Maasin City, Southern Leyte — Upholding its mission to advance good governance and community empowerment, the Southern Leyte State University – Maasin City Campus (SLSU-MCC), through its Public Administration Department, successfully spearheaded a two-day capacity-building program titled “Enhancing Fiscal Transparency: Building Trust Through Open and Accountable Governance” on August 27–28, 2025, at Barangay Canturing, Maasin City.

The initiative aimed to strengthen public awareness on fiscal transparency, emphasizing the crucial role of openness and accountability in government financial management. It sought to help barangay officials and residents understand how transparency promotes trust and ensures that public resources are used efficiently and responsibly.

Throughout the two-day program, participants engaged in a series of interactive workshops, discussions, and case presentations facilitated by SLSU-MCC faculty members. These sessions covered key topics such as participatory budgeting, proper documentation of public funds, and citizen engagement in local fiscal monitoring.

In his message, Mr. Malachy Dagami, the activity leader, emphasized that fiscal transparency is not only a government responsibility but also a shared commitment between public officials and citizens. “When people understand where their taxes go and how funds are spent, it builds trust and strengthens democratic participation,” he said.

Barangay officials expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting that the training helped them better grasp the importance of transparency and accountability in day-to-day governance. The workshops also provided practical tools that they can apply in managing barangay projects and funds more effectively.

This extension activity forms part of SLSU-MCC’s continuous efforts to bridge academic expertise with community needs, reinforcing its core values of service, integrity, and social responsibility. Through programs like this, the university remains steadfast in promoting responsive and transparent local governance across Southern Leyte.

The event also strengthened the partnership between SLSU-MCC and the local government of Maasin City, highlighting their shared commitment to cultivating a culture of openness, accountability, and citizen empowerment at the grassroots level.

The External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA) Office, in partnership with the Graduate School, successfully conducted a language enrichment outreach program titled “Little Voices, Global Stories – A Language Enrichment Outreach Program” at Brgy. Libas Day Care Center, Sogod, on October 1, 2025.

The event was led by Prof. Mary Ann M. Miller, English Language Fellow, who facilitated an engaging storytelling session titled “Tales and Treasures.” The activity was joined by Dr. Ingrid M. Uy (Director, ELIA), Dr. Marie Khul C. Langub (Vice President for Students and Auxiliary Services), Ms. Irene Marcel H. Lagua (Head, Academe-Industry Linkages), Mr. Mark Donald S. Oja (Director of Instruction), and Dr. James Brian Flores (Director of Quality Assurance). Also present were SLSU graduate students, KF21 Ambassadors, barangay officials from Libas, and the Daycare teacher, all of whom contributed to the success of the initiative.

Children enthusiastically participated in interactive storytelling, songs, games, and creative activities such as coloring storybooks, including “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” Meanwhile, parents attended a language development session where they learned practical strategies to support their children’s learning at home. The event concluded with a feeding program that promoted holistic child development through both educational and nutritional support.

The outreach aimed to build children’s confidence in using both English and Cebuano, nurture their imagination and creativity, and foster intercultural understanding through engagement with an international fellow. It also empowered parents and provided graduate students with meaningful, applied learning experiences in education, communication, and community extension.

By integrating Internationalization-at-Home into grassroots initiatives, Southern Leyte State University advances the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promotes inclusive local development, thereby bridging education, culture, and community in a shared learning experience.

On September 30, 2025, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM) of Southern Leyte State University spearheaded a meaningful Community Outreach Program entitled “Fostering Hope, Transforming Minds” in celebration of World Tourism Day. The event took place at Barangay San Roque, Sogod, Southern Leyte, with the enthusiastic participation of local Day Care pupils.

The outreach highlighted the importance of nurturing young minds and promoting inclusive education. The children engaged in storytelling sessions, listening to inspiring book stories that sparked creativity, imagination, and a love for reading. The program also spread joy by treating the young participants to a festive Jollibee meal and snacks, creating a day filled with fun, learning, and laughter.

Organized and facilitated by the FHTM faculty led by Dr. Dinah F. Catamco, Dean of the Faculty, the event emphasized that tourism is not only about showcasing destinations but also about uplifting communities through compassion, education, and shared experiences. Supporting the program was University Librarian Geanrose Colonia, along with her dedicated staff, who played an integral role in conducting the literacy and learning activities.

More than just promoting tourism, the outreach exemplified the spirit of community and the values of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 17: Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 12: Partnership for the Goals.

The program served as a potent reminder that World Tourism Day is not only about promoting tourism awareness but also about fostering hope, building inclusive communities, and transforming lives, especially among the youth. Through initiatives like this, the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management continues to uphold its mission of community service, education, and nation-building—aligning with the global call for sustainable and inclusive development.