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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its Office of Extension Services, reviewed 39 extension proposals addressing disaster resilience, eco-tourism, livelihood, education, and health during its In-House Review 2026, held on November 10 and 11 at the RIEEA Smart Hub Conference Room on the Main Campus. Proponents from seven colleges and the Graduate School presented their proposals before a panel of evaluators composed of Engr. Deodatus G. Sagadal of the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP), Dr. Jose Marlon J. Refuncion Jr. of Samar State University (SSU), Dr. Ervin Rodriguez, Director of the NwSSU Innovation Office, and Ms. Toni Charm B. Calag, Director of NwSSU’s Gender and Development Services. Nineteen proposals were presented on the first day and 20 on the second. Many of the proposed projects respond to challenges already faced by Samar communities. These include rainwater harvesting systems for water-scarce barangays, renewable energy solutions for disaster preparedness, and women-led island resilience initiatives. Others focus on livelihood and agriculture, including farmer training on managing toxic elements in mine-impacted farmland in Taft, Eastern Samar, and the establishment of a sustainable agriculture cooperative in Barangay Bayo. Eco-tourism and environmental protection also figured prominently in the proposals. Among these were initiatives to expand source-to-sea eco-tourism in unserved and underserved communities, train boat operators in Paranas on financial management, and establish a no-plastic policy for pilgrims visiting Calvary Hill in Santa Margarita. Education and health-related proposals included reading support initiatives, and teacher licensure examination review programs, such as the SAGIP-KABATAAN: Capacity Building on Comprehensive Sexual Health Education, Peer Counselling, and Local Referral Network Linkages for Youth Leaders, proposed by the College of Nursing. The initiative seeks to equip youth leaders with knowledge and skills in sexual health education, peer support, and referral mechanisms, strengthening access to appropriate guidance and services for young people. Through the In-House Review, NwSSU ensures that its extension initiatives are grounded in sound project plans and responsive to the needs of their intended beneficiaries. The process reinforces the University’s commitment to delivering purposeful, relevant, and community-centered programs across Samar’s barangays, farms, and schools.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) students, faculty, and staff can now get professional mental health care at a discount through a four-year partnership with Dr. Liberty Monesit Medical Clinic. The University and the clinic formalized the partnership on November 3, 2026, through a ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement signing at the NwSSU President’s Board Room. University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, DM, and clinic proprietor Dr. Ofelia Amores Monesit, MD, signed the agreement. Under the agreement, members of the University community who are referred by NwSSU can access consultation, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment at the clinic, with a 25% discount on consultation fees. The clinic will also provide resource speakers for the University’s seminars, workshops, and other mental health activities. Both parties committed to comply with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173) and to safeguard sensitive medical and mental health information. By lowering cost barriers and linking the community to licensed professionals, the partnership supports students’ and employees’ well-being, which in turn supports how well they learn and work.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the City Government of Calbayog conducted a foresight and tabletop workshop on El Niño–La Niña preparedness on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at the NwSSU Main Campus. The workshop comes as Samar is among the provinces PAGASA has placed under drought, with the current very strong El Niño expected to linger into 2027 and a La Niña possibly following. All four states of calamity Calbayog has declared since 2022 were for floods, which organizers said makes the shift from too little water to too much the city’s biggest blind spot. Participants from multisectoral agencies and civil society worked in five sector tables, each guided by NwSSU facilitators. The tables covered water; food and agriculture; health, education and social welfare; emergency response and public safety; and governance, budget and coordination. The day began with a “Worry Wall,” where participants posted their biggest concerns about too little and too much water. Emmanuel R. de Guia, resident futurist and consultant of the Senate Committee on SDGs, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, then gave a situation briefing on the El Niño outlook, from the global picture down to Calbayog. Participants were then guided through a Causal Layered Analysis to examine the deeper causes behind their concerns, followed by a session on four possible futures of Calbayog in 2036, which they presented through an “a day in the life in 2036” role-plays. In a backcasting session, the tables worked backward from a preferred 2036 vision to concrete first moves the city can take during the current El Niño. The highlight was the Pivot Drill, a tabletop exercise that tested the tables’ plans against fictional but realistic developments: drought at its peak, the regular dry season stacked on El Niño, and a sudden turn to La Niña flash floods and landslides. Dr. Sandro Daguman, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), played the council chair who approved or held requests for water, personnel and funds, testing the workshop’s guiding rule: “No owner, no commitment.” Lastly, each table pledged three commitments with a named lead office, deadline, and trigger. In the session, each participants signed personal 30-day commitment cards. Dr. Daguman said the next steps are to consolidate the outputs into a draft El Niño–La Niña Preparedness Plan, integrate its actions into the city’s existing plans and budgets, monitor PAGASA signals, and bring the approach to barangays and schools. In his closing message, City Councilor Marc Celino “Jormac” B. Tan thanked the facilitators and participants and said the commitments made at the tables are only the beginning. “We can do this together,” he said, adding that by acting early, working across offices and barangays, and holding one another to their promises, Calbayog can face both the drought and the floods ahead with confidence.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its University Health Center, conducted a four-day Standard First Aid (SFA) Training from June 16 to 19, 2026, at the second floor of the Business Development Center (BDC) Building. The training aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and practical skills in responding to emergencies and providing immediate care during accidents and medical situations. The activity opened with a rationale from Dr. Ma. Cleta A. Santos, who underscored the importance of first aid preparedness in ensuring safety within the University community. Participants then engaged in discussions and demonstrations facilitated by Dr. Sandro C. Daguman, Mr. Joseph Von P. Catorce, Ms. Ma. Fatima Shaira D. Adona, and Ms. Jamaica A. Ultra, covering essential first aid principles and emergency response procedures. Throughout the training, participants gained hands-on experience through return demonstrations and skills evaluation activities designed to assess their competence in applying first aid techniques. The practical sessions allowed trainees to reinforce their learning and build confidence in responding to real-life emergency situations The final days of the training focused on continued return demonstrations and skills assessments, ensuring that participants met the required competencies in basic emergency care and response. The activity concluded with the awarding of certificates to participants who successfully completed the program. Dr. Ellery D. Daguman delivered the closing remarks, commending the participants for their commitment to learning skills that can help save lives and contribute to a safer University environment. Through initiatives such as the Standard First Aid Training, NwSSU continues to promote health and safety awareness while empowering members of the University community with practical competencies that support preparedness, resilience, and service.

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) formalized an academic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held during the International Conference on Science Uniting Social, Health, and Environmental Aims for Innovation and Networking (iSUSTAIN) on June 15–17. The agreement provides opportunities for both institutions to collaborate in areas such as faculty exchange, research, extension programs, and other academic initiatives that promote knowledge sharing and institutional growth NwSSU President Dr. Lorelie F. Tangaran expressed her gratitude to UEP President Dr. Cherry I. Ultra for facilitating the agreement and supporting stronger cooperation between the two universities. The MOA serves as a foundation for future joint undertakings that will enhance research collaboration, strengthen academic programs, and contribute to the development of the communities served by both institutions. Through this partnership, NwSSU continues to expand its academic linkages and strengthen its programs in instruction, research, and extension services.

CALBAYOG CITY – The water supply across Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Main Campus has been given a clean bill of health following comprehensive water quality testing conducted on April 27, 2026. The results, released on May 6, 2026, indicate that water from seven key locations within the university grounds passed all necessary health standards, ensuring it is safe for consumption and general use by the university community. The testing initiative, managed by the University Health Center in collaboration with the SPFIDO, aimed to analyze the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the water supply to identify any potential contaminants and ensure compliance with established health regulations. The sampling sites, strategically chosen after a meeting with SPFIDO Repair and Maintenance Division Head Engr. John Dale E. Yabao and guided by Mr. Jerome S. Caliste, included the University Health Center, University Hotel, Food Court, Guardhouse Hamorawon, Guardhouse Rueda, COED, and the COOP Water Station (product). Ms. Janice Maribojoc, Operations Manager for Analytical Services from Calbayog Water Company, Inc., personally oversaw the water sampling at these designated sites. The collected water samples underwent thorough analysis using both the multiple tube fermentation technique and the pour plate method. These tests specifically looked for the presence of coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms, which are indicators of water purity. The findings from the analysis were overwhelmingly positive. All tested sites showed coliform and thermotolerant coliform levels of less than 1.1 MPN/100 ml, which were remarked as “passed.” This result provide assurance regarding the safety and quality of NwSSU’s water supply.

The University Health Center (UHC) requested Water Quality Testing to analyze the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water supply within the Main Campus last April 27, 2026. This will help determine if the water is safe for consumption and general use by identifying contaminants and ensuring compliance with health standards. Appropriate sampling sites were selected after a meeting with the SPFIDO Repair and Maintenance Division Head, Engr. John Dale E. Yabao. Further, the team was guided by Mr. Jerome S. Caliste to properly locate the water sampling sites within the University. Ms. Janice Maribojoc – Operations Manager, Analytical Services from Calbayog Water Company, Inc. conducted the water sampling and specimen collection at designated sites. As of this posting, UHC is awaiting the summarized report of the Water Quality Test for evaluation and recommendations.

Northwest Samar State University celebrates its outstanding delegates for bringing pride and excellence to the national stage during the PASUC National Culture and the Arts Festival 2026, held at West Visayas State University in Iloilo City. Congratulations to Alyzza Grace P. Errojo for securing 2nd Place in Dramatic Monologue (English) and to Cristel Conarco for earning 3rd Place in Oratorio. Your performances reflect not only talent, but dedication to the craft and the power of storytelling. Kudos as well to our National Qualifiers: Teatro Dagway (Short and Sweet Play/Dialogue), Mary Hannah Gabrinao (Dramatic Monologue – Filipino), Jose Lou Salurio with Benzon Escobar (Banduria Competition), and the NwSSU Singers (Show Choir) for proudly representing the university in their respective categories. Your achievements highlight the strength of NwSSU in culture and the arts, proving that Norwessians continue to shine on the national stage. May these achievement continue to inspire more Norwessians to pursue excellence in the arts and beyond. Keep creating, keep striving, and keep raising the banner of the university! #RISENwSSU #PASUCNCAF2026

CALBAYOG CITY, SAMAR – Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully concluded its Three-Day Orientation Program for New Entrants (OPEN) on February 27, 2026, at the University Board Room. Led by the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) under the direction of Mrs. Jenith T. Salem, the initiative was designed to fully integrate four new faculty members—Mr. Justine Kyle A. Orquin, Ms. Ma. Christian Margarette Salomon, Mr. Aron E. Morales, and Mr. Charles Daryll A. Delmo—into the academic community. The program ensured that these new educators are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of university policies and services, enabling them to contribute effectively to the institution’s mission of quality education and community service. The first two days of the program established a critical foundation for the new hires. On February 25, the agenda focused on the university’s core identity, including its vision, mission, and professional ethics. Participants were briefed on research and extension services, human resource systems, and performance management rewards. The second day transitioned into operational standards, covering quality assurance and the University Quality Management System (QMS). New faculty members also received guidance on administrative procedures, such as travel request processes and leave policies, alongside academic standards focused on Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) to ensure a smooth transition into their teaching roles. The final day of OPEN featured an intensive series of sessions addressing the holistic aspects of working at NwSSU. Mrs. Toni Charm B. Calag, University Nurse III, opened the morning by detailing the medical and dental services available to employees, including emergency care and preventive health programs. This was followed by a discussion on gender sensitivity and mainstreaming led by Mrs. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, Director for the Gender and Development (GAD) Office. Mrs. Tapel emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, harassment-free environment. Additionally, Dr. Leo Jesus M. Lacaba, President of the Faculty Association, explained the organization’s role in advocating for faculty welfare and professional representation. The afternoon sessions shifted toward institutional compliance and personal development. Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe tackled the complexities of CHED’s CMO 63, s. 2017, providing specific guidelines on local off-campus activities to ensure student safety and institutional compliance. Mr. Jake B. Calagos, Director of Integrated Multimedia and Communications (IMCO), introduced the faculty to the university’s communication standards and the tools available for effective internal and external engagement. To conclude the instructional portion, Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta delivered a session on financial literacy, sharing strategies for budgeting and resource allocation to support both the university’s fiscal sustainability and the faculty’s personal financial health. ​ Prior to the formal conclusion of the program, the four new faculty members engaged in an open forum with the speakers to clarify expectations regarding benefits and work policies. This was followed by a post-test activity to assess their mastery of the orientation content. During the closing ceremony, Mrs. Maria Jona V. Ty and Mrs. Salem led the distribution of certificates to the participants. Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance, joined virtually via Zoom to deliver the closing remarks, commending the new hires for their active engagement and encouraging them to consistently embody the university’s values of excellence and service. NwSSU emphasizes that OPEN is a foundational program tailored specifically for newly hired personnel, aiming to build a competent, informed workforce dedicated to delivering excellence in service, instruction, and research. In line with SDG 4: Quality Education, the initiative ensures that all new faculty are equipped to uphold standards for inclusive, equitable, and quality teaching, while aligning their work with global goals to expand access to quality higher education and enhance lifelong learning opportunities for all students. The orientation not only familiarizes employees with institutional systems but also strengthens their connection to the university’s vision of becoming a leading higher education institution in the region.