Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Bontoc’s Administrative Officer V, Erwin P. Remojo, served as a panelist at the Business Plan Pitching event hosted by SLSU Hinunangan as part of its Golden Anniversary celebration from March 3 to 7, 2025.

With the theme “Strengths and Resilience through the Ages,” the event highlighted five decades of SLSU’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development. A key highlight of the event was the Business Plan Pitching competition featuring fourth year students of Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness (BSAB-IV), designed to provide a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative business ideas before an esteemed panel of industry experts and academic professionals.

As a panelist, Mr. Remojo contributed his expertise in business development and administration, offering insightful feedback and constructive critiques to the students. His presence not only reinforced SLSU’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial spirit but also provided aspiring business leaders with guidance on refining their proposals to meet real-world challenges.

"I am truly grateful to have been part of the event, where I witnessed young minds presenting innovative ideas through their business models. While I believe there are areas in their proposals that could be improved, their innovative concepts are already a great start forward,” Remojo said.

Eleven business proposals were featured during the event, showcasing a diverse range of products, including personal care items such as lip balm and hair care products, household essentials like lemon soap and laundry detergent, and various agricultural supplies.

The Business Plan Pitching event aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry applications, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions and sustainable business models.

This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure & SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Southern Leyte State University – Bontoc (SLSU-BC) continues to reinforce its role in marine conservation and policy development by actively participating in a series of consultative workshops organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). These workshops, aimed at enhancing ocean environment policies, serve as platforms for collaboration among experts, educators, and policymakers.

The first workshop, held on January 30-31, 2025, at Tierra de Milagros Resort in San Salvador, Barangay Arado, Palo, Leyte, focused on the establishment of a Marine Scientific Research Station (MSRS). Representing SLSU Bontoc was Professor Gladys L. Pascual. The proposed MSRS is expected to serve as a hub for marine studies, providing valuable research opportunities on ocean ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation strategies.

Meanwhile, the second workshop, which focused on the PH Ocean Research Agenda, took place on February 5-7, 2025, at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel in Quezon City, Metro Manila. This session was attended by SLSU Bontoc’s resident divemaster, Mr. Ryan P. Tomol, who brought his expertise in underwater exploration and marine resource management to the discussions. His participation underscored the university’s commitment to integrating scientific research with practical, field-based marine conservation efforts.

What is MSRS?

Marine Scientific Research Stations (MSRS) are specialized facilities established to support scientific studies on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental conservation. These stations serve as hubs for researchers, scientists, and policymakers to conduct long-term monitoring, data collection, and analysis of marine resources.

DENR-BMB’s initiative aims to establish MSRS across various biogeographic regions in the country. Among the five new MSRS set for development, one will be established in the Guiuan Marine Resource Protected Landscape and Seascape (GMRPLS) in Region 8, covering the Southern Philippine Sea. This strategic location will facilitate extensive research efforts to support marine conservation policies and sustainable resource management.

Prof. Pascual, known for her active advocacy for marine life, was invited to contribute her expertise and present recent research studies on marine conservation during the DENR consultative workshop. Her participation emphasized the importance of scientific research in shaping policies and strategies for protecting the country’s marine ecosystems.

“By engaging in these consultative workshops, SLSU Bontoc solidifies its dedication to environmental stewardship and marine sustainability. The university’s involvement not only contributes to national policy development but also aligns with its mission to promote research-driven initiatives in marine conservation” Pascual said.

This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 15: Life on Land SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Southern Leyte State University – Bontoc Campus (SLSU-BC) has formalized its partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Fisheries Office 8 (BFAR RFO 8) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on January 27, 2025, at the SLSU Main Campus.

The agreement is part of the ongoing sea cucumber ranching initiative in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology-Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST-PSTO). This initiative aims to establish a collaborative framework for research and extension efforts in marine aquatic resources.

The project focuses on assessing the feasibility of a community-based sea cucumber ranch as a potential income-generating activity for local fisherfolk. It seeks to enhance sustainable aquaculture practices and provide training and livelihood opportunities to strengthen the local fisheries sector.

“As a baseline project, the initiative will assess the growth and survival of ranched sea cucumbers, analyze their composition before and after hatchery release, and explore market opportunities to establish linkages for early adopters, ensuring economic benefits” Pascual said.

BFAR-8, through its OIC Regional Director Dominador G. Maputol, has pledged to provide training and technical assistance to SLSU-Bontoc for the successful implementation of the project. Additionally, juvenile sea cucumbers from the Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center (GMFDC) will be supplied to the campus to support ranching efforts.

“Local Government Units (LGUs) plays a vital role in establishing future zonation areas for sea cucumber ranching to promote sustainable resource management and ensure equitable access for coastal communities,” he added.
Additional assistance was provided through the provision of a vacuum sealer, a manual sealer, and a continuous band sealer for future packaging of sea cucumber and other marine products, strengthening the value chain for local producers.

This partnership marks a significant step toward sustainable aquaculture, empowering local fisherfolk with innovative solutions and ensuring the long-term viability of sea cucumber ranching in the region.

Photo credits to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Fisheries Office 8 (BFAR RFO 8) Official Facebook Page

Read similar stories: https://southernleytestateu.edu.ph/index.php/en/menu-page-home/57-bontoc-campus-news/2749-slsu-bontoc-and-dost-psto-southern-leyte-join-forces-for-sea-cucumber-ranching-initiative.

This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goal.

Southern Leyte State University – Bontoc Campus, under the leadership of Professor Gladys L. Pascual, played a key role in providing technical expertise during the Seaweed Stakeholder Meeting held on February 6, 2025, at ABC Hall in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte.

The event was organized by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Saint Bernard in collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). It served as a platform for fisherfolk, local seaweed farmers, and other key stakeholders to discuss industry challenges, sustainability practices, and opportunities for growth. Representatives from various organizations, including Coast4C, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Provincial Fisheries Office (BFAR-PFO) Southern Leyte, and other allied agencies, also participated, contributing insights on policy development, market access, and environmental conservation.

A key focus of the meeting was the identification and assessment of specific locations for seaweed farming, a critical step in developing a structured and sustainable industry.

“Seaweed farming is a promising global industry. It stimulates local economy while countering climate change through carbon fixation” Assoc. Prof. Salamida said.

This initiative is a crucial step toward drafting a comprehensive resolution to support the sustainable growth of the seaweed industry. The proposed resolution will establish clear guidelines for farming practices, zoning regulations, permits, and other industry-related policies, ensuring a balanced approach to economic development and environmental protection.

The discussions focused on enhancing seaweed farming techniques, addressing climate resilience, and strengthening partnerships to promote sustainable livelihoods among coastal communities.

This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.