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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) proudly clinched the Best Conference Paper award under the Social Sciences Track (Set C) at the 2nd International Research Opportunities, Developments, and Extension Outcomes (IRODEO) Conference 2025, held from June 16 to 18 at Liceo De Masbate, Masbate City. The winning research, titled “TAMBALAN: An Ethnobotanical Study of the Traditional Healers and Herbal Medicines of Brgy. Peña II, Calbayog City,” was a collaborative endeavor by NwSSU researchers Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez, Mr. Shian A. Morallos , Dr. Vercelle A. Docdoc, and Mr. Louiesito A. Magnaye Jr. Their study delved into the convergence of indigenous healing traditions and modern scientific inquiry, strengthening the growing body of research rooted in cultural tradition and local knowledge systems. Anchored on the theme “Innovative Pathways to Sustainable Development: Strengthening Inclusive Research and Extension Collaborations for Future-Ready Solutions,” the international conference brought together scholars, educators, and development practitioners from various institutions to showcase research that drives inclusive and sustainable change. This recognition affirms NwSSU’s vibrant research culture and steadfast commitment to producing collaborative, relevant, and socially impactful studies that uplift both local knowledge systems and global development goals.

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.

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.

Faculty members, students, and parents convened at the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Business Development Center on May 28, 2025, for the Pre-Internship Orientation and Parent Consultation for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) program. Organized by the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS), the event reinforced NwSSU’s commitment to preparing future interns and their guardians through essential discussions on OJT protocols, workplace etiquette, and institutional expectations.  In his opening remarks, CCIS Dean, Dr. Francisco B. Bacamante Jr. underscored the importance of early professional preparation and the university’s role in bridging academic learning with real-world experience.  The orientation featured key discussions, including “Harassment in the Workplace & Etiquette” by Ms. April Winamar R. Gabitanan, which addressed common workplace challenges and proper intern conduct. This was followed by an overview of “OJT Policies and Guidelines” by University SIPP Director, Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe, who outlined university requirements and expectations from partner industries.  A standout moment of the program was the testimony of CCIS graduate, Mr. Cerilo Dela Tonga, who shared reflections on his OJT journey. His firsthand experiences provided invaluable insights and encouragement to the incoming batch of interns, emphasizing how NwSSU’s training equipped him for industry demands.  Further strengthening internship preparedness, Computer Science Program Chairperson, Mr. Rodel R. Ventures, led a session on “OJT Forms and Requirements”, detailing documentation and procedural guidelines for intern deployment. He also delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to students and parents for their active participation.  By fostering collaboration between academic stakeholders and family members, the consultation underscored NwSSU’s dedication to holistic student development, ensuring a well-informed and supported internship experience.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) earned regional recognition at the Gawad Parangal 2025, held on May 27 at the Mary Ngo Hall of Saint Paul School of Professional Studies in Palo, Leyte. Organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VIII, the ceremony celebrated the achievements of Eastern Visayas’ most outstanding individuals and higher education institutions.  Representing NwSSU at the event were Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Reynaldo Aquino, Campus Director of NwSSU San Jorge Campus. The university proudly honored two of its exceptional graduates who received prestigious accolades for their outstanding performance in the Licensure Examinations for Professional Teachers (LEPT).  Ms. Prime Rose Villa was recognized for securing the 9th place in the March 2024 LEPT (Elementary Level) with an impressive rating of 90.80 percent, while Mr. Darryl Dealagdon Tambis was awarded for ranking 7th in the September 2024 LEPT (Secondary Level) with an outstanding rating of 93.20 percent. Their achievements not only highlight their academic excellence and perseverance but also bring honor to NwSSU and the entire region.  The awards solidify NwSSU’s commitment to advancing the quality of higher education in Region VIII and strengthening its reputation as a premier academic institution. The success of Ms. Villa and Mr. Tambis stands as a testament to the university’s dedication to academic excellence and the unwavering support of its faculty and 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.