SLSU-TO Extends Aid to Fire Victims in Bontoc, Southern Leyte

On the afternoon of March 6, 2026, Friday, the Southern Leyte State University Tomas Oppus (SLSU TO) Campus conducted a donation drive and relief giving activity for families affected by a recent fire incident in Barangay Union, Bontoc, Southern Leyte.

Under the guidance of Campus Director Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla and through the leadership of the Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (RIES) Office Head Dr. Mark B. Galdo, the university mobilized resources to support the affected households. The outreach activity was spearheaded by Extension Services Coordinator Ma. Jovillea Palanca, in collaboration with the Bontoc Municipal Police Station, led by PCPT. Ulysses T. Mesa, together with MPS personnel PSSg Flitcher I. Palanca, and the Barangay Union Council, headed by Hon. Gregorio Y. Felicilda.

Through the collective efforts of these institutions and the generous support of donors within and beyond the SLSU TO community, the initiative successfully delivered both monetary and in-kind assistance to the fire-affected households of Mr. Louis Boc and Mr. Pedro Boc. Each family received ₱4,000 in cash assistance, along with clothing and other essential items gathered from donations made by individuals and campus organizations.

In addition to the distribution of relief goods, representatives from the participating groups conducted an ocular visit to the victims’ residences. This allowed them to assess the families’ current living conditions and monitor their progress toward recovery, ensuring that further assistance can be provided if needed.

This initiative supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals.