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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.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), represented by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Cebu Normal University (CNU) through its University President, Dr. Daniel A. Ariaso Sr., on June 1 at the NwSSU University Boardroom. The ceremonial signing solidified both universities’ commitment to mutual cooperation in academic and research development. The partnership covers collaborative initiatives such as joint research, resource sharing, faculty training, and potential co-offering of programs, especially in education and leadership. Dr. Ariaso’s presence at NwSSU was dual in purpose. Aside from being the guest speaker at the Graduate School’s historic first standalone commencement exercises, his visit also marked a strengthened institutional connection between CNU and NwSSU. Also present during the MoA signing were Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Quality Assurance Director Dr. Rolyn A. Catamora, Student Affairs and Services (SAS) Director Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, and Strategic Initiatives and Project Planning (SIPP) Coordinator Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe. This milestone is a result of the initiative led by Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa and strongly supported by Dr. Pecayo, who acknowledged the steadily increasing number of graduate students at NwSSU and emphasized the need for broader academic linkages and leadership partnerships. The signed MoA affirms both institutions’ shared vision in cultivating advanced education pathways that empower its community as researchers, innovators, and service leaders.

Northwest Samar State University’s Health Center successfully conducted the Health Matters: Free Laboratory Services and Healthy Lifestyle Check campaign on May 14–15, 2025. This two-day initiative aimed to promote early detection and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the NwSSU community. A total of 161 individuals, consisting of 67 employees and 94 students, participated in the campaign, taking advantage of free laboratory tests that included blood sugar, cholesterol, uric acid, and urinalysis. Alongside these diagnostic tests, participants underwent individual risk assessments for lifestyle-related diseases, reinforcing the importance of preventive health measures.  The campaign was anchored on the Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223) and the Joint Administrative Order on Healthy Settings in Learning Institutions, highlighting the university’s commitment to fostering a proactive health culture. Laboratory services were administered by medical technologists from the City Health Office—Mardelen C. Langomes, Fhilip Ruis S. Saballa, Mereythel Vile L. de los Reyes, and Stephanie Jis P. Rosales—whose expertise ensured the accurate and efficient processing of diagnostic tests throughout the event.  Meanwhile, the non-communicable disease risk assessments and health education sessions were carried out through the combined efforts of the University Health Center and the City Health Office team, led by Proserfina Bingayen. Participants received valuable insights into their current health status and practical guidance on managing or preventing chronic illnesses through proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and routine health monitoring.  Overall, the campaign successfully enhanced health awareness and reinforced the university’s commitment to promoting a health-conscious academic environment. By making health services both accessible and educational, the University Health Center played a crucial role in supporting the well-being of the entire NwSSU community.

Cebu City – The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) College of Nursing actively participated in the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) two-day Public Consultation and Orientation on Nursing Education, held on May 27–28, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City. The event served as a platform for academic leaders and policymakers to deliberate on critical reforms in nursing education and training across the country. The first day of the consultation focused on the proposed Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs) for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and the reorientation of the BS Nursing Program Outcomes to integrate Primary Health Care (PHC) competencies. Representing NwSSU were College of Nursing Dean Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio and Program Chair Mr. Carl Neill M. Del Rosario. Their participation underscored the university’s commitment to educational advancement and its support for nationwide academic reforms. The NwSSU delegation engaged in curriculum discussions for both the academic and professional tracks of the MSN program and exchanged insights with prominent figures in nursing education, including Hon. Dr. Leah Primitiva G. Samaco-Paquiz, Chairperson of the PRC Board of Nursing. The consultation opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal, Director of CHED Regional Office VII, followed by a statement of purpose from Dr. Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, Director of the Office of Programs and Standards Development. Both speakers emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration in implementing new standards that respond to the evolving needs of nursing education. The Technical Panel for Nursing Education led the sessions, presenting the proposed PSGs and facilitating interactive open forums that allowed participants to provide feedback and raise pertinent concerns. On the second day, the focus shifted to the accreditation process for health facilities used for the Related Learning Experience (RLE). The Technical Panel presented the proposed guidelines and led a comprehensive discussion on how higher education institutions and their partner healthcare facilities can meet the quality benchmarks set by CHED and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Ten faculty members from the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences (CCJS) of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the 11th World Conference on Women’s Studies held from May 29 to 30, 2025, in Bali, Indonesia The delegation not only represented NwSSU in one of the most prominent global platforms for gender discourse but also formalized the university’s international academic partnership with The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM). As part of the event, the faculty members presented a research paper centered on gender equality, adding to the global conversation on women’s rights and social justice through research-based insights Their participation marked a defining moment in the university’s global journey, amplifying the impact of its research and contributing meaningfully to international academic discourse. It also opened new avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange, strengthening NwSSU’s presence in the global academic community.

Researchers from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) deepened their expertise in research methodologies during the Seminar Training on Qualitative and Quantitative Research Designs, held on May 26–27 at the 4th Floor, Administration Building, NwSSU. This two-day training aimed to strengthen NwSSU’s research culture by equipping faculty and staff with essential tools and knowledge for conducting interdisciplinary studies. The seminar opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, who underscored the crucial role of research in advancing institutional goals. University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo followed with a message emphasizing research as a foundation for innovation and academic excellence. Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director of the Office of Research and Development Services (ORDS), introduced the event’s resource speaker, Dr. Mary Gretchen F. Chaves, Dean of the School of Business Management at the University of the Philippines Cebu. A seasoned academic and research mentor, Dr. Chaves led the intensive training, covering both qualitative and quantitative research frameworks, design considerations, and real-world applications. To assess participants’ baseline knowledge, a pretest was administered before the technical sessions. Day 1 focused on theoretical and conceptual foundations, while Day 2 delved into analytical approaches and practical integration of methodologies. An online post-test at the end of the seminar evaluated participants’ knowledge gains and overall learning experience. As the seminar drew to a close, Dr. Ortiz led the awarding of the Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Chaves, assisted by Dr. David and Mr. Harris C. Tarrayo, Director of the Center for Innovative Computing and Data Analytics. Mr. Tarrayo also delivered the closing remarks, encouraging attendees to apply their enhanced competencies in future institutional research and community-based studies. Through initiatives like this seminar, NwSSU continues to foster a robust research culture, ensuring faculty and researchers are equipped to drive impactful and innovative academic contributions.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Graduate School deepened its commitment to leadership development through the conduct of the Seminar in Human Dynamics titled “Transformational Leadership through Inclusive Engagement in the 21st Century” on May 17, 2025, at the Business Development Center. The event, attended by graduate school faculty and students, aimed to enhance leadership skills and critical thinking, while encouraging a deeper understanding of transformational leadership in modern organizational contexts. Vice President for Administration and Finance Engr. Rhio Dimakiling opened the seminar by highlighting the necessity of equipping graduate students with tools to adapt and lead in an increasingly dynamic world. Keynote speaker Mr. Santi Getalado, popularly known as Dan Agila, captivated the audience with his thought-provoking talk. A transformational and spiritual life coach with over 87,000 followers on Facebook, Getalado drew from his background as a former Ateneo de Manila educator and coach to business leaders and change-makers. He emphasized inclusive engagement, internal transformation, and leadership as a force for community impact. The event also featured an open forum facilitated by A.H.E.A.D Adviser Dr. Nelcie Mabini, where students and faculty had the opportunity to ask direct questions and reflect on the seminar’s themes. Attendees explored topics such as navigating changing organizational structures, leading through values, and promoting purpose-driven initiatives. The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Nicolas L. Faller, MAPM Program Chair, who thanked the organizing committee and participants for their energy and engagement. He highlighted the practical value of the lessons shared, calling on attendees to apply these insights in their professional and personal endeavors. With its success, the Graduate School emphasized its dedication to nurturing future-ready leaders equipped with both technical competence ready for inclusive, transformational change.