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MANILA – Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) actively participated in the final day of the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting on Friday, reaffirming its dedication to open governance. Represented by Dr. Rhio Dimakiling on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, NWSSU joined discussions on pressing governance issues and strategies to strengthen democratic institutions. The day began with high-level roundtable conversations on the intersection of open government, economic development, and democratic security, emphasizing how transparency can drive sustainable progress across all regions. A session on women, peace, and security highlighted the role of open governance in advancing gender-inclusive policymaking. Another talk focused on safeguarding electoral integrity by addressing issues that arise during elections, such as state resource abuse, vote buying, and vote selling. Other discussions explored ways to enhance collaboration among local leaders, public organizations, and development partners in promoting good governance. The role of data interoperability in governance and strategies for a fair and credible energy transition were also examined. Conventions in the afternoon provided a platform for in-depth conversations on designing impactful reforms, with a key focus on open contracting and fiscal openness. A session on political finance transparency examined ways to ensure accountability in electoral processes. Legal enforcers were also recognized as key players in championing inclusive governance and upholding justice reforms. As the two-day summit came to a close, NWSSU’s participation highlighted the importance of integrating open governance principles into institutional and national frameworks. The university’s engagement with regional and global discussions reinforced its role in promoting transparency and public participation. With new insights and strengthened partnerships, NWSSU remains committed to promoting open governance within its community and beyond.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through the Office of Undersecretary of E-Government David L. Amirol Jr., has officially endorsed the Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) for Fiscal Year 2024-2026. On February 5, 2025, Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling personally received the stamped NwSSU-ISSP and the endorsement letter from Undersecretary Almirol. In a formal endorsement letter addressed to Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, Almirol emphasized that the NwSSU-ISSP “demonstrates a clear understanding of the University’s current technological landscape, setting a roadmap for future advancements and enhancements.” Engr. Rhio Dimakiling, being the Head Planner, led the development of the NwSSU-ISSP, along with Engr. Romeo Corsiga, MIS Director, as Co-Head Planner. Corsiga recalled that the university had long been working on the completion of this extensive document, but it was only in 2024, under Pecayo’s and Dimakiling’s leadership that the effort was revived and completed. A Technical Working Group (TWG), co-chaired by Mr. Redem Tingzon, Project Development Unit Head, assisted the Head Planners in determining detailed specifications and crafting the plan. The TWG members included Engr. Mariel Jane F. Saberon, Ms. Xenon Chloe Gaden, Engr. Eugene Calong, Engr. Nicko De Guzman, and Mr. Dexter Catienza. This endorsement marks a significant milestone for NwSSU as it strives to modernize its technological infrastructure, demonstrating the university’s commitment to accessible, equitable, and inclusive services.

The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Calbayog City District Office conducted a free notarization service outreach program for Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) faculty and staff today, February 6th. The initiative, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Administration Building’s 4th floor was part of PAO’s outreach program. University personnel were able to have their Personal Data Sheets (PDS) and Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) notarized without incurring any fees for the said services. The notarization of these documents is a crucial requirement for all government employees to ensure compliance with administrative and legal obligations. For many employees, the event provided a convenient and cost-free way to complete this much-needed transaction. Instead of seeking private legal services, which often require additional time and expense, faculty and staff were able to process their paperwork swiftly with the assistance of PAO through Atty. Shirley Joyce B. Matados and Atty. Jamela B. Sani. The program was well-received by university personnel, who expressed their gratitude for the accessibility of the free service. By bringing legal assistance directly to NWSSU, PAO helped ease the burden of processing documents for employees, reinforcing its commitment to efficient public service and legal accessibility.

NwSSU’s Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling together with representatives of other SUCs MANILA – Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) is actively taking part in the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, represented by Dr. Rhio Dimakiling on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo. The two-day event which opens today, is currently being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manila, gathering over 800 participants from more than 40 countries and 20 local governments to advance open governance, public participation, and digital transformation. The meeting serves as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and commit to ambitious reforms under the Open Gov Challenge, a global initiative introduced at the 2023 OGP Global Summit in Tallinn. This challenge urges governments to design and implement policies that address today’s governance complexities while promoting participatory and resilient democracies. Photo by: Presidential Communication Office During the opening plenary, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country’s commitment to open governance, highlighting key initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and public participation. “Beyond our variances in our approaches, our shared vision is clear-cut: we want every budget allocation, policy decision, and program implementation to involve public participation—all in pursuit of the empowerment and upliftment of our people,” he stated. Dr. Dimakiling joined high-level decision-makers and leaders as they outlined their vision for strengthening transparency and accountability in governance. Key discussions throughout the day included leadership strategies for advancing OGP’s goals from 2023 to 2028, the role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in governance, and initiatives promoting open data inclusivity. A session on the road ahead for open government in the Philippines tackled governance reforms and challenges specific to the country. Photo by: Presidential Communications Office The event also highlighted the importance of youth participation in climate change policies, along with strategies to protect public space and empower civil society organizations. Conversations on mainstreaming citizen participation in decision-making and strengthening national-local collaboration were also key areas of focus. Today’s schedule will conclude with a Cultural Night, where participants may engage in a cultural exchange showcasing various world heritages. Discussions will continue tomorrow, with sessions focusing on mainstreaming open government, citizen participation in policymaking, and national to local collaboration. NWSSU’s participation emphasizes the institution’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement as it aligns with global and regional movements toward open government. The 2025 OGP Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting highlights the shared dedication of governments and civil society to foster more inclusive, transparent, and accountable societies by advancing open governance.

Pursuant to National Budget Memorandum Circular No. 154, NwSSU like other agencies conducted Civil Society Organization Consultation which was participated by students, alumni, teaching, non-teaching and private sectors, and other external agencies such as Department of Education, Calbayog City Water District Inc., and City Environment and Natural Resources Office last December 7, 2023 at Business Development Center, NwSSU. The consultation aims to solicit comments and recommendations from NwSSU’s stakeholders which are grounded with the intention of helping the university in achieving the university’s goals, mandates, and directions; and to forge the Budget Partnership Agreement.

The NwSSU research and extension team through the Office of the Extension Services conducted an immersion on the successful ecotourism organizations on December 2-4, 2023 at the home of the world’s renowned new seven wonders of nature, the Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It’s the place of the most protected areas and different community-based ecotourism organizations in the Philippines. The team discussed with different organizations, such as the Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour Guide Association Inc., Community Park Warden Association (CPWA), Tagbinet Ugong Rock Multipurpose Cooperative (TURMPC), Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) and the Honda Bay Boat Owners Association Inc. (HOBBAI). This activity aimed to capture the adherence of the members of the organization to the highest standards of sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and community empowerment. Their stories were invaluable in community-based ecotourism development, incorporated with best practices, innovative strategies, and effective methodologies that are aligned with international standards.

The Association of Universities in Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) in cooperation with Surabaya University, Surabaya, Indonesia holds the online Summer Program “Chat GPT, Artificial Intelligence & Metaverse for our Daily Life” from November 27 – December 1, 2023. Sixty (60) students and two (2) faculty members from NwSSU engaged in the event learn how to utilize AI, Chat GPT, and Metaverse which are massively used nowadays. The program combines academic webinar classes and practical classes with non-academic Indonesian language and virtual tours.

Fulbright Philippines visited the Office of International Affairs- NwSSU for scholarship program, November 23. Fulbright Philippines was represented by Ms. Joanne Fajardo, Program Officer, Mr. Justin Dominique Rupido, Program Assistant, and Ms. Andrea Faye Mendoza, Fullbright scholar. Present in the discussion were Dr. Iris Bejasa, Director of International Affairs, Dr. Lorelie Tangaran, Dean of College of Agriculture and Technology, Ar. Vanessa Ayllon, faculty of College of Engineering and Architecture, and Mr. Jake Calagos, Print Media Staff. The said Philippine-American Educational Foundation offers international educational and cultural exchange program for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, and university teaching worldwide.

Ms. Jonah Salcedo, University Planning Officer and one of the participants in the QS Higher Education Summit in Malaysia actively engaged during the panel discussion in AI: Reshaping Education’s Future Norms as part of the summit’s second day on November 8. In the discourse, Salcedo queried on the credibility of information generated by AI. Another highlights of Day 2 were panel discussions on specific topics in talent building and industrial evolution, experts focus forum, and business school forum to which NwSSU delegates enthusiastically participated.