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Calbayog City, Samar | The Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking Committee of Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU), chaired by Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, convened on November 6, 2025 to advance preparations for the university’s renewed participation in the THE Impact Rankings. The committee focused on the meticulous mining, validation, and finalization of data aligned with specific Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators. These efforts aim to ensure that each submission authentically reflects NWSSU’s initiatives, achievements, and measurable impact. Members also explored strategies for presenting and documenting data in ways that highlight the university’s strengths and reinforce its standing in the global academic community. Building on its successful inclusion in THE 2025, NWSSU is poised to reaffirm its commitment to excellence in higher education, sustainability, and societal transformation. Dr. Catamora extended his gratitude to the committee for their steadfast collaboration, noting that the shared effort embodies NWSSU’s vision of institutional visibility and global engagement.

In a collective effort to strengthen institutional readiness for the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) journey, the PQA Scoring Simulation and Evaluation Program was successfully conducted, bringing together  technical working group members, and quality assurance advocates in a focused simulation of the PQA assessment process. The program formally opened with the preliminaries, followed by a warm welcome message from Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, PQA Chairperson, who underscored the importance of aligning organizational systems with the PQA framework and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Gracing the session was Dr. Jay Barlan, Senior PQA Consultant, who served as the lead facilitator. Dr. Barlan guided participants through a series of interactive discussions and practical scoring exercises designed to simulate the actual PQA assessment process. The activity aimed to evaluate the team’s preparedness, strengthen consistency in interpretation and scoring, and ensure alignment in identifying key performance results across the seven PQA criteria categories. Participants engaged in consensus-building activities, individual scoring calibrations, and validation exercises to determine the university’s current bandwidth and indicative PQA score range. Through this simulation, the members were able to identify both strong performance areas and improvement opportunities, particularly in process maturity, results integration, and evidence-based documentation. Dr. Barlan emphasized that the PQA scoring simulation serves as both a diagnostic and developmental exercise helping the institution gauge its readiness level while reinforcing quality assurance principles in everyday operations. The outcomes of the simulation provided valuable insights into how the organization can attain the desired PQA bandwidth and move closer toward institutional excellence. The collaborative effort also reaffirmed the commitment of all units to sustain a performance driven culture anchored on the PQA Framework for Performance Excellence. As the session concluded, participants expressed renewed motivation to further enhance their processes, align documentation standards, and prepare for higher-level assessments in the upcoming PQA evaluation cycles.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) strengthens its commitment to global excellence after actively participating in the Filipino Leaders in Advancing International Reputation (FLAIR) Masterclass – Eastern Visayas, Maanyag Class 2025. The intensive three-day seminar-workshop, held at Ironwood Hotel in Tacloban City, Leyte, was designed to bolster the global presence and competitiveness of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the region. NwSSU was proudly represented by a delegation focused on internationalization efforts. The representatives included Dr. Iris B. Bejasa, Director of the International Affairs Office; Mr. John M. Tan, Head of the International Affairs Office; and Mr. Philip Joseph Franco, Administrative Staff VI. The masterclass brought together State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and private HEIs from Eastern Visayas. The central focus was a deep dive into the “What, How, and Why” of major global benchmarks, specifically the Times Higher Education (THE) International Ranking and the World University Ranking for Innovations (WURI). ​The primary goal of the activity was to equip institutions in Region VIII with the capacity to align their current initiatives with global standards in teaching, research, and innovation. Participants received valuable insights, practical tools, and inspiration to effectively prepare and submit their ranking data. The workshop served as a strong motivation to accelerate internationalization efforts and forge stronger collaboration—ultimately gearing Eastern Visayas toward greater visibility and recognition in the international academic landscape. The primary goal of the activity was to equip institutions in Region VIII with the capacity to align their current initiatives with global standards in teaching, research, and innovation. Participants received valuable insights, practical tools, and inspiration to effectively prepare and submit their ranking data. The workshop served as a strong motivation to accelerate internationalization efforts and forge stronger collaboration—ultimately gearing Eastern Visayas toward greater visibility and recognition in the international academic landscape. ​The event featured a stellar lineup of A-1 Resource Speakers whose expertise greatly enriched the participants’ understanding of leadership, innovation, and internationalization in higher education. The speakers included Dr. Jimmy G. Catanes, Regional Director of CHED CAR; Dr. Sherry Junette Malaya-Tagle, President of Cordillera Career Development Center; Dr. Jonas P. Villas, Leyte Normal University Vice-President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; and Prof. Bryan C. Dayuta, Director for Linkages, International Office of Philippine Normal University. The knowledge gained from the FLAIR Masterclass is expected to have a significant and lasting impact on NwSSU’s strategic planning. By applying these international best practices, the university is poised to substantially improve its data collection, reporting methodologies, and overall quality of global engagement, ensuring NwSSU delivers world-class education and secures a higher standing in future global and innovation-focused university rankings.

On October 21, 2025, NWSSU participated in the Regional Consultation Workshop for the Mid-Term Review of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Reforms Roadmap 2024–2028, held in Bohol. The gathering convened representatives from government institutions across the Visayas to exchange insights on advancing fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in public service. The event was spearheaded by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Representing NWSSU, Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo took part in the World Café session, where she offered thoughtful perspectives on strengthening capacity-building efforts for local implementers. She emphasized the importance of launching a Masterclass on PFM—one that transcends technical frameworks to include ethical foundations and moral leadership. Her contribution highlighted a compelling call for values-based governance, advocating for integrity and principled service as pillars of sustainable reform.

Tamkang University, Taiwan — Representatives from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) took part in the 11th Asia-Pacific Futures Network (APFN) Conference held on October 16–18, 2025, at Tamkang University, Taiwan. With the theme “AI + SDGs + ESG: Co-creating Ethical and Sustainable Futures,” the conference convened futurists, educators, and policymakers from across the region to explore anticipatory governance, AI ethics, and transformative foresight in education and governance. The NwSSU delegation led by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, together with Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez and Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo, joined global experts in workshops and dialogues on participatory futures, green universities, and futures literacy, advancing the university’s commitment to foresight-driven education and innovation. Among the key sessions were led by eminent futurists including Prof. Sohail Inayatullah, Dr. John Sweeney, and Dr. Jose Ramos, emphasizing the role of AI and futures thinking in shaping ethical, inclusive, and sustainable societies. NwSSU’s participation marks its continued engagement in futures-oriented discourse, strengthening its network in the global futures community and reaffirming its vision to integrate anticipatory leadership and futures literacy into institutional development, research, and academic practices.

The Creative Works Office (CWO) of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) spearheaded the Workshop on Developing the Creative Works Manual on October 17, 2025, at the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) Function Hall. This all-day collaborative forum gathered faculty members, creative practitioners, and university officials, aiming to institutionalize the rigorous recognition and management of the university’s creative outputs. The program commenced with a prayer led by Ms. Maria Lourdes Mae V. Billate, followed by the National Anthem. Though unable to attend in person, University President, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo extended his full support for the initiative. Dr. Pecayo emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “Recognizing creativity means valuing the ideas and imagination that keep our university alive and moving forward.” Setting the vision, Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada, Director for Creative Works, delivered his Statement of Purpose and Overview of the CWO Mandate. “This workshop is more than policy crafting—it is about giving structure to our creative spirit. The manual we build together will be our shared framework for recognizing creativity as an essential part of academic life,” Cruzada articulated. The day’s main agenda centered on intensive breakout sessions, where participants collaboratively developed specific policy points focusing on creative work categories, peer review mechanisms, recognition and incentive systems, and robust documentation processes. To ensure focused and comprehensive outputs across four major thematic areas, designated facilitators oversaw the deep-dive discussions. Mr. Alwin Mondido led the discussion on the CWO Agenda, detailing the Creative Works Thrusts, Priorities, Organizational Structure, and Director’s Functions. Concurrently, Ms. Rhea Jenny A. Ogalesco mapped the Categories and Scope of Creative Works, which encompassed the Literary, Visual, Performing, and Digital and Media Arts. Furthermore, Mr. Rexor Magbutay spearheaded the group tackling the Recordation, Deposit, and Evaluation of Creative Works, focusing on General Principles, the Review and Evaluation Framework, and Reporting and Documentation Procedures. Crucially, Dr. Maria Lucil H. Dollado presided over the discussion on Incentives, Recognition, and Revenue Sharing, highlighting both Monetary and Non-Monetary Rewards and provisions for commercialized works. The proceedings were officially closed with a prayer led by Mr. Cerilo Irinco, ASCA Head, and hosted by Mr. Rexor H. Magbutay. ​This workshop represents a major institutional leap forward for NwSSU in building a community that values both intellectual rigor and creative excellence—firmly asserting the university’s mission to nurture artistry, innovation, and cultural identity in higher education.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its Office of Gender and Development (GAD), conducted a three-day workshop titled “Development of the Strategic Gender and Development Framework and Work Plan” on October 7–10, 2025, at the University Hotel and Restaurant Function Room. The activity marked a significant step in the university’s continuing effort to institutionalize inclusivity and strengthen its GAD mechanisms in alignment with national mandates and international commitments. The event was designed to capacitate key personnel in developing the 2026–2031 NwSSU GAD Strategic Framework and Agenda, in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 7192 (Women in Development and Nation Building Act) and Republic Act 9710 (The Magna Carta of Women). These laws require all government agencies, including higher education institutions, to undergo gender sensitivity and mainstreaming initiatives to ensure inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive governance. Day 1 laid the foundation for understanding the principles and frameworks guiding gender mainstreaming. Sessions covered Gender Analysis, Mainstreaming, and Planning Principles, emphasizing the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Frameworks and the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG). Participants engaged in interactive discussions and structured learning exercises that enhanced their appreciation of gender-responsive policies, institutional planning, and budget alignment. Day 2 delved deeper into policy integration and institutionalization, with participants working on the formulation of NwSSU’s GAD Agenda. The sessions focused on embedding gender perspectives into the university’s programs, projects, and activities—ensuring that the outcomes contribute meaningfully to inclusivity and empowerment across academic, research, and community engagement dimensions. On Day 3, the focus shifted toward the finalization and validation of the university’s 2026–2031 GAD Strategic Framework and Agenda. Learning Session 7 introduced the key components of the GAD Agenda, followed by a plenary session on the development process for the new framework. In Workshop 2, participants collaborated to outline strategic priorities and measurable outcomes, which were later presented and critiqued during the plenary session. The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, who underscored the importance of sustaining gender mainstreaming efforts through shared responsibility and institutional commitment.

The Planning and Development Services Office (PDSO), led by Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, convened a strategic meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the University President’s Board Room to deliberate on key matters concerning proposed projects under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) Tier II for Fiscal Year 2027. Co-chaired by Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo, the meeting brought together members of the Planning Unit, Project Development Unit, and Infrastructure and Project Management Unit, headed respectively by Engr. Marlon D. Sobreviga and Mr. Redem D. Tingzon. The assembly focused on reviewing the status of the call for project proposals, assessing the implementation readiness of submissions, and conducting a technical evaluation of proposed initiatives. Discussions also covered preparations for the upcoming consultative assembly and other relevant concerns to ensure that project priorities remain aligned with institutional goals and national development directives. The meeting reinforced PDSO’s commitment to strategic planning, evidence-based decision-making, and collaborative project development in support of the university’s pursuit of sustainable growth and institutional excellence. Through cross-unit coordination and focused deliberations, the office continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring that proposed projects are responsive, feasible, and aligned with fiscal guidelines and developmental priorities.

The Courier, the official student publication of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), earned national recognition after bagging four awards in the National Training Workshop on Campus Journalism organized by the Organization of Student Services Educators, Inc. (OSSEI) on September 25–27, 2025, at Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio City.   The competition brought together 24 participating colleges and universities across the country, showcasing excellence in various fields of campus journalism. The Courier stood out with strong performances in both individual and publication-level categories. Jaspher C. Deculawan secured 3rd Place in Photo Essay, while James S. Nallatan followed closely with 5th Place in the same category. In Editorial Cartooning, Jimmuel D. Suarez clinched 4th Place, highlighting the publication’s creative storytelling strength. On the digital front, The Courier as an online publication was recognized with 3rd Place for Most Multi-platform Engagement, affirming its ability to reach and resonate with a wide audience.   The Courier’s success not only reflects the talent and commitment of its staff but also underscores NwSSU’s dedication to fostering student excellence in journalism. By excelling at a national stage, the publication continues to amplify student voices, strengthen campus press freedom, and inspire aspiring journalists within and beyond the university.