SLSU-Tomas Oppus, BiPSU Hold Initial Talk and Orientation on the Establishment of Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK) in So. Leyte

Southern Leyte State University–Tomas Oppus Campus (SLSU-TO) and Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) conducted an initial talk and orientation on the establishment of the Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK) in Southern Leyte on October 20, 2025, via Google Meet.

The activity aimed to orient faculty members and stakeholders on the mandate, objectives, and processes involved in establishing the SWK at SLSU–Tomas Oppus Campus. It also served as a venue for consultation and discussion on its possible implementation—an initiative seen as timely and relevant since there are only a few SWK centers in Region VIII. This effort envisions the creation of a cultural and linguistic hub in Southern Leyte through SLSU.

Dr. Mark B. Galdo, Head of the Research Innovation and Extension Services (RIES) of SLSU–TO, and Mr. Jeson Viñas, Director of the Sentro ng Wika at Kultura of BiPSU, facilitated the orientation and introduced the guests and participants.

Representing the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) was Dr. Evie Duclay, Senior Language Researcher and Regional Coordinator of SWK in the Visayas Region, who shared valuable insights on the agency’s programs and the importance of establishing and promoting the Filipino language and culture through academic and research collaboration.

The Filipino Education Faculty, headed by Dr. Norlyn L. Borong, actively participated in the session. Messages of support were also delivered by Dr. Norla Grace A. Betarmos, Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Education, and Ms. Adelfa Diola, Director of Extension Services.

The activity was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Dr. Galdo and Mr. Viñas, who both expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the proposed center. The event concluded with words of appreciation and encouragement from the organizers, emphasizing their continuous commitment to advancing the Filipino language, culture, and identity through education, research, and community engagement.

This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, by promoting inclusive, equitable, and culturally rooted learning opportunities for all.