CALL FOR PAPERS!

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Institutional Research and Development In-House Review 2026 The faculty and non-teaching staff of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) are invited to showcase their scholarly work by submitting their research proposals and/or terminal reports for presentation at the 2026 Institutional Research and Development In-House Review. October 21โ€“23, 2026 RIEEA Conference Room Northwest Samar State University Your research matters. Your findings deserve to be heard. Your ideas can create impact. Make your research count. Submit your paper on or before the deadline. Submission Deadline: October 2, 2026. Please see the details below for the complete information and submission guidelines. #ASCENDNwSSU #NwSSUResearch2026

NwSSU Research Spotlight | Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Smarter Educational Planning

Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

Northwest Samar State University proudly celebrates the research accomplishment of Dr. Rolly L. Ortiz and Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, esteemed faculty members of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS), together with Dr. Francisco B. Bacamante, former Dean of the College of Computing and Information Sciences, on the successful publication of their research study titled: “๐‘ญ๐’๐’“๐’†๐’„๐’‚๐’”๐’•๐’Š๐’๐’ˆ ๐‘ฌ๐’๐’“๐’๐’๐’Ž๐’†๐’๐’• ๐‘ผ๐’”๐’Š๐’๐’ˆ ๐‘ฌ๐’™๐’‘๐’๐’๐’†๐’๐’•๐’Š๐’‚๐’ ๐‘บ๐’Ž๐’๐’๐’•๐’‰๐’Š๐’๐’ˆ ๐‘ด๐’†๐’•๐’‰๐’๐’… ๐‘พ๐’Š๐’•๐’‰ ๐‘ท๐’‚๐’“๐’•๐’Š๐’„๐’๐’† ๐‘บ๐’˜๐’‚๐’“๐’Ž ๐‘ถ๐’‘๐’•๐’Š๐’Ž๐’Š๐’›๐’‚๐’•๐’Š๐’๐’.” Published in the International Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Vol. 6 No. 4s (2026), the study introduces an AI-enhanced forecasting model that combines Exponential Smoothing and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to improve the accuracy of enrolment predictions. The findings provide higher education institutions with a reliable decision-support tool for strategic planning, resource optimization, and institutional development. This publication exemplifies Northwest Samar State University’s commitment to advancing research that harnesses emerging technologies to create smarter, data-driven, and future-ready educational systems. Research that predicts. Innovation that transforms. Excellence that leads. Congratulations to Dr. Rolly L. Ortiz, Dr. Francisco Bacamante, and Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz for this outstanding contribution to artificial intelligence and educational innovation. Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.51483/IJAIML.6.4s.2026.17-25 #ASCENDNwSSU#NwSSUResearchSpotlight #ResearchExcellence#MachineLearning #EducationalInnovation#PredictiveAnalytics

NwSSU Research Spotlight | Unveiling the Soil Beneath Our Forest Through Agricultural Research

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What lies beneath a thriving forest, and why does it matter? Beneath every thriving forest lies a story written in its soil. Bringing that story to light, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) proudly highlights another remarkable achievement in scientific research through the publication of the study titled: “๐Œ๐จ๐ซ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ-๐ฉ๐ก๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ข๐œ๐š๐ฅ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ž๐ฌ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐’๐จ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐๐ฅ๐š๐ง๐ญ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐…๐จ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ก๐ฐ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ ๐’๐š๐ฆ๐š๐ซ ๐’๐ญ๐š๐ญ๐ž ๐”๐ง๐ข๐ฏ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ, ๐’๐š๐ง ๐‰๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ž ๐‚๐š๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ฌ (๐๐ฐ๐’๐’๐”-๐’๐‰๐‚), ๐’๐š๐ง ๐‰๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ž ๐’๐š๐ฆ๐š๐ซ, ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐ž๐ฌ.” The research was authored by DR. JESSIE R. SABIJON, Director of the Samar Integrated Organic Agriculture Research and Development Center (SIOARDC) and Former Dean of the College of Agriculture and Technology (CAT). The study was published in the prestigious Indian Journal of Agricultural Research in Volume 60 Issue 6 (June 2026). Focusing on the plantation forest of Northwest Samar State University in San Jorge, Samar, the study provides a comprehensive assessment of the soil’s morpho-physical characteristics and nutrient status. Its findings offer valuable baseline information for improving forest management practices, guiding sustainable land-use planning, enhancing soil fertility conservation, and supporting future agricultural and environmental research. Beyond advancing soil science, this publication reinforces the importance of understanding local ecosystems as a foundation for sustainable forestry, agricultural productivity, and environmental conservation. The study demonstrates how evidence-based research can help protect natural resources while strengthening resilience against environmental challenges. This achievement reflects Northwest Samar State University’s unwavering commitment to producing high-impact research that addresses local concerns with global relevance. Through scientific inquiry and innovation, NwSSU continues to generate knowledge that contributes to sustainable natural resource management and the advancement of agricultural and environmental sciences. Congratulations to Dr. Jessie R. Sabijon on this outstanding scholarly achievement. Your dedication to research excellence continues to strengthen NwSSU’s reputation as a hub for innovative and impactful research, inspiring future generations of scientists, researchers, and environmental stewards. Read the full publication: https://arccjournals.com/…/indian-journal-of…/AF-1021 #ASCENDNwSSU #NwSSUResearchSpotlight #ResearchExcellence #NorthwestSamarStateUniversity #SustainableAgriculture #EnvironmentalResearch #NaturalResourceManagement #ResearchForImpact #SDG2_ZeroHunger #SDG13_ClimateAction #SDG15_LifeOnLand

NwSSU deepens strategic foresight through Day 2 of AN HANDUM

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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) successfully concluded the second day of AN HANDUM: Paglusad ngan Pagsaka para sa NwSSU, para sa Samar โ€“ A Strategic Foresight and Development Planning Series on July 22, 2026, through an online platform, further advancing preparations for the formulation of the NwSSU Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2027โ€“2036. Focusing on practical strategic foresight tools, the second day equipped participants with methodologies for environmental scanning, horizon scanning, and strategic mapping in preparation for the University’s onsite planning workshops. The program opened with a Message of Support from University President Atty. Lorelie M. Fabillar-Tangaran, who underscored the importance of the HANDUM Strategic Development Planning Series in shaping NwSSU’s future. She emphasized that the Strategic Development Plan should serve not only as a planning document but as a shared roadmap that reflects the aspirations of the University community, responds to emerging challenges, and advances NwSSU’s commitment to transformative education, research, innovation, extension, and public service. She also encouraged participants to actively contribute, recognizing that every insight will help define the University’s direction over the next decade. The first technical session, “Environmental Scanning: Register HABI โ€“ Reading the Landscape,” was facilitated by Ms. Jalaine Joyce V. Malabanan, Fellow of the Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures). Participants examined internal and external drivers influencing higher education and regional development, including social, technological, economic, environmental, and political trends. Ms. Malabanan also facilitated the LLLL Circle: Foresight Orientation โ€“ Register HANDUM: Scanning the Horizon, introducing participants to horizon scanning and futures thinking as essential tools for anticipating emerging issues, recognizing weak signals, and preparing for alternative futures. This was followed by the ASCEND Agenda Mapping Unit โ€“ Register HABI: Thread Assignment, facilitated by Mr. Ramces M. Dili, Fellow of PhilFutures, who guided participants in aligning their offices and units with the University’s strategic priorities and institutional transformation agenda. In the afternoon, participants took part in the Horizon Scanning Breakout, facilitated by Dr. Michville A. Rivera, Secretary General of PhilFutures, together with Mr. Ramces M. Dili and Ms. Jalaine Joyce V. Malabanan. Through collaborative discussions, participants identified emerging trends, disruptive forces, opportunities, and risks that may shape the future of Northwest Samar State University. The breakout outputs were consolidated during the workshop sessions, where participants synthesized their analyses into initial strategic insights. Facilitators provided guidance to ensure that the outputs remained evidence-based, context-driven, and aligned with the University’s long-term aspirations. To conclude the day’s activities, Dr. Jonah L. Salcedo, Head of the Planning Office and Director of the Center for Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight, conducted the Pre-Onsite Briefing and Logistics, orienting participants on the objectives, expected outputs, workshop mechanics, and logistical arrangements for the face-to-face planning sessions. The second day reinforced NwSSU’s commitment to participatory, evidence-informed, and futures-oriented planning. The AN HANDUM Strategic Development Planning Series now transitions to the onsite workshops, where participants will translate these insights into strategic priorities, programs, and transformative initiatives that will shape the University’s development through 2036 and strengthen its contribution to the sustainable development of Samar.

NwSSU New Leadership Forges Ahead: Strengthening Ties with Mapua, TUP, and PUP

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In a series of high-level engagements held on July 16, 2026, the new leadership of Northwestern Samar State University (NwSSU) took its first major steps toward reinforcing strategic partnerships with three of the country’s leading higher education institutions โ€” Mapua University, Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar-Tangaran and Vice President for Research, Innovation, Extension, and External Affairs (RIEEA) Dr. Teody Amatosa led the exploratory discussions, which were arranged by Mr. Tingzon as part of the Project and Development Office’s (PDO) continuing efforts to sustain and deepen NwSSU’s ties with fellow State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). The engagement with Mapua University served as a formal introduction of NwSSU’s new leadership to the Mapua team, opening the floor for a recalibration of existing collaborative ties. Central to the discussion was the review and strengthening of Project HARIGI, a co-creation initiative between NwSSU and Mapua, with both parties working toward its approval and eventual implementation. Beyond HARIGI, the two institutions explored possibilities for further co-creation, including micro-credentialing programs and transnational exchange initiatives โ€” signaling a broader ambition to diversify the scope of their partnership. At the meeting with TUP, discussions centered on strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two universities, beginning with introductions of NwSSU’s new leadership to the TUP team. A key agenda item was the involvement of TUP’s Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) in the certification process for NwSSU’s own ETEEAP assessors โ€” a move expected to enhance the quality and credibility of NwSSU’s equivalency assessment mechanisms. The two institutions also opened talks on potential joint research initiatives, laying the groundwork for future academic collaboration. The engagement with PUP likewise began with an introduction of NwSSU’s new leadership, followed by discussions on recalibrating and strengthening the partnership between the two institutions. Echoing the conversation held with TUP, NwSSU and PUP explored the co-creation and co-implementation of a certification process for NwSSU-ETEEAP assessors. The discussion further extended to collaborative opportunities in establishing NwSSU’s Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL) program, Technology Business Incubator (TBI), and other emerging initiatives. Across all three engagements, a common thread emerged: the University’s commitment to sustaining and expanding meaningful collaborations that support its academic, research, and innovation agenda. With President Fabillar-Tangaran and VP Amatosa at the helm of these discussions, NwSSU signaled a clear intent to build on existing foundations while charting new areas of cooperation with its partner institutions. The engagements mark an early but significant milestone for the university’s new leadership, reflecting a proactive approach to institutional partnership-building.

NwSSU Delegates Join Day 1 of 2026 PASUC Annual Convention and General Assembly

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PASAY CITY โ€” Delegates from Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU), led by University President Atty. Lorelie Fabillar โ€“ Tangaran alongside key university officials, attended the opening day of the 2026 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly. The three-day event kicked off today, July 13, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Anchored on the theme, “Transformative Leadership and Strategic Governance: Empowering SUCs for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures,” this year’s convention coincides with PASUCโ€™s 59th Founding Anniversary. The gathering brings together higher education leaders, policymakers, and industry partners to address systemic shifts and chart strategic directions for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across the country. Adhering to the prescribed cultural attire, the NWSSU delegation joined fellow academic executives from across the archipelago in wearing traditional Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog. Registration officially commenced, paving the way for a jam-packed Day 1 roster focused on setting the strategic direction for public higher education. The Opening Ceremonies formally began with a grand processional of PASUC regional chairs, national officers, and distinguished guests. Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta, PASUC Auditor, introduced the delegates, followed by a formal welcome and opening declaration from PASUC President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo. Hon. Michelle A. Ong, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), delivered an inspirational message, emphasizing collaborative governance and institutional excellence. The morning session reached its peak with an opening keynote address from Senate President Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian of the 20th Congress, who spoke comprehensively on how transformative leadership can empower SUCs to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. Following a welcome luncheon, the afternoon transition shifted from ceremonial to rigorous policy dialogue. The NWSSU officials participated in a High-Level Dialogue featuring key national education agency heads, including Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez. Moderated by Dr. Karol Mark R. Yee, Executive Director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), and council member Hon. Ma. Cynthia Rose B. Bautista, the dialogue zeroed in on “Navigating the Role of SUCs: Translating National Education Reforms into Institutional Transformation”. The discussion provided NWSSU and other member institutions with critical policy updates and structural frameworks aimed at aligning campus governance with the countryโ€™s long-term workforce and development goals.

NWSSU RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE RICE PRODUCTION THROUGH SCIENCE

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Northwest Samar State University proudly celebrates another significant research milestone as DR. ARCHIE B. LAUDERES, Director of Extension Services and Faculty of the College of Agriculture and Technology, successfully published her research entitled: “Field-Based Evaluation of Rice Suitability Classification as Influenced by Cultural Management Interventions.” Published in the Indian Journal of Agricultural Research (Volume 60, Issue 6, June 2026, DOI: 10.18805/IJARe.AF-1037), the study validates rice land suitability classifications through field-based experiments and demonstrates how site-specific cultural management practices and soil-based fertilizer recommendations can significantly improve rice productivity across varying land suitability conditions. The findings provide valuable scientific evidence that supports sustainable agriculture, efficient resource utilization, and improved crop yields for farming communities. This remarkable achievement reflects NwSSU’s unwavering commitment to producing impactful, globally recognized research that contributes to agricultural innovation, food security, and sustainable rural development. Congratulations to Dr. Archie B. Lauderes for bringing honor to Northwest Samar State University through this outstanding scholarly contribution! Read the full research article here:Indian Journal of Agricultural Research โ€“Field-Based Evaluation of Rice Suitability Classification as Influenced by Cultural Management Interventions (https://demo.arccjournals.com/…/indian-journal…/AF-1037) #NwSSU#ResearchExcellenceย #AgricultureResearchย #SustainableAgriculture#RiceProduction#GlobalResearch#NwSSUResearchย #CollegeOfAgricultureAndTechnology

Laying the Groundwork for Innovation: NwSSU, AdMU Hold Strategic Exploratory Meeting

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Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) strengthened its collaboration with Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) through a strategic exploratory meeting focused on advancing joint research and innovation initiatives. University President Atty. Lorelie M. Fabillar-Tangaran led the meeting with representatives from the Ateneo de Manila University Intellectual Property Office (AdMU-IPO) to discuss opportunities for the co-development of research projects and initiatives that may be supported through grants and other funding opportunities from credible funding agencies. The discussion builds on the partnership established between the two institutions in 2025 and reflects their shared commitment to expanding collaborative efforts in research, innovation, and intellectual property development. Present during the meeting were Dr. Proceso “Jon” Fernandez Jr., Director of the AdMU Intellectual Property Office; Dr. Teodoro A. Amatosa Jr., Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension; Mr. Luisito A. Magnaye Jr., Director of the Research and Development Services Office; Dr. Ervin L. Rodriguez, Director of the Innovation Office; Mr. Eduard G. Espejon, Research, Innovation, and Extension Director of the San Jorge Campus; and Mr. Redem D. Tingzon, Head of the Project Development Office. The initiative reinforces NwSSU’s continuing efforts to establish strategic partnerships that enhance research capability, foster innovation, and create opportunities for institutional growth.

NwSSU Food Technology Program Earns PRC Certificate of Compliance, First in the University

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NwSSU Food Technology Program Earns PRC Certificate of Compliance, First in the University Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) achieved a significant milestone after its Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT) program was awarded a Certificate of Compliance (COC) by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) through the Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology. Issued on April 28, 2026, the Certificate of Compliance affirms that the University’s Food Technology program has successfully undergone inspection and monitoring by the PRC and has been found fully compliant with the requirements of Republic Act No. 11052, otherwise known as the Philippine Food Technology Act. Notably, the BS Food Technology program is the first academic program in the University to receive a PRC Certificate of Compliance, marking a major achievement for NwSSU and its Food Technology community. The recognition reflects the efforts of the University administration, faculty, and staff in ensuring that the program meets national standards for Food Technology education.