Powering Up Opportunity: NwSSU Launches JOBS NEXT HUB

Thirty computer units were successfully turned over at the University President’s Board Room on August 19, 2026, as Northwest Samar State University formally received the equipment from the Provincial Local Government Unit’s Public Employment Service Office (PLGU-PESO), marking the launch of the university’s newest facility: the JOBS NEXT HUB. The turnover was simple, but its purpose is far-reaching. The hub was established to give NwSSU alumni, local jobseekers, and community members a shared space to build digital skills and connect with employment opportunities, using resources many would otherwise have limited access to. For graduates, the hub offers a dedicated workspace to refine portfolios and ease the shift from student life into the workforce. For jobseekers in the community, it opens the door to drafting resumes, applying for local and remote positions, and navigating online employment platforms. And for residents simply looking to build their digital literacy, the facility offers a starting point to grow more comfortable navigating an increasingly online job market. The hub’s role won’t stop at providing equipment. It is expected to host career workshops, upskilling sessions, and technical training in the months ahead, positioning it as an ongoing resource rather than a one-time initiative. The partnership between NwSSU and PLGU-PESO reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to digital tools and employment support in the province, one that university officials hope will translate into real opportunities for the community it serves.

NwSSU, DOJ-PPA Partner for Parolee Reintegration Program

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Department of Justice–Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA) Region VIII signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Thursday, August 13, 2026, to launch a reintegration program for parolees and probationers. The one-year initiative marks the second phase of a collaborative partnership designed to provide skills development, employment opportunities, and community support for rehabilitated individuals. NwSSU President Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran and DOJ-PPA Region VIII Regional Director Ma. Beverly D. Ampo formalized the agreement. Under the said MOA, beneficiaries will undergo competency-based vocational training. Courses include food processing, agri-business, basic house wiring, and driving. The program also features certification opportunities, job search assistance, and direct linkages to local employers. NwSSU will provide project resources, including funding, manpower, training venues, and monthly learning sessions. The university has also committed on-campus space for hands-on work experience and entrepreneurial development. DOJ-PPA Region VIII will identify qualified clients, manage case supervision, and facilitate connections with families and partner organizations. The agency will handle all participant data in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. The initiative also includes individualized coaching, family reintegration sessions, mentoring, and community restorative service programs.

NWSSU RECEIVES FOUR RECOGNITIONS FROM DBM REGION VIII

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) received four recognitions from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region VIII during the FY 2026 Mid-Year Performance Dialogue for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), CHED, and TESDA on August 19, 2026, at the DBM Regional Office VIII Conference Hall in Marasbaras, Tacloban City.   The recognitions were given in acknowledgment of the University’s performance in income collection, physical performance, income utilization, and reportorial compliance. NWSSU was recognized with the following: Income Collection Award – for achieving a 134.57% income collection rate, exceeding its target collection for FY 2025; Physical Performance Achiever – for attaining 100% of the Physical Performance Indicators under the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act; Income Utilization Performance Award – for achieving a 61.30% average income utilization rate for FY 2021–2025, placing 3rd among SUCs in Region VIII; and Reportorial Compliance Award for the 1st and 2nd Quarters of FY 2026 – for the complete and timely submission of the required Budget and Financial Accountability Reports (BFARs), with a 100% compliance rate covering all 24 required reports. The awards reflect the University’s continuing efforts in financial management, efficient utilization of resources, and compliance with government reporting requirements. NWSSU extends its appreciation to the administration, faculty, staff, and offices whose collective efforts contributed to these accomplishments. Congratulations, NWSSU!

NwSSU deepens strategic foresight through Day 2 of AN HANDUM

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully concluded the second day of AN HANDUM: Paglusad ngan Pagsaka para sa NwSSU, para sa Samar – A Strategic Foresight and Development Planning Series on July 22, 2026, through an online platform, further advancing preparations for the formulation of the NwSSU Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2027–2036. Focusing on practical strategic foresight tools, the second day equipped participants with methodologies for environmental scanning, horizon scanning, and strategic mapping in preparation for the University’s onsite planning workshops. The program opened with a Message of Support from University President Atty. Lorelie M. Fabillar-Tangaran, who underscored the importance of the HANDUM Strategic Development Planning Series in shaping NwSSU’s future. She emphasized that the Strategic Development Plan should serve not only as a planning document but as a shared roadmap that reflects the aspirations of the University community, responds to emerging challenges, and advances NwSSU’s commitment to transformative education, research, innovation, extension, and public service. She also encouraged participants to actively contribute, recognizing that every insight will help define the University’s direction over the next decade. The first technical session, “Environmental Scanning: Register HABI – Reading the Landscape,” was facilitated by Ms. Jalaine Joyce V. Malabanan, Fellow of the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures). Participants examined internal and external drivers influencing higher education and regional development, including social, technological, economic, environmental, and political trends. Ms. Malabanan also facilitated the LLLL Circle: Foresight Orientation – Register HANDUM: Scanning the Horizon, introducing participants to horizon scanning and futures thinking as essential tools for anticipating emerging issues, recognizing weak signals, and preparing for alternative futures. This was followed by the ASCEND Agenda Mapping Unit – Register HABI: Thread Assignment, facilitated by Mr. Ramces M. Dili, Fellow of PhilFutures, who guided participants in aligning their offices and units with the University’s strategic priorities and institutional transformation agenda. In the afternoon, participants took part in the Horizon Scanning Breakout, facilitated by Dr. Michville A. Rivera, Secretary General of PhilFutures, together with Mr. Ramces M. Dili and Ms. Jalaine Joyce V. Malabanan. Through collaborative discussions, participants identified emerging trends, disruptive forces, opportunities, and risks that may shape the future of Northwest Samar State University. The breakout outputs were consolidated during the workshop sessions, where participants synthesized their analyses into initial strategic insights. Facilitators provided guidance to ensure that the outputs remained evidence-based, context-driven, and aligned with the University’s long-term aspirations. To conclude the day’s activities, Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, Head of the Planning Office and Director of the Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight, conducted the Pre-Onsite Briefing and Logistics, orienting participants on the objectives, expected outputs, workshop mechanics, and logistical arrangements for the face-to-face planning sessions. The second day reinforced NwSSU’s commitment to participatory, evidence-informed, and futures-oriented planning. The AN HANDUM Strategic Development Planning Series now transitions to the onsite workshops, where participants will translate these insights into strategic priorities, programs, and transformative initiatives that will shape the University’s development through 2036 and strengthen its contribution to the sustainable development of Samar.

NWSSU RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE RICE PRODUCTION THROUGH SCIENCE

Northwest Samar State University proudly celebrates another significant research milestone as DR. ARCHIE B. LAUDERES, Director of Extension Services and Faculty of the College of Agriculture and Technology, successfully published her research entitled: “Field-Based Evaluation of Rice Suitability Classification as Influenced by Cultural Management Interventions.” Published in the Indian Journal of Agricultural Research (Volume 60, Issue 6, June 2026, DOI: 10.18805/IJARe.AF-1037), the study validates rice land suitability classifications through field-based experiments and demonstrates how site-specific cultural management practices and soil-based fertilizer recommendations can significantly improve rice productivity across varying land suitability conditions. The findings provide valuable scientific evidence that supports sustainable agriculture, efficient resource utilization, and improved crop yields for farming communities. This remarkable achievement reflects NwSSU’s unwavering commitment to producing impactful, globally recognized research that contributes to agricultural innovation, food security, and sustainable rural development. Congratulations to Dr. Archie B. Lauderes for bringing honor to Northwest Samar State University through this outstanding scholarly contribution! Read the full research article here:Indian Journal of Agricultural Research –Field-Based Evaluation of Rice Suitability Classification as Influenced by Cultural Management Interventions (https://demo.arccjournals.com/…/indian-journal…/AF-1037) #NwSSU#ResearchExcellence #AgricultureResearch #SustainableAgriculture#RiceProduction#GlobalResearch#NwSSUResearch #CollegeOfAgricultureAndTechnology

Building on Progress: ETTEAP Leadership Transition Marks New Chapter for NwSSU

The outgoing ETEEAP Director formally turned over the leadership of the Center to the incoming designated ETEEAP Director. The turnover highlighted a seamless transition of responsibilities through a comprehensive briefing on the Center’s current operations, the progress of its deputization, the documentary requirements for submission to CHED, and the official handover of relevant records and documents. This orderly transition reflects the University’s commitment to continuity, accountability, and excellence in delivering quality ETEEAP services. Present during the turnover ceremony were Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, PDO Head and outgoing NwSSU-ETEEAP Director; Dr. Rey James B. Roxas, Dean of the College of Management; Dr. Romeo B. Santos, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Francis B. Toleza, incoming NwSSU-ETEEAP Director. Congratulations to the new leadership, and sincere appreciation to the outgoing Director for his dedicated service and commitment to advancing lifelong learning at NwSSU.

Laying the Groundwork for Innovation: NwSSU, AdMU Hold Strategic Exploratory Meeting

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) strengthened its collaboration with Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) through a strategic exploratory meeting focused on advancing joint research and innovation initiatives. University President Atty. Lorelie M. Fabillar-Tangaran led the meeting with representatives from the Ateneo de Manila University Intellectual Property Office (AdMU-IPO) to discuss opportunities for the co-development of research projects and initiatives that may be supported through grants and other funding opportunities from credible funding agencies. The discussion builds on the partnership established between the two institutions in 2025 and reflects their shared commitment to expanding collaborative efforts in research, innovation, and intellectual property development. Present during the meeting were Dr. Proceso “Jon” Fernandez Jr., Director of the AdMU Intellectual Property Office; Dr. Teodoro A. Amatosa Jr., Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Mr. Luisito A. Magnaye Jr., Director of the Research and Development Services Office; Dr. Ervin L. Rodriguez, Director of the Innovation Office; Mr. Eduard G. Espejon, Research, Innovation, and Extension Director of the San Jorge Campus; and Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, Head of the Project Development Office. The initiative reinforces NwSSU’s continuing efforts to establish strategic partnerships that enhance research capability, foster innovation, and create opportunities for institutional growth.