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PALO, LEYTE – Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) College of Education (COEd) reaffirmed its regional dominance after securing the “Grand Slam” for the Largest Delegation at the 2026 PAFTE Student Congress. Mobilizing 351 pre-service teachers and 13 faculty members, NwSSU marked its third consecutive year as the largest contingent in this regional gathering of future educators in Eastern Visayas—a distinction the university has consistently maintained through its culture of professional engagement. The delegation was led by Dr. Richard N. Verdeflor, Student Teaching Coordinator, alongside program chairs Dr. Julie Ann D. Edraga (BSED), Mr. Lito M. Mag-ampo (BEED), and Mr. Remelito T. Labasbas (BPED), with SIPP Coordinator Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe. Eight additional faculty members— Mr. Lenard A. Belano, Mrs. Maria Lourdes Mae V. Billate, Mr. Niel Darryl G. Branzuela, Mr. Julif B. Calesa, Mr. Rowee O. Cañedo, Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada, Mr. Albros D. Mañanita, and Mrs. Christy B. De Veyra—joined as mentors and chaperones, ensuring the students were guided throughout the various pedagogical and cultural sessions. The congress featured a series of high-level addresses aimed at inspiring the next generation of teachers. Dr. Leo D. Camposano, representing the CHED Regional Director, Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, CESO III, opened the discourse by challenging students to transcend the licensure examination and become “indispensable educators” who advance national development. Keynote speaker and Samar State University President, Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, expanded on this by introducing the “AIM” philosophy. He encouraged delegates to be Adaptive to changing landscapes, Innovative in their pedagogical approaches, and Mindful of both their professional influence and their own mental health. Adding a layer of classroom reality, Master Teacher III Rodel L. Cabuhoc provided a resource talk that navigated the transition from student to professional, offering a roadmap for resilience and growth. The event balanced academic rigor with artistic school spirit. During the “Educators Got Talent” segment, NwSSU BPED students delivered a contemporary dance performance inspired by the Hadang Festival, proudly showcasing the university’s cultural heritage and artistic excellence. The afternoon sessions shifted toward professional mentorship through the “Voices of Victory” talk, where LET topnotchers from Leyte Normal University, Eastern Samar State University, Samar State University, and Biliran Province State University shared personal study strategies and insights on overcoming challenges in the teaching profession. In the competitive segments, the Pre-Service Teachers’ Teaching Pageant 2026 served as a dynamic platform for pedagogical competence. While Leyte Normal University secured first place, followed by Samar College and Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), the event emphasized the collective passion of Region VIII’s aspiring teachers. Additionally, an “On-the-Spot Uniform Fashion Showcase” highlighted the importance of professional identity; two NwSSU representatives confidently presented the university’s official student teaching uniform, symbolizing their readiness to enter the classroom as polished professionals. The congress concluded with closing remarks from PIT Graduate School Dean and PAFTE VIII Adviser, Dr. Jennifer Gorumba. For NwSSU, the three-year “Grand Slam” achievement is more than a numerical victory; it serves as a testament to the college’s mission of producing future-ready, ethical, and collaborative educators prepared to serve the communities of Eastern Visayas and beyond.

CALBAYOG CITY, SAMAR – Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully concluded its Three-Day Orientation Program for New Entrants (OPEN) on February 27, 2026, at the University Board Room. Led by the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) under the direction of Mrs. Jenith T. Salem, the initiative was designed to fully integrate four new faculty members—Mr. Justine Kyle A. Orquin, Ms. Ma. Christian Margarette Salomon, Mr. Aron E. Morales, and Mr. Charles Daryll A. Delmo—into the academic community. The program ensured that these new educators are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of university policies and services, enabling them to contribute effectively to the institution’s mission of quality education and community service. The first two days of the program established a critical foundation for the new hires. On February 25, the agenda focused on the university’s core identity, including its vision, mission, and professional ethics. Participants were briefed on research and extension services, human resource systems, and performance management rewards. The second day transitioned into operational standards, covering quality assurance and the University Quality Management System (QMS). New faculty members also received guidance on administrative procedures, such as travel request processes and leave policies, alongside academic standards focused on Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) to ensure a smooth transition into their teaching roles. The final day of OPEN featured an intensive series of sessions addressing the holistic aspects of working at NwSSU. Mrs. Toni Charm B. Calag, University Nurse III, opened the morning by detailing the medical and dental services available to employees, including emergency care and preventive health programs. This was followed by a discussion on gender sensitivity and mainstreaming led by Mrs. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, Director for the Gender and Development (GAD) Office. Mrs. Tapel emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, harassment-free environment. Additionally, Dr. Leo Jesus M. Lacaba, President of the Faculty Association, explained the organization’s role in advocating for faculty welfare and professional representation. The afternoon sessions shifted toward institutional compliance and personal development. Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe tackled the complexities of CHED’s CMO 63, s. 2017, providing specific guidelines on local off-campus activities to ensure student safety and institutional compliance. Mr. Jake B. Calagos, Director of Integrated Multimedia and Communications (IMCO), introduced the faculty to the university’s communication standards and the tools available for effective internal and external engagement. To conclude the instructional portion, Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta delivered a session on financial literacy, sharing strategies for budgeting and resource allocation to support both the university’s fiscal sustainability and the faculty’s personal financial health. ​ Prior to the formal conclusion of the program, the four new faculty members engaged in an open forum with the speakers to clarify expectations regarding benefits and work policies. This was followed by a post-test activity to assess their mastery of the orientation content. During the closing ceremony, Mrs. Maria Jona V. Ty and Mrs. Salem led the distribution of certificates to the participants. Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance, joined virtually via Zoom to deliver the closing remarks, commending the new hires for their active engagement and encouraging them to consistently embody the university’s values of excellence and service. NwSSU emphasizes that OPEN is a foundational program tailored specifically for newly hired personnel, aiming to build a competent, informed workforce dedicated to delivering excellence in service, instruction, and research. In line with SDG 4: Quality Education, the initiative ensures that all new faculty are equipped to uphold standards for inclusive, equitable, and quality teaching, while aligning their work with global goals to expand access to quality higher education and enhance lifelong learning opportunities for all students. The orientation not only familiarizes employees with institutional systems but also strengthens their connection to the university’s vision of becoming a leading higher education institution in the region.

CALBAYOG CITY — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully bridged the gap between student welfare and proactive education through its recent seminar, “Awareness in Action: Substance Abuse and Oral Health Strategies.” Held on February 21 at the NWSSU Business Development Center (BDC), the activity was a collaborative triumph spearheaded by the University Health Clinic in partnership with the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and the College of Nursing Care (CONCare). The half-day event served as a unified front for health advocacy, drawing a diverse audience of NSTP and Nursing faculty, University Health Clinic staff, and a dedicated cohort of nursing students and NSTP student representatives. The drive aimed not only to disseminate information but to strengthen the preventive strategies necessary to protect the university community from the dual threats of substance abuse and poor oral health. The program opened with a clear sense of purpose as Engr. Ryan Emil T. Zosa IV, NSTP Director, delivered the rationale of the activity. He emphasized that addressing substance abuse among the youth requires more than just policy; it requires proactive education and consistent community engagement. This sentiment was echoed by Engr. Ignacio G. Tocayon, Jr., OIC-Vice President for Academic Affairs, whose opening remarks highlighted the University’s unwavering commitment to holistic student development and the essential integration of health education into the academic experience. Expert insights formed the core of the morning’s discussions. Representing the Calbayog City Police Office, Police Colonel Michelle Cinco provided a comprehensive legal perspective on drug abuse. Her presentation detailed the specific laws governing illegal substances and the heavy penalties associated with them, reminding the audience that awareness and personal accountability are the primary shields against falling into illegal drug involvement. The medical narrative was then addressed by University Nurse, Ms. Toni Charm B. Calag, who underscored the grave physical and mental health consequences of substance use, illustrating how addiction can permanently alter a student’s physiological well-being. Complementing this medical overview, Dr. Ellery D. Daguman transitioned the focus to oral health, shedding light on the often-overlooked connection between substance abuse and dental deterioration. Her session reinforced the vital importance of proper hygiene and preventive care as cornerstones of overall health. The drive concluded with a powerful charge from Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, Dean of the College of Nursing. In her closing remarks, she reminded the attendees that while knowledge is a powerful tool, awareness is only the first step. She challenged the students to translate what they learned into responsible personal choices and to act as advocates for healthy lifestyles within their own social circles. The event wrapped up with an open forum moderated by CONcare Officers, where students engaged in a candid dialogue with the speakers to further clarify the complexities of the topics discussed. Through this multi-faceted initiative, Northwest Samar State University reaffirms its dedication to preventive health programs. By empowering its students with the right information, the university continues to foster an informed, responsible, and healthy academic community ready to contribute positively to society.

Officials of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the Regional Budget Forum for FY 2027 Budget Preparation hosted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Regional Office VIII on February 10, 2026, at The Tropics, MacArthur Park, Candahug, Palo, Leyte. Representing the University were Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Mr. Rodolfo B. Corrales, SAO-Finance; and Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, Planning Officer. The forum provided comprehensive guidance on the FY 2027 budget preparation process, including formulation guidelines, submission requirements, updated budget preparation forms and instructions, and key timelines for National Budget Call compliance. The activity also featured discussions on budget convergence, performance-based budgeting considerations, and policy directions from DBM officials. The University’s participation reinforces its commitment to ensuring timely, compliant, and strategically aligned budget proposals in accordance with national budgeting policies and fiscal management standards.

CALBAYOG CITY — In a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and operational efficiency, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) conducted a comprehensive Internal Quality Audit (IQA) across all academic units of its main campus on February 2, 2026. The audit, which was executed simultaneously by a dedicated pool of internal quality auditors, serves as a critical mechanism in the university’s Quality Management System (QMS). By deploying multiple audit teams at once, the university ensured a synchronized evaluation of various departments. The university’s Internal Audit Unit outlined several primary objectives for the day-long activity, starting with the verification of continued compliance with the rigorous requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard. Beyond international certification, the auditors were tasked with assessing the extent to which academic units have achieved their set performance targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This involved a deep dive into whether the institutional goals are being translated into measurable results at the classroom and departmental levels. Furthermore, the audit sought to evaluate compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements mandated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other governing bodies, ensuring the university remains in good standing with national law. Auditors also measured conformance to the university’s own subscribed standards and internal policies to maintain consistency across the campus. Crucially, the process was designed to identify “Opportunities for Improvement” (OFIs) and potential non-conformities (NCs), allowing the university to address gaps before they impact the quality of service. During the opening meeting, the internal auditors emphasized that the audit is not a “fault-finding” mission but rather a “fact-finding” endeavor aimed at strengthening the institution’s service delivery. The auditors reviewed a vast array of documentation, including course syllabi, faculty evaluation results, research outputs, and student support service records. Interviews with department heads and staff were also conducted to verify that the documented procedures align with actual daily operations. This internal exercise precedes the regular surveillance audits conducted by external certifying bodies, ensuring that NwSSU remains “audit-ready” and consistently provides high-quality education to its stakeholders. The conduct of this internal audit reinforces Northwest Samar State University’s culture of accountability and transparency. By systematically identifying gaps in the current system, the university can implement data-driven improvements that directly enhance the student experience and faculty productivity. Ultimately, maintaining ISO 9001:2015 certification through these rigorous internal checks boosts the institution’s prestige and ensures that the “Quality Policy” is not merely a statement on a wall, but a lived reality in every classroom and office

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has reached a new benchmark in academic excellence, securing the 7th rank among universities in Region VIII for Scopus-indexed publications as of January 25, 2026. This milestone highlights the university’s aggressive push toward becoming a powerhouse of research and innovation in Eastern Visayas. ​The university has demonstrated a remarkable upward trajectory in its scholarly output according to the latest metrics from Elsevier’s Scopus database. In the opening month of 2026 alone, NwSSU produced 14 new publications, effectively raising its total document count to 56. This represents a significant 33% increase from the previous year’s total of 42, signaling a rapid acceleration in the institution’s research productivity. ​Scopus serves as the world’s leading multidisciplinary abstract and citation database, managed by Elsevier to provide a global yardstick for institutional quality in science, technology, and medicine. For NwSSU, an increase in these indexed documents directly translates to increased global visibility, as faculty research becomes accessible to international scholars. Furthermore, it enhances the university’s prestige and ensures that the work produced by its researchers has a higher potential for impact within the global scientific community. ​This achievement is based on validated data compiled by Don Prisno of Global Health Focus (GHF) University Excellence, emphasizing a significant shift in NwSSU’s institutional culture—moving beyond the classroom to contribute meaningful data to the global body of knowledge. As the university continues to provide resources and support for its faculty, this 7th-place ranking is viewed not just as a destination, but as a stepping stone toward further regional leadership in research and development. #RISENwSSU

Congratulations to Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) for securing 8th place regionally and an impressive 5,413th globally in the January 2026 edition of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities! This milestone represents a monumental leap from the previous year’s world ranking of 23,112th. While maintaining its strong regional position at 8th place, this global ascent is a powerful testament to the university’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence, digital presence, and its commitment to delivering high-quality education. Webometrics, also known as the Ranking Web of Universities, has been published since 2004. Its primary mission is to promote Open Access to the knowledge generated by institutions worldwide. The January 2026 edition evaluated 33,649 higher education institutions (HEIs). The rankings are determined by a composite indicator that evaluates web presence and research impact, with data gathered from reputable sources such as Majestic, Google Scholar, and Scimago-Scopus. We are immensely proud of this achievement and remain steadfast in our mission to strive for even greater excellence in the years to come!r

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) College of Education (COED) joined hands with the Schools Division of Calbayog City for its Pre-Teaching Internship Orientation, themed “Shaping the future, one prepared educator at a time!” on January 20, 2026 at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. The gathering brought together COED fourth-year practice teachers, faculty members, and principals from partner schools in the division. The university aims to align theory with practice between classroom learning and real-world teaching experience, ensuring that aspiring educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to nurture the next generation of learners. The event commenced with warm welcome remarks from Dr. Jannel C. Alviola, COED Dean, followed by inspiring messages from Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Calbayog City Division, and Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President. During the event, student teachers posed for commemorative photos alongside the principals of their assigned schools, COED faculty, and the university president – marking the official start of their journey into professional teaching. The orientation then featured key discussions on regulatory guidelines, with Ms. Corie B. Senolos, Division Student Teaching Coordinator, presenting salient points from DepEd Order No. 3, Series of 2012 and Joint Division-City Memorandum Order No. 1, Series of 2021. Mrs. Ma Gemma L. Tapel, Director of the Office of Gender and Development, also led a session on Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, emphasizing the importance of fostering respectful and inclusive learning environments. Before the activity ended, an open forum moderated by Mr. Rowee O. Cañedo, COED faculty member, allowed practice teachers to raise concerns and clarify questions about their upcoming internship. The program concluded with closing remarks from Engr. Ignacio G. Tocayon, Jr., OIC Vice President for Academic Affairs, who encouraged the student teachers to embrace their role as catalysts for positive change in education.