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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.

NwSSU delegates include Drs. Myra L. Pilpa, Ana Gretchen D. Tobe, Eliza V. Gamusa, and Richard N. Verdeflor. During the session, Mr. Nelson B. Mora, Jr., a seasoned licensed financial advisor and certified wealth coach, shared valuable insights on financial literacy. Mora’s expertise provided the participants with the importance of financial wellness, covering topics like protecting income, preparing for unexpected events, and future planning. Mora highlighted the need for insurance and building emergency funds. He shared his personal success story to inspire participants, emphasizing that financial literacy is achievable for anyone willing to learn and apply its principles. Further, Dr. Felisa E. Gomba, the second speaker and VP for Academic Affairs at Samar State University, discussed Marrying Research and Extension in the Academe. She began by asking the participants to distinguish the difference between importance and significance. Dr. Gomba highlighted the importance of aligning the goals and objectives of research and extension, emphasizing that both should work together to solve practical problems and advance knowledge. She also discussed that in basic education, undergraduates explore innovation, while higher education delves into advanced studies. The benefits of this integration include effective knowledge transfer and sustainable development. Dr. Gomba thus stressed that combining research and extension is essential for societal progress, addressing challenges, fostering innovation, and improving communities worldwide. The PAFTE is chaired by DR. LAURA B. BOLLER the SSU College of Education Dean.

The Association of Universities in Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) in cooperation with Surabaya University, Surabaya, Indonesia holds the online Summer Program “Chat GPT, Artificial Intelligence & Metaverse for our Daily Life” from November 27 – December 1, 2023. Sixty (60) students and two (2) faculty members from NwSSU engaged in the event learn how to utilize AI, Chat GPT, and Metaverse which are massively used nowadays. The program combines academic webinar classes and practical classes with non-academic Indonesian language and virtual tours.

November 13, 2023- Attended by faculty and students, the College of Management of Northwest Samar State University hosted its first ever undergraduate Research Forum at Business Development Center, 1pm. There were eight student-presenters coming from BS Tourism Management, BS Business Administration, BS Hospitality Management, and BS Office Administration programs, and one presenter coming from the faculty. The forum evaluation focuses on the critiquing of the feasibility, formulation, and alignment of the presented research outputs. Among the credible evaluators were: Dr. Catherine Rodriguez- University Extension Director, Dr. Teody Lester Panela- University Research Director, and Mr. Novlloyd Celeste, former University Research Director. Aside from being one of the accreditation recommendations for the college, the activity aims to bring in research ambience among CoM students and faculty members; create awareness on the relevance of research to the development offered programs and to the industries being catered by the college; and motivate CoM students and faculty members to undertake innovative researches.

NwSSU, in partnership with Department of Energy, conducted Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign featuring the “Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001” which was attended by the students and faculty of College of Engineering and Architecture at RSU Socio-Cultural Center, November 9.  Among the notable topics and discussants were Power Systems 101 by Engr. John Christ Beraya, Understanding RA 9136 by Engr. Sherwin Brian B. Estanislao, Understanding Electricity Rates by Ms. Deborah F. Gonzales, Understanding Lifeline Rate Extension Program by Engr. Joseph Ian Kim B. Vidon, Wholesale Electricity Spot Market 101 by Ms. Melanie C. Papa, MPA, Total Electrification by Mr. Vernon Ray N. Vinluan, and Energy Consumer’s Rights by Ms. Luz A. Lumbres, MPM. The credible discussants are all Science Research Specialists. This activity aims to amplify awareness of students and faculty on ensuring and accelerating total electrification to achieve greater operational and economic efficiency and enhance competitiveness of Philippine products in the global market.

Ms. Jonah Salcedo, University Planning Officer and one of the participants in the QS Higher Education Summit in Malaysia actively engaged during the panel discussion in AI: Reshaping Education’s Future Norms as part of the summit’s second day on November 8. In the discourse, Salcedo queried on the credibility of information generated by AI. Another highlights of Day 2 were panel discussions on specific topics in talent building and industrial evolution, experts focus forum, and business school forum to which NwSSU delegates enthusiastically participated.

NwSSU, in partnership with Department of Energy, conducted Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign featuring the “Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001” which was attended by the students and faculty of College of Engineering and Architecture at RSU Socio-Cultural Center, November 9. Among the notable topics and discussants were Power Systems 101 by Engr. John Christ Beraya, Understanding RA 9136 by Engr. Sherwin Brian B. Estanislao, Understanding Electricity Rates by Ms. Deborah F. Gonzales, Understanding Lifeline Rate Extension Program by Engr. Joseph Ian Kim B. Vidon, Wholesale Electricity Spot Market 101 by Ms. Melanie C. Papa, MPA, Total Electrification by Mr. Vernon Ray N. Vinluan, and Energy Consumer’s Rights by Ms. Luz A. Lumbres, MPM. The credible discussants are all Science Research Specialists. This activity aims to amplify awareness of students and faculty on ensuring and accelerating total electrification to achieve greater operational and economic efficiency and enhance competitiveness of Philippine products in the global market.

The Philippine Department of Tourism-Beijing Office represented by Tourism Councilor, Dr. Erwin F. Balane hosted a virtual meeting with Beifang Automotive Education Group, represented by its General Manager, Lilly Han and NwSSU led by Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo to initiate preparations in forging a future vocational partnership agreement, today September 6 via zoom.The meeting encapsulates the discussions and presentations of Beifang Automotive Group and Northwest Samar State University. Through live overview, the Beifang Automotive Group in China offers research and development of automotive teaching aids, curriculum system design, full textbook compilation, supporting online courses, free teacher training, production and sales integration of production and education services, and focuses on the professional construction needs of vocational colleges. Meanwhile, NwSSU University Profile and Program presenter, Dr. Lorelie F. Tangaran oriented the attendees on the goals and programs of the university. The future partnership will focus on faculty and student training in automotive repair and maintenance through cross-learning activities, on-the-job training, and laboratory development. Future collaboration in other fields such as hospitality management, information technology, education, and engineering was also eyed. The participants agreed for drafting of MOA/MOU for review of both parties.

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.