On May 8, 2024, faculty researchers from Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) – Bontoc Campus presented their findings from a 3-day (COTS) manual extraction activity organized by LGU-Liloan, a prospective partner. The initiative aimed to mitigate coral reef degradation caused by this coral-eating predator. The event was joined by various environmental groups and offices from Liloan. A proposal for the establishment of a marine laboratory as a research hub was also introduced. Hon. Jonna C. Adan, Liloan’s Municipal Mayor, acknowledged the critical support from SLSU-Bontoc and conveyed her commitment to formalize and expand collaborative efforts for enhanced marine ecosystem protection and sustainable reef management.
This activity is in line with SDG13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG17 (Partnership for the Goals.)
On April 24, 2024, the Department of Agricultural Sciences (DAgS) of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) – Bontoc Campus successfully conducted the agricultural training workshop titled "Cultivating Curiosity: A Journey to the Future of Modern Agriculture." Organized by DAgS OJT students, the workshop gathered BLGU officials from Brgy. San Ramon, DAgS faculty members, the Campus Extension Coordinator, and student participants.
The training served as a platform for advancing awareness on modern agricultural innovations and technologies, supporting knowledge-sharing and practical applications that foster sustainable farming and local development.
March 27, 2024 – The Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) – Bontoc Campus welcomed enthusiastic pupils aged 2 to 6 years old from Diverse Minds Montessori School – Bontoc and Maasin for a meaningful experiential learning visit. Accompanied by their teachers, the young learners explored the Agri-Fisheries facilities of the campus, sparking curiosity and engagement through hands-on learning. Under the guidance of faculty, staff, and students, the children participated in activities such as observing aquaponic systems and soil-based agriculture demonstrations, introducing them to sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.
Their laughter and curiosity filled the campus as they explored, asked questions, and gained new insights. This initiative reflects SLSU-Bontoc’s commitment to nurturing a love for science, agriculture, and sustainability at an early age. The visit concluded with smiles, new knowledge, and memories that will help shape their learning journey.
On two (2) occasions, December 2, 2023, and December 9, 2023, students taking up Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Bachelor of Agricultural Technology programs at SLSU-Bontoc took their theoretical learnings to test by availing the TESDA assessment on Basic Nursery Management. The TESDA assessment, covering essential topics on seedling care, propagation techniques, pest and disease management, and nursery establishment practices, is free. Thanks to SLSU-Bontoc’s commitment to maximizing student learning gained through partnership, this time with the Ghrace Jhoy Technical and Vocational School, Inc., one of the TESDA-accredited schools and training centers in Southern Leyte.
From this assessment, 59 successful takers are issued a Certificate of Competency (COC), verifying the takers’ agricultural skills and knowledge, thus serving as a tangible means to measure and advance their competencies in agricultural practices.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), a government agency that provides direction, standards, and programs for technical education and skills development in the Philippines, is in support of the National government’s agenda on food security by encouraging more Filipino youth to be engaged in the agriculture sector. Over 26 technical vocational institutions (TVIs) with TESDA-registered programs exist in Southern Leyte.
SLSU-Bontoc Faculty Researcher Gladys Ludevese-Pascual shared the 2022 results of a pilot test conducted by BS Marine Biology students on the feasibility of a trash trap device in capturing solid wastes in select collection points in Brgy. San Ramon, Bontoc, Southern Leyte. This was during a 2-day Province-lead campaign on the Localization of the National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction, and Management of Marine Litters (NPOA-ML) participated by officials from various municipalities of Southern Leyte, organized at the Mangrove Resources and Environment Learning Center (MRELC) at Brgy. San Roque, Macrohon, Southern Leyte on September 6-7, 2023.
According to Ms. Pascual, on a monthly average, from October to December 2022, approximately 70 % (dry weight) of the trash that got trapped in the device was purely non-biodegradable, consisting mainly of household plastic wastes such as single-use plastic packaging, broken glasses, soiled diaper, among others. These wastes, usually ending up in the marine environment, tremendously impact coastal ecosystems.
SLSU-Bontoc and LGU-Bontoc are currently discussing the potential inclusion of trash trap devices as a strategy to improve solid waste management within the municipality.
During the campaign, discussion on how to monitor ambient water quality and establish wastewater and sewerage systems were tackled by representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) RO VIII. Mr. Ruel Natividad of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO) was also present to discuss steps on quality monitoring with emphasis on physic-chemical parameters.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to Resource Speakers and an expression of commitment by concerned officials from various municipalities in Southern Leyte towards the integration of NPOA-ML.
