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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.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) warmly welcomed Tourism Management faculty and students from Sapphire International Aviation Academy on March 6, 2025, as part of their educational tour across Leyte and Samar. Led by their professor, Ms. Caren Mae Buenaventura, and their dean, Mr. Romar Abaigar—who also serves as the President of the Union of Filipino Tourism Educators (UFTE)—the group aimed to gain valuable insights into academic and industry-related developments in the region. IM Travel Corporation, the official travel and tour agency for the visit, managed the group’s itinerary, which included interactions with NwSSU faculty and students, as well as an exploration of the university’s facilities and programs related to tourism and hospitality. The program, held at the NwSSU Hotel and Restaurant, began with an opening prayer led by Ms. Maffel Ivy Nacinopa, followed by a welcome message from Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, OIC-Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Jessica C. Alorro, OIC-Dean of the College of Management, and Ms. Florabel C. Canaman, ASBAO Director, also delivered their respective messages. Ms. Hannah Velvet Gift Suarez, a talented member of the NwSSU Singers, added a musical touch to the event with her rendition of “Reflection.” Following the performance, Mr. Romar Abaigar expressed his heartfelt gratitude to NwSSU for the warm welcome and the opportunity to engage with its faculty and students. He acknowledged the university’s hospitality and emphasized how the visit provided invaluable learning experiences for their students. He also looked forward to strengthening ties with NwSSU and hoped for more future collaborations. The visit concluded with a tour of the university’s hotel and restaurant facilities, highlighting the rooftop of the NwSSU Hotel, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the campus and the cityscape. Through this visit, NwSSU showcased its commitment to academic collaboration and industry engagement, providing future tourism professionals with valuable learning experiences.

Iba, Zambales—Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) further solidified its commitment to academic excellence, research, and extension services by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU) on March 5, 2025. NWSSU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, and ETEEAP Director, Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, represented NWSSU at the historic event. PRMSU, the host institution, was represented by its top officials, including PRMSU President Dr. Roy N. Villalobos, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lilian F. Uy, and Dr. Marlon James A. Dedicatoria, Vice President for Research and Development. The signing was also witnessed by the college deans from both institutions as implementors of the program stipulated in the MOU. The partnership underscores a shared vision between the two universities to lead in producing cutting-edge research and innovative knowledge at national and international levels. Under the partnership, NwSSU and PRMSU will collaborate on various academic and research initiatives, including joint research endeavors, student and faculty exchange programs, and co-hosting of research seminars and workshops. The agreement also covers the development of academic resources, such as instructional materials and laboratories, technical consultancies, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and joint degree programs from the undergraduate to doctoral levels, including the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP). Through this strategic collaboration, NwSSU is strengthening its existing partnerships and significantly expanding its network and linkages with various institutions. This initiative reinforces the university’s commitment to promoting innovation and excellence while solidifying its role as a key player in higher education, research, and extension services.