Building Healthier, Empowered Communities: SLSU launches CARES Extension Project

Southern Leyte State University, through the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and the Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (RIES) Office, launches its extension project under SLSU CARES: Community Action for Resilience, Empowerment, and Sustainability, alongside the conduct of Activity 1: Healthy Relationships and Empowered Choices, held online via Google Meet on July 8, 2026.

The launching program formalizes the University’s partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Liga ng mga Barangay. Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, delivers the welcome remarks, while Engr. Jonelle H. Tablada, Director of the Extension and Community Outreach Services, presents the overview of the extension project partnership. University President Dr. Jude A. Duarte extends his words of support. 

Words of commitment come from the partner Liga ng mga Barangay Presidents, namely Hon. Raymundo Q. Vasquez of San Juan and Hon. Gregorio Y. Felicilda of Bontoc. On behalf of Hon. Ian C. Escaño, LnB President of Tomas Oppus, Hon. Desiree A. Escaño, Sangguniang Bayan Member of LGU–Tomas Oppus, delivers the message of commitment, reaffirming the local government’s support for the program. 

Facilitated by Ms. Frances Nicole S. Espinosa of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Activity 1 proper opens with a welcome message from Dr. Aldwin M. Teves, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Activity Leader. Three timely topics take center stage: Early Pregnancy Awareness by Ms. Mona Rhea C. Cagurol, MA; Mental Health and Healthy Relationships by Ms. Nenita V. Flores, MAEd, RGC, Guidance Counselor of SLSU; and Financial Literacy in Relationships by Mr. Rodel M. Sescon, MM. Each session equips participants with practical knowledge on recognizing healthy relationship dynamics, making informed reproductive health choices, and building sound financial habits. 

More than a series of talks, the activity provides a space for open and meaningful exchange. Participants from the partner barangays join from their own communities and stay engaged from start to finish—raising questions during the open forum, responding actively through the chat, and sharing personal snippets of how each topic mirrors their own lives and experiences. Many follow the seminar together in small groups and share photos of themselves tuning in from their localities, their enthusiasm reflecting just how closely the discussions resonate with everyday realities. The warmth and openness of the participants give the sessions a genuine, community-rooted feel, turning learning into a shared conversation. Even a brief power interruption does little to slow the momentum, as both the participants and the organizing team push forward to see the activity through to successful completion.

The activity also streams live via the University’s official Facebook page, allowing those who are unable to join the live session to watch the recording at their convenience. Viewers who wish to receive a Certificate of Attendance must accomplish the attendance and evaluation forms. 

The activity contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 1 (No Poverty), while its multi-agency partnership advances SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Through SLSU CARES, the University reaffirms its commitment to empowering resilient, informed, and self-sustaining communities—one conversation and one community at a time.