SLSU and UPLB Explore Strategic Collaboration for Sustainable Development and Innovation

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, recently engaged in a collaborative meeting with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to explore strategic opportunities for institutional growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

Held on April 13, 2026, the meeting was facilitated by the UPLB Office for Institutional Development and Higher Education (OIDHE) in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension. The dialogue centered on identifying possible collaborative projects that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of agriculture and artificial intelligence (AI).

Both institutions emphasized the importance of developing high-impact and future-ready initiatives that respond to contemporary societal challenges. The discussions highlighted possible joint undertakings in research, extension services, innovation ecosystems, and community-based development programs that can generate meaningful and measurable outcomes.

The SLSU delegation was led by Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, together with members of the university’s research units and center heads, namely Engr. Joel Infornon, Ms. Jannie Fleur V. Oraño, Mr. Omar D. Alo, Dr. Mark B. Galdo, Mr. Wade Lim, Dr. Ludito Ramirez, Dr. Gladys Pascual, Engr. Khorina O. Aguilar, and Mr. Danilo Velo.

Representing UPLB were Dr. Nathaniel C. Bantayan, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, and Dr. Jenielyn T. Padrones, Director of OIDHE.

This collaborative engagement marks a significant step toward strengthening inter-institutional partnerships and advancing initiatives that promote academic excellence, innovation, and sustainable community development.

SLSU remains steadfast in its commitment to forging partnerships that create transformative opportunities for the university and the communities it serves.

This collaborative initiative advances specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through potential collaborative projects in agriculture and food systems innovation, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthened academic collaboration, research capability building, and knowledge exchange, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the promotion of innovation ecosystems and AI-driven research initiatives, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering strategic institutional partnerships that support sustainable and transformative development.