SLSU Bags Best Program Partner Award in 2025 DSWD Gawad Sulong

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) was awarded Best Program Partner – Academe Category during the 2025 Gawad Sulong Awards of the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP) held on September 19, 2025, at the Iloilo Grand Hotel Ballroom, Iloilo City.

University President Dr. Jude A. Duarte received the award on behalf of the university, accompanied by Associate Professor Jimmy E. Salamida, Dean of the Faculty of Aquatic and Life Sciences (FAALS) of SLSU Bontoc, and key officials from DSWD Regional Office VIII. 

The award is given to outstanding institutions that provide technical assistance, livelihood training, and enterprise development support to Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs).
Dr. Duarte highlighted that the award affirms the vital role of government-academe collaboration in advancing sustainable development programs.

“Through the Sustainable Livelihood Program, we are reminded that education must go beyond classrooms. It helps build resilient communities, open doors of opportunity, and empower families to create a better future,” he expressed. 

Over the years, SLSU Bontoc has consistently delivered capacity-building programs that empower communities toward self-sufficiency. These include training in aquaculture production (tilapia and bangus), organic agriculture, poultry and egg-laying production, and financial literacy. 

Assoc. Prof. Salamida, representing SLSU Bontoc, underscored the campus’s role and leadership in implementing DSWD-SLP initiatives in the province. He shared that the campus, through its extension programs, has connected with various livelihood associations, empowering beneficiaries to improve their income sources as a sustainable means of living. 

“Most of the resource persons ng SLP ay mga faculty natin, kaya nakakabuild din tayo ng stronger connections with the community, esp. with the farmers at aquaculture operators,” he added. 

Salamida also shared that the training sessions double as a practical learning ground for students, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge and gain real-world experience while working directly with community participants.

Honoring distinguished partners and stakeholders, the Gawad Sulong Awards recognize those whose efforts have significantly contributed to the effective implementation of DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program across the country.