sdg9

In a four-day intensive workshop held from May 13 to 16, 2025, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its Innovation Office, empowered local innovators and MSMEs with critical knowledge in intellectual property through the IP Activity Writeshop: Patent Search and Drafting 2025 for MSMEs. The capacity-building event, held at the university’s Business Development Center, convened aspiring patent holders from NwSSU’s various departments to delve into the foundations of patent documentation and protection – an essential step toward commercializing innovation and safeguarding original ideas. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ramil S. Catamora emphasized the growing need for inventors to understand intellectual property landscape, especially in the context of local enterprise development and academic research. Throughout the writeshop, subject matter experts from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) led hands-on sessions, including patent search, claim drafting, specification writing, and formatting of technical drawings. Afternoon sessions also included an open forum and evaluation following the workshops lead by the guest speakers. Mr. Romeo Jason L.  Padulla, IP Specialist from IPOPHL, opened the series with in-depth discussions on patent search strategies and interpreting International Patent Classification (IPC) codes. Succeeding sessions were conducted by Engr. Eric C. Paden, Assistant Division Chief of the IPOPHL Regional Operations Division, who guided participants through the technical processes of claim drafting, specification writing, and patent drawing standards. The writeshop concluded with closing remarks from Ervin L. Rodriguez, Director of the Innovation Office, who highlighted the University’s commitment to nurturing innovation and transforming research outputs into protected, impactful technologies. With this initiative, NwSSU reinforces its role as a catalyst for sustainable development and inclusive innovation in the region.

After a productive series of accreditation activities, including the virtual campus tour on April 29 that showcased facilities and learning resources, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) reached another key milestone in the AACCUP Preliminary Survey Visit with the Exit Conference held via Zoom on May 2, 2025. University officials attended the virtual conference, where the accrediting team offered their general impressions of NwSSU’s performance. While no official findings or results were presented, the accreditors praised the university’s clear commitment to academic quality and continuous improvement. The well-organized virtual tour and document presentation were among the aspects positively noted during the session. The Exit Conference also featured a simple awarding of certificates to the accreditors in appreciation of their work and collaboration throughout the visit. NwSSU remains committed to pursuing excellence through active engagement in accreditation processes, using each phase as an opportunity for growth and institutional enhancement.

Tacloban City, Philippines — In a compelling presentation during the recent Technical Budget Hearing held in Tacloban City, representatives from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully defended a suite of strategic proposals amounting to ₱1.8 billion, aimed at addressing critical institutional needs and advancing the university’s academic and operational priorities. The NwSSU team presented a comprehensive portfolio of projects and programs sourced from various university units, reflecting an integrated development roadmap that spans infrastructure modernization, academic program enhancement, research, innovation, and extension services. A major highlight of the proposal is the university’s intensified effort to secure Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) for its academic offerings, ensuring that all programs meet Commission on Higher Education (CHED) standards and are aligned with national outcomes-based education frameworks. This initiative is coupled with infrastructure plans designed to support laboratories, learning spaces, and technology hubs necessary for quality assurance, research productivity, and inclusive learning. The proposed budget also includes provisions for innovation-driven programs and externally engaged projects intended to elevate NwSSU’s contribution to community development, local industry support, and regional economic growth. Notably, several proposals directly align with the government’s national development agenda and the National Budget Memorandum (NBM) priorities framework, underscoring the university’s commitment to responsive and high-impact public service. In defending the ₱1.8 billion proposal, it was emphasized that the institution’s absorptive capacity and readiness to implement projects, citing the university’s high Budget Utilization Rate (BUR) of 99.80% to 100%, and the submission of required documentary requirements. The successful presentation marks a significant step forward in the university’s ongoing transformation, as it seeks to enhance institutional performance, promote inclusive education, and fulfill its mandate as a catalyst for sustainable development in the region.

Aiming to uphold the highest standards of ethical research, the Office of Research and Development Services (ORDS) of Northwest Samar State University conducted a cross-learning activity at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) and Trinity University of Asia (TUA) on April 28-29, 2025. The two-day activity facilitated fruitful discussions between the NwSSU Research team, the ADMU Research Ethics Committee, and the TUA Research Office. The activity focused on identifying institutional policies and structures that support Research Ethics Committee (REC) operations. ADMU and TUA shared their best practices in REC operations that NwSSU may adopt in operationalizing its own REC. The ADMU team was composed of Dr. Marc P. Gellynck, UREC Chair; Dr. Eduardo Ezekiel S. Denzon, UREC Vice-Chair; Mr. Joseph B. Johnson, UREC Secretary; Ms. Camille Z. Aspillera; and Ms. Lilia Christin P. Umali, Administrative Assistants of the University Research Integrity Office. The TUA team included Dr. Maria Antonia C. Capili, URDC Director; Dr. Michael O. Baclig, Assistant URDC Director; Ms. Shaira Santiago, TUA-IERC Staff; and Ms. Kathriena Cabanting, URDC Administrative Staff. During the visit, the NwSSU team also made a courtesy visit to TUA’s President, Dr. Gisela DA. Luna and they were warmly welcomed. The NwSSU team was composed of Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, ORDS Director; Mr. Jessie Sabijon; and Ms. Mary Joy Mustacisa Capito of San-Jorge Campus Research Office; Mr. Felix John M. Refamonte; and Ms. Precious Joyce Ogdoc, University Researchers; Ms. Rhea Jenny V. Ogalesco, Communication Specialist; and Research Staff Mr. Joshua A. Rosillon, Ms. Jane Cabradilla, and Ms. Renalyn Caca. The learnings from this cross-learning activity are expected to enhance the impact and ethical standards of NwSSU’s research, as mandated by the Commission on Higher Education. This initiative demonstrates NwSSU’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of research ethics and advancing its research capabilities.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) took a significant step forward in its pursuit of enhanced academic facilities as it welcomed representatives from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Higher Education Development Fund (HEDF) on April 29, 2025. The CHED team, comprising Ms. Carolyn M. Patayan (Project Evaluation Officer III), Ms. Nica B. Duran (Project Technical Staff II), Mr. Patrick James M. Arao (Project Technical Staff I), and Mr. Christian Mark R. Carreon (Project Support Staff V) from the Central Office, along with Ms. Ma. Cristina Sheryl G. Culaban (Admin Assistant III/Property Custodian Designate) from CHED Region 8, arrived at the University Hotel and Restaurant where they were warmly received by Mrs. Ivy B. Aligam, Supervising Administrative Officer (SAO) Admin, and Mr. Jake B. Calagos, Director of the Integrated Multimedia and Communications Office (IMCO). Their arrival signaled the commencement of the scheduled inventory and tagging of equipment. On April 30, the CHED delegation paid a courtesy call to University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, marking the commencement of their official activities. The team conducted a thorough inspection, inventory, and tagging of equipment across several key university facilities, including the Engineering laboratories, Hotel and Management laboratories, the Speech Laboratory of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS), and the Research, Innovation, and Extension (RIE) Office. A highlight of the visit was the turnover of a drone and drybox to the RIE Office, with Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Dr. Riz Rupert Ortiz receiving the equipment on behalf of the university. This addition is expected to bolster NwSSU’s research capabilities and support innovative projects. In addition to the equipment received, the CHED team reviewed two other items, which are currently undergoing final refinements to ensure they meet the highest standards. This proactive approach reflects NwSSU’s dedication to continuous improvement and its commitment to aligning with CHED’s Policies, Standards, and Guidelines. This collaborative effort between NwSSU and CHED reflects a shared dedication to elevating the quality of higher education in the region, ensuring that students and faculty have access to updated resources conducive to learning, research, and innovation.