The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) of Southern Leyte State University-Main Campus is excited to share a new community engagement program particularly aimed at aiding women in San Isidro Auditorium, Barangay San Isidro, Sogod, Southern Leyte on December 16, 2024. This initiative will supply the necessary resources for women to engage in micro-enterprises, producing liquid detergent and fabric conditioner.

The program has been developed as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with the aim of relieving poverty, addressing gender disparity, and economic development. As such, it is an initiative that enables women to access opportunities, develop their own products, and bolsters economic independence in society. It is a follow-up to areas of cooperation between FAS and people of Barangay San Isidro as captured in the Memorandum of Agreement that was signed during the extension activities.

This initiative is likely to provide self-sustaining sources of income and employment opportunities and improve the socio-economic well-being of the community in a sustainable manner.

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence by receiving the prestigious CapDev Accelerator Award in Local Governance during the 9th Capacity Development Awards held on December 11, 2024, at the Manila Hotel, Manila, Philippines. The award was accepted by Dr. Francis Ann Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (VPRIES), and Engr. Lelie Lou Bacalla, Head of Monitoring and Evaluation for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (RIES). This recognition highlights SLSU’s significant contributions as an institutional partner of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), supporting the department’s vision and mission to enhance the development of local government units (LGUs).

For two consecutive years, in 2022 and 2023, SLSU was honored with the NextGen CapDev Accelerator Award. This year, the university reached new heights by advancing to the CapDev Accelerator Award, becoming the only State University and College (SUC) in Region VIII and the Visayas to receive this prestigious distinction.

This achievement underscores SLSU’s dedication to improving the quality of life for its stakeholders and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university's initiatives contribute to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By clinching this award, SLSU continues to solidify its role as a leader in promoting sustainable development and innovation in local governance.

Southern Leyte State University-San Juan Campus conducted an internal impact assessment of terminated extension programs, projects, and activities on November 3-4, 2024, to evaluate the impact and sustainability of its extension initiatives. This comprehensive evaluation was led by Dr. Rhoderick D. Malangsa and Ms. Adelfa Diola, distinguished evaluators with extensive experience in program impact assessments.

This two-day evaluation aimed to assess how these programs influenced their target communities, extract key lessons, and guide future initiatives to ensure alignment with the university's mission of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. The assessment focused on terminated projects such as the Financial Literacy Training for Fisherfolks and Farmers in Unbanked Municipalities, Empowering Self-Sufficiency among select rural communities in the Philippines through skills training, and iTRAIN: ICT training for barangay officials of San Juan, Southern Leyte.

The insights gathered from this activity will serve as a foundation for crafting more impactful and sustainable extension initiatives at SLSU-San Juan Campus. By addressing the identified gaps and building on the successes of its terminated projects, the university reaffirms its commitment to delivering meaningful and inclusive programs that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative reflects SLSU’s dedication to creating a compassionate and sustainable society through innovation and excellence in community service.

This event aligns with Sustainable Development Goal: No.1 (No Poverty) No. 4 (Quality Education) No. 5 (Gender Equality) No. 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) No. 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) No.11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

On December 04, 2024, a successful Memorandum of Agreement ceremony was held at Southern Leyte State University-Maasin City Campus for two significant initiatives aimed at making a difference in our local communities. The Gender SAFE Extension Project, led by Ms. Irene Carbonilla and Ms. Renalain Bagtasus, will be implemented in Brgy. Lunas and Brgy. Gawisan.

The TRAIL 2 project, led by Ms. Elmee Joy D. Oraiz and Mr. Kristoper Rex Oraiz, will be implemented in Brgy. Lonoy. These projects represent steps toward empowering our communities, promoting gender equality, and enhancing local development that align with Sustainability development goals (SDG) No. 5 Gender Equality, No.8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, No.10 Reduced Inequalities, No.11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and No.17 Partnerships for the Goals.

The signing ceremony commenced at 9:00 AM, with key stakeholders in attended, including key stakeholders: Dr. Dewoowoogen P. Baclayon VPAF of SLSU, Campus Director Dr. Frederick C. Aniga., representing Mayor Nikko V. Mercado Ms. Jenny F. Ang, Maasin City Administrator, Raul Inocando CDRR/HR of Maasin City, Hon. Celestino B. Laraga Jr. of Brgy. Lonoy, Hon. Epifania F. Basa of Brgy. lunas, and Hon. Praxedes B. Dumalagan of Brgy. Gawisan.