Isang mahalagang kaganapan ang naganap sa Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Tomas Oppus Administration Building noong Marso 21, 2025, nang magsimula ang PAJAG Dyornal: Pinal na Paghubog at Layouting ng Dyornal sa ilalim ng Project WIKANTALK. Ang proyekto, na bahagi ng Filipino Education Program, ay pinangunahan ni Dr. Mark B. Galdo at ng mga Filipino Education Professors.

Sa aktibidad, nagtipon ang mga guro, mag-aaral, at eksperto upang ipinal at ilayout ang PAJAG Dyornal, na layuning ipalaganap ang kaalaman at pagpapahalaga sa Filipino sa rehiyon. Nagsimula ang programa ng 8:00 AM, sinundan ng pagpapakilala at pambungad na salita. Pinangunahan ni Dr. Ginalyn B. Carbonilla ang panalangin, habang si Dr. Norlyn L. Borong ang nagbigay ng pambungad na mensahe.

Mula 8:45 AM hanggang 12:00 NN, nagsimula ang review at editing ng mga kontribusyon sa dyornal, na may mga designated editors at reviewers. Pagkatapos ng lunch break, nagsimula ang layouting session mula 12:30 PM hanggang 3:00 PM, na tinutukan ang format, font styles, page layout, at visual elements ng dyornal. Matapos ang quality check, pinal na ang buong dyornal at handa nang ipadala para sa publikasyon.

Ang aktibidad ay nagtapos ng 5:00 PM, kung saan nagpasalamat si Dr. Mark B. Galdo sa lahat ng lumahok at nagbigay ng mga suhestiyon para sa mga susunod na edisyon. Ang kaganapang ito ay isang hakbang sa pagpapalaganap ng wika at kultura ng Filipino at pagpapalakas ng edukasyong Filipino sa Southern Leyte, na nakatuon din sa mga Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), partikular ang SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, at SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, na ipinapakita ang makapangyarihang kooperasyon ng SLSU, DepEd, at iba pang mga eksperto para sa mas matagumpay na proyekto.

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU)-Tomas Oppus campus recently hosted a week-long Faculty and Student Exchange Program with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), aimed at fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange. The program, named "SUROY, SADYA UG DAYEG: A Culmination of Culture, Internationalization, and Campus Spirit," ran from February 27 to March 5, 2025, and included a series of academic engagements, cultural immersions, and collaborative opportunities.

The program kicked off on February 27 with the arrival of 23 HUTECH students and 8 faculty members, who were warmly welcomed by the university officials and faculty, specifically the SLSU-TO BSBA Faculty. The day’s events began with courtesy calls to university and local government officials, followed by a welcome program complete with cultural performances and a festive dinner. Dr. Norla Grace A. Betarmos, SLSU-TO Faculty Dean, extended a heartfelt welcome to the delegates.

On February 28, the delegates visited the Hinapo community in Tomas Oppus, where they participated in discussions on rural development challenges and opportunities. This site visit, attended by both faculty from HUTECH and SLSU-TO, provided insights into community-based initiatives such as the RICHA and BSBA Extension Programs. The delegates explored the current affairs and future of RICHA, followed by an open forum where ideas about rural development were exchanged.

Later in the day, a roundtable discussion took place at the SLSU-TO Conference Room. The event allowed faculty from both institutions to explore potential joint projects, share best practices, and discuss opportunities for academic growth and research. Dr. Nguyen Luu Thanh Tan, Vice Dean of HUTECH’s Faculty of Marketing-International Business, invited SLSU-TO faculty to visit HUTECH for further collaborations.

Days 3 and 4, March 1-2, were dedicated to an enriching cultural immersion experience. The delegation explored Southern Leyte, enjoying the province’s scenic beauty and engaging in interactive sessions that furthered their understanding of Filipino culture. Meanwhile, on March 3, the program held its highly anticipated Global Leadership Convergence at the SLSU-Main Campus Plenary Hall. This event emphasized leadership cultivation in a borderless world, and students were also given the opportunity to immerse themselves in SLSU’s courses on digital marketing and international business.

On March 4, students participated in immersive class sessions and peer-teaching activities in digital marketing and international business. HUTECH faculty led a session on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in digital marketing, stressing the importance of ethical AI usage in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. The discussions were complemented by SLSU-TO’s BSBA faculty, who presented business strategies and the intricacies of international marketing.

The day also included a company tour of Rhea Noemi Food Products in Libagon, Southern Leyte, where students observed firsthand the entrepreneurial spirit and innovations within the region.

The week concluded on March 5 with a heartfelt farewell ceremony. Students and faculty exchanged tokens of appreciation and performed various cultural pieces, further strengthening the bonds of friendship formed during the exchange. The closing ceremony featured performances by SLSU-TO’s Campus Idol finalists and a special rendition of "Hello Vietnam" by the HUTECH delegates. Dr. Betarmos expressed her gratitude for the enriching experiences.

As the delegates from HUTECH returned to Vietnam, they took with them not just academic knowledge, but also a deeper appreciation for Filipino culture and the potential for future collaboration.

Throughout the week, both institutions emphasized their commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on quality education, gender equality, and fostering global partnerships. By exploring issues related to rural development, community empowerment, and innovation, the collaboration between HUTECH and SLSU-TO furthered progress towards SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. These shared experiences demonstrated the importance of building bridges across borders to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.

[Photo courtesy | The Light Publication (The Official Student Publication of SLSU - Tomas Oppus]

Southern Leyte State University - Tomas Oppus Research, Innovation and Extension Services (SLSU-TO RIES) honored its outstanding partners with plaques of recognition during the Pagdayeg 2025 event, held on March 3, 2025. The ceremony, which also served as the Farewell Dinner for HUTECH delegates, was a key part of the SLSU-TO Campus Days festivities. The event was attended by university officials, faculty, students, HUTECH delegates and representatives from various partner agencies, which made it a memorable occasion that celebrated both collaboration and dedication to community and local development.

Among the honored partners were government organizations such as the DepEd-Southern Leyte Division, DepEd-Maasin City Division, and the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte, along with local government units including LGU-Bontoc, LGU-Padre Burgos, LGU-Libagon, LGU-Malitbog, LGU-Tomas Oppus, and BLGU-San Isidro.

Educational institutions like MLG-College of Learning, Bato Institute of Science and Technology, and DepEd-Malitbog Central School were also recognized for their valuable contributions. The Philippine National Police (PNP)-Bontoc, along with community-based groups such as the Rhea Noemi Food Products, Rural Improvement Club Hinapo Association, and Malitbog Agrarian Reform Cooperative, were also acknowledged for their significant roles in supporting the university's extension programs.

The awards were presented by Dr. Jude Duarte, University President; Dr. Francis Ann Sy, Vice President for RIES; and Dr. Clemente Cobilla, Campus Director of Tomas Oppus. Each of the partner agencies was recognized for their invaluable contributions to the university’s initiatives. As the evening concluded, attendees reflected on the importance of these partnerships, with SLSU-TO looking forward to further enhancing these collaborations to continue making a positive impact in the years ahead.

This event aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), as SLSU-TO continues to build sustainable partnerships that foster community development and inclusive growth.

[Photo courtesy | The Light Publication (The Official Student Publication of SLSU - Tomas Oppus)]

Southern Leyte State University – Tomas Oppus RIES initiated the SIBYA: Undergraduate Multidisciplinary Research Congress 2025, last March 4, 2025. The event provided a platform for undergraduate researchers from various disciplines to showcase their research outputs. The research congress was graced by participation from undergraduate researchers representing three core areas: Social Science Research, Biophysical Science Research, and Information Technology Research.

The program began with an introduction by Ms. Ma. Jovillea T. Palanca, the Extension Services Coordinator, who shared the objectives and purpose behind the SIBYA congress. Mr. Rolino G. Alvarez, Jr., the Research and Innovation Coordinator, followed with an introduction of the panel evaluators and the mechanics for the research presentation. Following the introductions, research groups from each discipline took the stage to present their findings. The event concluded with the awarding of the best thesis and best presenters in each category, recognizing the hard work and dedication of the students.

In the Social Science Research category, Mr. Edilberto Gula Jr.’s group, with their study titled “Pagsusuring Panggramatika sa mga Piling Akda Pampanitikan sa Matalom, Leyte” (Grammar Analysis of Selected Literary Works from Matalom, Leyte), emerged as the 1st Best Thesis. Meanwhile, Mr. Angelo Boyboy’s group, who presented “Enhancing Students’ Problem Solving Skills in Combinatorics through Differentiated Problem-Solving Strategies”, not only earned the 2nd Best Thesis award but also claimed the Best Presenter award for their compelling presentation.

In the Biophysical Science Research category, Ms. Adelfa Punay’s group received accolades for their research titled “Cassava Peelings and Rice Husks as Alternative Materials for Paper Bags,” which won both the Best Thesis and Best Presenter awards.

For Information Technology Research, Mr. Kim Subang’s group was awarded Best Thesis for their project “Development of Cane Obstacle Detection for Visually Impaired Individuals Using Embedded System with Gmaps and App Notification.” Mr. Mikhael Gadiz’s group also stood out, winning the Best Presenter award for their research “Aqua AI: Select Fish Identification App Using Machine Learning.”

The event highlighted the innovative spirit of SLSU-TO's undergraduate researchers for their contribution to advancing knowledge in their respective fields. The congress provided an excellent opportunity for students to not only enhance their academic skills but also build networks within the research community.

This event aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Climate Action (SDG 13).