SLSU Strengthens Regional and International Partnerships for ICTECO 2025

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), together with its co-host universities—Tra Vinh University (Vietnam), Central Mindanao University, Central Philippine State University, University of Antique, Eastern Visayas State University, and Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT)—successfully hosted the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony for the co-hosting of the International Conference on Transformative Extension and Community Outreach (ICTECO) 2025 on July 8, 2025, via Zoom.

The event marked a unified commitment among partner universities to advance transformative extension practices and community engagement in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, ICTECO 2025 contributes to SDG 4 by promoting quality education through community-based learning; supports SDG 11 by fostering sustainable communities through outreach initiatives; and advances SDG 17 by strengthening global partnerships for development.

Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (RIES), delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful impact. This was followed by the introduction of co-host institutions by Dr. Ingrid M. Uy, Director of the Extension and Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA).

In the Message of Commitment segment, the following academic leaders pledged their full support as co-hosts of ICTECO 2025: Dr. Jude A. Duarte of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), Dr. Nguyen Minh Hoa of Tra Vinh University, Vietnam, Dr. Rolito G. Eballe of Central Mindanao University, Dr. Greny Jungco of Central Philippine State University, Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr. of the University of Antique, Dr. Dennis C. De Paz of Eastern Visayas State University, and Dr. Joy C. Capistrano of the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT). Their unified commitment reflects a shared vision for advancing community-centered extension and academic collaboration across institutions.

The ceremonial MOA signing formalized the partnership, symbolizing the collaborative spirit among the participating universities. This was followed by a virtual photo opportunity to commemorate the occasion.

To close the event, Ms. Adelfa Diola, Director for Extension Services, presented the "Ways Forward," outlining the strategic actions and shared responsibilities necessary to ensure the successful implementation of ICTECO 2025. With the theme “ELEVATE: Enriching Lives and Expanding Vision through Advanced Transformative Extension,” the conference aims to serve as a dynamic platform for innovation, dialogue, and community transformation.

ICTECO 2025 reaffirms the vital role of academic institutions in building empowered and resilient communities aligned with the global development agenda.