#SLSyoUpClose | Hero of Excellence: Coding the Future of SLSU
In a university where thousands of students once lined hallways clutching folders, waiting hours—sometimes days—to complete enrollment, a quiet but powerful transformation was taking shape behind the screens. Enter Mr. Nestnie D. Honrada Head of Information Systems of Southern Leyte State University—the man who brought SLSU up-close to a future where efficiency meets innovation.
For years, processes at SLSU was a test of patience. Long queues, repeated office visits, and piles of paperwork were part of the norm. Students—especially those traveling from far-flung municipalities—often sacrificed entire days, endured stress, and incurred extra costs just to complete basic academic requirements. As the university continued to grow, it became clear that manual, fragmented systems could no longer keep pace.
Recognizing this challenge, Mr. Honrada and the whole University Information Systems and Analytics (UISA) team of programmers took the initiative to reimagine how university services could work—not harder, but smarter. As a university programmer, he spearheaded the development and implementation of integrated, paperless information systems that transformed SLSU’s operations from admission to enrollment.
Through online enrollment, online payment, online faculty evaluation, and online clearance, SLSU shifted from document-heavy, in-person transactions to a streamlined, fully digital workflow. What once required multiple office visits can now be completed remotely—saving time, reducing stress, and improving accessibility for students and faculty alike.
The impact has been far-reaching. Enrollment queues were dramatically reduced. Processing times shortened. Operational costs dropped. Data accuracy improved across offices. More importantly, the student and faculty experience became smoother, faster, and more humane.
Beyond efficiency, these initiatives positioned SLSU alongside international universities that have embraced digital transformation. With fully digitalized systems, the university now delivers services that prioritize convenience, quality, sustainability, and innovation—a crucial step toward a future-ready academic environment.
The journey, however, was not without challenges. Legacy processes, policy alignment, and resistance to change tested the transition. Yet through persistence, collaboration, and a clear student-centered vision, the systems were successfully implemented and adopted—proving that meaningful change is possible when technology is guided by purpose.
At its core, Mr. Honrada and whole UISA's achievement reflects a deep commitment to service: “This achievement reflects my commitment to using technology to genuinely serve students. By transforming manual enrollment processes into paperless, online systems, I aimed to reduce long queues, stress, and wasted time. Seeing students complete enrollment more smoothly and efficiently is the most rewarding outcome of this journey."
In 2025, during the University’s Gandilan Award Ceremony, Mr. Honrada’s commitment to excellence was recognized through the Heroes Excellence Award, conferred by the University President in recognition of his dedicated service.
Through his work, Mr. Nestnie Honrada has modernized university systems and reshaped the everyday experience of the SLSU community. In doing so, he reminds us that innovation isn’t just about technology, it’s about making life better for the people it serves, bringing impact up-close and personal.