22 Years of Excellence: SLSU Marks Charter Day with Unity, Milestones, and Global Vision

Southern Leyte State University celebrated its 22nd Charter Day Anniversary from February 20 to March 10, 2026, under the theme “Soaring High in the Global Sky.”

For more than two decades, SLSU has grown from a young institution into a university shaped by resilience, community, and a shared pursuit of excellence. This year’s celebration brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners in a series of activities reflecting the university’s journey and its ambitions beyond borders.

The celebration opened on February 20 with Kapihan sa SLSU, reimagined as an open dialogue between the university and its stakeholders. Rather than a traditional press gathering, the event created a space where questions were welcomed, narratives clarified, and partnerships strengthened. Provincial and regional media partners joined university officials and community stakeholders in conversations that highlighted transparency and collaboration.

Faculty members and students were honored on February 23 during Faculty Day, a day dedicated to relaxation, appreciation, and fellowship among the academic community whose commitment continues to shape the university’s academic culture.

On February 24, SLSU recognized the achievements of student-athletes and performers during Pagdajeg: Honoring of Student Performers and Student Athletes. The program celebrated RCAF winners, graduating performers, and athletes who have represented the university in regional competitions, reflecting the discipline and perseverance required to balance academics with training and performance.

The spirit of camaraderie continued on February 26 through the Employee Sports Competition, where university personnel showcased teamwork and solidarity beyond their offices and classrooms.

A day later, Family Day at SLSU filled the campus with laughter and connection as parents, caregivers, and children gathered for activities designed to strengthen community ties. The morning’s Parent Power Hour offered meaningful avenue for parents, solo parents, and caregivers, ensuring a space where diverse family experiences were recognized and supported. Educational supplies were distributed to children through the efforts of the Gender and Development Office and Student Auxiliary Services, made possible through the support of the SLSU community and the proceeds of the raffle, while the appearance of the Mighty Kingfisher mascots and Jollibee added joy to the celebration.

The afternoon featured a fellowship lunch and Laro ng Lahi at the FAS U-Shape Building, highlighted by a lively dragon dance. International student visitors from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology also joined the activities as part of their immersion program at the Maasin City Campus.

Later that evening, the Basketball Open Tournament for Fundraising energized the campus, with guest team, Dream Team Sakuragi, drawing excitement from the crowd. The three-day tournament was held across SLSU campuses: Maasin City, Sogod, and Tomas Oppus, bringing together athletes and sports enthusiasts while promoting wellness and community engagement.

Activities continued with Graduate School Day on February 28, leading into the official opening of Charter Week.

On March 2, the celebration shifted into full stride with the Fun Run “Chasing Miles, Not Limits.” The event encouraged health and active living while also launching the university’s observance of National Women’s Month. Finisher medals were awarded to the top runners, while special recognition was given to the first female finishers in each category through the Gender and Development Office.

Following the run, the university community gathered for an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, reflecting on the milestones that have shaped SLSU’s growth. The program opened with a flag-raising ceremony and a welcome message from Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Constantino G. Medilo Jr., setting a reflective tone for the celebration.

In his message, University President Dr. Jude Duarte emphasized the institution’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive leadership, highlighting that respect, opportunity, and empowerment remain core values of the SLSU community. The university’s Women’s Month celebration was formally launched with a presentation of activities led by the Gender and Development Office.

Across the campus, festival booths organized by student organizations and faculty added vibrancy to the celebration, showcasing local products, cultural displays, and student creativity.

The first day of Charter Week concluded with a PATHFIT ground demonstration, where students delivered a synchronized performance filled with energy and school pride. A fireworks display later illuminated the night sky, symbolizing the university’s journey and its aspirations for the future.

One of the most anticipated highlights came on March 4, when the winners of Mr. and Ms. SLSU 2026 were crowned. Representing the Faculty of Engineering, Mr. Jerome Zcheve S. Nobleza and Ms. Venus Ryckah E. Mestiola earned the titles of Mr. and Ms. Regional Culture and the Arts Festival. Meanwhile, Mr. Stanley Jose Golo of the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Ms. Princess Cielo P. Ramiso of the San Juan Campus were crowned Mr. and Ms. State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association.

A historic moment followed on March 5 with the visit of CHED Commissioner Michelle Aguilar Ong, who was welcomed through a ceremonial arrival of honors rendered by the SLSU ROTC Unit. The visit included the unveiling of the university’s History Walk, a tribute to the milestones and individuals who shaped the institution’s legacy.

The day also featured the EdD International Alumni Homecoming and the launching of the EdD Program for International Students, marking another step in the university’s expanding global engagement.

International collaboration took center stage during the IZN Summit and Kingfishers Night on March 6, highlighting SLSU’s growing network of global partnerships. This year’s summit welcomes delegates from partner institutions and organizations, including Dr. Pham Tiet Khanh, President of the Vietnam Association of Community Colleges (VACC); Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai Khanh and Dr. Chau Thi Hoang Hoa of Tra Vinh University, Vietnam; Mr. Muh. Wahyu Islami, CommTECH & Mobility Program Manager of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia; Dr. Andrey Andoko, Rector of Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN); Mr. Kevin Bricia of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA); Mr. Rodulfo Sabas of WYNIM Educational Consulting; Ms. Charlotte Marleen Liebel of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany; Dr. Ir. Nundang Busaeri, Rector of Universitas Siliwangi; Prof. Maryann McCrorie Miller, U.S. English Language Fellow; and eleven student participants from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Also present are Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, Director IV of the Commission on Higher Education Region VIII, and Dr. Michelle A. Ong, CHED Commissioner and Chairperson-Designate of the SLSU Board of Regents.

The celebration culminated on March 7 with a grand parade, Hugyaw: Faculty and Personnel Show, and Gala Night, bringing together the entire university community in a collective celebration of achievement and pride.

Charter Day activities concluded with Wellness in U on March 9–10, promoting physical and mental well-being among members of the SLSU community.

After twenty-two years, SLSU’s story continues to unfold—built on the memories of those who walked its halls, the dedication of those who serve within it, and the dreams of those who will carry its legacy forward.