Green Milestone: SLSU Secures Environmental Compliance Certificates for All Six Campuses

Southern Leyte State University has achieved another major institutional milestone after all six of its campuses were issued Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Environmental Management Bureau Region VIII on April 21 and 23, 2026.

The ECCs cover the University’s existing, ongoing, and proposed infrastructure projects – including academic buildings, laboratories, student facilities, administrative offices, support structures, utilities, and other campus developments – across Maasin City Campus, Tomas Oppus Campus, Bontoc Campus, Sogod Campus, San Juan Campus, and Hinunangan Campus.

The issuance was made pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1586, which established the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System to ensure that development initiatives are planned and implemented responsibly, sustainably, and with full regard for environmental protection and public welfare.

This landmark accomplishment reflects the University’s steadfast commitment to responsible growth, strategic planning, and sustainable campus modernization. By securing ECCs for all six campuses, SLSU demonstrates that infrastructure expansion can move forward while safeguarding natural resources, promoting ecological balance, reducing environmental risks, and complying with national regulatory standards.

More significantly, the achievement directly advances the University’s mission of becoming a smart and green university. As SLSU continues to pursue innovative learning spaces, resilient academic infrastructure, renewable energy systems, smart technologies, digital transformation, and environmentally sound facilities, the ECC approvals provide a strong legal and environmental foundation for future development initiatives.

The certification also enhances the University’s readiness to implement priority projects that will strengthen instruction, research, extension services, student welfare, disaster resilience, and community engagement across its campuses. It signals that SLSU is prepared to pursue progress through development pathways that are both inclusive and environmentally responsible. The milestone likewise complements and solidifies SLSU’s distinction as the Ranked No. 1 University in Eastern Visayas in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2025. It affirms that the University’s sustainability agenda is not only recognized globally but is also supported by concrete institutional action, sound governance, and measurable compliance at the local level.

With environmental clearances now secured across all campuses, SLSU is poised to accelerate transformative projects that will benefit students, faculty, staff, and communities – further proving that progress and sustainability can rise together.