March is a month dedicated to honoring the invaluable contributions of social workers. At SLSU Maasin City Campus, the Social Work Department strives to make this celebration a meaningful event. The opening ceremony on March 4, 2025, marked the official start of Social Work Month 2025. Students, faculty, staff, and key campus officials gathered to kick off the month-long festivities, filled with excitement and anticipation. The event began with motivational messages that inspired the audience, followed by a lively unity dance. The highlight of the ceremony was the declaration of the opening of Social Work Month by the department head, Elmee Joy D. Oraiz, setting the tone for an action-packed month ahead. The crowd erupted in applause as the candidates vying for the Mr. and Ms. Social Work 2025 titles showcased their grace, intellect, and beauty, drawing excitement from the audience.

In addition to the vibrant opening, the Social Work Department—along with the JSWAP SLSU MCC and second-year social work students—hosted an insightful Gender and Development Seminar titled "Reshaping Narratives: Gender and Development in the 21st Century" on the same day. The seminar, led by resource speaker Ms. Chrisly Orit De Asis, provided a comprehensive overview of gender issues and their impact on society. Students engaged in interactive discussions, gaining a deeper understanding of gender equity, gender-based violence, and the essential role social workers play in fostering inclusive and equitable communities. The seminar sparked fresh perspectives on how social work professionals can drive positive change in society by addressing gender inequality and promoting human rights.

One of the most heartwarming moments of Social Work Month was the outreach activity on March 22, 2025. JSWAP SLSU MCC officers, student volunteers, faculty, and staff traveled to Dolho, Bato, Leyte, to conduct "Hugs of Hope," a community outreach event for Sama-Badjao children. This initiative was a touching reminder of the social work profession's commitment to serving marginalized communities. The event included fun games, prizes, and a shared meal that brought joy to the children, while community leaders expressed their gratitude for the support and kindness extended to them. This outreach not only brought smiles to the children's faces but also reinforced the Social Work Department's mission to build stronger, more inclusive communities.

On March 26, 2025, the campus was filled with a competitive spirit as academic events such as a quiz bee, poster-making, essay writing, and extemporaneous speaking contests took center stage. Each year level showcased their intellectual prowess and creativity, vying for the prestigious accolades in each contest. The culmination of Social Work Month was marked by a grand ceremony on March 27, 2025, which recognized academic achievers and competition winners. The event featured moving speeches from esteemed guests, including Dr. Jude A. Duarte, the University President, and Erlend Johannesen, founder of Streetlight Philippines Inc. Both emphasized the importance of social workers in shaping society. The festivities concluded with a unity dance performance and a heartfelt closing from Dr. Magdaleno Samaco Jr., Faculty Dean. The month’s activities highlighted not only the academic excellence of social work students but also their commitment to service, community, and creating a better world for all.

As Social Work Month 2025 at SLSU Maasin City Campus captivated the hearts of students and faculty, the highly anticipated Mr. and Ms. Social Work 2025 pageant finally took center stage. The evening was filled with excitement and anticipation as candidates from all year levels showcased their grace, passion, intellect, beauty, and poise in each segment of the competition. Despite the heavy rain, the contestants delivered breathtaking performances that wowed the audience. From the dazzling production number to the preliminary question-and-answer round, professional attire showcase, and the final Q&A, each participant demonstrated not only elegance but also the intellect and wit essential for earning the title.

The event became an unforgettable highlight of the month, as the candidates poured their hearts into each segment, showcasing their deep commitment to the social work profession. The crowd cheered for every contestant as they exhibited not just beauty, but also critical thinking and compassion that define the future of social work. Ultimately, the crowns were awarded to Gabriel Wong, a third-year BSSW student, as Mr. Social Work 2025, and Cindy Ella Layola, a fourth-year BSSW student, as Ms. Social Work 2025. The emotional moment was made even more special by the announcement of the overall winner by Social Work Department Head Elmee Joy D. Oraiz, with the third-year BSSW students emerging victorious in the competition.

The success of the pageant, like all the activities throughout the month, emphasized the core values of the social work profession—dedication, service, and a profound commitment to making a positive impact.

Southern Leyte State University - Maasin City Campus took a decisive step in combating the growing problem of illegal drug use by hosting the "Symposium on Anti-Illegal Drugs" on March 26, 2025. The event, held at the SLSU-Maasin City Campus (MCC) on the 3rd Floor of the P.E. Hall, aimed to educate and empower NSTP students, and selected faculty in the campus with knowledge and strategies to fight drug abuse.

The symposium's promotional materials featured stark imagery depicting the devastating consequences of drug addiction, reinforcing the powerful message "SAY NO TO DRUGS." This visual campaign emphasizes the Maasin City's Philippine National Police, and the campus' commitment to creating a drug-free community. Dr. Magdaleno T. Samaco Jr., Campus Dean, delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing that, "This is a crucial activity that is not just an event or a law enforcement issue, but a societal concern that demands a multi-sectoral approach to fight against illegal drugs." Dr. Samaco also incorporated the idea of aligning the symposium's purpose with the National Sustainable Development Goals (NSDG) Number 3 (Health and Wellness) and Number 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), emphasizing the need to strengthen justice and security through awareness and collective action.

Aurora Abadiano, Health Service Coordinator, introduced the keynote speaker, Police Staff Sergeant Lunisa P. Obus, and Police Corporal Ma. Asuncion M. Magallano from the Maasin City Police Station in Combado, Maasin City. PSSgt. Obus delivered a comprehensive presentation on drug education, focusing on "Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo" and the fight against illegal drugs, highlighting how these substances alter the mind and body. The presentation covered regulated and prohibited drugs, their origins (natural and synthetic), and the effects of stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. Afterwards, an interactive discussion between the speaker and the attendees took place, where questions relating to the concerns and curiousness of students about the activity were stated.

Conrad Owyn Novh Y. Mercado, the event's Master of Ceremony, stressed the importance of raising awareness, fostering dicussions, and strengthening collective efforts. He called for collaboration among community leaders, policymakers, law enforcers, and the youth to build a drug-free community. The symposium also highlighted the role of educators in drug prevention and the responsibilities of policymakers as future public administrators. The NSTP program at SLSU was emphasized as a crucial platform for integrating information on the adverse effects of prohibited drugs for prevention and combat. Engr. Ma. Dulce Gonzales delivered the closing remarks, reinforcing the message, "We say no to drugs. Saying no is not a form of weakness, but a form of strength we must have. The pressure and influence of others should not affect us in saying no to drugs."

The "Symposium on Anti-Illegal Drugs" served as a platform for collaboration and commitment, inspiring attendees to take action and contribute to a drug-free community. The Philippine National Police and the campus' proactive collaboration and approach underscores its dedication to the well-being of its students and the broader community it serves.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte – In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Southern Leyte State University-Maasin City Campus (SLSU-MCC) initiated the "Panaghiusa sa Kaalam, Kaugmaon ug Malambuong Komunidad" community outreach program on March 5th, 2025, bringing much-needed support to various sectors of the city.

The program aimed to extend a helping hand to some of the city's most vital, yet often overlooked, contributors. Beneficiaries included day care learners and workers, motorcycle and potpot drivers, and sidewalk vendors.

The entire SLSU-MCC faculties, worked diligently to provide assistance and foster a sense of unity within the community. One of the highlights of the event was the distribution of 100 cups of warm and nourishing "arroz caldo," a Filipino rice porridge, providing sustenance to the beneficiaries.

The outreach program showcased the university's commitment to social responsibility and its dedication to strengthening ties with the surrounding community. By targeting these essential workers, SLSU-MCC recognized their invaluable contributions to the daily life and economy of Maasin City.

The Campus Information Systems and Analytics (CISA) team from Southern Leyte State University - Maasin City Campus (SLSU-MCC), along with the Physical Plant Development and Maintenance Office (PPDMO), conducted a benchmarking visit to SLSU-Hinunangan Campus on February 19, 2025. The delegation was led by Mr. Rannie Sumacot, Head of CISA, and included Mr. Florito Cortel, Mr. Mark Eleutaire Fernandez, Mr. Nicko Salazar, Engr. Regie Bero, and Mr. Reynante Lorzano.

Upon their arrival, the team first paid a courtesy visit to the Campus Director, Mr. Wade C. Lim, before proceeding with their site visits. Accompanying them were the Planning Officer of Hinunangan Campus, Engr. Noel Bugais, and the Head of CISA in Hinunangan, Mr. Jonathan Pasayan. The benchmarking focused on assessing various campus facilities and technological implementations, with particular attention to sustainable energy practices, internet infrastructure, and modern academic resources. Hinunangan Campus also shared their Microsoft Office 365 license with Maasin Campus and assured that they would provide and share their licensed café management system for free when Maasin Campus fully implements an internet laboratory this year. Additionally, their Microsoft 365 setup ensures that Windows OS and Office are licensed and integrated with Azure Active Directory for centralized management and security, and they will share it with Maasin Campus.

One of the key areas of interest was the Hinunangan Campus' solar farm and its full-scale solar-powered energy system. The team examined the efficient implementation of solar energy, which powers the entire Main Distribution Frame (MDF) and Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) of the smart campus project. This ensures that internet connectivity remains uninterrupted even in the event of a main line electricity outage. Additionally, the solar energy system provides power to all computer units in the administrative building, guaranteeing that critical transactions and operations are not disrupted. The team also explored the campus’ internet laboratory, where an innovative automated air conditioning system is employed, activating only when individuals are present to conserve energy.

In addition, the team reviewed the server infrastructure, observing the well-maintained server racks and dedicated air conditioning units designed for 24/7 operation, all powered by solar energy. The computer laboratory of the Information Technology (IT) department, headed by Mr. Ruther Manun-og, was another highlight, where each computer is connected to a dedicated internet connection with a minimum speed of 15Mbps, utilizing Starlink for high-speed access, where majority of the software used by the students are fully licensed, while others are free to use

The benchmarking also extended to the gymnasium, where the team was given access to the control room to observe and operate the advanced sound system and LED wall. Further exploration led them to the Multi-purpose Academic Building (MAB), which boasts extensive Wi-Fi coverage and a dedicated control room for audiovisual management.

Lastly, the team visited Academic Building 1, which houses the campus library. The library is designed to cater to various student needs, featuring a silent room for individual study, a discussion room for collaborative learning, and a dedicated computer room for research and coursework.

This benchmarking activity aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), emphasizing the importance of technology-driven learning environments and sustainable infrastructure. The visit provided valuable insights into innovative campus developments, particularly in energy efficiency, internet connectivity, and academic resource management, which the SLSU-Maasin team aims to adopt to enhance their own campus facilities and services.