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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

The University opened its doors to the National Association of Certified Public Accountants in Education (NACPAE) as host school of the Eastern Visayas Regional Forum on September 9, 2023, at the Business Development Center, NwSSU Main Campus, Calbayog City. Realizing its mission to promote holistic professional development for the accounting teachers in the Philippines, NACPAE led by its President, Mr. Francisco M. Caliwan Jr.,CPA, a native of Tagapul-an, Samar, together with NwSSU, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA)-Eastern Visayas Region, and PICPA-Calbayog City Chapter hosted the regional forum in the form of a continuing development program which discussed topics on Teaching Content, Teaching Methodologies and Pedagogy, Updates from the Board of Accountancy, and Ethics. The event was attended by representatives from different accounting schools, PICPA Chapters in Region 8, and JPIA CKC Chapter. 𝘏𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺’𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯. In his welcome remarks, Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Engr. Rhio C. Dimakiling addressed that participants are not just present to learn trends in accounting education, but also to create and foster linkages. He also hoped that the event would serve as a venue for forging agreements that will cater to the better future of students. In her message, PICPA Calbayog Chapter President, Ms. Estephanie G. Zilmar-Erencio, CPA, mentioned that among the targets of PICPA are the strengthening of ties and linkages to schools and universities offering Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program throughout the Philippines and the increased engagement of accounting teachers who are essentially part of forming the next generation of CPAs. The resource persons were NACPAE President, Mr. Francisco M. Caliwan, CPA, NACPAE Director, Mr. Louie Gene G. Marasigan, CPA, NACPAE Auditor, Mr. Cedric Val R. Naranjo, CPA, and the Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, Hon. Noe G. Quiñanola, Ph.D. Also present at the event were the members of the NACPAE Board of Trustees and Directors, and the University Director of Financial Management, former President and currently a member of the Board of Directors of PICPA Calbayog Chapter, Mr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, CPA.

June 23, 2023 – The University delegation led by University President, Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, Provincial Local Government Unit led by Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, and Environment and Natural Resources Officer, For. Wilfredo L. Lacambra convened at Provincial Capitol, Catbalogan City to discuss the development of the province’s bamboo industry.The presentation of the University’s roadmap proposal by Balik Scientist Fellow, Dr. Venecio U. Ultra Jr., resulted to the agreement of the parties for the implementation of a 100-hectare pilot plantation of giant bamboos in Barangay Matalud, San Jorge, Samar.