The Office of the Extension Services (OES) of Southern Leyte State University successfully conducted a Capability-Building Seminar on Extension Proposal Creation and Compliance for the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM) on February 17, 2025, at the RIES Training Hall. This initiative aimed to enhance the faculty’s capacity to develop and refine extension proposals that align with the university’s extension priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The seminar began with a prayer, followed by Dr. Dinah F. Catamco, Dean of FHTM, delivering the opening remarks. She emphasized the crucial role of extension programs in fostering community engagement and institutional development, particularly in addressing global challenges through sustainable and inclusive initiatives.

A lecture on crafting extension proposals and compliance with institutional guidelines was conducted by Ms. Adelfa S. Diola, University Extension Director, and Ms. Adel Grace P. Gaudicos, Head of Extension Services. They provided valuable insights on structuring proposals, ensuring alignment with institutional and national priorities, and integrating strategies that reinforce the objectives of the SDG. An open forum followed the lecture, allowing participants to seek clarifications and engage in discussions about best practices in extension project implementation. During the writeshop session, faculty members drafted and refined their extension proposals under the guidance of the resource persons, ensuring that their initiatives would be impactful, community-driven, and directly contribute to sustainable development.

In the afternoon session, the faculty presented four extension proposals, each carefully designed to support specific SDGs: LGU-STEP (Strengthening Training for Employees Program): Aims to enhance workforce competencies, supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through skills development and professional training. 

FHTM (Fueling Hospitality and Tourism Marketing) in Malitbog : Focuses on empowering local tourism through strategic marketing and community involvement, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Skills Training in San Isidro: Provides hands-on skills development for livelihood sustainability, reinforcing SDG 4 (Quality Education) by ensuring access to lifelong learning opportunities.

Through this capability-building initiative, the Office of the Extension Services reaffirmed its commitment to equipping faculty members with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement meaningful and impactful extension programs. With a stronger foundation in extension project development, the FHTM faculty is now better prepared to drive community engagement, promote economic empowerment, and contribute to environmental sustainability. 

The Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) Maasin City Campus, in collaboration with the Transformed and Resilient Community through Alternative Indigenous Livelihoods (TRAIL) Project-Cycle II, recently held a two-day training on environmental protection and efficient Karlang planting and growing in Barangay Lonoy, Maasin City. The event, which took place on March 21-22, 2025, was designed to empower local farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their agricultural practices while contributing to environmental conservation.

Before the training sessions began, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Community Mapping, and Participatory Rural Appraisal were conducted to understand the strengths and challenges within the community. These activities provided valuable insights into the needs and opportunities for sustainable agricultural practices in Barangay Lonoy.

The training program focused on essential topics such as Site Selection and Land Preparation, Karlang Planting and Growing, Harvesting and Post-Harvesting, which were expertly delivered by Mr. Dominador P. Granada of the SLSU Hinunangan Campus. Mr. Granada, a recognized expert in the field of agriculture, shared his in-depth knowledge of Karlang planting and its importance to the local community. His expertise proved invaluable in ensuring that participants were equipped with the right techniques to successfully grow and harvest Karlang.

In addition to the practical sessions on Karlang cultivation, Dr. Jonathan J. Palco, a respected environmental advocate from SLSU Maasin City Campus, led a session on Environmental Protection. Dr. Palco's discussion highlighted the importance of safeguarding the environment and integrating sustainable practices into daily farming activities. His valuable insights emphasized how environmental protection can go hand in hand with successful agricultural ventures, creating a better future for both the farmers and the environment.

The event was graced by the active participation of Barangay Lonoy's farmers and constituents, who showed great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. The training was also supported by the leadership of Barangay Lonoy, with Barangay Captain Hon. Celestino Laraga and Agriculture President Hon. Perfecto Ramos (who also serves as a member of the barangay council) attending and actively engaging in the sessions.

“The knowledge shared during this training is vital for our community's growth. We are hopeful that with the right skills and knowledge, Barangay Lonoy will become one of the leading Karlang growers in the region,” said Hon. Celestino Laraga, the Barangay Captain of Lonoy.

The two-day event concluded with a sense of optimism, as the community members left with enhanced skills, greater environmental awareness, and a renewed hope for a sustainable and prosperous future. The initiative by SLSU-Maasin City Campus through its TRAIL Project has sparked a promising pathway for Barangay Lonoy, and the new skills gained from this training are expected to help transform and strengthen the community in the years ahead.

With the support of experts, local leaders, and the active participation of the farmers, the future looks bright for the Karlang industry in Barangay Lonoy.

Southern Leyte State University - Maasin City Campus successfully conducted its 2025 In-House Review of Research and Extension on March 12, 2024, at the Campus Director’s Conference Room. The event served as a platform for faculty researchers to present their ongoing and completed studies, as well as to share insights on extension projects aimed at community development.

The program began with the National Anthem and an invocation, followed by the SLSU Hymn. A warm welcome message was delivered by Campus Director Dr. Frederick C. Aniga, setting the tone for the event. Rannie M. Sumacot, Coordinator for Research & Innovation, presented the Statement of Purpose, emphasizing the crucial role of research and extension in institutional and community development. Dr. Shefferd Bib S. Bernales and Ms. Adelfa C. Diola provided valuable insights as evaluators, ensuring a rigorous review process.

The In-House Review Proper focused on both Research Proposals and Completed Research. Faculty members presented studies addressing social inclusion, community participation, justice, artificial intelligence in education, and the role of social work in addressing societal challenges. The discussions highlighted the practical applications of research in shaping policies and improving service delivery.

The event also featured Extension Progress Reports and Extension Proposals, which showcased ongoing and proposed projects aimed at gender awareness, employment partnerships, participatory project management, and barangay capacity-building. These initiatives demonstrated the university's commitment to community empowerment and social transformation.

A session on insights gained from the In-House Review was led by selected discussants, who underscored the significance of research-driven solutions to real-world challenges. The event concluded with a closing message from Dr. Jonathan J. Palco, EdD, Head of RIES, reaffirming the university’s commitment to fostering a research culture that addresses societal needs.

The 2025 In-House Review of Research and Extension reaffirmed SLSU-Maasin City Campus’ dedication to advancing knowledge and community service through research and outreach programs. By providing a venue for academic discourse and collaboration, the university continues to uphold its role in regional and national development through innovation and social responsibility. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), reflecting SLSU's commitment to inclusive and sustainable progress.

The Gender-Engaged Risk Assessment (GenRA) under the GenderSAFE Project was successfully conducted at the Brgy. Lunas Central Gymnasium, Brgy. Lunas, Maasin City on February 22, 2025. The event commenced with the preliminary activities, followed by a warm welcome delivered by Hon. Epifania F. Basa, the Barangay Captain.

The program was officially opened by Mr. Aris Rex Espinas, who introduced the first speaker for the day, Mrs. Irish Ann C. Padilla, for Session 1, titled "Gender Mainstreaming in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Initiatives." Mrs. Padilla emphasized the importance of incorporating gender perspectives into disaster risk reduction strategies, ensuring that the needs of both women and men, as well as marginalized groups, are considered in disaster management and resilience planning. Following this, Mrs. Renalain N. Bagtasus delivered Session 2 with a discussion on ‘Empowering Men, Women, Boys, and Girls, and Other Vulnerable Groups in DRR’. Lastly, Mr. Heddy C. Carbonilla led Session 3, which focused on Community Empowerment, specifically the theme of "Community Engagement and Participation." In his session, Mr. Carbonilla discussed effective strategies for involving local communities in decision-making processes, empowering them to actively engage in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

The sessions were designed to promote active participation, raise awareness on gender equality in disaster risk reduction, and strengthen community resilience through inclusive engagement. Throughout the event, the participants actively contributed to discussions, sharing their experiences and ideas on how to improve gender-responsive disaster initiatives in their communities. This collaborative effort will help build a more inclusive and resilient society for future disaster preparedness and response.

The GenderSAFE Project aims to continue fostering gender-sensitive approaches in disaster risk management and community empowerment through further activities and engagements in the coming months. This project targets SDG 5- Gender Equality, SDG 10- Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 11- Sustained Cities and Communities.