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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) met with representatives from the Provincial Government of Samar and partner institutions to discuss preparations for the Fortresses and Frontiers: Student Heritage Documentation and Interpretation Challenge, during a coordination meeting held March 31, 2026, at the Spark Samar Development Hub in Catbalogan City. The meeting gathered representatives to align plans for the upcoming heritage-focused activity scheduled on May 20–23, 2026, at the Samar Convention Center. Among those present from NwSSU were Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, EnP. Novlloyd E. Celeste, and Ar. Vanessa R. Ayllon. Representatives from the Provincial Tourism Office included Mr. Etelbert D. Conde and Mr. Marvin R. Piczon, alongside faculty members from Samar State University (SSU). The challenge aims to engage college students in experiential learning through field immersion, research, and documentation of heritage structures. It challenges participants to compete in analyzing and creatively interpreting Samar’s defensive heritage using architectural documentation, storytelling, and insightful visualization into miniature models of the fortifications/sentinels. The coordination meeting resulted in the formalization of institutional participation and collaboration, with partner universities committing to organize student teams and faculty advisers for the activity. Roles and responsibilities were also outlined to ensure the smooth conduct of the multi-day challenge. The Fortresses and Frontiers challenge is expected to serve as a platform for experiential learning while contributing to ongoing heritage conservation efforts in the province.

On April 6, 2026, NwSSU held an online exploratory meeting with representatives from the PPP Center to discuss potential cooperation in preparing feasibility studies for the University’s key initiatives. The meeting was led by Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, OIC-University President, together with heads of offices from the General Services and Infrastructure Planning and Management Office (GSIPMO), Planning Office, and Project Development Office. Representing the PPP Center was Atty. Cyris Ann A. Ng-Santiago, joined by personnel from the Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Service and the Technical Advisory Division. The primary objective of the meeting was to secure collaboration with the PPP Center in developing feasibility studies for NwSSU’s top three PPP priority projects: the Student Centers and Business Incubation, the Development of an Eco-Tourism Park and Resort, and the NwSSU-SJ Farm Tourism project. These initiatives are intended for submission under the solicited PPP track. As an outcome of the discussion, both institutions agreed to conduct a collaborative feasibility study (FS) writing workshop. This initiative aims to strengthen project proposals and position them as high-priority, implementable PPP projects. The partnership is expected to enhance the University’s capacity to deliver improved services and facilities for its students, faculty, and stakeholders, while contributing to broader development in the education sector.

PALO, LEYTE – Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) College of Education (COEd) reaffirmed its regional dominance after securing the “Grand Slam” for the Largest Delegation at the 2026 PAFTE Student Congress. Mobilizing 351 pre-service teachers and 13 faculty members, NwSSU marked its third consecutive year as the largest contingent in this regional gathering of future educators in Eastern Visayas—a distinction the university has consistently maintained through its culture of professional engagement. The delegation was led by Dr. Richard N. Verdeflor, Student Teaching Coordinator, alongside program chairs Dr. Julie Ann D. Edraga (BSED), Mr. Lito M. Mag-ampo (BEED), and Mr. Remelito T. Labasbas (BPED), with SIPP Coordinator Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe. Eight additional faculty members— Mr. Lenard A. Belano, Mrs. Maria Lourdes Mae V. Billate, Mr. Niel Darryl G. Branzuela, Mr. Julif B. Calesa, Mr. Rowee O. Cañedo, Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada, Mr. Albros D. Mañanita, and Mrs. Christy B. De Veyra—joined as mentors and chaperones, ensuring the students were guided throughout the various pedagogical and cultural sessions. The congress featured a series of high-level addresses aimed at inspiring the next generation of teachers. Dr. Leo D. Camposano, representing the CHED Regional Director, Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, CESO III, opened the discourse by challenging students to transcend the licensure examination and become “indispensable educators” who advance national development. Keynote speaker and Samar State University President, Dr. Redentor S. Palencia, expanded on this by introducing the “AIM” philosophy. He encouraged delegates to be Adaptive to changing landscapes, Innovative in their pedagogical approaches, and Mindful of both their professional influence and their own mental health. Adding a layer of classroom reality, Master Teacher III Rodel L. Cabuhoc provided a resource talk that navigated the transition from student to professional, offering a roadmap for resilience and growth. The event balanced academic rigor with artistic school spirit. During the “Educators Got Talent” segment, NwSSU BPED students delivered a contemporary dance performance inspired by the Hadang Festival, proudly showcasing the university’s cultural heritage and artistic excellence. The afternoon sessions shifted toward professional mentorship through the “Voices of Victory” talk, where LET topnotchers from Leyte Normal University, Eastern Samar State University, Samar State University, and Biliran Province State University shared personal study strategies and insights on overcoming challenges in the teaching profession. In the competitive segments, the Pre-Service Teachers’ Teaching Pageant 2026 served as a dynamic platform for pedagogical competence. While Leyte Normal University secured first place, followed by Samar College and Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), the event emphasized the collective passion of Region VIII’s aspiring teachers. Additionally, an “On-the-Spot Uniform Fashion Showcase” highlighted the importance of professional identity; two NwSSU representatives confidently presented the university’s official student teaching uniform, symbolizing their readiness to enter the classroom as polished professionals. The congress concluded with closing remarks from PIT Graduate School Dean and PAFTE VIII Adviser, Dr. Jennifer Gorumba. For NwSSU, the three-year “Grand Slam” achievement is more than a numerical victory; it serves as a testament to the college’s mission of producing future-ready, ethical, and collaborative educators prepared to serve the communities of Eastern Visayas and beyond.

CALBAYOG CITY, SAMAR – Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully concluded its Three-Day Orientation Program for New Entrants (OPEN) on February 27, 2026, at the University Board Room. Led by the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) under the direction of Mrs. Jenith T. Salem, the initiative was designed to fully integrate four new faculty members—Mr. Justine Kyle A. Orquin, Ms. Ma. Christian Margarette Salomon, Mr. Aron E. Morales, and Mr. Charles Daryll A. Delmo—into the academic community. The program ensured that these new educators are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of university policies and services, enabling them to contribute effectively to the institution’s mission of quality education and community service. The first two days of the program established a critical foundation for the new hires. On February 25, the agenda focused on the university’s core identity, including its vision, mission, and professional ethics. Participants were briefed on research and extension services, human resource systems, and performance management rewards. The second day transitioned into operational standards, covering quality assurance and the University Quality Management System (QMS). New faculty members also received guidance on administrative procedures, such as travel request processes and leave policies, alongside academic standards focused on Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) to ensure a smooth transition into their teaching roles. The final day of OPEN featured an intensive series of sessions addressing the holistic aspects of working at NwSSU. Mrs. Toni Charm B. Calag, University Nurse III, opened the morning by detailing the medical and dental services available to employees, including emergency care and preventive health programs. This was followed by a discussion on gender sensitivity and mainstreaming led by Mrs. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, Director for the Gender and Development (GAD) Office. Mrs. Tapel emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, harassment-free environment. Additionally, Dr. Leo Jesus M. Lacaba, President of the Faculty Association, explained the organization’s role in advocating for faculty welfare and professional representation. The afternoon sessions shifted toward institutional compliance and personal development. Dr. Ana Gretchen D. Tobe tackled the complexities of CHED’s CMO 63, s. 2017, providing specific guidelines on local off-campus activities to ensure student safety and institutional compliance. Mr. Jake B. Calagos, Director of Integrated Multimedia and Communications (IMCO), introduced the faculty to the university’s communication standards and the tools available for effective internal and external engagement. To conclude the instructional portion, Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta delivered a session on financial literacy, sharing strategies for budgeting and resource allocation to support both the university’s fiscal sustainability and the faculty’s personal financial health. ​ Prior to the formal conclusion of the program, the four new faculty members engaged in an open forum with the speakers to clarify expectations regarding benefits and work policies. This was followed by a post-test activity to assess their mastery of the orientation content. During the closing ceremony, Mrs. Maria Jona V. Ty and Mrs. Salem led the distribution of certificates to the participants. Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance, joined virtually via Zoom to deliver the closing remarks, commending the new hires for their active engagement and encouraging them to consistently embody the university’s values of excellence and service. NwSSU emphasizes that OPEN is a foundational program tailored specifically for newly hired personnel, aiming to build a competent, informed workforce dedicated to delivering excellence in service, instruction, and research. In line with SDG 4: Quality Education, the initiative ensures that all new faculty are equipped to uphold standards for inclusive, equitable, and quality teaching, while aligning their work with global goals to expand access to quality higher education and enhance lifelong learning opportunities for all students. The orientation not only familiarizes employees with institutional systems but also strengthens their connection to the university’s vision of becoming a leading higher education institution in the region.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) has reached a new benchmark in academic excellence, securing the 7th rank among universities in Region VIII for Scopus-indexed publications as of January 25, 2026. This milestone highlights the university’s aggressive push toward becoming a powerhouse of research and innovation in Eastern Visayas. ​The university has demonstrated a remarkable upward trajectory in its scholarly output according to the latest metrics from Elsevier’s Scopus database. In the opening month of 2026 alone, NwSSU produced 14 new publications, effectively raising its total document count to 56. This represents a significant 33% increase from the previous year’s total of 42, signaling a rapid acceleration in the institution’s research productivity. ​Scopus serves as the world’s leading multidisciplinary abstract and citation database, managed by Elsevier to provide a global yardstick for institutional quality in science, technology, and medicine. For NwSSU, an increase in these indexed documents directly translates to increased global visibility, as faculty research becomes accessible to international scholars. Furthermore, it enhances the university’s prestige and ensures that the work produced by its researchers has a higher potential for impact within the global scientific community. ​This achievement is based on validated data compiled by Don Prisno of Global Health Focus (GHF) University Excellence, emphasizing a significant shift in NwSSU’s institutional culture—moving beyond the classroom to contribute meaningful data to the global body of knowledge. As the university continues to provide resources and support for its faculty, this 7th-place ranking is viewed not just as a destination, but as a stepping stone toward further regional leadership in research and development. #RISENwSSU

Creativity and public service converged as Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its BTLED Major in ICT students, conducted the “Kingkoy Chronicles: LGU Animated Info Series” outreach program in Tagapul-an, Samar, on December 12–13, 2025. This two-day activity was designed to strengthen the public information dissemination of the Local Government Unit (LGU) by utilizing the power of creative digital animation to reach the community more effectively. The first day of the program was held at Baquiw National High School and Tagapul-an National High School, where the focus was placed on orienting learners regarding the importance of animation as a modern communication tool. Participants were introduced to how animated content can simplify complex information, improve audience engagement, and significantly enhance the impact of LGU public information campaigns. This theoretical foundation was immediately followed by hands-on activities, in which learners applied basic animation skills to create their own digital outputs. The success of the outreach was made possible through the collaboration of local leaders and educators. The organizers extend their sincere appreciation to Hon. Vicente Jun M. Limpiado, Municipal Vice Mayor, and Mayor Princess Kate Limpiado for their warm welcome and the generous provision of accommodations and meals. Furthermore, gratitude is extended to Mr. Roy S. Atega, Mr. Jestoni R. Sajorda, and Mr. Ederick A. Dela Cruz for their invaluable coordination and hospitality. The program concluded by encouraging learners to view ICT skills as a tool for both personal growth and community development, reinforcing NwSSU’s commitment to service-learning.

The Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLED) Program of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) took the lead in implementing the “Kingkoy Chronicles: Animated Info Series” during a TECH-LECTORS outreach activity held at Sta. Margarita National High School on December 17, 2025. This program underscored the BTLED Program’s commitment to translating technical knowledge into meaningful community service through the medium of creative digital animation. Designed and carried out by both students and faculty, the outreach centered on using animation as a strategic tool for enhancing Local Government Unit (LGU) information campaigns. Throughout the session, senior high school learners were introduced to basic animation principles and visual storytelling techniques through structured tutorials and hands-on activities. These lessons were specifically aimed at improving the clarity, engagement, and accessibility of public information. The activity featured an intensive tutorial followed by a production session where participants developed sample animated materials inspired by real-life LGU information needs. Learners eventually presented their outputs, successfully demonstrating how creative media can simplify complex governmental messages and make public information more relatable to a diverse audience. BTLED Program Chair Engr. Christy B. De Veyra emphasized the program’s advocacy for purposeful technology use, noting that the goal is to equip learners with practical ICT skills while showing them that digital animation is a powerful tool for public service. The outreach concluded with the awarding of tokens and certificates during a closing program that reinforced the importance of continuous learning and the responsible use of technology in the digital age. By leading this initiative, the BTLED Program reaffirmed its role in strengthening school-community partnerships and promoting innovative approaches to information dissemination. The organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael Jude T. Casaljay, Municipal Information Officer, and Mr. Mark Anthony G. Domingo, Sangguniang Bayan Secretary of the Municipality of Sta. Margarita, for their generous support and donation of snacks. Their contribution significantly enhanced the comfort and positive learning experience of the participants, reflecting a strong collaboration between the local government and the academic community. Additionally, sincere appreciation was extended to Dr. Alvin A. Aguirre, the Secondary School Principal of Sta. Margarita National High School, whose unwavering support and cooperation were vital to the smooth implementation and overall success of the activity.