SNSU Environmental Science Students visit SLSU–Hinunangan for Soil Science and Environmental Field Learning
Third-year Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science students from Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) conducted an educational visit to Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) – Hinunangan Campus on March 10–11, 2026, gaining valuable academic and field-based learning experiences in soil science and environmental monitoring.
The academic visit aimed to strengthen students’ understanding of environmental science through hands-on exposure to field techniques and scientific demonstrations. The SNSU students were accompanied by their instructors Roselle Estal-Bertulfo, MSTS; Medielyn M. Odtojan, MS; and Rosalia L. Hugo, MAEd.
During the visit, the students attended a lecture on Soil Science: Soil Formation and Soil Development delivered by Ian A. Navarrete, PhD, Campus Director of SLSU–Hinunangan. The lecture highlighted the processes that shape soil systems and emphasized the role of soil as a critical resource in agriculture, ecosystem stability, and climate resilience.
Aside from the lecture, the visiting students participated in a campus tour and a series of practical demonstrations, including the use of water quality monitoring equipment, methane gas sampling, and soil profiling activities. These activities allowed the students to observe and apply environmental field techniques commonly used in environmental assessment and research.
The activities were facilitated by the faculty of the BS Environmental Science program at SLSU–Hinunangan, led by Leonesa H. Cupat, Program Chair, together with fourth-year Environmental Science students who assisted the visiting group during the demonstrations and field activities.
One of the students who assisted and welcomed the visitors, Jasmine Lompot, a fourth-year BS Environmental Science student of SLSU–Hinunangan, shared her experience interacting with the visiting students.
“It was a nice experience meeting students from another university and assisting them during the visit. It gave us a chance to share what we know, learn from one another, and build new connections through our common interest in environmental science,” Lompot said.
The SNSU delegation also expressed their appreciation to the SLSU–Hinunangan administration and faculty for the warm welcome and for providing a meaningful learning opportunity that enriched their academic experience.
The activity highlights SLSU–Hinunangan’s commitment to experiential learning, academic collaboration, and environmental education, consistent with the university’s mission of developing competent professionals who contribute to sustainable development and community advancement.
Furthermore, the educational visit supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through experiential and collaborative learning, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through environmental monitoring activities such as methane sampling, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through soil science education and sustainable land management awareness.
Through initiatives like this academic exchange, SLSU–Hinunangan continues to strengthen its role as a hub for environmental science learning and collaboration in Eastern Visayas, fostering knowledge sharing among institutions and preparing future environmental professionals to address pressing environmental challenges.