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CALBAYOG CITY — In a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and operational efficiency, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) conducted a comprehensive Internal Quality Audit (IQA) across all academic units of its main campus on February 2, 2026. The audit, which was executed simultaneously by a dedicated pool of internal quality auditors, serves as a critical mechanism in the university’s Quality Management System (QMS). By deploying multiple audit teams at once, the university ensured a synchronized evaluation of various departments. The university’s Internal Audit Unit outlined several primary objectives for the day-long activity, starting with the verification of continued compliance with the rigorous requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard. Beyond international certification, the auditors were tasked with assessing the extent to which academic units have achieved their set performance targets and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This involved a deep dive into whether the institutional goals are being translated into measurable results at the classroom and departmental levels. Furthermore, the audit sought to evaluate compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements mandated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other governing bodies, ensuring the university remains in good standing with national law. Auditors also measured conformance to the university’s own subscribed standards and internal policies to maintain consistency across the campus. Crucially, the process was designed to identify “Opportunities for Improvement” (OFIs) and potential non-conformities (NCs), allowing the university to address gaps before they impact the quality of service. During the opening meeting, the internal auditors emphasized that the audit is not a “fault-finding” mission but rather a “fact-finding” endeavor aimed at strengthening the institution’s service delivery. The auditors reviewed a vast array of documentation, including course syllabi, faculty evaluation results, research outputs, and student support service records. Interviews with department heads and staff were also conducted to verify that the documented procedures align with actual daily operations. This internal exercise precedes the regular surveillance audits conducted by external certifying bodies, ensuring that NwSSU remains “audit-ready” and consistently provides high-quality education to its stakeholders. The conduct of this internal audit reinforces Northwest Samar State University’s culture of accountability and transparency. By systematically identifying gaps in the current system, the university can implement data-driven improvements that directly enhance the student experience and faculty productivity. Ultimately, maintaining ISO 9001:2015 certification through these rigorous internal checks boosts the institution’s prestige and ensures that the “Quality Policy” is not merely a statement on a wall, but a lived reality in every classroom and office

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

Congratulations to Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) for securing 8th place regionally and an impressive 5,413th globally in the January 2026 edition of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities! This milestone represents a monumental leap from the previous year’s world ranking of 23,112th. While maintaining its strong regional position at 8th place, this global ascent is a powerful testament to the university’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence, digital presence, and its commitment to delivering high-quality education. Webometrics, also known as the Ranking Web of Universities, has been published since 2004. Its primary mission is to promote Open Access to the knowledge generated by institutions worldwide. The January 2026 edition evaluated 33,649 higher education institutions (HEIs). The rankings are determined by a composite indicator that evaluates web presence and research impact, with data gathered from reputable sources such as Majestic, Google Scholar, and Scimago-Scopus. We are immensely proud of this achievement and remain steadfast in our mission to strive for even greater excellence in the years to come!r

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.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) convened a deliberation meeting to finalize its institutional entries for the World University Innovative Ranking, consolidating 40 flagship programs aligned across 24 recognized categories. The meeting was presided over by the Officer-in-Charge Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mr. Niel Darryl Branzuela, and attended by designated focal persons representing each category. The deliberation aimed to validate program documentation, ensure alignment with global innovation indicators, and confirm the strategic positioning of NwSSU’s initiatives in relation to teaching innovation, research impact, sustainability, community engagement, and governance effectiveness. NwSSU’s participation underscores its commitment to benchmarking institutional performance against international standards, advancing a culture of innovation, and gaining global visibility for locally grounded solutions. By joining the ranking, the University seeks to objectively assess its competitiveness, identify areas for improvement, and affirm the relevance of its programs in addressing community and development challenges. The 40 programs demonstrate tangible impacts across instruction, research, extension, and innovation. These include technology-enabled learning initiatives, inclusive access to education, applied research responsive to regional needs, sustainable development projects, and partnerships that translate academic outputs into social and economic value. University officials emphasized that the exercise goes beyond compliance and recognition. It reflects NwSSU’s strategic direction to institutionalize innovation, scale high-impact programs, and position the University as a proactive contributor to national and global development agendas.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) proudly celebrates the success of its Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in English students who distinguished themselves at the 1st International and 3rd National Language and Literature Undergraduate Research Conference. Hosted by Leyte Normal University on November 27–28, 2025, the event saw NwSSU students showcasing exceptional research capability and academic confidence, earning recognition on the international stage. BSED English student Simon Peter Carl D. L. Maala brought home the Outstanding Paper Presentation Award after delivering a compelling presentation of his group’s study, “Exploring Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions of Translanguaging as a Pedagogical Tool.” Maala’s strong command of the topic, clear articulation, and insightful discussion impressed evaluators during the parallel sessions. The paper, co-authored with Regilene O. Salomon, Azi L. Cajurao, Ma. Fe Donadillo, and Alimar C. Deliquiña, was developed under the mentorship of Dr. Maria Lucil H. Dollado, whose guidance significantly strengthened the study’s scholarly depth. Representing the university with equal distinction, Aila L. Atis presented her group’s study titled “AI Reliance among Education Students: Basis for a Capability-Building Workshop on Responsible AI Use.” Delivered with poise and clarity, Atis’s presentation contributed to vital discussions on emerging technologies in education. The research, which highlights the need for ethical digital practices in academic work, was conducted with Dawn Bustillo, Rhea Encenares, John Alkind Pantaleon, Jesica Pobadora, and Vieda Zosie Talon under the advisership of Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada. These accomplishments strengthen NwSSU’s commitment to nurturing a robust research culture within the College of Education. The students’ success not only brings pride to the institution but also affirms the capability of “Norwesians” to excel in national and international academic arenas. NwSSU extends its warm congratulations to the presenters, researchers, and advisers for bringing honor to the university through their outstanding participation.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) took a decisive step toward academic excellence as top administrators and teaching and non-teaching personnel gathered for a two-day Strategic Revision of the University Research and Extension Manual on November 12-13, 2025, at the College of Computer and Information Sciences (CCIS) Multimedia Room. Led by Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, the workshop brought together stakeholders to refine policies, rationalize processes, and connect the manual with the university’s progressing vision for industry impact and innovation. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Ortiz, who emphasized the critical role of research and extension in NwSSU’s mission. Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director for Research and Development Services, then spearheaded the program overview, setting the room for intensive breakout sessions. Throughout the day, participants engaged in lively discussions, assessing existing protocols and analyzing revisions. The day 1 concluded with an open forum, where participants shared status updates and challenges, fostering transparency and collective problem-solving. The continuation of the event happened in the second day witnessing transformative presentations as participants presented revised guidelines and policy outputs. Dr. Catherine B. Rodriguez, Director for Extension Services and as the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz for the day, delivered the closing remarks, urging the participants’ dedication and sustained collaboration. As the event put to an end, the event culminated with the playing of the NwSSU Hymn through an audio-visual presentation, symbolizing pride in the institution’s mission. This strategic workshop aimed to upgrade NwSSU’s research and extension frameworks, ensuring they meet global standards and local community needs. By consolidating the manual with current academic trends and institutional goals, the university strengthens its commitment to fostering innovation, ethical research, and innovative extension programs. The collaborative revisions are expected to pave the way for improved workflows, enhanced faculty support, and greater societal and global impact.

A comprehensive two-day training designed to strengthen research and development (R&D) capabilities concluded on October 28, 2025, equipping participants with essential skills in proposal preparation, evaluation criteria, and the use of national project management information systems. The program ran from October 27 to 28, 2025, at Leyte Normal University (LNU).  Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) was represented by Dr. Joseph Emil A. David, Director for Research & Development Services; Dr. Eugene C. Calumba, UDRRM Director; and Engr. Erwin Miano, Director for the Center of Research for Future Building Materials and Structures.  The opening day began with preliminaries. Dr. Gil Necitas B. Villarino, University President of LNU and Board Member of EVCIEERD, delivered the welcome remarks. This was followed by Dr. Danilo B. Pulma, VPRIES of EVSU and TWG Chair of EVCIEERD, who presented the rationale of the activity.   Learning modules were facilitated by Mr. Ruel A. Pili, Regional Consortia Coordinator for DOST-PCIEERD. He covered Modules 1–4, which outlined the roles and responsibilities of the R&D Committee and introduced the fundamentals of research and development. Module 5 focused on R&D preparation, emphasizing requirements for workplans and LIBs, while Module 6 tackled evaluation criteria through the use of the Evaluation Matrix.  The afternoon featured hands-on workshops, group evaluations of proposals, and an open consultation forum, fostering collaboration and practical application of the day’s lessons.  The second day opened with a reflection on the previous sessions. Mr. Pili returned to deliver Module 7, highlighting common deficiencies in research proposals. Participants then engaged in another round of workshops and group presentations. A major highlight was the Orientation on Proposal Submission, where Mr. Pili provided detailed guidance on navigating the DOST Project Management Information System (DPMIS) and the PCIEERD Management Information System (PMIS).  The program concluded with group takeaways, the awarding of certificates to resource persons and participants, and closing remarks delivered by Dr. Eugene C. Calumba, UDRRM Director of NwSSU and TWG Member of EVCIEERD.  This immersive program is expected to raise the quality and success rate of research proposals across the consortium and its member institutions. By addressing common pitfalls, standardizing evaluation practices, and ensuring mastery of digital submission systems, the training aimed to produce proposals that are not only innovative but also compliant, streamlined, and ready for approval and funding by agencies such as DOST-PCIEERD.