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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), represented by University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, joined key stakeholders across Samar during the ceremonial turnover of three landmark provincial governance documents at Padayon Samar: The 2025 Inauguration and Oath-taking Ceremony for Newly Elected Officials held on June 30 at Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City. Governor Sharee Ann Tan led the ceremonial turnover of the province’s updated long-term plans and values formation modules, underscoring the administration’s direction toward inclusive, sustainable, and values-driven development. “These are critical in reshaping the direction of the province in the years ahead,” Gov. Tan said, referring to the three documents: the Samar Province Sustainable Strategic Cultural Management and Development Plan of 2025, the Samar Province Sustainable Strategic Tourism Development Plan 2025–2034, and the One Values Program Modules. The Cultural Management and Development Plan outlines a ten-year roadmap for preserving Samar’s cultural heritage and strengthening the province’s creative industry. The Tourism Development Plan, meanwhile, lays out a framework for community-based and heritage-driven tourism, aiming to generate livelihood without compromising local identity. The third document, the One Values Program Modules, is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary values formation initiative targeting children and families. “This progress is not only about infrastructure or economic development. It is about preparing our people morally and socially to become responsible, value-driven citizens,” Gov. Tan emphasized. Standing alongside other key provincial institutions, NwSSU reaffirmed its continuing role as a key partner in shaping forward-thinking, research-informed, and community-rooted development policies. Also present were Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling, Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, and University Board Secretary Engr. Roy Montejo. Governor Tan also expressed gratitude to the framers and technical working group members who helped craft the plans. “Let us recognize their hard work, vision, and dedication in shaping a long-term path for Samar: one rooted in identity, integrity, and inclusion,” she said. In alignment with this vision, NwSSU’s participation in the ceremony affirms its commitment to a development agenda that goes beyond education. The university remains ready to contribute to initiatives that cultivate not only informed minds but also responsible, value-driven communities. The ceremony highlighted the need for synchronized leadership, policy alignment, and inclusive partnerships in addressing local challenges. With its growing involvement in regional policymaking and its strengthened public sector partnerships, NwSSU positions itself at the forefront of transformative governance: ensuring that research, innovation, and public service continue to benefit the people of Samar.

Faculty and non-teaching personnel from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the Training-Workshop on High Impact Extension Innovations with Field Exposure held on June 17–19, 2025, at Igorota Hall, Benguet State University (BSU) in La Trinidad, Benguet. The event brought together extension professionals and scholars to strengthen their skills in designing, managing, and evaluating community-centered, high-impact extension initiatives. The initiative was born out of the NwSSU Graduate School’s commitment to revitalize its extension mandate. In recent years, particularly during and after the pandemic, the University acknowledged a gap in faculty- and learner-initiated extension projects. This led to a purposeful exploration led by the VP for Administration & Finance who was concurrently the GS Extension Coordinator, joined by the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School, Extension Services Office, and Project Development Unit. This has resulted in proposing the training-workshop in partnership with the Bamboo Impact Lab OPC, led by Dr. Anneth Singh, Affiliate Scientist at Ateneo de Manila University. The effort aligns with the Commission on Higher Education’s Memorandum Order No. 15, s. 2019, which mandates graduate schools to promote advanced competencies that support agro-industrial productivity, entrepreneurship, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability. The event opened with a ceremonial signing between NwSSU, Civica Knowledge Management Solutions, and Bamboo Impact OPC—formally establishing a tripartite linkage in support of innovative, partnership- driven extension work. This was followed by plenary sessions that set the tone for the workshop’s central themes. The session titled “SIGLAT: Innovations in Youth and Community Development” was delivered by Mr. Adrian Leung on behalf of Dr. Donna R. Tabangin, followed by Dr. Marren Adan’s presentation on “Blue Economy Breakthroughs: Research-Based Extensions in Countryside Maritime.” Dr. Anneth Singh led the session on “Bamboo Impact Breakthroughs: From Research-Based Innovations to Business-Based Extensions,” and the final talk, “Bridging Leadership: Connecting Leadership Innovations and High-Impact Extension,” was facilitated by Dr. Elmer Soriano. On the second day, NwSSU participants engaged in a field exposure activity at the BSU Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry. Here, they interacted with project implementers and local stakeholders, gaining insights into how partnerships are initiated and sustained, how stakeholder relationships are nurtured, and how support systems, including funding mechanisms, are mobilized. These reflections guided the afternoon training-workshop, where participants crafted community involvement plans and designed partnership pipelines for extension projects. Outputs were presented, critiqued, and refined through collaborative feedback. The third day featured another field visit—this time to the BSU Agri-based Technology Business Incubator/Innovation Center (ATBI). Participants met with startup incubatees to learn about their entrepreneurial ventures, the institutional support provided by ATBI, and the importance of research- driven enterprise in rural development. The culminating training session back at Igorota Hall focused on developing impact assessment tools for extension programs. Participants shared their drafts and received constructive critiques to enhance effectiveness and applicability. The workshop concluded with a closing program that reinforced key insights and celebrated the participating institutions’ collective commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and high-impact extension practices. For NwSSU, the event significantly enhanced the competencies of its faculty and non-teaching staff in building strategic community linkages and responsive extension frameworks. It also enriched their professional growth and bolstered the University’s capacity to spearhead transformative, partnership- centered development in the region.

The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Bamboo Impact Lab OPC on June 17, 2025 at the Igorota Hall of the Northern Philippines Rootcrops Research and Training Center of Benguet State University to launch the Sustainable Bamboo Resource Optimization and Innovation Program (SBROIP), a university-led research and extension initiative by NwSSU. The agreement was signed by NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and BIL OPC President Dr. Anneth S. Rigon. The ceremonial signing was witnessed by Project Leader Teody Lester V. Panela, NwSSU Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza B. Gamusa, and Bamboo Impact Lab Managing Director Dr. Elmer S. Soriano. SBROIP aims to address local challenges in the bamboo industry through research, community engagement, and sustainable innovation. With focus areas including resource mapping, bamboo processing, digital systems development, and training, the project aligns with multiple global development goals and opens pathways for future policy, academic, and market collaborations between NwSSU and BIL OPC. Under the agreement, NwSSU is responsible for implementing the project, managing its budget allocation across personnel services, MOOE, and capital outlay, and submitting financial and terminal reports. The Bamboo Impact Lab OPC, on the other hand, will contribute technical expertise in bamboo processing and silica extraction, assist in capacity-building activities, and support market development and policy integration. For NwSSU, the partnership reinforces its commitment to applied research, community development, and innovation; positioning the university as a key member in advancing sustainable resource industries in the province and the region.

Faculty members, students, and parents convened at the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Business Development Center on May 28, 2025, for the Pre-Internship Orientation and Parent Consultation for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) program. Organized by the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS), the event reinforced NwSSU’s commitment to preparing future interns and their guardians through essential discussions on OJT protocols, workplace etiquette, and institutional expectations.  In his opening remarks, CCIS Dean, Dr. Francisco B. Bacamante Jr. underscored the importance of early professional preparation and the university’s role in bridging academic learning with real-world experience.  The orientation featured key discussions, including “Harassment in the Workplace & Etiquette” by Ms. April Winamar R. Gabitanan, which addressed common workplace challenges and proper intern conduct. This was followed by an overview of “OJT Policies and Guidelines” by University SIPP Director, Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe, who outlined university requirements and expectations from partner industries.  A standout moment of the program was the testimony of CCIS graduate, Mr. Cerilo Dela Tonga, who shared reflections on his OJT journey. His firsthand experiences provided invaluable insights and encouragement to the incoming batch of interns, emphasizing how NwSSU’s training equipped him for industry demands.  Further strengthening internship preparedness, Computer Science Program Chairperson, Mr. Rodel R. Ventures, led a session on “OJT Forms and Requirements”, detailing documentation and procedural guidelines for intern deployment. He also delivered the closing remarks, expressing gratitude to students and parents for their active participation.  By fostering collaboration between academic stakeholders and family members, the consultation underscored NwSSU’s dedication to holistic student development, ensuring a well-informed and supported internship experience.

Credits to NwSSU Research, Innovation and Extension Office Northwest Samar State University, together with Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, will be hosting the 2nd International Conference on Resource Management and Governance (RMUTCON 2025 Special Session) on 22-24 July 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. Do you want to present your paper? You may register and submit your Abstract through this form, or scan the QR code below, until 15 June 2025: https://forms.gle/HMKgm88a6A7nY3Z77(file name format: 2ICRMG-Last Name-First Name) For inquiries about the 2ICRMG, you may email us at [email protected]. To know more about RMUTCON2025, visit https://rmutcon2025.rmutp.ac.th/

To cultivate a culture of innovation and prepare the next generation of technopreneurs, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 8 conducted its Startup Awareness Program at Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) on May 16, 2025, in partnership with the ICT Industry Development Bureau. Held at the NwSSU Business Development Center, the initiative gathered faculty mentors and students for an engaging session designed to introduce the fundamentals of startup development, inspire entrepreneurial thinking, and explore pathways for tech-based innovation The activity formed part of DICT Region VIII’s broader push to empower higher education institutions through startup education and support services. Through discussions and resource sharing, the program emphasized the importance of adaptive innovation in addressing real-world problems. The event aligns with NwSSU’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, research, and industry collaboration, contributing to the university’s vision of producing globally competitive and innovation-driven graduates.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) and the Department of Education Schools Division of Calbayog City through its Alternative Learning System (DepEd ALS) have initiated discussions for a forthcoming Memorandum of Agreement that will formalize their collaboration for the implementation of the university’s community extension initiative, the LIWANAG Program on May 9, 2025. The LIWANAG Program, short for Livelihood Integration and Wit on Communication Skills for ALS Nurturing Aspirations and Growth, is designed to respond to key challenges faced by the ALS community in Calbayog. It includes three core projects: EGG YOLK Project, a livelihood initiative focused on salted egg production, branding, and marketing strategies; BOOT Project, a digital literacy effort introducing basic computer operations and troubleshooting skills; and LOVE TALK Project, a communications development program utilizing speech drills and creative expression to enhance verbal proficiency. The initial coordination meeting was made between NwSSU Planning and Development Services Director Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta and Calbayog City National High School Principal Mr. Milaner R. Oyo-a. The upcoming Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), now being scheduled for signing by NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo and Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona Jr., will formalize the collaborative effort between the two institutions. The partnership supports the shared commitment of both institutions to inclusive education, skills development, and community empowerment. The MOA is expected to strengthen local educational initiatives for ALS learners while providing opportunities for NwSSU faculty and non-teaching personnel to engage in meaningful community work.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) served as the venue for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pre-Deployment Activity for tutors and youth development workers on May 8 at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. As part of the preparations under the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program, the event gathered school heads from Calbayog City, Sta. Margarita, San Jorge, and Matuguinao, alongside NwSSU faculty and staff, In his welcome message, NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo emphasized the university’s role in strengthening community-based education and highlighted the need to respond to gaps in the field of education with proactive collaboration. The activity, which covered child protection policies and guidelines under the Cash-for-Work scheme as part of the Tara Basa program, marks another step in NwSSU’s efforts to supporting national programs that promote literacy and youth empowerment. By hosting the deployment activity, NwSSU also reinforces its standing as an active partner in promoting education and its dedication to contributing meaningfully to regional development initiatives.