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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.

Hanoi, Vietnam – October 31, 2025 — Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) marked another milestone in its international engagement by participating in the 13th Asia Technological University Network (ATU-Net) Board Meeting, hosted by Phenikaa University in Hanoi, Vietnam. Representing NwSSU were Dr. Iris B. Bejasa, Director of the International Affairs Office–Main Campus, and Mr. John M. Tan, Head of the International Affairs Office–San Jorge Campus. They attended on behalf of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, who was unable to join due to equally important administrative commitments. The ATU-Net Board Meeting convened university presidents, directors, and international affairs officials from member institutions across Asia to strengthen academic collaboration, deepen research partnerships, and broaden cross-border mobility programs. The annual gathering served as a forum for sharing forward-looking practices in higher education and for charting the consortium’s strategic direction for the coming year. The one-day event opened with a cultural immersion at Van Phuc Silk Village, a renowned Vietnamese craft community celebrated for its handwoven silk and centuries-old weaving traditions. The visit offered delegates a rich glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural heritage and creative industries, fostering mutual appreciation and cross-cultural understanding. This was followed by guided laboratory visits at Phenikaa University. Delegates toured key research hubs, including the Polymer-Composite Laboratory, Bioresources Research Center, and Environmental Chemistry & Ecotoxicology Laboratory (Tour 1), as well as the Applied Electro-Chemical Lab, Renewable Energy Conversion & Storage Laboratory, and Semiconductor & Advanced Materials Fabrication Laboratory (Tour 2). These visits showcased the university’s dedication to scientific advancement, sustainability, and practical learning environments. A brief stop at the university’s modern library capped the morning itinerary, followed by a shared lunch and musical performance at the campus cafeteria—an opportunity for cultural exchange and collegial fellowship. The formal Board Meeting began at 1:00 p.m., presided over by Professor Dr. Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim, Chair of ATU-Net. Key agenda items included the 2025 ATU-Net Achievements, Financial Report, 2026 Strategic Plan and Budget Proposal. The meeting also tackled initiatives such as Scopus-indexed research collaborations, faculty and staff exchange programs, the development of an ATU-Net Mobility Portal, the rollout of Global Classroom initiatives, and the expansion of Articulation Programs among member universities. The event strengthened the shared commitment of ATU-Net institutions to foster internationalization, inclusive education, and academic innovation across Asia. For NwSSU, its active participation reflects a steadfast dedication to building global linkages, advancing academic excellence, and ensuring that its students and faculty thrive within a vibrant international academic community.

Calbayog City, Samar | The Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking Committee of Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU), chaired by Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, convened on November 6, 2025 to advance preparations for the university’s renewed participation in the THE Impact Rankings. The committee focused on the meticulous mining, validation, and finalization of data aligned with specific Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators. These efforts aim to ensure that each submission authentically reflects NWSSU’s initiatives, achievements, and measurable impact. Members also explored strategies for presenting and documenting data in ways that highlight the university’s strengths and reinforce its standing in the global academic community. Building on its successful inclusion in THE 2025, NWSSU is poised to reaffirm its commitment to excellence in higher education, sustainability, and societal transformation. Dr. Catamora extended his gratitude to the committee for their steadfast collaboration, noting that the shared effort embodies NWSSU’s vision of institutional visibility and global engagement.

In a collective effort to strengthen institutional readiness for the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) journey, the PQA Scoring Simulation and Evaluation Program was successfully conducted, bringing together  technical working group members, and quality assurance advocates in a focused simulation of the PQA assessment process. The program formally opened with the preliminaries, followed by a warm welcome message from Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, PQA Chairperson, who underscored the importance of aligning organizational systems with the PQA framework and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Gracing the session was Dr. Jay Barlan, Senior PQA Consultant, who served as the lead facilitator. Dr. Barlan guided participants through a series of interactive discussions and practical scoring exercises designed to simulate the actual PQA assessment process. The activity aimed to evaluate the team’s preparedness, strengthen consistency in interpretation and scoring, and ensure alignment in identifying key performance results across the seven PQA criteria categories. Participants engaged in consensus-building activities, individual scoring calibrations, and validation exercises to determine the university’s current bandwidth and indicative PQA score range. Through this simulation, the members were able to identify both strong performance areas and improvement opportunities, particularly in process maturity, results integration, and evidence-based documentation. Dr. Barlan emphasized that the PQA scoring simulation serves as both a diagnostic and developmental exercise helping the institution gauge its readiness level while reinforcing quality assurance principles in everyday operations. The outcomes of the simulation provided valuable insights into how the organization can attain the desired PQA bandwidth and move closer toward institutional excellence. The collaborative effort also reaffirmed the commitment of all units to sustain a performance driven culture anchored on the PQA Framework for Performance Excellence. As the session concluded, participants expressed renewed motivation to further enhance their processes, align documentation standards, and prepare for higher-level assessments in the upcoming PQA evaluation cycles.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) was recognized as a steadfast partner in innovation and enterprise development during the Samar MSME Convergence 2025: Digitalization, Innovation, and Growth, held on October 22, 2025, at the Samar Convention Center, Catbalogan City  The university, represented by Mr. Jake B. Calagos, Director of the Integrated Multimedia and Communications Office (IMCO), was among the key institutions honored for their significant contributions to local economic growth. ​Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Samar Provincial Office, the convergence brought together micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners, partner agencies, and development stakeholders. The event served as a crucial platform to discuss emerging trends, technologies, and strategies that are currently shaping Samar’s dynamic business landscape. The program kicked off with opening remarks from DTI–Samar Provincial Director Engr. Meilou Cinco-Macabare, followed by high-impact presentations about ​Trends in MSME Development: Local and Global by DTI Region VIII, ​Digitalization and AI Marketing Tools by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and ​Science and Innovation by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The afternoon sessions focused on strategic planning and inspiration. Mr. Joseph Gabuay of the Samar Technical Institute for Development Studies (STIDS) led an engaging forum on Shaping Samar 2026 Onwards, which was followed by the inspiring Success Stories of Samarnon MSMEs. The day concluded on a high note with an inspirational message from Samar Governor Hon. Sharee Ann Tan and the Night of Appreciation for MSME Champions. NwSSU proudly received a Plaque of Appreciation in recognition of its unwavering commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and strong industry-academe collaboration. ​This award symbolizes the university’s dedication to nurturing future entrepreneurs and directly supporting local economic progress through its impactful research, extension programs, and innovation-driven initiatives. ​Through this vital recognition, NwSSU significantly strengthens its partnership with DTI–Samar and other key agencies, actively working to build a thriving culture of innovation and enterprise development. This collaboration is essential in fostering a stronger, more resilient MSME community throughout the province.