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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) participated in the 2025 International and National Summer Course hosted by Universitas Brawijaya in Malang, Indonesia. Designed as a hybrid program combining online and onsite sessions, the course runs from June to August 2025, with the onsite sessions held from June 22 to 27. The program revolved around the theme “Innovative Agricultural Technologies for Future Food Security, Green Industry, and Environmental Sustainability,” delving into forward-looking frameworks and emerging technologies aimed at redefining sustainability within the agro-industrial landscape. Representing NwSSU was Jonathan M. Peru, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Food Technology student, accompanied by a BSFT faculty member – Ms. Maria Joana T. Nicolas. Their participation marked the implementation of the institutional collaboration between NwSSU and Universitas Brawijaya, reflecting a shared commitment to cross-border academic mobility and scholarly exchange. Mr. Peru made a remarkable impression during the summer course, hailed as the Champion for the Best International Group Presenter and earned the second place in the Artefact (Dance Competition). His commendable performance showcased not only individual aptitude but also the university’s growing imprint in international academic excellence. This engagement highlighted NwSSU’s commitment to global linkages and preparing students to be proactive contributors in solving global challenges, particularly in food security and environmental sustainability. By engaging in such initiatives, the university continues to build a strong presence in international academic communities.

The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully hosted a two-day capacity-building seminar-workshop on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), held in cooperation with the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) of the Philippines. The training took place on June 26–27, 2025, at the Business Development Center, NwSSU Main Campus. Spearheaded by the university’s Planning and Development Services Office (PDSO), the initiative aimed to empower implementing units with essential knowledge and practical tools to identify, assess, and prepare potential PPP projects. It also served to evaluate NwSSU’s institutional readiness and begin shaping a preliminary pipeline of proposals aligned with national PPP frameworks. In his message of gratitude, Dr. Gil Leovigildo A. Ancheta, the PDSO Director, underscored the workshop’s significance, saying “As we move forward, let us remember that Public-Private Partnership is not merely a mechanism—it is a mindset. It challenges us to think strategically, innovatively, and collaboratively. With this training, NwSSU is better equipped and more empowered to pursue this path—confident not only in our readiness but in our shared commitment to deliver transformative projects that will uplift the lives of our students, stakeholders, and the communities we serve.” Experts from the PPP Center of the Philippines provided technical inputs on the overall PPP program framework, including legal protocols, procedural guidelines, and use of screening tools such as the Project Information Sheet and the Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) tool. The workshop participants engaged actively in group discussions and hands-on exercises that culminated in the presentation and critique of draft PPPiable project proposals. In addition, the PPPC representatives introduced the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF)—a dedicated funding mechanism designed to support the preparation of high-quality, implementation-ready PPP initiatives. The seminar-workshop concluded with a certificate awarding ceremony and a synthesis session, during which participants consolidated the university’s initial list of PPP concepts for further refinement and development. The activity forms part of NwSSU’s continuing efforts to explore innovative and sustainable approaches to infrastructure development and service delivery through dynamic multisectoral partnerships.

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.

Researchers from Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) deepened their expertise in research methodologies during the Seminar Training on Qualitative and Quantitative Research Designs, held on May 26–27 at the 4th Floor, Administration Building, NwSSU. This two-day training aimed to strengthen NwSSU’s research culture by equipping faculty and staff with essential tools and knowledge for conducting interdisciplinary studies. The seminar opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, who underscored the crucial role of research in advancing institutional goals. University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo followed with a message emphasizing research as a foundation for innovation and academic excellence. Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director of the Office of Research and Development Services (ORDS), introduced the event’s resource speaker, Dr. Mary Gretchen F. Chaves, Dean of the School of Business Management at the University of the Philippines Cebu. A seasoned academic and research mentor, Dr. Chaves led the intensive training, covering both qualitative and quantitative research frameworks, design considerations, and real-world applications. To assess participants’ baseline knowledge, a pretest was administered before the technical sessions. Day 1 focused on theoretical and conceptual foundations, while Day 2 delved into analytical approaches and practical integration of methodologies. An online post-test at the end of the seminar evaluated participants’ knowledge gains and overall learning experience. As the seminar drew to a close, Dr. Ortiz led the awarding of the Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Chaves, assisted by Dr. David and Mr. Harris C. Tarrayo, Director of the Center for Innovative Computing and Data Analytics. Mr. Tarrayo also delivered the closing remarks, encouraging attendees to apply their enhanced competencies in future institutional research and community-based studies. Through initiatives like this seminar, NwSSU continues to foster a robust research culture, ensuring faculty and researchers are equipped to drive impactful and innovative academic contributions.

In pursuit of producing industry-ready professionals, graduating civil engineering students of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) deepened their technical knowledge on permit processes during a technical seminar held on May 23, 2025, at the Function Room of the University Hotel and Restaurant. The event, spearheaded by the Junior Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (JPICE) – NwSSU Student Chapter, featured in-depth discussions on the application process for clearances and building permits which are essential in engineering practice. Dr. Teodoro A. Amatosa Jr., adviser of JPICE–NwSSU Student Chapter, welcomed participants in his opening remarks and emphasized the relevance of technical knowledge in the field of civil engineering. He encouraged students to engage with the discussions as future professionals expected to navigate complex infrastructure requirements. Serving as the resource speaker was Engr. Marlon D. Sobreviga, Director of the General Services and Infrastructure Project Management Office of NwSSU and a practicing consultant/engineer. Engr. Sobreviga delivered two technical sessions: the first focused on the processes behind obtaining clearances such as those from the local government, City Planning and Development Office (Locational/Zoning Clearance), Bureau of Fire Protection (Fire Safety Evaluation Clearance), Department of Public Works and Highways (ROW Clearance), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Height Clearance), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ECC/CNC), and other clearances needed to obtain as requirements. The second topic delved into the application procedures for various permits, including demolition, excavation, fencing, architectural, structural, sanitary/plumbing, electrical, mechanical, electronics, and occupancy permits. Engr. Sobreviga also emphasized compliance with national and local codes, professional coordination, and the importance of accuracy in permit documentation. Mr. Kent Joey B. Dosado, JPICE–NwSSU President, concluded the activity with his closing remarks, expressing gratitude to the speaker and participants for the productive and enlightening discussion. He also emphasized JPICE’s commitment to advancing the competence of future engineers through continued learning and exposure to real-world practices. The seminar contributed not only to the academic enrichment of NwSSU civil engineering students but also positioned them closer to becoming ethical and knowledgeable professionals capable of meeting global industry standards.

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.