SLSU, Sogod–Bontoc–Tomas Oppus Sign Pact to Boost Grow-out Farming Through Solar Aquatech Innovation

Sogod, Southern Leyte — February 13, 2026 — Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through the Office of Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (RIES), formally strengthened its partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Sogod, Bontoc, and Tomas Oppus through the signing of a Sponsorship Agreement (For Training and Technology Pilot Testing Support) held at the RIES Training Hall.

The program opened with the arrival and registration of guests, followed by an opening prayer and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, setting a formal and unified tone for the gathering. A welcome message was delivered by Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, who emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts that bring university innovations closer to communities. This was followed by the overview of the project, where participants were introduced to the initiative titled “Field Testing and Market Validation of Cost-Efficient Solar-Powered Self-Navigating Paddle Wheel Aerator System for Grow-out Farming.” The overview highlighted how the project intends to pilot test and validate a novel aquaculture technology that supports more productive and sustainable fish farming operations through technical training and localized demonstrations.

After the project overview, the activity proceeded with the reading of the Sponsorship Agreement, led by Engr. Jonelle H. Tablada, Director for Extension Services, who also introduced the sponsorship partners to formally recognize the LGU collaborators and clarify the intent of the partnership. The ceremonial signing followed, marking the official commitment of the parties involved. The agreement was signed by SLSU President Jude A. Duarte, DPA, together with the municipal mayors of the sponsoring LGUs: Hon. Sheffered Lino S. Tan (LGU-Sogod), Hon. Noel E. Alinsub (LGU-Bontoc), and Hon. Ivan Pano (LGU-Tomas Oppus).

The program then shifted to the post-signing segment, which featured the Message of Commitment from the Mayors, affirming their support in providing venues, logistical assistance, pilot testing sites, and stakeholder mobilization within their respective jurisdictions. A Message of Support from the University President followed, reinforcing SLSU’s commitment to evidence-based extension initiatives and innovation-driven solutions that benefit communities. The ceremony concluded with the giving of tokens, an official photo session, and closing remarks delivered by Engr. Khorina O. Aguilar, Director for Research and Innovation. The entire program was facilitated by Ms. Devora Palero, who served as Master of Ceremonies.

At the heart of the agreement is SLSU’s innovation project titled “Field Testing and Market Validation of Cost-Efficient Solar-Powered Self-Navigating Paddle Wheel Aerator System for Grow-out Farming.” Under the agreement, SLSU serves as the Organizer, responsible for developing the training modules, providing resource persons, supplying the required pilot testing equipment, and leading the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of all activities. The sponsoring LGUs—Sogod, Bontoc, and Tomas Oppus—commit to provide training venues and logistical support, allocate and prepare designated pilot testing and demonstration sites, and facilitate the mobilization of participants and relevant stakeholders. The partnership is non-monetary in nature, anchored on in-kind support and collaborative implementation, and remains effective from February 13, 2026 until the completion of the scheduled training and pilot testing activities, subject to written extension as mutually agreed.

Anchored on innovation and community impact, the collaboration supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting clean and reliable energy solutions for aquaculture (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy), strengthening fish-farming productivity and livelihood opportunities (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth), and advancing practical innovation through real-world technology validation (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). It also encourages more efficient and responsible production practices in grow-out farming (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production), contributes to climate-responsive approaches by supporting renewable-energy-based systems (SDG 13: Climate Action), and highlights the strength of university–LGU collaboration in delivering shared outcomes (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).

Through this partnership, SLSU and the three LGUs reaffirm a shared direction: bringing research-powered solutions closer to communities, strengthening local capacity through training, and ensuring that technologies are tested, validated, and improved based on real field needs—so that innovation creates impact from the university to the fishponds of Southern Leyte.