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NwSSU Food Technology Program Earns PRC Certificate of Compliance, First in the University Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) achieved a significant milestone after its Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT) program was awarded a Certificate of Compliance (COC) by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) through the Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology. Issued on April 28, 2026, the Certificate of Compliance affirms that the University’s Food Technology program has successfully undergone inspection and monitoring by the PRC and has been found fully compliant with the requirements of Republic Act No. 11052, otherwise known as the Philippine Food Technology Act. Notably, the BS Food Technology program is the first academic program in the University to receive a PRC Certificate of Compliance, marking a major achievement for NwSSU and its Food Technology community. The recognition reflects the efforts of the University administration, faculty, and staff in ensuring that the program meets national standards for Food Technology education.

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 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is set to establish a Shared Service Facility (SSF) for the NwSSU Digital Fabrication and Printing Production Center. University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran and SSF Project Focal Person Mr. Jake B. Calagos signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Usufruct Agreement today, June 17, 2026, at the University Board Room. Also present in the activity was Ms. Aura Rose Tamor-Felices, NC-TIDS/SSF Coordinator from the DTI Samar Provincial Office. The signed documents will be forwarded to the DTI Region 8 and Central Offices for final execution by DTI officials. Funded through the Region 8 SSF Fund under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the ₱13-million project successfully cleared evaluations by both Regional and National Technical Committees. Under the agreement, DTI will handle the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment, while NwSSU will provide the physical housing, manpower, and operational capital. ​The center will serve local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and students, offering accessible digital fabrication and printing services at minimal fees. By providing training and assisted equipment use, the facility aims to significantly boost Samar’s local creative economy. ​The facility is scheduled to launch in the final quarter of 2026.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) once again proved its commitment to excellence as it received a Plaque of Commendation during the Gawad Parangal 2026 held on June 3, 2026, at the HRDC Gymnasium of Leyte Normal University (LNU), Tacloban City. The award recognized the University’s inclusion in the WURI 2026 Global Top 500 Innovative Universities, where NwSSU ranked 381st worldwide. The recognition reflects the institution’s continuing efforts in innovation, research, and quality higher education. Also recognized during the event was Areis Luaton Misperos from the College of Education of NwSSU for placing 10th in the September and November 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) – Secondary Level. The recognition highlighted the University’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to producing competent, resilient and globally competitive professionals. The awarding ceremony was part of CHED’s 32nd Founding Anniversary and 6th National Higher Education Day celebration carrying the theme, “ACHIEVE-ing Knowledge Economy Together for a Future-ready Bagong Pilipinas.” These achievements continue to inspire the NwSSU community in its pursuit of excellence in instruction, research, innovation, and public service. #ASCENDNwSSU

MAY 29, 2026 – The Calbayog City Sports Center came alive with pride and excitement as Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) held the Day 2 of its 47th Commencement Exercises. Started promptly at 2:00 PM, the celebration carried the theme “Rising Beyond Limits: Shaping the Future Through Innovation and Excellence.” The venue was filled with graduates, alongside their parents and guardians, faculty, and guests, all gathered to mark a significant milestone in the academic journey of students from the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences (CCJS) and the College of Agriculture and Technology (CAT). The formal program began with the official declaration of the 47th Commencement Exercises by NwSSU University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran. Following her declaration, Jonathan M. Peru, a Magna Cum Laude candidate for Bachelor of Science in Food Technology, delivered the address of petition, speaking on behalf of his fellow graduates. He affirmed the graduates’ readiness to take on responsibilities and serve the community with the knowledge and skills they have acquired. A key highlight of the graduation was the presentation of candidates for degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Dr. Armando A. Alviola, Dean of CCJS, presented a total of 376 candidates, while Dr. Jessie Sabijon, Dean of CAT, presented 315 candidates, recognizing each student for their hard work, perseverance, and academic achievements. This segment paved the way for the conferment of degrees and titles, as well as the investiture of caps and hoods, personally led by President Tangaran. President Tangaran then introduced the event’s Guest of Honor and Speaker, Hon. Arnold V. Tan, Vice Governor of the Province of Samar. In his address, Vice Governor Tan emphasized the significance of this year’s theme and connected it directly to the progress and development of Samar province. He encouraged the graduates to use their education and expertise to drive innovation, address community challenges, and contribute to the growth of the society, reminding them that they are the province’s greatest hope for a progressive and sustainable future. “Do not be afraid to fail, for failure is often just first drafts of innovation,” he said. “Great leaders and successful individuals are those who rise despite difficulties, continue dreaming, believing in yourself,” he added. Before the meaningful program concluded, Jerome Endiza, a Summa Cum Laude candidate for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Horticulture, delivered the address of gratitude on behalf of the entire Class 2026. He thanked everyone who played a part in their success—from parents and guardians who offered unwavering support, to teachers and administrators who guided and inspired them. Day 2 of the 47th Commencement Exercises not only celebrated academic achievement but also strengthened NwSSU’s vision: producing graduates who ASCEND above challenges, lead with excellence, and shape a better future for Samar and beyond. #ASCENDNwSSU#NwSSU47thCommencementExercises

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has successfully finalized its Strategic Futures Workshop: Futures Thinking Towards Sustainable Development Using the ACACIA Framework on May 21, 2026, at the Business Development Center. Spearheaded by the Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Division through the Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight and in partnership with the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures), the activity gathered the entire university officials to embed anticipatory governance and innovation in its systems, culminating in the development of HANDUM 2050: The Futures of NwSSU under the theme “WE BUILD WHAT STORMS CANNOT BREAK.” Day 2 followed on May 12, 2026, continuing online with participants deepening their understanding of strategic foresight processes and engaged in collaborative visioning facilitated by PhilFutures Fellow Ms. Jalaine Joyce V. Malabanan. The activities produced refined, shared aspirations that became core building blocks for HANDUM (Hingyap, Andam, Naton, Dungog, Ungod, Marig-on) 2050, equipping the institution with a forward-looking foundation to guide its development and community impact. Held onsite on May 20, 2026, Day 3 opened with messages from Senators Pia S. Cayetano and Win T. Gatchalian, CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), and PhilFutures’ Dr. Michville A. Rivera. Expert sessions included Dr. Bert J. Tuga’s analysis of trends in higher education, Dr. Michville A. Rivera’s discussion on the McKinsey 7S Framework, and workshops of Prof. Ramces M. Dili from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) on reimagining the university’s VMOKRAPI and scenario planning, strengthening participants’ strategic capabilities and shared commitment. On May 21, 2026, the fourth and final day centered on presenting drafted vision and mission outputs from various units and division for the Samar community. Dr. Ruperto S. Sangalang presented the PATRES framework and the unified planning architecture linking VMOKRAPI (Vision, Mission, Objectives, Key Result Areas, and Performance Indicators), SPATRES (Strategy, Programs, Activities, Tasks, Resources, Evaluation System), and PATRES (People, Academics, Technology, Research, Extension, and Stewardship), while Mr. Ramces M. Dili critiqued outputs using the ACACIA Framework, recognizing San Jorge Campus for meeting the “Samar test.” The four-day futures workshop successfully equipped NwSSU officials with essential foresight tools, methodologies, and a cohesive strategic direction. With HANDUM 2050 as its flagship output, the university now stands positioned as a future-ready institution, fully prepared to drive sustainable development, transformative education, and responsive governance across Samar for decades to come.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Grounds came alive with nationalism on May 25, 2026, as the university held its final Flag Raising Ceremony for the month of May. Led by the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences (CCJS), the activity brought together faculty members, students, teaching and non-teaching personnel in unity with respect and pride. Dressed in their respective uniforms and office attire, the NwSSU community stands in formation while renewing their commitment to the university and the country. The ceremony served not only as a weekly tradition but also as a fitting conclusion to the month’s activities, strengthening values of unity, duty, and service to the institution while symbolizing hope and continued excellence as the university moves forward into the coming months.

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐍𝐰𝐒𝐒𝐔 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 The NwSSU announces the appointment of the new university key officials effective May 13, 2026: DR. ROMEO B. SANTOS – Vice President for Academic Affairs in concurrent capacity as Dean of the Graduate School DR. LEO JESUS M. LACABA – Vice President forAdministration and Finance DR. TEODORO A. AMATOSA, JR.Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Congratulations on your appointments!

MAY 12, 2026 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully wrapped up the two-day Strategic Futures Workshop: Futures Thinking Towards Sustainable Development Using the ACACIA Framework via Zoom. Organized by the Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Division through the Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight (FTSF), and in partnership with the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures), the activity forms part of a broader series of capability-building initiatives. Attended by NwSSU key officials, deans, and heads of offices, this workshop aimed to institutionalize futures thinking and anticipatory governance within the institution, laying the groundwork for activities such as the Campus Futures Thinking Workshop and Research Caravan in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Day 1 sessions featured Mr. Emmanuel De Guia, Resident Futurist of the Senate Committee on SDGs, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, who guided participants in shifting mindsets and rethinking assumptions about the future. Dr. Rupert S. Sangalang, Senior Fellow of PhilFutures, was also featured in the Day 1 sessions. He introduced the ACACIA Framework as a structured approach to align institutional identity, local values, and global development goals in crafting strategic plans. Meanwhile, Day 2 focused on deepening participants’ grasp of foresight methodologies and shaping the university’s envisioned future. The session began with an “Introduction to the Process of Strategic Foresight,” which broke down the systematic steps used to analyze trends, explore uncertainties, and prepare for long-term possibilities. ​The Day 2 session continued with “Future Possibilities: Ideate The Vision,” led by Ms. Jalaine Joyce V. Malabanan, Fellow at PhilFutures. She facilitated collaborative discussions and creative exercises, guiding participants to brainstorm, refine, and articulate shared aspirations—turning abstract ideas into concrete concepts that will serve as building blocks for the university’s long-term vision. ​Central to the entire initiative is defining the path toward Project HANDUM 2050: The Futures of NwSSU. Handum, a term widely used in the Hiligaynon and Waray-Samar dialects, translates to collective aspiration, shared vision, and purposeful imagination—values that serve as the philosophical foundation of the university’s futures initiative. With the conclusion of this workshop, the university now has a solid foundation to develop a comprehensive, inclusive, and forward-looking roadmap that will steer its growth, strengthen its community impact, and advance its contribution to sustainable development. ​This initiative equips NwSSU with the mindset and shared vision needed to navigate change confidently while ensuring that every plan and decision made every day aligns with the desired future it aims to build. #RISENwSSU