Ms. Shanette Joy Vivien Amador, Records Officer II of Southern Leyte State University - Bontoc Campus, participated in the Regional Seminar-Workshop on Basic Records and Archives Management (BRAM) organized by the National Archives of the Philippines (NAP) on March 18-20, 2025, at 456 Hotel Le Grande, Baguio City.

Ms. Amador emphasized that records and archives management is a shared responsibility, extending beyond just a job—it is a commitment to preserving an institution's history. “A well-organized institution relies on dedicated records officers to ensure that valuable documents are properly preserved, protected, and readily accessible,” she added.

The three-day training featured insightful discussions led by experts from the National Archives of the Philippines (NAP). Among the resource speakers were Mr. Terrence Michael A. Tablizo, Supervising Records Management Analyst, who provided an in-depth overview of RA9470 NAP Act of 2007 which highlights the records management policies and compliance standards; Ms. Christin E. Licopit, Senior Records Management Analyst, who discussed best practices in records disposition administration; and Ms. Virginia S. Raymundo, Chief Records Management Analyst, who focused on records center administration and security of records.

The expertise of the resource speakers equipped participants with valuable knowledge and practical strategies to improve institutional records and archives management.

Mr. Tablizo emphasized that the Basic Records and Archives Management (BRAM) seminar focuses on simplifying the proper handling of records throughout their entire lifecycle, from creation to final disposition. “From womb to tomb, records and archives serve as the lifeblood of an organization, holding both historical and research value,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Ms. Licopit introduced the “3 Es” of best practices in file management—Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Economy. She highlighted that these principles ensure higher productivity at a lower cost, allowing organizations to retrieve files in less time. “Efficient file management means being able to access documents quickly and easily, reducing delays and improving overall workflow,” she added.

Ms. Raymundo concluded the seminar-workshop by stressing the importance of safeguarding records against unauthorized disclosure, damage, destruction, and loss. She highlighted the critical role of records officers in maintaining the integrity and security of institutional documents.

“It is essential that those handling records hold plantilla positions to ensure accountability and continuity in records management,” Raymundo stated. She explained that having permanent and designated personnel in records offices reinforces responsibility, compliance with archival standards, and the proper preservation of official documents, ensuring they remain protected for future reference and institutional use.

The seminar-workshop not only strengthened the participants’ knowledge of records and archives management but also underscored its crucial role in institutional efficiency and accountability. With the skills and insights gained, attendees, including SLSU-Bontoc’s Ms. Amador, are better equipped to uphold best practices in records preservation, ensuring that valuable documents remain secure, accessible, and protected for future generations.

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 (SLSU) Bontoc students and alumni showcased their entrepreneurial skills as they participated in the Provincial Search for Outstanding Business Model Canvas under the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Start-up Category on March 4, 2025 at Tacloban City.

The event, hosted by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office VIII (DA-RFO8), brought together young agripreneurs from across the region to present their innovative and sustainable agribusiness models.

Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSFi) third year students Kenneth Coñado and Mekayla Lumata showcased their agrifishery enterprise, “Kayneth Boneless Marinated Bangus,” during the competition. Their business focuses on producing boneless bangus in a variety of flavors, including classic, hot and spicy, and BBQ.

“This enterprise aims to empower the local market by providing consumers with high-quality, ready-to-cook products,” Lumata shared.

Another winning business proposal, “Be Seeded,” was presented by Blessie D. Dalagan and Modesto D. Paule Jr., graduates of BS in Agricultural Technology (BAT). This enterprise focuses on producing high-quality seedlings of various vegetable classifications, including Solanaceous, Cucurbits, Brassica, and other crops. Their goal is to supply hardened seedlings that are ready for transplanting.

“Be Seeded signifies the idea of planting seeds that will grow, symbolizing the start of a journey toward growth and flourishing. The word ‘BE’ conveys action, encouraging potential customers to take part in the process of growth and development,” Paule explained.

Meanwhile, another BAT alumnus, Mr. Melchor Lingatong, featured,”Chormae’s Integrated Farm” an enterprise focused on azolla production as alternative feeds for fish, poultry and livestock production,

As provincial awardees, these young agripreneurs have demonstrated innovation, sustainability, and potential for growth in their respective agribusiness ventures. Their dedication and hard work earned them an ₱80,000.00 financial grant to further develop and expand their projects.

The outstanding performance of SLSU-Bontoc participants underscores their commitment to innovation in agribusiness, inspiring future agripreneurs to develop sustainable solutions for the agricultural sector.

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 (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.