as literacy and parent education champions, promoting inclusive community development. Now equipped with training and guidance, NwSSU’s youth development workers will soon be deployed across their assigned communities, ready to advance foundational literacy and demonstrate NwSSU’s commitment to education-driven nation-building, community service, and youth leadership.

Charting the Path to Accreditation: Day 1 of AACCUP Preliminary Survey Visit

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

“We must conform to standards to guarantee quality assurance, especially with AACCUP. Meeting performance standards is a must, but if we don’t challenge ourselves, the University will remain stagnant,” said Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, in his opening speech. Northwest Samar State University took a significant step toward academic accreditation as it kicked off its Preliminary Survey Visit (PSV), conducted by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP). Over the next five days, the University will undergo a thorough evaluation, essential to upholding high-quality education and meeting national standards. The PSV is designed to assess NwSSU’s readiness for full accreditation, helping the University ensure that it is on track for continuous growth and improvement. The opening program featured several key activities, including the introduction of the area chairpersons and accrediting team. Dr. Pinky B. Carig, Dr. Jay B. Fallan, Prof. Ma. Monette D. Tugay, and Ar. Gina G. Flanders are the accreditors who will evaluate how well the University aligns with AACCUP’s standards. The University President stressed the importance of adhering to high-quality benchmarks. The programs being evaluated during this PSV include offerings from the College of Education, such as the Bachelor of Secondary Education, with majors in Values Education, Filipino, and Social Studies; the Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education, majoring in Information Communication Technology; and the Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education, majoring in Food and Service Management. The Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the College of Engineering and Architecture is also part of the evaluation. Tomorrow, April 29, 2025, the accreditors will get a closer look at NwSSU’s facilities through a virtual tour, which will showcase the University’s infrastructure, learning resources, and support services. The opening program set a positive and focused tone for the accreditation process, as NwSSU continues to strive for excellence and work toward surpassing national standards in higher education. This accreditation process is expected to enhance NWSSU’s reputation, increase stakeholder confidence, and ultimately benefit students, faculty, and the community by ensuring the university’s programs meet rigorous standards. The successful outcome of this evaluation will likely lead to improved academic programs, facilities, and services, further solidifying NwSSU’s commitment to delivering high-quality education and contributing to the region’s development.

NwSSU Aims for Stronger IGPs Through UEP Benchmarking Visit

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

In pursuit of enhancing its income-generating programs, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) conducted a benchmarking visit to the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) on April 14, 2025, to learn from the latter’s established practices in managing and sustaining Income Generating Projects (IGPs). The activity aimed to draw insights from UEP’s policies, systems, and innovations to support NwSSU’s goal of strengthening its own IGP initiatives. The NwSSU delegation, comprised of Mrs. Ivy B. Aligam, Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Atty. Cecile Candida Y. Rueda, Ms. Florabel C. Canaman, Mr. Rodolfo B. Corrales Jr., Dr. Nicolas I. Faller, Mr. John M. Tan, and Mr. Edward Abanilla, was warmly welcomed by UEP key officials, headed by University President Dr. Cherry I. Ultra, with support from Dr. Nelia M. Adora, Vice President for External Affairs, and other university officials. The activity began with a welcome program and introductions between participants from both institutions. This was followed by a series of presentations highlighting UEP’s IGP framework. Dr. Tia Mare L. Ebdane, Director of the Auxiliary Services and Business Affairs Office, presented an overview of UEP’s IGP policies, financial processes, and planning mechanisms. Mr. Arjay Traqueña, University Accountant, discussed financial management strategies, while Budget Officer Mr. Ferdie Reyes shared practical insights into budget planning. Dr. Ultra also addressed the group, emphasizing the importance of IGPs in supporting the mission and goals of higher education institutions. She shared UEP’s current initiatives, future directions, and expressed the university’s willingness to support NwSSU in its IGP development journey. After the program, NwSSU participants toured several of UEP’s operational IGPs, including the UEP White Beach, Kapihan, Kiddie Learning Center, Printing Press, Farmers Training Center, Garments and Textile Center, and the UEP Gymnatorium and Centennial Building. To cap the activity, NwSSU presented a Certificate of Appreciation to UEP as a gesture of gratitude for the warm reception and the knowledge shared throughout the day. The benchmarking visit marked a meaningful exchange of experiences and opened opportunities for continued collaboration between the two institutions.

DOH Kicks Off World Immunization Week 2025; NwSSU Joins Launch

Posted on by Raffy Ticong

CALBAYOG CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) officially launched the World Immunization Week 2025 campaign on April 24 with a kickoff program held in San Joaquin, Calbayog City, signaling the start of a nationwide immunization effort that will run until April 30 across Bicol, Samar, Davao, and various regions in the Philippines. With the theme “Bakuna Para sa Lahat: Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” the weeklong campaign emphasizes the importance of protecting all age groups: infants, children, pregnant women, and senior citizens through appropriate and updated immunization. The program enjoins the public to visit their nearest health centers and actively participate in the vaccination drive, aligning with the DOH’s goal of strengthening public health protection through community-wide participation. Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) was among the institutions present during the event. Representing the university were Dr. Armando Alviola, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences (CCJS) and Mr. Joar V. Uy, from CCJS. Their presence emphasized NwSSU’s support for collaborative community health initiatives and its commitment to promoting wellbeing and awareness among partner institutions. Distinguished guests from the national and international health sectors were also present at the event. Dr. Janis Macazo and Mr. Rojun Catbagan from the DOH Central Office, Dr. Achyut Shresthaa of the World Health Organization (WHO), and Engr. Bernie Bersola of UNICEF joined the local stakeholders in emphasizing the global significance of access to vaccines and reliable immunization. The launch opened with solidarity messages from officials representing local government units, health agencies, and partner sectors. The event highlighted cooperation among agencies in sustaining public immunization programs and ensuring access to life-saving vaccines, especially in underserved and vulnerable communities. World Immunization Week is observed globally every April, aiming to raise awareness and increase vaccine coverage worldwide. NwSSU’s participation highlights its continued support for community-driven health initiatives and its active engagement in national efforts that promote the well-being of every Filipino. Through its presence, the university reaffirmed its role as a partner in advancing public health and social development.

Pioneering Progress: NwSSU’s In-House Review Catalyzes Research Development

Posted on by Raffy Ticong

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Office, successfully conducted its annual Institutional In-House Review (IHR) for Research on April 21–22, 2025, at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS) Multimedia Room. The two-day activity aimed to evaluate, strengthen, and provide expert feedback on the university’s proposed research projects, further promoting a culture of excellence in research among faculty members. This activity was organized by the Office of Research and Development Services (ORDS), headed by Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director of the Research Development Services, along with the collective efforts of ORDS personnel: Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte, Ms. Precious Joyce D. Ogdoc, Ms. Rhea Jenny V. Ogalesco, Dr. Rolly L. Ortiz, and Ms. Renalyn Caca. Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, delivered the welcome remarks on Day 1, emphasizing the university’s commitment to evidence-based innovation and research-informed extension programs. He noted the important role of rigorous peer collaboration in ensuring the quality and impact of institutional research initiatives. The panel of esteemed evaluators included Dr. Marilyn Radam, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations at DOST Region 8 and Chairperson of the Internal Regional Technical Evaluation Committee; and Dr. Isabelita M. Pamposa, Senior Science Specialist and Quality Manager at DOST Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory. They were joined by Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte, Research Specialist for Science and Technology of NwSSU’s Office of Research Development Services (ORDS) ; Dr. Ervin L. Rodriguez, Director of the NwSSU Innovation Office; and Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez, Director of NwSSU’s Extension Services. The review featured research proposals from multiple NwSSU’s colleges, reflecting a wide spectrum of academic innovation and inquiry. Projects tackled pressing issues and emerging needs in fields such as inclusivity, education, economics, environmental science, disaster risk reduction and resource management, agriculture, public health, information technology, and cultural studies. Day 2 of the program continued with the remaining presentations and transitioned to Terminal Reports, which are essential tools for effectively capturing, analyzing, and presenting real-time data and system performance metrics. Each presentation was followed by constructive feedback from the panel, aimed at refining the proposals’ soundness, relevance, and practical application. The event served not only as a platform for feedback and critique but also as a venue for academic exchange, mentorship, and encouragement, reinforcing NwSSU’s role as a beacon of research-driven development in the country.

NwSSU Extends AWS Data to CDRRMO Amidst Rising Temperatures

Posted on by Raffy Ticong

In response to rising temperatures and the Extreme Caution Heat Index Alert recently issued by PAG-ASA across several provinces, the Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) consulted with Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) for technical support—specifically on heat index data generated by the university’s Automatic Weather Station (AWS). On April 22, 2025, CDRRMO personnel, including Mr. Joseph Von P. Catorce, Operation and Warning Division Chief; Mr. Ritchie Yabao, Early Warning Section Team Leader; and Mr. John Christian Tarrayo, Weather Forecasting Focal Person, visited the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) at NwSSU. They were welcomed by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for RIE, to review the latest data from the Automatic Weather Station. The meeting focused on understanding the current heat index levels and discussing how this real-time weather data could help mitigate the impact of extreme heat on the local population. The conversation centered on the AWS’s ability to track key weather variables like temperature, humidity, and wind speed which are essential for issuing accurate heat warnings and minimizing the risks associated with intense heat waves for the community. As a resource for public safety, the AWS plays an important role in turning weather data into actionable insights. Through this collaboration, NwSSU continues to contribute to local government efforts, showing how research and innovation can provide practical solutions for addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Both NwSSU and CDRRMO expressed the need to improve data-sharing, ensuring that both institutions are better prepared to tackle the increasingly unpredictable climate patterns facing the region. They also expressed interest in formalizing their partnership with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to solidify their ongoing collaboration and further strengthen disaster preparedness efforts.

NwSSU, DITO Telecom Hold Initial Talks to Bolster Connectivity

Posted on by Cerilo Dela Tonga

In a move to enhance digital infrastructure and connectivity across its campus, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) held a strategic meeting with representatives from DITO Telecommunity Corporation on April 21, 2025, at the NwSSU Admin Building. The collaborative session brought together the NwSSU-DITO Telecom Partnership Technical Working Group, chaired by Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, with Mr. Jake B. Calagos as co-chairperson, and Engr. Romeo Corsiga Jr., Director for Management Information System. DITO Telecommunity was represented by Area Cluster Manager Mr. Cyril Jose “Ceejay” Ignacio. Discussions centered on improving digital connectivity, network reliability, and service quality within the university. Both parties explored opportunities to align technological resources, expand coverage, and streamline communication systems to support the academic and operational functions of NwSSU. This partnership reflects NwSSU’s growing commitment to digital transformation, positioning the university to better serve its students, faculty, and stakeholders through modern and reliable telecommunication solutions.

In the Pursuit of Peace: NwSSU and 803rd Infantry Brigade Forge MOA for Collaborative Initiatives

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

APRIL 7 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the 803rd Infantry Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) at the President’s Boardroom of NwSSU, Calbayog City, sealing a partnership for joint peace education and extension initiatives. The agreement, signed by NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and 803rd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Efren F. Morados, PA, in the presence of CCJS Faculty and officials from the 803rd Infantry Brigade, establishes a collaborative framework for promoting research-driven and community-based programs in peace and education advocacy. Under the MoA, both parties committed to launching coordinated projects related to peacebuilding and education. These include collaboration with civil society groups such as the Nagkakaisang Nortehanon Agricultural Cooperative (NNAC) and local people’s organizations in barangays affected by insurgency. Meanwhile, the 803rd Infantry Brigade will support implementation by providing logistical and security support, subject-matter experts, and access to relevant data, as well as government partners. Both parties are committed to fostering sustainable peace and development through education and community outreach, addressing the roots of insurgency, and promoting inclusive growth in the region. This partnership reflects a shared dedication to creating positive change and promoting peace and development in the community.