SLSU Strengthens Volunteerism Efforts as PNVSCA Visits Its First Partner in Region 8

As Southern Leyte State University continues to ascend through service and collaboration, Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) visited SLSU, its first partner in Region 8, on June 16, 2025, to discuss practical plans on volunteerism in the university. 

Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe and Senior Volunteer Service Officer Claire S. Pantoja were welcomed by the university key officials of SLSU headed by the University President, Dr. Jude A. Duarte.

Discussions highlighted the importance and appreciation of the existing volunteerism initiatives of SLSU. Dr. Marie Khul C. Langub, Vice President for Students and Auxiliary Services, discussed the steps spearheaded by the university toward volunteerism through the SERVE Organization of the institution. 

In Dir. Gawe’s talk, he noted that SLSU could put more emphasis on documenting the voluntary endeavors of the university as they are considered as quantifiable contributions toward one of the core values of SLSU which is service. He further explained that these initiatives may bring national attention through CHED and PNVSCA, and that it may solidify the notion that volunteerism is indeed our way of life. 

Taking the most significant role in this action, Dr. Jude Duarte facilitated the initial points for the university’s action plan for volunteerism in the university, noting that the institution must systematize volunteer works especially that the region is a disaster-prone area. 

Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services further outlined more possibilities as ways forward of this partnership. She cited more volunteerism-related studies, volunteer exchange, and even joint community extension programs are exemplifications of the endless possibilities.