CSU Benchmarks Best Practices of SLSU’s General Services Office
On August 28, 2025, the General Services Office (GSO) of Caraga State University (CSU) conducted a benchmarking activity at the General Services Office of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) – Main Campus. The visit aimed to study and adopt best practices in managing general services, facilities upkeep, and repair and maintenance operations. Specifically, the activity sought to observe and document efficient systems, policies, and workflows; learn about organizational structures, performance monitoring mechanisms, and risk management strategies; and identify innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable practices that may be contextualized and implemented at CSU. It also aimed to strengthen institutional linkages between CSU and SLSU for future knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
The CSU delegation was composed of Ar. Christian Dwight C. Dolotina, Director of GSO; Engr. Ena T. Ibarra, Administrative Officer III; Engr. Ma. Zylphadelle G. Valduhueza, Administrative Officer I; Engr. Rogelio B. Gonzales, Jr., Electrical Engineer; Zianne A. Capangpangan, Administrative Assistant III; Esmeraldo Catipan, Administrative Aide VI; Rojielaine Divine Amparo, Draftsman I; and Christopher F. Sison, Driver. SLSU was represented by Dr. Dewoowoogen P. Baclayon, Vice-President for Administration and Finance, and Mr. Leo A. Omamalin, Supervising Administrative Officer – Administration.
Mr. Omamalin presented SLSU’s notable practices in general services operations, highlighting innovations and systems that have contributed to efficiency, sustainability, and service quality. Among these were the integration of Quality Management System (QMS) protocols through four quality procedures and twelve quality forms; the institutionalization of preventive and corrective maintenance programs; and the attainment of an exemplary client satisfaction rating of 99.33% in FY 2024 for 935 completed service requests. GenSO’s workforce also consistently garnered at least “Very Satisfactory” ratings in their individual performance evaluations.
SLSU’s GenSO likewise demonstrated excellence in energy efficiency and conservation through the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP). During the DOE Visayas Spot Check on November 12, 2024, SLSU was awarded a 5-star rating with a score of 95.79%. GenSO facilitated energy audits, equipment inventories, and campus-wide conservation measures such as adopting inverter-type air-conditioning units, installing LED lights, and posting energy efficiency signages. Even its drivers actively observe fuel-saving practices and maintain NC II certification in driving with emphasis on occupational safety.
Other innovative practices shared included GenSO’s representation in the University’s Management Technical Inspectorate (MTI) and the Constructors’ Performance Evaluation System – Implementing Unit (CPES-IU), ensuring quality oversight during infrastructure projects. Communication and coordination were emphasized through regular preparatory meetings and dedicated group chats. Sustainability initiatives were also showcased, such as the procurement of eco-centric minimalist trash bin stations, maintenance of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), pest control campaigns against dengue, removal of hazardous dangling wires, provision of PPEs, and recognition of exemplary employees during the annual Gandilan Awards.
Capacity-building was highlighted through the Growth and Empowerment through Needs-based Skill Optimization (GENSO) program, a cross-training initiative in air-conditioning maintenance that equipped GenSO personnel with vital technical skills and aligned with SLSU’s Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2025–2029 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Personnel management practices such as performance-based contract renewals, equitable reshuffling of assignments, proper compensation and overtime pay, and employee recognition schemes were also underscored as key morale-boosting measures.
Notably, GenSO plays a pivotal role in SLSU’s participation in international rankings such as UI GreenMetric and the World University Ranking for Innovation (WURI). In 2025, narratives supported by GenSO were ranked 8th in Cost-Benefit Management and 12th in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Trends, underscoring the office’s contribution to institutional visibility and global competitiveness.
The benchmarking visit concluded with strengthened academic and administrative linkages between CSU and SLSU. CSU officials commended the breadth of practices implemented by SLSU’s GenSO, recognizing them as models of efficiency, innovation, and sustainability that could guide the enhancement of CSU’s own general services operations.
