SLSU joins Launching of Convergence Projects in Sogod, strengthens linkages for future collaboration
Southern Leyte State University participated as an invited institution during the MOA Signing and Launching of the Convergence Projects held on June 17, 2026, at Barangay Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte.
The University was represented by Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Publication and Extension. Through its participation, SLSU strengthened its engagement with key partner agencies and opened possibilities for future collaboration in research, extension, innovation, livelihood development, and community-based sustainability initiatives as the convergence project progresses.
The convergence project is a sustainable agriculture, fisheries, livelihood, and food security initiative designed to support local communities through the coordinated efforts of government agencies, local officials, and community stakeholders. It aims to uplift farmers, fisherfolk, and rural households by providing technical assistance, livelihood support, production inputs, capacity-building activities, and other interventions that can help improve productivity and create new income opportunities.
In his welcome message, Hon. Jose Ramil G. Golo emphasized the importance of uplifting the agriculture and fisheries sectors through a comprehensive and holistic approach. He highlighted the need to bring together experts, government agencies, and community stakeholders to support livelihood areas such as corn production, cut flower production, poultry, egg production, vegetable farming, fisheries, and other income-generating activities. He also underscored the importance of consolidating the roles of participating agencies and intensifying support for farmers and fisherfolk to help reduce rural challenges, create new opportunities, and improve the quality of life of local communities.
During the program, Former Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Valerio Cabalo, presented the overview of the convergence project. He discussed the purpose, components, and expected benefits of the initiative, particularly in strengthening food security, livelihood development, agricultural productivity, fisheries support, and community sustainability. His presentation provided a clearer understanding of how the partner agencies will work together to deliver integrated services to the community.
Municipal Mayor Hon. Shefferd Lino S. Tan also recalled how the initiative started, sharing the municipality’s efforts to bring together government agencies and local stakeholders in response to the needs of farmers, fisherfolk, and rural households. He emphasized that the convergence project reflects the shared commitment of the municipality and partner agencies to create a more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable development program for the people of Sogod.
The activity was attended by the Regional Directors and representatives of participating agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Officials from the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte and the Local Government Unit of Sogod were also present, demonstrating strong multi-sectoral support for the initiative.
The program included the formal signing of the Memorandum of Agreement, ceremonial awarding of Sustainable Livelihood Program grants, messages from partner agencies, ceremonial planting, photo opportunities, and on-site visitation. These activities reflected the spirit of convergence, where agencies combine their resources, technical expertise, and services to address community needs in a more coordinated and sustainable manner.
SLSU’s attendance in the activity served as an opportunity to engage with participating agencies and discuss possible areas of collaboration. These conversations may lead to future initiatives involving research-based extension services, technology transfer, livelihood training, product development, project monitoring, innovation support, and community capacity-building.
As a higher education institution committed to community engagement, SLSU continues to support partnership-building efforts that promote sustainable livelihood, food security, and inclusive development. The University remains open to meaningful collaboration that can contribute to the continuing growth of Sogod and other communities in Southern Leyte.
