SLSU welcomes NTNU, Streetlight Foundation to boost global partnerships and community engagement
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) welcomed representatives from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the Streetlight Foundation for a two-day strategic visit aimed at exploring meaningful partnerships, community engagement opportunities, and future collaborative research initiatives and projects across all campuses.
The official visit commenced on May 26, 2025 (Monday) at the SLSU Main Campus with a courtesy call to the University President and key officials, followed by a Strategic Meeting on Partnership and Collaboration Opportunities. The meeting focused on identifying potential areas for academic and extension collaborations, particularly in the fields of Engineering, Computer Studies and Information Technology, and Social Work—all aligned with SLSU’s broader goals for internationalization and global engagement.
During their time at the Main Campus, the delegation was given a guided tour of the area, including the SLSU Library and Learning Commons, as well as the GIS Tech Center. At the GIS Tech Center, the group engaged in discussions about potential collaborative projects with the Streetlight Foundation and SLSU YouthMappers.
NTNU and Streetlight Foundation also visited two of SLSU’s external campuses. At SLSU Bontoc Campus, the group toured facilities and engaged with faculty and students, gaining insights into the institution's program highlights and achievements. Dr. Jimmy E. Salamida, Dean of the Faculty of Aquatic and Applied Life Sciences, led the campus tour and facilitated discussions on potential areas for research and extension collaboration—particularly in fisheries and fishpond management for milkfish and tilapia. Dr. Salamida also showcased the livelihood and entrepreneurship initiatives, such as the production of homemade sardines (both Filipino and Spanish-style) and boneless bangus. These student-led product outputs were presented as promising opportunities for business development and community-based training.
The next stop was the Tomas Oppus Campus, wherein representatives from NTNU shared their current priorities in Southeast Asia, identified potential research areas for joint work with SLSU, and discussed support mechanisms for student and faculty exchanges. NTNU also presented best practices from their community-based education initiatives, sparking ideas for future programs that could benefit both institutions. Meanwhile, the Streetlight Foundation shared impactful stories from their work in the Philippines and explored ways universities like SLSU can support youth-centered initiatives. Discussions included opportunities for student and faculty volunteering, collaborative community projects, and the role of higher education in empowering marginalized populations.
A facilitated discussion followed, during which SLSU officials reflected on how to align local programs with international development goals. Topics included ethical student engagement in global initiatives, co-developing culturally responsive programs, and sustaining meaningful global-local partnerships. The exchange provided a platform to envision what an ideal SLSU-NTNU-Streetlight collaboration might look like in the coming years.
On May 27, 2025 (Tuesday), the delegation traveled to the SLSU Maasin City Campus, where they interacted with campus representatives. The group then proceeded to visit the BS Social Work Extension Site at Brgy. Lonoy, Maasin City, where discussions and activities centered on fieldwork initiatives, community involvement, and future social work collaborative projects, particularly those that support vulnerable populations.
The final session of the visit was a debriefing and wrap-up with the organizing team, where all parties affirmed their commitment to nurturing this international partnership. The visit ended with the delegation’s departure in the evening.
This strategic engagement highlighted SLSU’s proactive efforts to farther global linkages and reinforce its role in transformative education and community service. With the active participation of NTNU and Streetlight Foundation, the university is poised to broaden its impact both locally and internationally.
