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On March 13, 2025, Northwest Samar State University’s (NwSSU) Department of Military Science and Tactics (DMST) successfully conducted the Presentation of Sponsor and Escort Ceremony at the NwSSU Parade Ground. This significant event highlighted the university’s commitment to military training, leadership, and national service. The ceremony was graced by the presence of COL. ARNILO L. SENDAYDIEGO GSC (MI) PA, Chief of Staff of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker (GOHAS). Other notable attendees included PLTCOL DINVIR L. REVITA, Chief of Police, Calbayog City PNP; COL. RAYMUNDO PICUT JR. (GSC) INF PA, Deputy Group Commander of the 8th Regional Community Defense Group (8RCDG); and MAJ. JESUS REYES JR. (FS) PA, Assistant Commandant of NwSSU ROTC. The program began with the arrival of the Guest of Honor and Speaker, followed by the formation and inspection of troops, the Manual of Arms, and the singing of the National Anthem. An invocation was led by Pvt. Bianca Genel B. Bedio PA (Res.), establishing a solemn atmosphere for the event. Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV, NSTP Director, gave the Welcome Remarks, while Dr. Leovigildo Ancheta, Chief Administrative Officer, represented the University President, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, and shared an inspirational message with the attendees. A significant part of the ceremony was the Reading of Orders and the formal presentation of sponsors and escorts, who are key figures in military ceremonies and traditions. An intermission performance provided an artistic element to the occasion before the formal introduction of the GOHAS by COL. RAYMUNDO C. PICUT JR. COL. ARNILO L. SENDAYDIEGO, in his address, emphasized the significance of discipline, leadership, and patriotism in shaping future military leaders and citizen-soldiers. He also praised the university’s ROTC program for its consistent dedication to promoting national service and reserve force development. A plaque and a token were given as a gesture of appreciation to the Guest of Honor and Speaker. The event wrapped up with everyone joining in the singing of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal,” followed by a Pass in Review, where the assembled troops demonstrated their marching discipline and military demeanor. This ceremony demonstrated NwSSU’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a disciplined and service-focused corps of cadets, ensuring they are prepared to serve the nation whenever necessary. By hosting this event, NwSSU reinforced its strong partnership with the military and law enforcement organizations, promoting camaraderie among cadets and officers.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) extended its support for student career planning by participating in the Division School-Based Orientation on Career Guidance Program (CGP) and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) at Rafael Lentejas Memorial School of Fisheries (RLMSF) on March 12, 2025.  The event aimed to help Grade 10 and Grade 12 learners explore their academic and career options, strongly emphasizing preparing for higher education. RLMSF Principal Mrs. Emelie O. Tarrayo officially opened the event, highlighting the importance of career readiness and informed decision-making.  In partnership with various sectors and agencies, the program featured insights from NwSSU representatives, who shared valuable guidance on university admissions and academic opportunities. Mr. Cerilo Irinco, University Guidance Councilor, provided an overview of the college admission process, offering advice on requirements, deadlines, and academic program selection. Mr. Carl Niel M. Del Rosario followed with a discussion on passing the University Admission, Aptitude, and IQ Tests, where he outlined key strategies for success in entrance exams. A major highlight of NwSSU’s participation was the promotion of its nursing program, presented by Ms. Rosilda D. Macapanas, College of Nursing Adviser. She introduced students to the field of nursing, detailing the curriculum, career pathways, and the growing demand for healthcare professionals. Her session encouraged students to pursue their passion for healthcare and community service. The Orientation gave students a clearer understanding of their options of higher education and professional growth. With NwSSU’s continued involvement in career guidance initiatives, the university reaffirms its commitment to helping students transitions smoothly from high school to their chosen academic and career paths.

MARCH 7 — Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) reinforced its commitment to student career development by participating in the Division School-Based Orientation on Career Guidance Program (CGP) and Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) at Pilar National Agricultural High School (PNAHS). The initiative aimed to equip Grade 10 and Grade 12 learners with essential knowledge on academic pathways, career opportunities, and employment readiness. In his welcome remarks, PNAHS Principal Mr. Rolando M. Lacbo emphasized the importance of career planning and higher education in shaping students’ futures. Throughout the program, representatives from NWSSU and other institutions shared valuable insights into various academic and professional opportunities. Mr. Cerilo Irinco, NWSSU University Guidance Counselor, provided students with an overview of tertiary education courses and the university’s admission process. He helped students understand their options for higher education and navigate enrollment procedures. Additionally, Mr. Irinco conducted a session on strategies for passing university admission, aptitude, and IQ tests. NWSSU instructors also highlighted the university’s academic programs. Mrs. Sance J. Secondez discussed agriculture-related courses and their career prospects, while Mr. Shian D. Morallos presented the Environmental Science program and its career prospects, emphasizing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field. The program also focused on preparing students for the workforce. Representatives from TESDA, DOLE, and industry/business partners led an Employment Readiness Orientation, covering vocational skills, job market trends, and strategies for securing employment. Various universities and colleges introduced their programs, admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities to help students make informed career decisions. Through initiatives like this, NWSSU continues to play a vital role in shaping students’ academic and professional futures. By providing guidance and resources, NWSSU ensures that students receive the support necessary to succeed in their chosen career paths.

Strengthening its commitment to international collaboration, Northwest Samar State University participated in EduCanada Pathways to Partnerships 2025, a partnership-building initiative hosted by the Embassy of Canada. The event, held on March 7 in Manila, brought together Philippine and Canadian academic institutions to explore potential collaborations. Representing NwSSU at the event were Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice-President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Dean of the College of Management; Dr. Francisco B. Bacamante Jr., Dean of the College of Computing and Information Sciences; Engr. Ignacio G. Tocayon Jr., Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture; Dr. Jannel C. Alviola, Dean of the College of Education; Dr. Armando A. Alviola, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences; Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, Dean of the College of Nursing; Dr. Rosalia L. Briones, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Technology; Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, Dean of the Graduate School; Dr. Getulio A. Barcenas Jr., Dean of NwSSU San Jorge Campus; and Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, Director of the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) and head of the Project Development Unit. NwSSU representatives engaged in meetings with academic leaders of multiple Canadian institutions comprising Georgian College, Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology, Sheridan College, the University of Guelph, Canadore College, and Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology. Discussions focused on faculty and student exchange programs, research collaborations, curriculum innovations, and other potential collaborative initiatives. As NwSSU expands its international linkages, the event served as a platform to explore transformative opportunities that will benefit its students, faculty, and researchers. With the university’s dedication to fostering connections with national and international institutions, these engagements mark a step toward meaningful collaborations that will enhance academic and professional growth for the NwSSU community.

In a significant milestone, Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV, University Registrar of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), has been nominated and appointed as the Regional Representative for Eastern Visayas during the 13th National Convention of the National Association of Registrars of State Universities and Colleges (NARSUC). This appointment also marks his induction into the NARSUC Board of Directors, bolstering the region’s influence in national discussions on higher education registration and records management. NARSUC is a national organization composed of registrars from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across the Philippines. It is a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and policy development to improve records management, enrollment processes, and academic services in higher education institutions. While primarily composed of SUCs, NARSUC welcomes Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) and other private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as members, fostering a more inclusive network of academic registrars working toward standardized and efficient educational processes. The induction ceremony, led by Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), ushered in a new leadership term dedicated to enhancing policies, streamlining processes, and advocating for the needs of registrars nationwide. Both registrars of NwSSU’s campuses – Engr. Elegrecio Timan of the San Jorge Campus and Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV of the Main Campus – actively participated in the convention. Their attendance reflects NwSSU’s commitment to staying engaged in national discussions on academic records management, ensuring that the university remains aligned with best practices and policy developments in higher education. Engr. Zosa’s appointment is a testament to NwSSU’s commitment to excellence and active participation in advancing educational administration in the country. His leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping national policies and promoting best practices in records and enrollment management, ultimately benefiting higher education institutions (HEIs) in Eastern Visayas. 

Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) took a significant step toward expanding its academic and research horizons as key officials attended an exploratory meeting with the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) School of Science and Engineering on March 7, 2025. The meeting, held at the PLDT Convergent Technology Center, AdMU, focused on potential collaborations in faculty and student exchange, expertise sharing, and laboratory exposures. Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, NWSSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Raphael A. Guerrero, Dean of the AdMU School of Science and Engineering, led the discussions on prospective areas of collaboration for both universities. Also present during the discussion were NWSSU College Deans Engr. Ignacio G. Tocayon Jr., Dr. Jannel C. Alviola, Dr. Armando A. Alviola, Dr. Francisco C. Bacamante Jr., Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Dr. Rosalia L. Briones, and Dr. Getulio A. Barcenas Jr. The exploratory meeting was facilitated through the coordination efforts of Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, NWSSU Project Development Unit (PDU) Head and ETEEAP Director, and Mr. Benjamin N. Mirasol, AdMU Commercialization and Business Incubation Manager. The two institutions have been working on a promising project since January this year. Both NWSSU and AdMU expressed openness to forging a partnership in academic and research initiatives. As the next step, the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is set to commence in April, with the formal signing expected to take place in May. This initial engagement paves the way for promising opportunities, strengthening NWSSU’s pursuit of academic growth and innovation. As discussions progress, this collaboration holds the potential to open new doors for faculty, students, and future initiatives.

Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) has taken a significant step toward advancing cultural conservation and research by officially partnering with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Graduate School-Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (GS-CCCPET) and Samar State University (SSU). The three institutions formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing on March 6, 2025, at the SWR, Thomas Aquinas Research Complex, UST. Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) was represented by a delegation led by Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, along with Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, and Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director of Research and Development Services. They were joined by other key officials, including Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance; College Deans Dr. Rosalia L. Briones, Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Dr. Jannel C. Alviola, Dr. Armando Alviola Jr., Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, Dr. Francisco Bacamante Jr., and Engr. Ignacio G. Tocayon Jr.; Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, ETEEAP Director; and Dr. Getulio Barcenas Jr., NWSSU San Jorge Campus Dean. The partnership, named “Pagtuloy”, which means “progress or continuation” in Filipino, symbolizes the sustained efforts of UST GS-CCCPET in assisting Samar Province with research-driven programs and projects. As a pioneer in collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to research, UST GS-CCCPET—along with other institutions—advocates for culture and heritage preservation as a beacon for future development. Pagtuloy ensures that these efforts continue through the collaborative agreement between UST GS-CCCPET, NWSSU, and SSU, promoting unity and a common purpose: preserving and promoting cultural heritage in Samar. The MOU signing program began with welcome remarks from Prof. Cecilia B. Moran, PhD, Executive Assistant for Research Operations and Management, Office of the Vice Rector for Research and Innovations. Ms. Beverly M. Bautista, Officer-in-Charge of UST GS-CCCPET, presented the project rationale, elaborating on how Pagtuloy serves as a bridge between academic research and real-world applications, ensuring that Samar’s cultural identity remains an integral part of its progress. Following the formal signing of the MOU and a photo opportunity, NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo expressed his gratitude for the partnership, emphasizing its significance in strengthening the university’s research initiatives and its commitment to heritage conservation. With NwSSU as a key partner, the collaboration aims to enhance research quality, promote interdisciplinary studies, and expand the linkages among various institutions. It also seeks to create long-term institutional relations, share expertise and resources, and increase the visibility and impact of research initiatives through joint publications, conferences, and projects. Messages of support were also delivered by SSU President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia and Prof. Michael Dr. Anthony C. Vasco, Dean of UST Graduate School, both of whom expressed their optimism for the partnership and its potential to create a lasting impact on research, education, and heritage conservation in Samar. Through Pagtuloy, NwSSU reaffirms its dedication to academic excellence, research-driven community development, and the preservation of cultural heritage, ensuring that the university remains at the forefront of initiatives that bridge history with progress.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) have officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in academic, research, and extension initiatives. The signing ceremony took place at PUP’s campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, with key officials from both universities present to formalize the partnership. Present during the signing was Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President of NwSSU, alongside key university officials, including Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance, and Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension. Representing PUP was University President Manuel M. Muhi, D.Tech., ASEAN Engr., alongside Dr. Emanuel C. De Guzman, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Rudolf Anthony A. Lacerna, Executive Director of the Open University System. Several deans from NwSSU also attended, including Engr. Ignacio Tocayon Jr., Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture; Dr. Rosalia Briones, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Technology; Dr. Francisco B. Bacamante Jr., Dean of the College of Computing and Information Sciences; Dr. Armando A. Alviola, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences; Dr. Jannel C. Alviola, Dean of the College of Education; Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Dean of the College of Management; Dr. Bianca Genel Bedio, Dean of the College of Nursing; and Dr. Getulio Barcenas Jr., NwSSU San Jorge Campus Dean. ETEEAP Director Mr. Redem D. Tingzon and Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director of the Office of Research and Development Services, were also present to witness the momentous undertaking. Recognizing their shared commitment to advancing higher education, both institutions aim to become leading producers of breakthrough knowledge, competitive research, and innovative technologies that contribute to national and international development. The partnership provides a framework for mutual cooperation, allowing NwSSU and PUP to engage in various academic and research activities that promote innovation and knowledge exchange. Through this linkage, NwSSU and PUP reaffirm their dedication to contributing to national progress through impactful research and academic initiatives. The MOU serves as a foundation for a long-term partnership, ensuring that both institutions continue to advance the quality of higher education and research in the country.