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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.

The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Calbayog City District Office conducted a free notarization service outreach program for Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) faculty and staff today, February 6th. The initiative, held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Administration Building’s 4th floor was part of PAO’s outreach program. University personnel were able to have their Personal Data Sheets (PDS) and Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) notarized without incurring any fees for the said services. The notarization of these documents is a crucial requirement for all government employees to ensure compliance with administrative and legal obligations. For many employees, the event provided a convenient and cost-free way to complete this much-needed transaction. Instead of seeking private legal services, which often require additional time and expense, faculty and staff were able to process their paperwork swiftly with the assistance of PAO through Atty. Shirley Joyce B. Matados and Atty. Jamela B. Sani. The program was well-received by university personnel, who expressed their gratitude for the accessibility of the free service. By bringing legal assistance directly to NWSSU, PAO helped ease the burden of processing documents for employees, reinforcing its commitment to efficient public service and legal accessibility.

NwSSU’s Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Rhio Dimakiling together with representatives of other SUCs MANILA – Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU) is actively taking part in the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting, represented by Dr. Rhio Dimakiling on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo. The two-day event which opens today, is currently being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manila, gathering over 800 participants from more than 40 countries and 20 local governments to advance open governance, public participation, and digital transformation. The meeting serves as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and commit to ambitious reforms under the Open Gov Challenge, a global initiative introduced at the 2023 OGP Global Summit in Tallinn. This challenge urges governments to design and implement policies that address today’s governance complexities while promoting participatory and resilient democracies. Photo by: Presidential Communication Office During the opening plenary, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the country’s commitment to open governance, highlighting key initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and public participation. “Beyond our variances in our approaches, our shared vision is clear-cut: we want every budget allocation, policy decision, and program implementation to involve public participation—all in pursuit of the empowerment and upliftment of our people,” he stated. Dr. Dimakiling joined high-level decision-makers and leaders as they outlined their vision for strengthening transparency and accountability in governance. Key discussions throughout the day included leadership strategies for advancing OGP’s goals from 2023 to 2028, the role of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in governance, and initiatives promoting open data inclusivity. A session on the road ahead for open government in the Philippines tackled governance reforms and challenges specific to the country. Photo by: Presidential Communications Office The event also highlighted the importance of youth participation in climate change policies, along with strategies to protect public space and empower civil society organizations. Conversations on mainstreaming citizen participation in decision-making and strengthening national-local collaboration were also key areas of focus. Today’s schedule will conclude with a Cultural Night, where participants may engage in a cultural exchange showcasing various world heritages. Discussions will continue tomorrow, with sessions focusing on mainstreaming open government, citizen participation in policymaking, and national to local collaboration. NWSSU’s participation emphasizes the institution’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement as it aligns with global and regional movements toward open government. The 2025 OGP Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting highlights the shared dedication of governments and civil society to foster more inclusive, transparent, and accountable societies by advancing open governance.

NwSSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Engr. Ramil S. Catamora received prestigious recognition for being the Outstanding Mechanical Engineer for the Field of Education and the Meritorious Service Awardee by the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) – San Juanico Chapter last December 9, 2023 at Costa Brava Hotel, San Jose, Tacloban City. VP Catamora was awarded in recognition to his achievement and exemplary service to the organization, distinguishing himself in the practice of Mechanical Engineering Profession thereby contributing to its sustainable development and growth. “I am truly honored and humbled to receive the awards. I am grateful for these recognitions and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the organization for this prestigious honor. These awards serve as great motivation for me to continue striving for excellence in the field of mechanical engineering. I am deeply thankful for this wonderful acknowledgement of my efforts.” – VP Catamora The entire NwSSU community is proud of VP Catamora’s achievement and excellence.

The initial session deals with plenary talks about Community-Based Tourism, Best Practices on CBET and Eco-Tourism, Product Features and Value, and Empathy Mapping at NwSSU Smart Room, CCIS Building, November 24. It was followed by parallel sessions to which the participants were grouped according to four topics: Lecture Demo on Cutlery and Burloloy Making for Women Sector, Crafting Policies and Resolutions for Brgy. Officials and Other Leaders, Seminar on Basic Life Support, Seminar on Solid Waste Management for Farmers, Fisherfolks, and Transport Group. The capability building covers until tomorrow, November 25.

Representing Northwest Samar State University, Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe, University Student Internship Program Coordinator, attended the Zonal Public Orientation on CHED Memorandum Order No. 10 Series of 2023, known as “Enhanced Policies, Standards, and Guidelines on Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP)” at Acacia Hotel, Davao City on October 26, 2023. Among the participants were heads, presidents, officers-in-charge, deans, and faculty members of higher education institutions, stakeholders, CHED Regional Office (CHEDRO) directors and supervisors in charge of SIAP from Visayas and Mindanao clusters.This orientation encourages and promotes student exchange and strong academic linkages for cross-cultural training and students’ skills enhancement to achieve national and global competitiveness of the tertiary students.

RS Legal Migration Services in collaboration with the NWSSU CCJS and COED faculties conduct Orientation Session for Australian Migration today, October 11, 2023, at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center.

Spearheaded by the Human Resource Development Office, the part-time instructors of the universities were oriented last September 29, 2023 at the Business Development Center, NwSSU. A pre-test was administered to the participants. Among the topics discussed were the NwSSU Vision, Mission, Core Values and Quality Policy, and Key Officials and Offices of the University by Ms. Jonah L. Salcedo, Planning Office Director; Assessment of Student Learning which was delivered by Dr. Enrique B. Montecalvo, Dean of the Graduate School; Outcome-Based Education, Teaching Strategies, Construction of OBE-Aligned Syllabus, Grading System, and Conducting of Classes by Dr. Donald M. Patimo, Dean of College of Management; and Teaching Hours Policy and Others by Ms. Maria Jona V. Ty, Human Resource Management Officer. After the orientation, a post-test was done.The activity was conducted to allow the participants to understand the goals and policies of the university, and their duties and responsibilities as part-time lecturers.

Pre-Field Study Orientation of Practice Teachers and MOA Signing on Student Teaching Program between NwSSU and DepEd Calbayog today, September 26, 2023, at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center