Initial Consultation Held Between USeP and SLSU-Maasin to Explore Collaborative Opportunities

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.