Southern Leyte State University Honors Excellence and Dedication at the GANDILAN Awards 2025

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) proudly celebrated the GANDILAN Awards 2025 during its 21st Charter Anniversary, recognizing the unwavering dedication, exceptional achievements, and meaningful contributions of its employees across various campuses. The event, inspired by the Civil Service Commission’s Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence, highlighted the university’s commitment to honoring individuals and teams who embody SLSU’s core values: excellence, service, leadership, innovation, social responsibility, integrity, professionalism, and spirituality.

A GANDILAN is a symbol of servant-heroism. This award served as a tribute to SLSU employees whose passion and hard work have created positive change within the university and the communities it serves.

The event highlighted different award categories that showcase the diverse talents and contributions of SLSU employees.

The recent awarding ceremony at Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) shone a spotlight on the diverse talents and contributions of its employees through a variety of recognition categories. The event celebrated the commitment, innovation, and excellence of the university’s teaching and non-teaching staff from across its campuses.

Among the standout recognitions was the Bloomer Award, granted to the Student Welfare Services Unit headed by Mrs. Nenita V. Flores, Guidance Counselor II, for their dedication to student development and well-being. 

The Light Breaker Award, recognized a significant number of staff across several campuses. From the Main Campus, awardees included Adolfo C. Ancheta, Emmanuel L. Bello, Yancy Maria R. Dayola, Virginia N. De Gracia, Elvie D. Duran, Andres A. Hinayas, Elve Anthony A. Lobo, Mark Neil E. Macarat, Juvy P. Obus, Geraldine A. Paler, Catherine B. Redondo, Virgencita C. Saavedra, Carlo T. Trasmonte, Carol T. Tulang, and Flordeliza E. Vitor. From the Tomas Oppus Campus, the honorees were DB Lyn D. Balagon, Leslie S. Capilitan, Joey A. Caraquil, Ginalyn B. Carbonilla, Rex M. Lucino, Nadine C. Matondo, Susan B. Maulas, Joseph Anthony M. Romero, Gloria V. Sala, and Rissa Fe M. Yuag. Maasin City Campus was represented by Irish Ann C. Padilla; San Juan Campus awardees included Elysha S. Alvarado, Felix L. Bolocon, Carla L. Bulacan, Arnel O. Malubay, and Conrado M. Mando; while Hinunangan Campus recognized Rubie P. Cuenco, Antonio N. Humangit, Wade C. Lim, and Edelyn P. Nuñez.

The Extra Mile Award recognized those who went above and beyond their duties. Honorees from the Main Campus included Edwin B. Cajoles, Jona Mae C. Espere, Sharra Mae M. Gonzalez, Carlos Martin M. Irica, Ryan A. Macuto, Elizabeth B. Moralita, Junjun G. Tahil, and Shyn Luege Villaflores. From Hinunangan Campus, Leslie Anne C. Caberte and Jonanthan L. Pasayan received the award.

In the Extensionist Award category, Jimmy E. Salamida of Bontoc Campus and Mark B. Galdo of Tomas Oppus Campus were honored for their exceptional community outreach and engagement initiatives. For excellence in research, Main Campus' Vernabelle L. Balmori and Bontoc Campus' Gladys L. Pascual were awarded the Researcher Award.

As the awardees stepped up to receive their plaques and tokens of appreciation, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude and pride. Each award represented more than just recognition — it was a symbol of years of hard work, passion, and love for SLSU.

The Loyalty Award honored long-serving employees of Southern Leyte State University for their unwavering dedication and commitment over the years. Recognized for 10 years of service were Jonathan J. Palco, Jacinto P. Baclayon Jr., and Ruther B. Manun-og. Marking 15 years of service were Nestnie D. Honrada, Mario T. Kuizon, Abegail L. Bano, Norlyn L. Borong, Erlinda D. Tibus, and Melvin S. Sarsale. Those who reached 20 years included Marie Khul C. Langub, Cheryliza P. Luzon, and Nadine C. Matondo. Celebrating 25 years of service were Stella Marie D. Consul, Epifanio C. Masiar Jr., Constantino G. Medilo Jr., and Jose William A. Viros. Meanwhile, Gloria V. Sala and Renato M. Tindugan were honored for their 30 years of dedicated service. Mercy F. Jadraque received recognition for 35 years, while Evelyn T. Guasa was commended for her remarkable 40 years of loyal service to the university

Also presented were the Service Recognition Awards for remarkable years of dedication: Narcisa L. Amolo (30 years), Susana B. Ceniza (43 years), Jessie A. Cola (37 years), Elvie D. Duran (41 years), Felipa J. Gonzales (27 years), Annabelle M. Hufalar (42 years), and Jose P. Monteroso (26 years).

For exemplary performance throughout the year, the Staff of the Year award was given to Jose V. Palogod (Main Campus), Azel Rose M. Cabel (Tomas Oppus Campus), and Abdel Khan B. Sampang (San Juan Campus).

The Faculty of the Year award was bestowed on Mark B. Galdo from Tomas Oppus Campus.

The celebration reached a heartfelt moment when the University President took the stage to recognize the recipients of the Heroes Excellence Award.The prestigious Heroes Excellence Award was presented to Mr. Nestnie D. Honrada under the Individual Category for his pivotal contributions to the improvement of SLSU’s University Information Systems. In the Department Category, the Finance Management Division earned recognition for its exceptional fiscal performance for FY 2024, boasting a 99.25% Obligations Budget Utilization Rate (BUR) and a 99.52% Disbursements BUR—underscoring its dedication to efficient and timely execution of programs, projects, and activities.

As the awardees stepped up to receive their plaques and tokens of appreciation, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude and pride. Each award represented more than just recognition — it was a symbol of years of hard work, passion, and love for SLSU.

The GANDILAN Awards 2025 closed with a renewed sense of pride and unity, reminding everyone that behind every milestone achieved by SLSU are individuals whose dedication and love for service create meaningful change.