A one-day training workshop on the adoption of the Procurement Management Information System (PMIS) was successfully conducted on October 2, 2025, at the Southern Leyte State University - Main Campus (SLSU-MCC). It was commenced with a welcome message by the campus’ Administrative Officer, Ms. Madonna Grace Jacobe, and then followed by an inspirational message from the Campus Director, Dr. Frederick Aniga. The workshop brought together procurement officers, administrative staff, and key university personnel in preparation for the full implementation of the digital system aimed at streamlining procurement processes across the institution.

The session was facilitated by experts from the university’s procurement and IT offices. The training aimed to familiarize participants with the functionalities of the PMIS, focusing on its role in improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability in procurement transactions. The workshop continued with the shared expertise of Mr. Robin Ariel Sumaya for the formulation of PPMP using the PMIS together with Mr. Reymark Cativo for the generation of APP.

Participants engaged in hands-on activities, simulations, and discussions covering the end-to-end procurement workflow—from project procurement management planning to contract implementation and monitoring—all within the digital platform.  Emphasis was placed on data accuracy, compliance with government procurement policies, and system security.

The event marked a vital step toward the university’s commitment to modernizing its administrative systems and promoting good governance practices in public service.

September 16–19, 2025 | ICMAR 2025

The International Conference on Methodological Advances in Research (ICMAR) 2025 successfully brought together researchers and professionals for a four-day academic convergence held from September 16 to 19, 2025. The event spotlighted innovations and insights across four critical thematic tracks:

• Track 1: Social Sustainability

• Track 2: Inclusive Development

• Track 3: Sustainable Economic Development

• Track 4: Environmental Sustainability

This year’s ICMAR was a beacon for researchers passionate about advancing sustainable and inclusive progress through interdisciplinary inquiry.

SLSU–Maasin City Campus Participants Make Their Mark

Representing Southern Leyte State University – Maasin City Campus (SLSU-MCC), two faculty researchers made significant contributions to the conference, each showcasing research aligned with the university's mission to foster academic excellence and community-centered innovation.

Karina G. Gutierrez

Track 3: Sustainable Economic Development
Paper Title: "Optimizing Library Services: A Development Study for a Library Information System at Southern Leyte State University – Maasin City Campus"

Karina G. Gutierrez presented a timely development study that seeks to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of library services through the design and optimization of a digital Library Information System (LIS). The research addressed existing gaps in service delivery and resource management, offering a tech-driven solution tailored for SLSU-MCC. The study emphasized the potential of digital transformation in supporting academic institutions’ economic sustainability through efficient resource utilization.

Lucia Estella Grace A. Abaa

Track 2: Inclusive Development
Paper Title: "Describing the OJT Program of BS-Social Work in SLSU–MCC"

Lucia Estella A. Abaa shared a descriptive study focusing on the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program for Bachelor of Science in Social Work students. The research provided valuable insights into how practical field exposure contributes to student development and community engagement. Abaa’s work highlighted the OJT program’s role in promoting inclusivity by equipping future social workers with real-world competencies to serve diverse populations effectively.

Championing Local Solutions on a Global Stage

The participation of SLSU-MCC in ICMAR 2025 underscores the university’s commitment to research excellence and social impact. Both presentations not only addressed institutional improvements but also reflected broader development goals that resonate with national and international sustainable development agendas.

As the conference concluded, it was evident that local research initiatives—like those of Gutierrez and Abaa—play a vital role in shaping resilient, inclusive, and future-ready communities.

On September 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM, a consultation meeting was conducted via Zoom between the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and SLSU-Maasin City Campus. The session focused on exploring a potential partnership, particularly involving SLSU’s Public Administration Department.

The meeting served as a platform to discuss opportunities for academic collaboration, research initiatives, and capacity-building programs that could strengthen both institutions’ contributions to public service education. These initiatives support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, by enhancing higher education quality and access, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through the promotion of effective, accountable, and inclusive public institutions.

Representatives from both universities were present. From the SLSU-Maasin City Campus: Campus Director Frederick C. Aniga, Faculty Dean Karina G. Guttierez, Head of RIES Jonathan Palco, Research Coordinator Rannie Sumacot, Extension Coordinator Josecca B. Dumalag, Program Head for the Public Administration Department Riza Jean C. Pasculado, Faculty Representative Juvenal Sumaya, VP for Academic Affairs Constantino Medilo, and Director for Research and Innovation Khorina O. Aguilar. From the USeP: Dr. Gilbert Importante, Dr. Jeneifer Nueva, a representative from the Project Development Office, and other key officials.

Both institutions expressed interest in pursuing cooperative activities that would benefit students, faculty, and the broader community, contributing to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering cross-institutional collaboration for sustainable development.

The dialogue marked the first step in identifying potential areas of cooperation. Both institutions look forward to further discussions that may eventually lead to a formalized partnership in support of advancing public administration education and practice.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte — Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) – Maasin City Campus has successfully completed its 4,200-watt solar project, a landmark initiative that enhances the campus’s resilience, promotes sustainability, and supports the university’s commitment to innovation.

The project, led by Mr. Rannie M. Sumacot, Head of the Campus Information Systems and Analytics (CISA), marks an important achievement as SLSU-Maasin becomes the second campus in the university system to embrace a solar-powered solution, following the pioneering effort of the Hinunangan Campus.

This solar-powered setup ensures that essential digital and operational services of the campus remain consistently reliable, even during unexpected power interruptions. It demonstrates how renewable energy can be harnessed to safeguard critical systems, reduce dependence on traditional power sources, and minimize the environmental footprint of university operations.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the initiative advances the university’s contributions to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Beyond its immediate benefits, the project symbolizes SLSU’s proactive role in addressing global challenges through local action.

The completion of this solar project signifies more than technological progress. It embodies the campus’s forward-thinking approach to resilience, sustainability, and educational excellence. By investing in renewable energy, the Maasin City Campus demonstrates how higher education institutions can serve as models of responsible innovation, inspiring other campuses and organizations to adopt similar solutions.

This milestone also strengthens the university’s broader vision of future-ready campuses—where technology, sustainability, and service to the community are seamlessly integrated. For students, faculty, and staff, it assures access to dependable campus systems and services. For the university as a whole, it represents a step closer to becoming a leader in sustainable academic infrastructure in the region.

With Hinunangan paving the way and Maasin now following suit, the solar project is gradually becoming part of SLSU’s identity as a forward-looking institution. The initiative not only secures today’s needs but also lays the foundation for a greener, more resilient tomorrow.