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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) students Princess Paris G. Luciano and Raymond Jun B. Ortiz represented the University in the Digital Poster Making Competition at rSCENE 2026 in Catbalogan City, with Luciano placing first runner-up. Luciano is a second year Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BSEMC) student. The team was guided by coaches Ronald A. Amoguez and Dr. Rolly L. Ortiz. The Regional Smart Communities Exposition and Networking Engagement (rSCENE) 2026 was initiated by the City Government of Catbalogan in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology and ran from October 6 to 8. Held under the theme “The Living Tapestry: Weaving the Threads of Innovation and Heritage,” it brought together local officials, technology practitioners, educators, and other stakeholders to present innovations and explore technology-driven approaches to local governance and community development. Luciano competed on behalf of Calbayog City, which also placed second overall in the Smart LGU Overall Championship. The team’s performance puts NwSSU’s digital design talent on the regional stage and shows what student designers can contribute to the region’s smart community efforts.

NwSSU BS in Development Communication students received the 2nd best Film Award in the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) Category for their film “Butig” at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Eastern Visayas PelikuAgraryo Regional Film Festival 2026 Awards Night on October 12 in Palo, Leyte. PelikuAgraryo featured films from five participating schools across Eastern Visayas, which showcases stories the experience of agrarian reform beneficiaries and their organizations. With the theme “Tinig ng Lupang Malaya: Kwento at Aral-Agraryo, Butil na Pamana sa Kabataan,“ this year’s festival highlighted the importance of sharing agrarian reform stories with younger generations and promotes film as a medium for raising awareness of agrarian reform initiatives and sharing stories of rural communities.

NwSSU strengthened its international academic presence as Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Professor 5 of the College of Management, represented the University at the International Visiting Professor Program (IVPP) at Parul University in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from September 1 to 25, 2026. Dr. Patimo joined 26 delegates from 15 countries in the international program, which brought together academics for teaching, research, and cross-border academic exchange. Parul University is the youngest university in India to receive an “A++ accreditation grade” from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). As part of the program, Dr. Patimo was hosted by the Parul Institute of Management Studies, where he delivered 32 hours of instruction in Project Management and Data Analytics to selected Master of Business Administration (MBA) students. He also participated in eight hours of research meetings with Parul University faculty to explore potential collaborations in joint research projects and publications. For Dr. Patimo, the experience extended beyond academic and research engagements. His immersion in Indian culture and interaction with academics from different countries offered new perspectives on teaching, collaboration, and the role of cultural understanding in international education. The experience further reinforced the value of stepping beyond familiar academic environments to learn from different perspectives and bring those insights back to the University. Dr. Patimo’s participation in the IVPP highlights NwSSU’s continuing commitment to internationalization, faculty development, academic mobility, and global research collaboration, providing its faculty with opportunities to share expertise and build partnerships beyond the Philippines.   Photo Courtesy: Parul University

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar — Looking beyond institutional borders, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Marinduque State University (MarSU) and the Senate Committee on SDGs, Innovation, and Futures Thinking explored shared pathways in research, innovation, extension, and futures thinking during a three-day exploratory and benchmarking visit on October 5–7, 2026. The visit brought together the higher education institutions to exchange practices and explore areas for institutional collaboration, particularly in research, innovation, extension, futures thinking, and strategic foresight. The engagement was also designed to provide opportunities for technical presentations, roundtable discussions, and benchmarking of institutional programs and initiatives. The three-day activity began with a courtesy visit to the Calbayog City Mayor on October 5. On the second day, the MarSU delegation, led by Ms. Lenie P. Zulueta, Executive Assistant III of MarSU, together with Mr. Emmanuel R. De Guia, Resident Futurist and representative of the Philippine Futures Thinking Society and Senator Pia S. Cayetano, proceeded to NwSSU for a courtesy visit with University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, DM, and key University officials. The program featured presentations on NwSSU’s research, innovation, and extension programs, as well as its planning, futures thinking, and strategic foresight initiatives. The latter was presented by Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, Head of the Planning Office and Director for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight. Discussions then moved toward a roundtable on areas of mutual interest and collaboration, allowing the participating institutions to identify opportunities for joint initiatives and knowledge exchange. This was followed by the drafting of terms for the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and its ceremonial signing, formalizing the institutions’ intent to pursue collaboration in identified areas. The second day also included a campus tour and site visits at the NwSSU Main Campus, giving the visiting delegation an opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the University’s facilities, programs, and institutional operations. On the final day, October 7, the delegation proceeded to the NwSSU San Jorge Campus for a site visit before concluding the activity with a send-off. The exploratory visit strengthens opportunities for inter-institutional exchange and sets the groundwork for future partnerships between NwSSU and MarSU in advancing research, innovation, extension, and futures-oriented institutional development.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through the College of Education, held its School-Based Field Study Orientation and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing for School Year 2026–2027, bringing together university officials, representatives of the DepEd Schools Division of Calbayog City, school principals, faculty members, field study advisers, and student-teachers. The activity prepared student-teachers for their deployment to cooperating schools, where they will observe actual classes and learn directly from teachers, learners, and school communities. NwSSU President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, DM urged the student-teachers to uphold professionalism and integrity, ensure safety and respect, and practice adaptability and empathy throughout their field study. Dr. Jun Nilo Dulfo, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent–OIC, delivered a message on behalf of Dr. Joel A. Zartiga, PhD, CESO VI, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Schools Division Superintendent. Dr. Ma. Maria Lucil H. Dollado, Dean of the College of Education, welcomed the participants and underscored the importance of the field study experience. A highlight of the program was the MOA signing between NwSSU and its partner schools, formalizing their shared commitment to provide meaningful and guided school-based experiences for future teachers. Also taking part in the activity were Dr. Joy Saldaña, Education Program Supervisor for Science, representing Dr. Renato S. Cagomoc, CID Chief; Dr. Josephine L. Gallardo, Division Student Teaching Coordinator; and Atty. Ma. Cecil Candida Yabao-Rueda, University Legal Officer, who discussed the Safe Spaces Act. The student-teachers were formally endorsed to their cooperating schools and oriented on important policies, school concerns, and responsibilities they are expected to observe during their field study. Through the activity, NwSSU, the DepEd Schools Division of Calbayog City, and cooperating schools strengthened their partnership in preparing future teachers for the realities and responsibilities of the classroom.

Palo, Leyte —Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) was conferred the Higher Education Resource Partnership Award by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Regional Office No. VIII on September 17, 2026, at the Leyte Convention Complex, Brgy. Pawing, Palo, Leyte.   The recognition was given during Project BISIG (Bridging Institutions and Stakeholders for Inclusive Governance), a project under the Regional Open Government Program, held September 17–18, 2026 under the theme “Building Stronger Partnerships and Strengthening Citizen Participation for Inclusive Co-Creation and Sustained Collaboration on Public Financial Management.” The award cited NwSSU’s invaluable partnership in advancing accessible, responsive, and quality higher education through the effective and responsible management of public resources. Representing the university at the event were Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, University President; Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, Head of Planning; and Mr. Clark Mujeres, Budget Officer, who accepted the award on behalf of the institution.   The certificate was signed by Imelda C. Laceras, CESO III, Director IV, and Wilford Will L. Wong, Undersecretary, of DBM Region VIII. The award underscores NwSSU’s continuing collaboration with government agencies in promoting transparency, citizen participation, and sound public financial management practices.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) brought its teaching and non-teaching staff together for a three-day In-Service Training from September 9 to 11, 2026, at Villa Cruz Resort, San Roque, Northern Samar. The training opened with a GCash orientation led by Mr. Amed Macabit, who introduced the platform’s features for faster, easier, safer, and cashless transactions for university services and personal errands. He shared that NwSSU is now one of the first State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region 8, along with Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), to partner with GCash, in line with the government’s vision to build a more digital Philippine nation under Executive Order 170. Mr. Macabit noted that the University’s own GCash QR code will be launched soon, enabling students to pay for services through GCash and supporting the disbursement of student subsidies, scholarship allowances, and personnel funds through an NwSSU institutional wallet with real-time reporting and monitoring. NwSSU constituents will also receive a free GCash card once launched. University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran, DM, delivered a message and institutional updates centered on the “N” in the University’s ASCEND Framework — nurturing human resources. She emphasized the need to upskill in the age of AI to provide better, transformative, and globally competitive education, noting that competitiveness also means being relevant and responsive. She underscored that AI should be treated as a tool, not a replacement, calling for assessments and methods to be realigned to develop students’ critical thinking, alongside policies and guidelines that evolve with the times. She announced that the University’s new vision and mission statements will be launched soon, geared toward digital transformation — beginning with an assessment of processes that could be digitalized or automated, the establishment of a centralized digital platform, and updates to university manuals and the university code. She also called for stronger safety and security measures through preventive and proactive steps, guided by the ASCEND and ACHIEVE frameworks, and asked for the community’s support in performing their duties toward the University’s institutional targets. Dr. Teodoro A. Amatosa, Jr., Vice President for RIEEA, presented the Source-to-Sea Framework, anchored on NwSSU’s geographic and academic mandate along the ecological continuum of Samar, with focus areas in agriculture, forestry, natural resources, maritime affairs, fisheries, and advanced technologies. He identified gaps in infrastructure, leadership, and siloed academic operations, and outlined plans to streamline internal procurement systems, activate grant support and mentoring mechanisms, and create incentives for research productivity, envisioning NwSSU as a Research-Led University delivering on its mandate of Resilience, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. He also introduced the Triple Helix Ecosystem as the University’s guiding model for innovation and development programs, with NwSSU set to develop its own research and extension agenda harmonized with stakeholders and national R&D frameworks. Dr. Archie B. Lauderes, Director of Extension Services, discussed the DBM Joint Circular guidelines on faculty reclassification, common areas where faculty applications fall short, and ways to address them moving forward, alongside updated procedures under the revised Extension Manual. Mr. LJ A. Magnaye, Director of Research Services, guided participants on structuring research papers for publication, from establishing a clear research gap to presenting a solution, emphasizing clarity and simplicity over jargon. He also shared how AI tools can support research writing, literature review, and presentation, and walked participants through selecting appropriate journals based on scope, reach, indexing, metrics, article processing charges, peer review process, and turnaround and acceptance rates. He cautioned participants against predatory journals, citing red flags such as unusually rapid reviews or acceptance rates, hidden fees, fabricated editorial boards, and clone journals that falsely use the logos and names of legitimate organizations. Day 2 highlighted a keynote lecture on artificial intelligence in education, “From Prompt to Pedagogy: AI-Enabled Teaching, Learning & Assessment for the Future – Ready Educator,” delivered by resource speaker Dr. Las Johansen Caluza. The afternoon session covered key policy and compliance topics, including a talk on nihilistic violent extremism by PLtCol. Alden E. Dugan, the University’s gambling prohibition policy, an orientation on student off-campus requirements, and international travel guidelines, alongside updates on quality assurance and procurement processes for SUCs. The training concluded on September 11 with team building activities for the NwSSU teaching and non-teaching staff, capping a program designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and institutional alignment of the University’s workforce as NwSSU continues to advance its commitment to service, integrity, and excellence.     For more photos, view the full album here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/183EDbCmAGwXA4gNZ66bNb46kXNs2r9pt?usp=sharing

NwSSU Main Campus’ ISSC Officers and CSC Governors, together with 3 advisers, proudly joined the much-anticipated Philippines I Transform! Leaders Convention (PITLC) which gathered youth leaders from across the country in Baguio City, DepEd Teacher’s Camp this September 3-8, 2026. With the theme “COMBATING POVERTY, ACHIEVING PROSPERITY FOR ALL,” the convention focused on empowering leaders to advance the Sustainable Development Goals in their respective communities. The 13th PITLC welcomed participants from Sangguniang Kabataan, Local Youth Development Councils, Local Youth Development Offices, Higher Educational Institutions, and Community-Based Organizations. The NwSSU team was recognized with the MAGNUS AWARD for Biggest Delegation under the University Category, a testament to NWSSU’s strong commitment to youth leadership and service. Beyond the sessions and competitions, NWSSU delegates actively participated in different competitions, showcasing talent, teamwork, and the NWSSU spirit on a national stage. In line with this, two of the ISSC Leaders achieved recognitions in their different competitions: Alyzza Grace P. Errojo with her coach Ms. Jessabel C. Orongan – 3rd Place in Extemporaneous Speech Competition Amber Gebriel I. Nueva with her coach Ms. Jacquelyn V. Tapil – 3rd Place in Photo Advocacy Competition The experience reaffirmed the role of student leaders to lead with purpose, address poverty, and work toward prosperity for all.

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar — Civil and mechanical engineers in Eastern Visayas may soon have greater access to flexible, industry-responsive learning opportunities as Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and Mapúa University move toward a collaboration on upskilling programs and micro-credentials. The proposed initiative is envisioned to provide engineers with more accessible pathways to strengthen their competencies while continuing their careers and professional responsibilities. Through online, face-to-face, or blended learning modalities, the planned programs seek to respond to the evolving needs of engineers and the industries and communities they serve. Flexible learning opportunities can help reduce geographic and logistical barriers that may prevent professionals from participating in specialized training programs traditionally concentrated in major urban centers. Micro-credentials can provide professionals with focused opportunities to develop specific competencies without necessarily having to enroll in lengthy academic programs. The planned offerings may also provide opportunities for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit, giving practicing engineers additional avenues to pursue professional growth and maintain relevant competencies. On September 1, representatives from NwSSU (Engr. Teodoro Amatosa Jr.) and Mapúa University (Engr. Eira Camus) met to review and refine the proposed Collaboration Agreement in preparation for its implementation. The Collaboration Agreement is targeted for completion within September, with the first possible program delivery eyed for February 2027. Initial offerings are expected to focus on civil and mechanical engineering professionals in Region VIII, with the potential for the programs to eventually reach professionals in other parts of the country. The potential benefits also extend to employers and other stakeholders. since engineering practice continues to evolve alongside emerging technologies, digitalization, sustainability requirements, advanced construction methods, automation, and changing industry standards.  A workforce equipped with current and specialized skills can help organizations adapt to technological developments, changing standards, and emerging demands in the engineering sector. For government agencies, private companies, and other organizations involved in infrastructure and development, stronger professional capacity can contribute to improved planning, design, implementation, and management of projects and services.   At the community level, the initiative could contribute to strengthening the capacity of professionals who play vital roles in infrastructure development, disaster resilience, transportation, water systems, energy, manufacturing, and other areas essential to regional growth. The proposed collaboration therefore goes beyond providing additional training options. It reflects an effort to make lifelong learning more accessible, flexible, and responsive to the realities of professionals in the region. As NwSSU continues to strengthen its role in advancing professional development and serving the needs of its communities, initiatives such as this can help create stronger connections between higher education, industry, and the workforce.