SLSU, UPLB Hold Higher Education Leadership Mentoring Seminar
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), convened higher education leaders and academic administrators across the region for the Higher Education Leadership Mentoring Seminar (HELMS) on March 9, 2026, at the Hotel de SLU Ballroom in Sogod, Southern Leyte. The seminar brought together university officials, faculty leaders, and administrators across the region for a full day of discussions on strengthening leadership, governance, and innovation in higher education institutions.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Jude A. Duarte, President of Southern Leyte State University, emphasized the importance of collaboration and mentorship among universities in navigating the evolving landscape of higher education. He further highlighted the value of learning from established institutions, such as the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and building sustainable partnerships with them to advance research, academic excellence, and institutional development.
Resource speakers from UPLB led a series of plenary sessions covering key themes shaping the future of higher education.
Dr. Nathaniel C. Bantayan, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension of UPLB, opened the sessions with his presentation on “University Research Governance and Culture.” He underscored the importance of strong institutional frameworks, research ethics, and collaborative networks in cultivating a sustainable research ecosystem within universities. Bantayan also shared how UPLB manages its research funds and strengthens the capacity of its academic units to ensure accountability and compliance with the policies and regulations of funding agencies.
The second plenary session was delivered by Dr. Janette H. Malata-Silva, UPLB Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, who presented “Digitalizing Student Affairs and Services: Model of Practice in the New Normal.” She highlighted how digital platforms and data-driven systems can enhance student engagement and streamline support services. Malata-Silva also discussed how UPLB accelerated the digitalization of its student services, enabling online processing of student clearances, scholarship applications, dormitory inquiries, and counseling services.
In the third session, Dr. Haerold Dean Z. Layaoen, Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Enterprise Management at UPLB, spoke on “Transforming Education and Research into Societal Impact through Sustainable Innovation, Technology, and Enterprise.” His presentation explored how universities can translate research outputs into technologies, innovations, and enterprises that generate meaningful impact for communities and industries.
The afternoon sessions opened with Dr. Amado A. Angeles, Dean of the UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Science, who presented “Integrating Regenerative Systems in Agricultural Education and Research.” He emphasized the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and highlighted the role of higher education institutions in advancing regenerative and climate-resilient farming systems through research and instruction.
Meanwhile, Dr. Val Randolf M. Madrid, Professor at the UPLB College of Arts and Sciences, discussed “Imperatives of Digital Transformation in Higher Education Institutions.” He underscored the urgency for universities to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies, strengthen digital infrastructure, and build digital competencies among faculty and students. Madrid also presented several technology-driven initiatives in UPLB, including projects on behavioral detection systems for peace and order and the Smart UPLB Vehicle Traffic Data Miner, while encouraging institutions to responsibly harness the potential of artificial intelligence in academic and administrative operations.
The final plenary session was delivered by Dr. Jenielyn T. Padrones, Director of the Office for Institutional Development in Higher Education (OIDHE) at UPLB. Her talk, “Building Connections, Shaping Futures: UPLB Initiatives on Co-creating Knowledge and Public Service with Higher Education Institutions,” highlighted programs that strengthen collaboration between UPLB and local higher education institutions. Padrones presented OIDHE initiatives such as collaborative research programs, leadership development opportunities through the HELM Fellowship Program, and capacity-building initiatives, including training on research publication. She also noted the university’s ongoing efforts to develop policies on the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence in academic settings.
The seminar also featured open forums that allowed participants to engage directly with the speakers, exchange ideas, and share institutional experiences.
Through HELMS, Southern Leyte State University and University of the Philippines Los Baños strengthened their partnership in advancing academic leadership, research collaboration, and innovation in Philippine higher education.
