SLSU Bontoc marks official opening of Fish Processing Plant through ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremonies
On September 11, 2024, the Fish Processing Plant at Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Bontoc Campus held a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a blessing ceremony, celebrating the official opening of its new construction on the campus. The event also featured the blessing of a rehabilitated brackish water pond, which had been heavily damaged by Typhoon Odette. These facilities are intended to offer a range of services aimed at supporting faculty researchers, students, and its service areas through enhanced curricular offerings in agri-fisheries, as techno-demo facilities for community-based learnings, and as support to income-generating projects to improve revenue gain.
Present in this momentous event were the key officials of SLSU led by the University President, Dr. Jude A. Duarte, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Dr. Dewoowoogen P. Baclayon, Vice President for Research, Innovations and Extension Services (VPRIES) Dr. Frances Ann R. Sy, and SLSU-Bontoc Campus Director Dr Gladys L. Pascual.
With the newly rehabilitated brackish water facility, Dr. Pascual shared, SLSU Bontoc is now drawing interest in collaborative partnerships from various sectors, including the crafting of a tripartite agreement with LGU-Bontoc and the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte. The latter expressed its commitment by providing the campus with bangus fry and aquafeeds which are vital in the materialization of a locally-sourced bangus fingerlings to support bangus farmers.
“SLSU-Bontoc takes on the challenge as the frontline in advancing the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the province. These facilities are vital resources in promoting our advocacy of a fish-secured Southern Leyte,” Pascual added.
Dr. Baclayon (VPAF), former SLSU-Bontoc Campus Director, highlighted that these projects were made possible thanks to the 30-million peso grant through capital outlay. He emphasized that the infrastructure improvements are a crucial step in enhancing the campus’ capacity to support research, education, and community engagement. “These facilities were borne out of our desire to provide quality education,” Baclayon said.
Faculty Dean Jimmy Salamida shared, “There are many underutilized seafood commodities in the province, particularly “lupoy” (Sardinella sp.), thus this newly constructed Fish Processing Plant will be instrumental in diversifying our fish products, particularly through value addition. These facilities will also serve as training ground for our BS Fisheries and BS Marine Biology students in equipping them with skills for aquafarming and commercial production of seafood products.”
Furthermore, the new infrastructures will also create opportunities through the in-house Extension Office headed by Ms. Janine Dimzon to support marginalized groups and women's organizations in processing and post-harvest activities, helping them improve and upgrade their current products.
VPRIES, Dr. Frances Ann R. Sy, emphasized the importance of intellectual property during her speech. “Make sure to patent all your products to protect them,” she advised. Dr. Sy highlighted that securing a patent not only safeguards the unique innovations developed within the university but also opens doors for commercialization, helping local producers and entrepreneurs gain a competitive edge in the market.
Joining the event Bontoc Municipal Mayor Hon. Noel E. Alinsub was also present, with him the Head of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Engr. Edmund Moralde, and the Head of the Municipal Agricultural Services Office (MAgSO), Sir Edgar Sabillo. Hon. Rogelio Fustanes, Jr. was there to represent the barangay local government unit (BLGU) of Brgy. San Ramon, Bontoc, Southern Leyte, SLSU-Bontoc Campus Faculty and Staff, representatives from J’ner Cepada Construction, and the Management Technical Inspectorate (MTI) headed by Engr. Ryan Macuto and team. SLSU-Bontoc Alumni President along with representatives from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Coast for Sea were also present to witness the official opening of these facilities.
