On October 8, Southern Leyte State University – Tomas Oppus Campus English Education Area and Dongon National High School (DNHS) held a consultative meeting to discuss an upcoming Campus Journalism training scheduled for November 25 to 27, 2024. This training aims to enhance the journalistic skills of both students and teacher-coaches and prepare them for future endeavors in media and communications. This training is expected to benefit eleven teachers and over fifty students from DNHS.

The training will focus on various forms of journalistic writing, including news articles, features, editorials, sports writing, and sci-tech writing, as well as principles of radio broadcasting, photojournalism, and editorial cartooning. The objectives of the training include cultivating an understanding of diverse journalistic forms, enhancing skills in writing, copy reading, and headline crafting, and encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity in school publications. Recent school activities—such as the opening day of classes, Buwan ng Wika, Teachers’ Day, Science Month, and the Intramural Games—will provide rich content for crafting articles during the training. DNHS will prepare an activity proposal, program sheets, and necessary photos to support the initiative.

The first day of the training will feature an opening program and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony. Participants will engage in parallel sessions focusing on topics such as feature writing, editorial writing, page layout, and more, with students grouped by interest and ability. Each day, three speakers and three student assistants from the Light organization will facilitate the sessions, adhering to the guidelines of the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC). The culmination of the training will take place on the afternoon of the third day, showcasing the students' outputs in campus journalism.

This training emphasizes the commitment of both SLSU TO and DNHS to promote a culture of excellence in journalism and equip the next generation with the skills necessary for effective communication and critical engagement with the world. Moreover, this adheres with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Through this training, both institutions are contributing to building a more informed and engaged society.

In a significant move to strengthen local governance, the SLSU English and Filipino Department and the LGU Tomas Oppus ABC Council formalized a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today, October 7, at the Mayor's Office. The agreement aims to enhance the writing proficiency skills of legislative officials in the municipality.

The signing ceremony commenced at 10 AM, with key stakeholders in attendance, including Mayor Jessica E. Pano, Vice Mayor Nicanor F. Tahup, LIGA President, Mr. Ian Escano, and representatives from SLSU TO. The project is designed to equip local Sanggunians with essential skills for drafting critical governance documents, thereby fostering better communication and improved work performance within the local government.

Mayor Pano expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “Effective governance hinges on clear and precise communication. By enhancing our officials' writing skills, we are paving the way for better decision-making and more transparent governance.”

As part of the project, participants will also learn techniques for writing in both English and Filipino, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in local governance communications. The signing of this MOA marks an important step toward enhancing the capabilities of Tomas Oppus's legislative officials, with the goal of achieving a more responsive and effective local government.
This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by promoting educational opportunities and enhancing governance structures.

Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus (SLSU-TO) hosted a benchmarking visit for Eastern Visayas State University-Burauen (EVSU-Burauen) faculty and staff on October 2, 2024, to share the implemented best practices for the teacher education program.

The EVSU-Burauen team, led by Mrs. Daisy Pedere, Head of the Education Department, concentrated on critical aspects of teacher education, including curriculum design, innovative course delivery methods, assessment strategies, and policies to improve student retention. Mrs. Pedere emphasized that the knowledge acquired from SLSU-TO would be invaluable in refining their programs. It would ensure high-quality education for their students, and she remarked, "Learning from SLSU-TO's best practices will allow us to elevate our teaching methodologies and ultimately benefit our students' academic journeys."
During the visit, Dr. Norla Grace A. Betarmos, Faculty Dean of Teacher Education at SLSU-TO, presented the university's rigorous admission process, which includes a competitive exam akin to the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

She also highlighted SLSU-TO's comprehensive faculty development programs encompass mentoring and collaborative initiatives across various campuses. Dr. Betarmos noted that SLSU-TO is recognized as a Center of Development in Teaching and has created prototype syllabi utilized nationwide. She stated, "Our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in teacher education is not just a goal; it's necessary for our students' success."

The EVSU faculty visited various departments, interviewing faculty and staff for best practices from the Mathematics, Science, and English Education offices. Some faculty members also toured the library, science laboratory, theater, and research and extension office.

Campus Director Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla expressed his commitment to supporting EVSU-Burauen through future collaborations, including joint research and innovation projects. He stated, "Together, we can create a stronger educational framework that benefits both our institutions and ultimately enriches the learning experience for our students." Both universities reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening their partnership through the ongoing sharing of expertise and resources, paving the way for enhanced educational opportunities in the region.

This initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), which emphasizes inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Four contending teams compete for one trophy, set to change the play and ready to dominate the game.

A brand-new name and a whole new look for high school and college students to experience. It was a day filled with zest and high spirits as the start of the Panagtigi 2023 of Southern Leyte State University Tomas Oppus campus finally arrived!

Even before the rays peeked into the vast sky, on September 18, 2023, at 4 AM, the biggest sports event on the campus commenced with a Fun Run with varied colors thrown at them. The students were already gearing up to win that cash prize and to start their day filled with colors before competing with the other teams. After the fun run, they also did Zumba for stretching and exercise.
Before the official start of the Panagtigi 2023, the solidarity meeting took place at the SLSU-TO covered court to decide the assignment of teams for the different competing events and sports through the random selection process. Their respective tournament organizers also disseminated The regulations and guidelines for the sports competitions.

The following events in the afternoon were the highlight of the day. Every student from different teams gathered at the SLSU-TO covered court to witness the program's opening. The program's host was Mr. Joshua Orais, the former SSC president and a 4th-year science student. The CPAG Choral filled the court with golden voices as they started the event by singing the prayer and our national anthem. OSAS Head, Dr. Pritzel Lee Capili, also went to the stage to give her welcome address and shared some insights about the true essence of competing. Students seemed to liven up as screams and cheers echoed loudly, covering the whole court when Mr. King Valds Anthony Berame announced the four contending teams: the Azure Dragons, Blazing Biz, iTitans, and the Valiant Sabertooth. The fiery spirit within them to win was ignited. The blaring screams revealed they were ready to devour and bring home the trophy.

After the raising of the banner by the general athletics managers and their advisers, the lighting of the urn followed to signify the friendship and sportsmanship of the teams by our Regional players of SLSU: Viennah Lyka Papa, Crystal Espere, Kristian Joy Garrote, and Andelene Suarez. After the urn was lit, the teams did the Oath of Amateurism. Dr. Constantino Medilo, the campus director, officially declared the opening of the intramural meet and ended the opening program.

It was now the most anticipated event for the students. The answer on who will be the Mr. and Ms. Panagtigi 2023 will soon be revealed. The event started with the introduction of the judges, starting with Mr. Erwin Thomas Lim, a Ginoong Sayaw runner-up and Mr. VSU 2019; Mrs. Tracy Ann Liew, Miss Indiana Aerospace University 1999 and Miss Southern Leyte 1st runner-up 1999; and the CEO of Skeen Life, Mr. Marvin Yepes.

The energy level heightened when the Bidlisiw Dance Troupe appeared on stage. Cheers and shrieks were heard all over the place as the candidates entered dressed in their production number embellished with poise and confidence. The Mr. and Ms. Panagtigi 2023 was hosted by Dr. Sybill Ledesma, who announced the special awards after the presentation of the candidates on stage. Ms. Alyeusha Gamale from the Azure Dragons brought home all the awards. In contrast, the popularity award from the male category was given to Mr. Johan Misoles from the Blazing Biz, Mr. Photogenic, and Mr. Congeniality was handed to Mr. Kent Perales from the Valiant Sabertooth. Mr. Skeen Life and Mr. Kumahig Dental Clinic were brought home by Mr. Anton Arquiza from the Azure Dragons.

Two performers from CPAG Choral belted the song "Let's get Physical" as the contestants walked on stage clad in their sportswear attire. The crowd let out their booming cheers as the candidates introduced their selves. Mr. Kent Perales and Mr. Khrystel Shayne Amarelle from Valiant Sabertooth, hailing from the Blazing Biz are Mr. Johan Misoles and Ms. Christine Claire Lacierda, Azure Dragons are Mr. Anton Arquiza and Ms. Alyeusha Gamale, and we have Mr. Jilbert Bation and Ms. Ivy Grace Bisnar from iTitans.

After strutting in their sporty outfits, the candidates had the spotlight on each one of them as they gave a speech that featured their advocacies. The mood shifted, and the cheers and screams toned down as Mr. Jon Ong from Laboratory High School serenaded as the female candidates sauntered across the stage, flaunting their glamorous modern-style Filipiniana gowns. Ms. Nikki Tagbak was next to take over the stage as the male candidates showed off their modern Barong Tagalog.

After the candidates displayed their brilliance and wit in answering the Question and Answer, it was nerve-wracking as the announcement of winners was now the next part of the event. All the students had their bets on who would take home the crown. iTitans from the male and female category earned the 3rd runner-up. In contrast, the 2nd runner-up was given to the male candidate of Blazing Biz and the female candidate of Valiant Sabertooth. The screams loudly echoed as the 1st runner-up was given to Mr. Kent Perales from Valiant Sabertooth and Ms. Christine Claire Lacierda for the Blazing Biz. Mr. Anton Arquiza and Ms. Alyeusha Gamale from the Azure Dragons were crowned as Mr. and Miss Panagtigi 2023.

The first day of the Panagtigi 2023 successfully ended, but it was only the beginning. The sports competitions await, and students are driven with power and enthusiasm to support their teams.