From Maintenance to Mastery: SLSU Conducts GenSO Cross-Training in AC Maintenance

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) has once again demonstrated its commitment to workforce empowerment and operational resilience through the successful conduct of the “Growth and Empowerment through Needs-based Skill Optimization (GENSO): Cross-Training Program in Air-Conditioning Maintenance,” held on July 2, 2025, at Edwin Technical School, Salvacion, Sogod, Southern Leyte.

Spearheaded by the Office of the Supervising Administrative Officer for Administration, the training gathered diverse members of the Main Campus’ General Services Office (GenSO) workforce — including utility workers, carpenters, drivers, an air-conditioning technician, an electrician, and a plumber. This strategic initiative aims to strengthen SLSU’s internal technical capacity following the retirement of its air-conditioning technician, ensuring continuous, efficient, and sustainable maintenance services in the campus.

In his welcome message, University President Dr. Jude A. Duarte underscored the value of the training for each participant’s growth and the wider benefit to the University community:

“This will strengthen your credentials. It is an opportunity for you to learn and grow, regardless of gender. As you expand your skills and capacity, it opens up more opportunities for you to contribute further to the University. This will also pave the way for you to secure a TESDA NC II certification in the future,” he said.

The comprehensive training program featured four focused modules designed to build both essential and technical competencies:

• Basic Competencies: Participants revisited core workplace values and skills, covering Workplace Communication, Working in a Team Environment, Career Professionalism, and Occupational Health and Safety Practices.

• Common Competencies – Part 1: Trainees honed practical skills in Preparing Tools and Materials, Mensuration and Calculation, Basic Benchwork, and participated in a Hands-On Demonstration of Tools Handling and Safety Protocols.

• Common Competencies – Part 2: The training advanced into more technical tasks such as Basic Electrical Works, Preventive Maintenance Tasks, and Cleaning and Servicing of Units.

• Final Competencies: To round off their learning, participants tackled Housekeeping Practices and Proper Documentation of Work Accomplished, ensuring they are ready to implement these skills reliably in real settings.

One of the most remarkable highlights of the program was the immersive, hands-on activities where all trainees — including the women GenSO personnel — actively engaged in the assembly and safe operation of oxygen and acetylene welding equipment, a vital skill in maintenance work. Participants also performed proper general cleaning of both window-type air-conditioning units and floor-mounted split-type air conditioners — practical exercises that strengthened their confidence in handling actual maintenance demands.

To maximize learning and collaboration, the trainees were grouped into teams of three and challenged to dismantle air-conditioning units, conduct thorough cleaning, and reassemble them, applying their newly acquired knowledge and techniques under the guidance of resource person Sir Edwin B. Cajoles and with the assistance of Sir Nelson O. Estrera.

Through this well-rounded program, SLSU not only upskilled its frontline GenSO personnel but also reinforced its commitment to Strategic Goal No. 5 of its Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2025–2029 LUPAD, which champions professional development and people-centered policies. This initiative also echoes SLSU’s contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically by promoting quality education (SDG 4) through non-formal technical training, advancing decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) through inclusive workforce development, strengthening industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9) by building internal technical resilience, and supporting responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) by institutionalizing preventive maintenance practices that prolong equipment lifespan and ensure resource efficiency.

This training successfully laid the groundwork for stronger internal capability building, future technical specialization, and succession planning — ensuring that the University’s essential services remain uninterrupted while empowering its people to grow professionally.

Southern Leyte State University proudly salutes its dedicated GenSO team for embracing continuous learning and growth — true Kingfishers rising higher, together.