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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) formalized their commitment to academic and educational cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing today, February 10, at the Executive Conference Room of the Office of the Chancellor, University of the Philippines Los Baños. The partnership aims to create a mutual understanding between the two institutions by developing collaborative activities in various academic areas. These include faculty, researcher, and student exchanges, collaborative research and extension projects, lectures, symposia, capacity-building programs, and the sharing of academic materials and information. Both universities also expressed their openness to other forms of academic cooperation as mutually agreed upon. Leading the ceremonial signing were UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr. and NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo. The event was also attended by key officials from NwSSU, including Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Extension Dr. Riz Rupert Ortiz, Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture Engr. Ignacio G. Tocayon, San Jorge Campus (SJC) Dean Dr. Getulio A. Barcenas Jr., SJC Director of Research, Innovation and Extension For. Eduardo G. Espejon, and BSABE Program Chair Engr. Renell Jay Villaluz. This partnership is expected to create and open new collaborative opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers from NwSSU and UPLB, strengthening academic linkages and institutional ties in pursuit of excellence in the field of higher education, research, and innovation through proactive collaboration.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), through the Office of Undersecretary of E-Government David L. Amirol Jr., has officially endorsed the Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) for Fiscal Year 2024-2026. On February 5, 2025, Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling personally received the stamped NwSSU-ISSP and the endorsement letter from Undersecretary Almirol. In a formal endorsement letter addressed to Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, Almirol emphasized that the NwSSU-ISSP “demonstrates a clear understanding of the University’s current technological landscape, setting a roadmap for future advancements and enhancements.” Engr. Rhio Dimakiling, being the Head Planner, led the development of the NwSSU-ISSP, along with Engr. Romeo Corsiga, MIS Director, as Co-Head Planner. Corsiga recalled that the university had long been working on the completion of this extensive document, but it was only in 2024, under Pecayo’s and Dimakiling’s leadership that the effort was revived and completed. A Technical Working Group (TWG), co-chaired by Mr. Redem Tingzon, Project Development Unit Head, assisted the Head Planners in determining detailed specifications and crafting the plan. The TWG members included Engr. Mariel Jane F. Saberon, Ms. Xenon Chloe Gaden, Engr. Eugene Calong, Engr. Nicko De Guzman, and Mr. Dexter Catienza. This endorsement marks a significant milestone for NwSSU as it strives to modernize its technological infrastructure, demonstrating the university’s commitment to accessible, equitable, and inclusive services.

Northwest Samar State University’s (NWSSU) Graduate School achieved a significant milestone by convening a Stakeholders’ Forum on the Validation of Graduate School Policy and Curriculum Revisions on February 1, 2025, at the Business Development Center. The forum aimed to modernize graduate education, bringing together key administrators, faculty, alumni, and stakeholders to enhance program offerings and align them with contemporary educational standards. Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration, emphasized the university’s commitment to accessibility through online learning modalities. “Our focus is on making graduate education more convenient for working professionals,” Dr. Dimakiling stated, highlighting the institution’s drive to accommodate students from remote locations. Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa underscored the importance of these revisions, particularly in securing the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC). “These updates are essential for maintaining our programs’ excellence and relevance,” Dr. Gamusa noted, calling for collaborative support from all stakeholders. The day-long event featured intensive breakout sessions where stakeholders reviewed curriculum checklists and provided valuable feedback across various programs, including PhDM, MAPM, MEM, MSGC, PhDE, MAED, MABA, and MASE. Alumni representatives shared compelling testimonials, with Mr. Edbryan Yepes advocating for a more streamlined curriculum that maintains academic rigor while considering students’ well-being. Dr. Joy Saldana, one of the experts/consultants/stakeholders, praised the institution’s proactive approach to meeting CHED requirements and adapting to educational evolution. The forum demonstrates NWSSU’s commitment to educational excellence and its proactive approach to adapting to the evolving landscape of graduate education in the region.

The University administration rejoices its latest achievement, the Philippine Quality Award (PQA). The PQA of the Department of Trade and Industry is the highest national recognition program that recognizes achievements of public and private sector organizations in their journey towards performance excellence.What a way to end the year! Congratulations Norwesians! #RISENwSSU

Attended by the top management including the President, Vice President, Heads, and Directors, the Year End Evaluation and Cascading of Targets was held this December 18, 2023 at Business Development Center, NwSSU. The activity started with plenary sessions by Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo, Planning Director in which she discussed the following- Strategic Plan Year 1 Implementation Status and Key Insights: Enhancing Organizational Growth, PBB Projected Results and Other Updates, and Presentation of the Proposed Harmonized Graduate Tracer Working Components. It was followed by parallel sessions on Year-End Evaluation of the different departments and offices under the Academic Division, RIE Division, Administrative Division, and San Jorge Campus. In the afternoon was the presentation and cascading of targets by Dr. Ramil S. Catamora of Academic Division, Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz of RIE Division, Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling in the Admin Division, and Dr. Reynaldo R. Aquino of San Jorge Campus.This annual activity aims to strengthen the goals and objectives of the university by assessing the implementation of programs and activities of each department and office, and targeting greater heights in the next fiscal year.

Pursuant to National Budget Memorandum Circular No. 154, NwSSU like other agencies conducted Civil Society Organization Consultation which was participated by students, alumni, teaching, non-teaching and private sectors, and other external agencies such as Department of Education, Calbayog City Water District Inc., and City Environment and Natural Resources Office last December 7, 2023 at Business Development Center, NwSSU. The consultation aims to solicit comments and recommendations from NwSSU’s stakeholders which are grounded with the intention of helping the university in achieving the university’s goals, mandates, and directions; and to forge the Budget Partnership Agreement.

NwSSU delegates include Drs. Myra L. Pilpa, Ana Gretchen D. Tobe, Eliza V. Gamusa, and Richard N. Verdeflor. During the session, Mr. Nelson B. Mora, Jr., a seasoned licensed financial advisor and certified wealth coach, shared valuable insights on financial literacy. Mora’s expertise provided the participants with the importance of financial wellness, covering topics like protecting income, preparing for unexpected events, and future planning. Mora highlighted the need for insurance and building emergency funds. He shared his personal success story to inspire participants, emphasizing that financial literacy is achievable for anyone willing to learn and apply its principles. Further, Dr. Felisa E. Gomba, the second speaker and VP for Academic Affairs at Samar State University, discussed Marrying Research and Extension in the Academe. She began by asking the participants to distinguish the difference between importance and significance. Dr. Gomba highlighted the importance of aligning the goals and objectives of research and extension, emphasizing that both should work together to solve practical problems and advance knowledge. She also discussed that in basic education, undergraduates explore innovation, while higher education delves into advanced studies. The benefits of this integration include effective knowledge transfer and sustainable development. Dr. Gomba thus stressed that combining research and extension is essential for societal progress, addressing challenges, fostering innovation, and improving communities worldwide. The PAFTE is chaired by DR. LAURA B. BOLLER the SSU College of Education Dean.

Your success in the licensure examination is a reflection of your commitment and excellence. Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone. Your NwSSU family is proud of you!!

Your dedication and effort have paid off, and your success is truly inspiring!!