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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.

Northwest Samar State University celebrates the outstanding performance of its new set of Licensed Professional Teachers in the March 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers. NwSSU. With a national passing rate of 46.77% for Elementary Level and 62.27% for the Secondary Level, the university commends the dedication and perseverance of its examinees and extends pride to the entire NwSSU community for this milestone.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) marked another milestone in student-led recognition of media excellence with the 14th NwSSU Student Choice Awards for Radio and Television (NSCART), held on May 7, 2025, at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. Hosted by the third-year students of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) program, this year’s NSCART carried the theme “Studentry Meets Synergy: Upholding the NSCART Spirit through Media Diversity.” The event celebrated the evolving media landscape and highlighted the dynamic partnerships between education and industry. National and local media practitioners were honored for their exceptional contributions to radio and television, particularly in public service, entertainment, and information dissemination. Notably, this year’s NSCART also featured a separate award for the Social Media category and special awards for leadership in media and social transformation. NWSSU STUDENTS’ CHOICE AWARDS FOR RADIO AND TELEVISION NOMINEES & WINNER PER CATEGORY Local Radio Category Best Local Radio News and Public Service Program Good Morning Calbayog – Radio Natin 104.9 Calbayog (Winner) Best Local Radio News and Public Service Program Male Host Ricky Brozas – Buena Mano Balita (Winner) Best Local Radio News and Public Service Program Female Host DJ Jess – Radyo Express Balita (NWSSU 89.5 Kauswagan Radio) (Winner) Best Local Radio Educational Program Popsicults – Radio Natin Calbayog (Winner) Best Local Radio Educational Program Host DJ Aped – Popsicults (Radio Natin Calbayog) (Winner) National TV Category Best Morning Show Unang Hirit – GMA 7 (Winner) Best Male Morning Show Host Arnold Clavio – Unang Hirit (GMA 7) (Winner) Best Female Morning Show Host Mariz Umali – Unang Hirit (GMA 7) (Winner) Best Television Business Oriented Program My Puhunan – Kapamilya Channel (Winner) Best Television Business Oriented Program Host Karen Davila – My Puhunan (Kapamilya Channel) (Winner) Best Public Service Program Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho – GMA 7 (Winner)   Best Public Service Program Host Jessica Soho – Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (GMA 7) (Winner) Best News and Public Affairs Program 24 Oras – GMA 7(Winner) Best News and Public Affairs News Male Anchor Noli de Castro – TV Patrol (Kapamilya Channel) (Winner) Best News and Public Affairs News Female Anchor Mel Tiangco – 24 Oras (GMA 7) (Winner) Best Documentary Program) Born to be Wild – GMA 7 (Winner) Best Documentary Program Host Kara David – iWitness (GMA 7) (Winner) Best Network with Balance Programming GMA Network (Winner) Social Media Category Best Filipino Solo Social Media Influencer Toni Gonzaga (Winner) Best Filipino Group Social Media Influencer Ka Mangyan Vlogs (Winner) Special Awards: Transformative Media Leadership Award Raymond C. Uy Leadership in Media for Social Transformation Award Rex Daguman Present during the event were University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and CHED Commissioner Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela, Chairperson of the NwSSU Board of Regents, who graced the occasion in line with her visit to the university for an official board meeting. NSCART continues to be the first and only award-giving body of its kind in the Visayas region, reinforcing NWSSU’s commitment to experiential learning and student empowerment. By honoring trailblazers in broadcast media, NSCART remains a testament to the university’s pursuit of excellence and the students’ passion for meaningful engagement with the media industry.

Credits to NwSSU Research, Innovation and Extension Office Northwest Samar State University, together with Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, will be hosting the 2nd International Conference on Resource Management and Governance (RMUTCON 2025 Special Session) on 22-24 July 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. Do you want to present your paper? You may register and submit your Abstract through this form, or scan the QR code below, until 15 June 2025: https://forms.gle/HMKgm88a6A7nY3Z77(file name format: 2ICRMG-Last Name-First Name) For inquiries about the 2ICRMG, you may email us at [email protected]. To know more about RMUTCON2025, visit https://rmutcon2025.rmutp.ac.th/

To cultivate a culture of innovation and prepare the next generation of technopreneurs, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 8 conducted its Startup Awareness Program at Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) on May 16, 2025, in partnership with the ICT Industry Development Bureau. Held at the NwSSU Business Development Center, the initiative gathered faculty mentors and students for an engaging session designed to introduce the fundamentals of startup development, inspire entrepreneurial thinking, and explore pathways for tech-based innovation The activity formed part of DICT Region VIII’s broader push to empower higher education institutions through startup education and support services. Through discussions and resource sharing, the program emphasized the importance of adaptive innovation in addressing real-world problems. The event aligns with NwSSU’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, research, and industry collaboration, contributing to the university’s vision of producing globally competitive and innovation-driven graduates.

The afternoon of May 14, 2025 marked a historic moment for the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Unit of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), as during the initial deliberation, it was officially declared Rank 1 in the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI) with an outstanding rating of 97.11%.  RAATI is a rigorous annual evaluation conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to assess the performance, discipline, administrative readiness, and tactical proficiency of ROTC units across the region. It serves as a measure of excellence in military training, leadership, and institutional support. The last time NwSSU clinched the RAATI Championship was in 2010. Now, after 15 long years, we are one step closer to reclaiming the title. While other participating institutions are still awaiting their inspections, NwSSU’s remarkable early lead places it in strong contention for the overall championship. Should this top rank hold through the final deliberations, NwSSU will proudly bring home the RAATI championship crown once again! Congratulations to the men and women of the NwSSU ROTC Unit — your dedication, discipline, and determination have paid off!

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with three other state universities on Samar Island to develop cooperation through collaborative activities in academic areas of interest. The partner universities are Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), Samar State University (SSU), and the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP). The university administration, represented by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, and SSU’s Director for Environmental Sustainability, Research, and Development Dr. Edelyn O. Echapare, formally secured the MOU. The activity was witnessed by VP for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling and University Ombudsman Atty. Ma. Cecille Candida Y. Rueda. Through this partnership, the universities will engage in collaborative activities such as exchanging faculty, researchers, and students, conducting joint research and extension projects, and sharing academic information and materials. They will also organize lectures, seminars, conferences, and capacity-building programs to enhance their academic offerings and research capabilities. This partnership is expected to have a significant impact on the region’s educational landscape, enhancing research capabilities, improving academic programs, increasing student opportunities, and contributing to community development through joint research and extension projects. By pooling resources and expertise, the participating universities can drive positive change in the region and achieve their mandates to provide advanced education, research, and extension services.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Department of Education Schools Division of Calbayog City through its Alternative Learning System (DepEd ALS) have initiated discussions for a forthcoming Memorandum of Agreement that will formalize their collaboration for the implementation of the university’s community extension initiative, the LIWANAG Program on May 9, 2025. The LIWANAG Program, short for Livelihood Integration and Wit on Communication Skills for ALS Nurturing Aspirations and Growth, is designed to respond to key challenges faced by the ALS community in Calbayog. It includes three core projects: EGG YOLK Project, a livelihood initiative focused on salted egg production, branding, and marketing strategies; BOOT Project, a digital literacy effort introducing basic computer operations and troubleshooting skills; and LOVE TALK Project, a communications development program utilizing speech drills and creative expression to enhance verbal proficiency. The initial coordination meeting was made between NwSSU Planning and Development Services Director Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta and Calbayog City National High School Principal Mr. Milaner R. Oyo-a. The upcoming Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), now being scheduled for signing by NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona Jr., will formalize the collaborative effort between the two institutions. The partnership supports the shared commitment of both institutions to inclusive education, skills development, and community empowerment. The MOA is expected to strengthen local educational initiatives for ALS learners while providing opportunities for NwSSU faculty and non-teaching personnel to engage in meaningful community work.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) served as the venue for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pre-Deployment Activity for tutors and youth development workers on May 8 at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. As part of the preparations under the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, the event gathered school heads from Calbayog City, Sta. Margarita, San Jorge, and Matuguinao, alongside NwSSU faculty and staff, In his welcome message, NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo emphasized the university’s role in strengthening community-based education and highlighted the need to respond to gaps in the field of education with proactive collaboration. The activity, which covered child protection policies and guidelines under the Cash-for-Work scheme as part of the Tara Basa program, marks another step in NwSSU’s efforts to supporting national programs that promote literacy and youth empowerment. By hosting the deployment activity, NwSSU also reinforces its standing as an active partner in promoting education and its dedication to contributing meaningfully to regional development initiatives.

To drive the advancement of arts, culture, and community development, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Calbayog City Arts and Culture Office (CACO) formalized a partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on May 7, 2025, at the University President’s Boardroom, setting the stage for a transformative cultural collaboration. NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and CACO Officer-in-Charge Ma. Salome L. Roleda led the ceremonial signing, marking the beginning of a collaborative partnership centered on arts, culture, as well as community development. The MoA outlines shared objectives to promote artistic expression, provide platforms for talents, and promote cultural awareness in Calbayog City. The partnership establishes a framework for joint initiatives, including training programs, performances, cultural mapping, and publication of local heritage materials. Witnesses to the MoA signing included Mr. Cerilo A. Irinco, Director of the Arts, Social, and Cultural Affairs (ASCA) Office; Mr. Rexor H. Magbutay, ASCA Discipline Representative; Dr. Ervin L. Rodriguez, Director of the Innovation Office; and Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada, Director of Creative Works. The partnership highlights the mutual commitment of both institutions to preserve, promote, and elevate the cultural and artistic heritage of Calbayog while empowering local creatives through support and partnership.