Althea Garcia 
Celebrating the 20th year of Samar State University’s Charter Day, themed “SSU @ 20: Forging our Cultural Identity, Affirming a Heritage of Excellence,” this milestone highlights the institution’s enduring legacy and its commitment to educational excellence and cultural pride.
SSU traces its roots back to March 12, 1912, when it was officially inaugurated as a laboratory school named Samar Trade School (STS). 47 years later, on June 21, 1959, by virtue of Republic Act 2435, STS was converted into Samar School of Arts and Trades (SSAT), which established a four-year teacher education program. SSAT was then converted to Samar State Polytechnic College (SSPC) on November 18, 1982, through Batas Pambansa 323 and later introduced master’s and doctoral programs.
Finally, on August 7, 2004, through Republic Act 9313, SSU became the first university in the province of Samar. With its over-a-century-long history, SSU has marked its journey with four distinct names—each one a testament to its evolving legacy, continuing to build, serve, and innovate.
The charter season will conclude this upcoming Monday, November 25. With the College of Education spearheading the event, a day-long activity is set to take place, starting off with a mass at the University Gymnasium, followed by a parade around Catbalogan City, an opening program featuring various contests, and a festive students’ night.
