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MARCH 30 — Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) launched “Project Kalinaw”, a comprehensive program designed to empower women deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the BJMP Calbayog City Jail. Spearheaded by Mr. Joar V. Uy, and implemented by NWSSU faculty and key officials, the initiative is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and empowering women in the correctional system, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive. Project Kalinaw, which stands for “Kababaihang Lumalaban, Nagtitiwala, at Nagsusulong ng Ating Wastong Karapatan,” aims to provide women in confinement with literacy enhancement, values formation, legal awareness, livelihood skills training, guidance, and life enrichment activities.  The program is grounded in the mandates of CHED Memorandum Order No. 52, series of 2016, focusing on extension services in higher education and aligning with NWSSU’s mission of providing highly technical and professional education and lifelong learning. The program was launched during National Women’s Month, highlighting the significance of women’s rights and their crucial role in nation-building. This initiative emphasized the program’s goal of ensuring that every woman, regardless of her circumstances, has access to dignity, equal opportunities, and the ability to shape her future. Project Kalinaw represents NWSSU’s commitment to social transformation and its dedication to supporting marginalized communities. The university plans to continue this vital work, seeking further support from other sectors for partnerships, further empowering women, and  contributing to a more just and equitable society.

Northwest Samar State University marked the conclusion of National Women’s Month with a culminating event on March 31, 2025, at the RSU Socio-cultural Center. Organized by the NwSSU’s Gender and Development Office, the event highlighted gender equality and women empowerment, in line with this year’s theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.” A songwriting and singing competition served as the centerpiece of the program, providing a platform for creative expression while reinforcing the advocacy for women’s rights. Participants showcased original compositions that reflected themes of empowerment, resilience, and equality. Dr. Riz Rupert Ortiz, VP for Research, Innovation and Extension, delivered the welcome message, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to forging an inclusive society. University Ombudsman Atty. Ma. Cecille Candida Y. Rueda also discussed the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), underscoring the importance of creating secure and respectful environments for all individuals. The program also featured intermission performances and a solidarity dance, symbolizing unity in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality. In closing, Dr. Myra Pilpa, SAS Director, expressed gratitude to participants and reaffirmed the university’s dedication to gender advocacy. As a final gesture of commitment, attendees wore purple, signifying support for the cause. The celebration reinforced NwSSU’s role as an institution that champions gender equality and inclusivity. Through events like this, the university continues to cultivate a culture of empowerment, where all are encouraged to be active advocates for women’s rights and social change.

Ormoc City, Leyte – In a bid to promote economic empowerment and sustainability, Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) collaborated with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Ormoc City, in partnership with the Integrated Population Gender and Development Office (IPGDO) of Ormoc City to implement a multidisciplinary outreach program focusing on dishwashing liquid production, titled “Multidisciplinary Outreach for Sustainable Livelihood: A Gender-Inclusive Initiative for Barangay Officials”. The two-day event, held on March 21-22, 2025, at the Liga ng mga Barangay Conference Hall, gathered Sangguniang Barangay (SB) members from Ormoc City, Leyte, to equip them with practical skills in small-scale livelihood ventures. The initiative aimed to foster economic empowerment and sustainability within their respective communities. Recognizing the importance of capacity-building and skills development, the program featured a range of topics, including a gender-inclusive livelihood initiative discussed by Mrs. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel. Other topics included innovative uses of recycled materials, such as using recycled dishwashing bottles for vertical gardening, presented by Dr. Getulio A. Barcenas Jr., and creating innovative mini-greenhouses using used dishwashing liquid plastic bottles, demonstrated by Mr. Eduardo G. Espejon Jr. The participants were also taught how to produce simplified dishwashing liquid, led by Mrs. Jayrose P. Ortiz. On the second day, selected participants showcased their skills in a return demonstration, applying the knowledge and skills they acquired from the program. Additional topics covered included using social media as a powerful communication tool for business growth, discussed by Mrs. Margerie Mae B. David, creating customer loyalty and pricing strategies, presented by Dr. Iris B. Bejasa, designing display booths, demonstrated by Architect Vanessa R. Ayllon, enhancing biosecurity through the use of dishwashing liquid in footbaths, led by Mrs. Sance J. Secondez, and customer service communication, presented by Mr. John M. Tan. Each participant received a dishwashing liquid production kit, complete with pails, dippers, and plastic bottles, to facilitate the cascading of their newfound skills to their constituents. This initiative is a testament to the commitment of NWSSU, DILG Ormoc City, and IPGDO to promote sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment among Barangay officials. The event was made possible with the help of Mr. Jean Redi T. Briones, the City Local Government Operations Officer of DILG Ormoc City, and the rest of his colleagues and subordinates in DILG Ormoc City. By providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge, they can create a positive impact in their respective communities, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As Ormoc City is aptly known as the “City of Beautiful People,” this outreach program serves as a shining example of the city’s dedication to fostering beautiful and sustainable communities.

Faculty members from the Bachelor of Science in Development Communication and Bachelor of Science in Criminology programs of the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences (CCJS) conducted an outreach activity on campus journalism and a campaign against bullying and school-related threats at Panoypoy Integrated School on Monday, March 17, 2025. The event aimed to educate elementary and junior high school students on responsible campus journalism and to raise awareness about bullying and school-related threats. The outreach included a series of lectures and workshops designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to practice ethical journalism and to promote a safer school environment. BSDevCom faculty members led the session on campus journalism, which focused on media laws and ethics, the basics of news writing, feature writing, photojournalism, science journalism, and writing for broadcast. The lectures emphasized the role of student journalists in fostering a well-informed school community. Meanwhile, BSCrim faculty members conducted lectures and a workshop on identifying and addressing bullying and other threats in school settings, emphasizing the importance of reporting incidents and supporting peers. Gender and Development Office Director, Mrs. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, also lectured about the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Bawal Bastos Law. The activity was also attended by faculty members from the Bachelor of Science in Industry Security Management, Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement Administration, and College of Education, Human Resource Development Officer – Main Campus, Ms. Jenith T. Salem, and the Dean of the College of Criminal Justice and Sciences, Dr. Armando A. Alviola. Through this outreach activity, the students gained valuable knowledge and skills on responsible campus journalism and anti-bullying strategies, enabling them to become more responsible and empathetic members of their school community. The distribution of hygiene kits and slippers also promoted a sense of well-being and inclusivity among the students. The outreach activity reflects the commitment of the NwSSU BSDevCom and BSCrim faculty to promote responsible communication and ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for students. By empowering students with the knowledge and skills to address social issues, the faculty members aim to create a positive impact on the students’ lives and contribute to the development of a more informed and compassionate society.

In support of the National Women’s Month with its theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Office of Gender and Development successfully conducted a Free Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) for its women students and employees on March 13-14, 2025, at the RSU-Socio Cultural Center. This initiative, in collaboration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Calbayog, aimed to equip women with essential knowledge and driving education, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. The program commenced with an opening ceremony featuring an audio-visual presentation and a welcome address by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension. Mr. Jilmar Badion, LTO Calbayog Head, emphasized the importance of accessible driving education in improving women’s mobility and road safety. Following the opening program, attendees went through a lecture session on Introduction to LTO RA 4136 and RA 10930 conducted by Francies Jony O. Barandino. This was then followed by the presentation on traffic rules and regulations and Land Transportation Related Special Law conducted by Peter Jade S. Tarrayo. The session was designed to impart an in-depth understanding of these laws and their implications. The program concluded with a final written exam assessing the participants’ understanding of the topics discussed. By completing this training, participants are now better equipped to obtain a driver’s license, promoting inclusivity and independence among NwSSU’s students and employees.  This initiative demonstrates NwSSU’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women empowerment, providing opportunities for women to develop valuable life skills.

Republic Act No. 10398 declares November 25 of Every Year as the “National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children”. In connection, November 25 to December 12 of every year was declared as the “18-day Campaign to End VAW” in the Philippines. With this, the Northwest Samar State University- Office of Gender and Development conducted a joint program with NwSSU Multi-Purpose Cooperative for a Culmination Activity of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women on December 12, 2023 at RSU Socio-Cultural Center, NwSSU.   The activity highlighted important topics such as RA 9995- Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 and RA 11596- Anti-Child Marriage Act discussed by Atty. Shirly Bohol-Matados, and Solo Parent Welfare Act explained by Betty Jane Arnejo, RSW. It was followed by the awarding of cash prizes and certificates to the winners of Poster Making Contest in which Ainah Erica Solayao got the first place, followed by Jeff Angelo Galing, Aquiluz Deliquina in the third spot, Frances Mike Mahinay for the fourth, and John Lloyd Mayolathe in the fifth place. An inspirational talk of Mr. Cornelio Bautista, Chairman of NwSSU Multi-Purpose Cooperative also ensued.

As part of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women, the NwSSU- Office of Gender and Development is inviting all artists to join the 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓.Unleash your creativity and let your art speak volumes. Please read attached photos for details.

#𝐕𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐨𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐕𝐀𝐖 Aiming to end violence against women and create a safe environment for them, an 18-day campaign with the theme, “United for a VAW-free Philippines”, was observed on November 25-December 12, 2023 by Northwest Samar State University. This December 1, NwSSU Main Campus- Office of Gender and Development spearheaded the 5k Fun Run, the advocacy highlight, which was participated by employees, students, and stakeholders. The participants assembled at RSU-Socio Cultural Center, 3:00 PM. Top 5 finishers were given certificates of recognition and tokens, and a raffle draw followed. According to Mrs. Gemma L. Tapel, Director of Office of Gender and Development, participating in this activity is not only a physical effort but also a collective commitment to combating and, hopefully, contributing to ending violence within our community.

NwSSU joined the Zonal Reorientation and Forum with the HEIs, as represented by Dr. Myra L. Pilpa- SAS Director, Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe and Louise R. Horca, SIPP & Local Off Campus Coordinator, Main and San Jorge Campus, respectively at Summit Ridge Hotel, Tagaytay on November 9-10, 2023. The forum focuses on CMO No. 63, s. 2017, otherwise known as the Policies and Guidelines for Local Off-Campus Activities, Republic Act No. 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law), and RA No. 11053, otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.