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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) played a critical role in regional economic collaboration by joining the Eastern Visayas Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Summit 2025. The event was held on December 5, 2025, at The Tropics at McArthur in Palo, Leyte. As one of the valued SSF cooperators, NwSSU was represented by Mrs. Ivy B. Aligam, Supervising Administrative Officer, and Mr. Jake B. Calagos, Director of the Integrated Multimedia and Communications Office (IMCO). Their participation reflected NwSSU’s commitment to addressing challenges and shaping actionable solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development through local SSF Programs. Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the summit united SSF partners across Eastern Visayas to celebrate achievements, share best practices, and explore opportunities for business growth and networking. The SSF Program is designed to empower MSMEs and boost their productivity by providing access to essential machinery, equipment, tools, and skills. NwSSU currently manages two SSFs for Food Processing across both its campuses and is preparing to launch an upcoming SSF for a Digital Fabrication and Printing Production Center. This highlights its potential role as a catalyst for economic innovation in the region. The summit commenced with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the SSF Photo Gallery and Region 8 Product Special Setting, led by DTI Regional Director Dr. Celerina T. Bato. Opening remarks emphasized collaboration, featuring messages of support from regional directors and focal persons. Attendees then delved into an agenda that blended reflective discussions with forward-looking strategies. Mr. Artemio T. Almazan III, OIC of the Chief of the Business Development Division (BDD), provided an overview of the summit’s goals, followed by Mr. Alfee Rei Galapon, Chief Trade Industry Development Specialist (CTIDS), who presented the SSF Physical and Financial Accomplishments. An open forum concluded the morning session, allowing stakeholders to voice concerns, with DTI’s Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (BSMED) pledging national action to address regional challenges. adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. The afternoon session featured the event’s highlight: the presentation of the Best SSF Project Award 2025 from the SSF Programs across Eastern Visayas’ six provinces. A “Fast Talk” segment then showcased insights from the Region 8 Best SSF 2025 Nominees, offering inspiration for scalable models in various sectors, including digital manufacturing. NwSSU’s representatives actively participated, sharing expertise on best practices and strategies concerning presentation, usufruct agreements, ownership transfer, and local MSME development. As academic cooperators, they focused on the integration of academic resources with industry needs. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the Region 8 Best SSF Project 2025 awardee and the panel judges. The awardee’s acceptance speech highlighted the transformative potential of partnerships, while the judges emphasized the importance of adaptability in sustaining MSME competitiveness. The SSF Summit 2025 not only celebrated progress but also outlined a roadmap for resiliency and inclusive growth. By nurturing interaction among academia, government, and industry, events like this strengthen the SSF Program’s impact, turning challenges into opportunities. NwSSU’s proactive role signals its evolution from an educational institution to a key regional development partner, ready to equip MSMEs with the means to thrive in an evolving economy. As Eastern Visayas embraces innovation and collaboration, the summit’s outcomes promise a brighter future for local enterprises and communities across the region.

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) solidified its commitment to advancing graduate employability by formalizing a key collaboration during the “Bridging Futures: Partnership Signing and Turnover Ceremony,” held on December 5, 2025, at the Balay Samarnon (Old PNB Building). University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo played a pivotal role in the event, signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Career Development Support and Employment Facilitation Program. This strategic partnership aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring graduates gain streamlined access to career opportunities. Hon. Sharee Ann Tan, Governor of Samar Province, opened the ceremony with an inspiring welcome message, emphasizing the region’s dedication to fostering education that transforms lives. The highlight of the event was the partnership signing and turnover, symbolizing a unified effort among NwSSU, Samar State University (SSU), and the Schools Division Offices (SDOs) of DepEd Catbalogan, Calbayog, and Samar. Representatives from each institution emphasized their shared goals: equipping graduates with competitive skills and facilitating sustainable employment. Messages from DepEd SDO officials and university presidents further emphasized the vital link between education and workforce development. ​Before the ceremony concluded, Mr. Klint Francis P. Langi, President of the Samar National High School SSLG, delivered a heartfelt closing speech, urging the representatives to persist in their efforts to secure a bright future for the student body. The event concluded with the turnover of partnership documents, marking a new chapter for Samar’s educational institutions. The ceremony not only celebrated institutional unity but also asserted a collective mission to turn education into opportunity, ensuring every graduate steps confidently into a thriving future.

DECEMBER 2, 2025 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through the Office of Community that Adapts Sustainable Paralled Gender Inclusive Beneficial Opportunities and Nurturing Governance (CASUGBONG), united and demonstrated its commitment to ending Violence Against Women (VAW) with a dynamic 18-Day Celebration event at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. The campaign’s activities, themed “VAW-Free Philippines,” blended advocacy, education, and community engagement to raise awareness about gender-based violence and empower faculty, students, and staff to take action. The morning session commenced with the VAW-Free Philippines Motorcade 2025, a vibrant procession from the university to the Calbayog community highways, symbolizing solidarity against gender-based violence. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, Director of the Office of Gender and Development, emphasized the event’s rationale, highlighting the urgency of addressing VAW through collective efforts. Calbayog PNP officer followed with a safety briefing, ensuring participants adhered to protocols during the motorcade. After the motorcade, the focus shifted to education with a symposium on RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012), led by Atty. Ma. Cecile Candida Y. Rueda. Her discussion emphasized the law’s role in combating online harassment and protecting women in cybercrimes. Concurrently, students showcased their creativity and knowledge through an On-the-Spot Slogan Contest and Quiz Bee, fostering student involvement in the advocacy. The afternoon session opened with Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivering welcome remarks that reaffirmed NwSSU’s dedication to gender equality. Atty. Rueda resumed her symposium, diving deeper into cybercrime prevention strategies and ones’ rights, giving participants practical insights into legal protections and reporting mechanisms. The event then celebrated outstanding students with the Awarding of Winners for the slogan and quiz competitions, recognizing their contributions to boosting the campaign’s goal. As the day concluded, Mr. Alvin Lentejas, NwSSU’s Multi-Purpose Manager, delivered a sincere message of support, urging the university and the society to sustain momentum beyond the 18-day observance. His speech highlighted the university’s role as a pioneer for societal change, calling for continuous collaboration among students, faculty, and local partners. NwSSU’s 18-Day Campaign Celebration not only educated participants but also strengthened solidarity to eradicate VAW. By integrating policy education, creative expression, and institutional leadership, the event exemplified the principles of a VAW-Free Philippines, inspiring hope and action across Samar and beyond.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) proudly celebrates the success of its Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in English students who distinguished themselves at the 1st International and 3rd National Language and Literature Undergraduate Research Conference. Hosted by Leyte Normal University on November 27–28, 2025, the event saw NwSSU students showcasing exceptional research capability and academic confidence, earning recognition on the international stage. BSED English student Simon Peter Carl D. L. Maala brought home the Outstanding Paper Presentation Award after delivering a compelling presentation of his group’s study, “Exploring Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions of Translanguaging as a Pedagogical Tool.” Maala’s strong command of the topic, clear articulation, and insightful discussion impressed evaluators during the parallel sessions. The paper, co-authored with Regilene O. Salomon, Azi L. Cajurao, Ma. Fe Donadillo, and Alimar C. Deliquiña, was developed under the mentorship of Dr. Maria Lucil H. Dollado, whose guidance significantly strengthened the study’s scholarly depth. Representing the university with equal distinction, Aila L. Atis presented her group’s study titled “AI Reliance among Education Students: Basis for a Capability-Building Workshop on Responsible AI Use.” Delivered with poise and clarity, Atis’s presentation contributed to vital discussions on emerging technologies in education. The research, which highlights the need for ethical digital practices in academic work, was conducted with Dawn Bustillo, Rhea Encenares, John Alkind Pantaleon, Jesica Pobadora, and Vieda Zosie Talon under the advisership of Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada. These accomplishments strengthen NwSSU’s commitment to nurturing a robust research culture within the College of Education. The students’ success not only brings pride to the institution but also affirms the capability of “Norwesians” to excel in national and international academic arenas. NwSSU extends its warm congratulations to the presenters, researchers, and advisers for bringing honor to the university through their outstanding participation.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Kapit-Bisig Sa Mawacat Association (KASAMA) strengthened their commitment to community-driven growth with a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing on November 14, 2025, at the NwSSU Board Room. Led by Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President, and Mrs. Dionesia T. Mayran, KASAMA President, the collaboration institutes the extension project “Strategic and Sustainability Planning for KASAMA,” designed to empower the Brgy. Mawacat community through innovative livelihood strategies. The partnership aligns with NwSSU’s mandate to advance education, research, and extension services while supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). NwSSU’s extension efforts, through the College of Management, in Brgy. Mawacat emerged as a model of community-led development, focusing on poverty alleviation, skills training, and agricultural innovation. The 2022 assessment of KASAMA highlighted the need for enhanced strategic planning to ensure long-term sustainability, stimulating NwSSU’s renewed pledge to support the association. The MOA emphasizes a shared vision fostering equitable, innovative, and sustainable partnerships that connects academic expertise with community needs. With Ms. Florabel C. Canaman, NwSSU Project Leader, Mr. Esteban C. Sabar Jr., COM Extension Coordinator, Dr. Francis C. Toleza, and KASAMA members including Mrs. Ma. Linda M. Judloman, the project aims to refine cooperative strategies, enhance member capacities, and enhance public sector partnerships.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) took a decisive step toward academic excellence as top administrators and teaching and non-teaching personnel gathered for a two-day Strategic Revision of the University Research and Extension Manual on November 12-13, 2025, at the College of Computer and Information Sciences (CCIS) Multimedia Room. Led by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, the workshop brought together stakeholders to refine policies, rationalize processes, and connect the manual with the university’s progressing vision for industry impact and innovation. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Ortiz, who emphasized the critical role of research and extension in NwSSU’s mission. Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director for Research and Development Services, then spearheaded the program overview, setting the room for intensive breakout sessions. Throughout the day, participants engaged in lively discussions, assessing existing protocols and analyzing revisions. The day 1 concluded with an open forum, where participants shared status updates and challenges, fostering transparency and collective problem-solving. The continuation of the event happened in the second day witnessing transformative presentations as participants presented revised guidelines and policy outputs. Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez, Director for Extension Services and as the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz for the day, delivered the closing remarks, urging the participants’ dedication and sustained collaboration. As the event put to an end, the event culminated with the playing of the NwSSU Hymn through an audio-visual presentation, symbolizing pride in the institution’s mission. This strategic workshop aimed to upgrade NwSSU’s research and extension frameworks, ensuring they meet global standards and local community needs. By consolidating the manual with current academic trends and institutional goals, the university strengthens its commitment to fostering innovation, ethical research, and innovative extension programs. The collaborative revisions are expected to pave the way for improved workflows, enhanced faculty support, and greater societal and global impact.

A comprehensive two-day training designed to strengthen research and development (R&D) capabilities concluded on October 28, 2025, equipping participants with essential skills in proposal preparation, evaluation criteria, and the use of national project management information systems. The program ran from October 27 to 28, 2025, at Leyte Normal University (LNU).  Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) was represented by Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director for Research & Development Services; Dr. Eugene C. Calumba, UDRRM Director; and Engr. Erwin Miano, Director for the Center of Research for Future Building Materials and Structures.  The opening day began with preliminaries. Dr. Gil Necitas B. Villarino, University President of LNU and Board Member of EVCIEERD, delivered the welcome remarks. This was followed by Dr. Danilo B. Pulma, VPRIES of EVSU and TWG Chair of EVCIEERD, who presented the rationale of the activity.   Learning modules were facilitated by Mr. Ruel A. Pili, Regional Consortia Coordinator for DOST-PCIEERD. He covered Modules 1–4, which outlined the roles and responsibilities of the R&D Committee and introduced the fundamentals of research and development. Module 5 focused on R&D preparation, emphasizing requirements for workplans and LIBs, while Module 6 tackled evaluation criteria through the use of the Evaluation Matrix.  The afternoon featured hands-on workshops, group evaluations of proposals, and an open consultation forum, fostering collaboration and practical application of the day’s lessons.  The second day opened with a reflection on the previous sessions. Mr. Pili returned to deliver Module 7, highlighting common deficiencies in research proposals. Participants then engaged in another round of workshops and group presentations. A major highlight was the Orientation on Proposal Submission, where Mr. Pili provided detailed guidance on navigating the DOST Project Management Information System (DPMIS) and the PCIEERD Management Information System (PMIS).  The program concluded with group takeaways, the awarding of certificates to resource persons and participants, and closing remarks delivered by Dr. Eugene C. Calumba, UDRRM Director of NwSSU and TWG Member of EVCIEERD.  This immersive program is expected to raise the quality and success rate of research proposals across the consortium and its member institutions. By addressing common pitfalls, standardizing evaluation practices, and ensuring mastery of digital submission systems, the training aimed to produce proposals that are not only innovative but also compliant, streamlined, and ready for approval and funding by agencies such as DOST-PCIEERD.

Hanoi, Vietnam – October 31, 2025 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) marked another milestone in its international engagement by participating in the 13th Asia Technological University Network (ATU-Net) Board Meeting, hosted by Phenikaa University in Hanoi, Vietnam. Representing NwSSU were Dr. Iris B. Bejasa, Director of the International Affairs Office–Main Campus, and Mr. John M. Tan, Head of the International Affairs Office–San Jorge Campus. They attended on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, who was unable to join due to equally important administrative commitments. The ATU-Net Board Meeting convened university presidents, directors, and international affairs officials from member institutions across Asia to strengthen academic collaboration, deepen research partnerships, and broaden cross-border mobility programs. The annual gathering served as a forum for sharing forward-looking practices in higher education and for charting the consortium’s strategic direction for the coming year. The one-day event opened with a cultural immersion at Van Phuc Silk Village, a renowned Vietnamese craft community celebrated for its handwoven silk and centuries-old weaving traditions. The visit offered delegates a rich glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural heritage and creative industries, fostering mutual appreciation and cross-cultural understanding. This was followed by guided laboratory visits at Phenikaa University. Delegates toured key research hubs, including the Polymer-Composite Laboratory, Bioresources Research Center, and Environmental Chemistry & Ecotoxicology Laboratory (Tour 1), as well as the Applied Electro-Chemical Lab, Renewable Energy Conversion & Storage Laboratory, and Semiconductor & Advanced Materials Fabrication Laboratory (Tour 2). These visits showcased the university’s dedication to scientific advancement, sustainability, and practical learning environments. A brief stop at the university’s modern library capped the morning itinerary, followed by a shared lunch and musical performance at the campus cafeteria—an opportunity for cultural exchange and collegial fellowship. The formal Board Meeting began at 1:00 p.m., presided over by Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim, Chair of ATU-Net. Key agenda items included the 2025 ATU-Net Achievements, Financial Report, 2026 Strategic Plan and Budget Proposal. The meeting also tackled initiatives such as Scopus-indexed research collaborations, faculty and staff exchange programs, the development of an ATU-Net Mobility Portal, the rollout of Global Classroom initiatives, and the expansion of Articulation Programs among member universities. The event strengthened the shared commitment of ATU-Net institutions to foster internationalization, inclusive education, and academic innovation across Asia. For NwSSU, its active participation reflects a steadfast dedication to building global linkages, advancing academic excellence, and ensuring that its students and faculty thrive within a vibrant international academic community.