SLSU–Bontoc Joins 3rd PAPSAS Region VIII Regional Conference in Palo, Leyte

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU)–Bontoc actively participated in the 3rd PAPSAS Region VIII Regional Conference, held from December 3 to 5 at Fan’s Hotel in Palo, Leyte, alongside Student Affairs and Student Services (SASS) practitioners from across Eastern Visayas. 

The three-day event focused on professional development, collaboration, and the strengthening of student services and welfare in higher education institutions.

The SLSU–Bontoc delegation included Dr. Peter June D. Dadios, (Head, Student Auxiliary Services) ; Carlo M. Cabillo, On-the-Job Training (OJT) Coordinator; Evelyn Guasa, Guidance Counselor; Lowella Prado, Campus Librarian; Jilden Anavesa, NSTP Coordinator; and Shiela Mae Amparo, Administrative Assistant & Scholarship Coordinator. Their participation reflected the university's commitment to enhancing student support systems and engaging in regional professional networks. 

The conference opened on December 3, 2025  with participant registration, a Eucharistic Celebration, and opening preliminaries. Mr. Lowe S. Taña, President of PAPSAS Region VIII, delivered the welcome message, while Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, CHED Region VIII Director, highlighted the role of Student Affairs in fostering holistic student development. Hon. Jude A. Acidre Member of the House of Representatives & Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education delivered the keynote address, emphasizing leadership, policy support, and proactive student services as key factors in creating safe and inclusive learning environments.

SLSU–Bontoc representatives actively engaged in the sessions, which covered topics such as child discipline, school legal essentials, disaster communication, and school-based disaster risk reduction strategies. Resource speakers included Atty. Robin Docena, Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada, Dr. Rowena S. Guiang, Charllindo S. Torrion, and Cyril Jose Ignacio, who shared practical, research-based insights relevant to Student Affairs work.

A highlight of the conference was the Gawad PAPSAS Awards Night, which recognized outstanding contributions in Student Affairs. Ms. Evelyn Guasa of SLSU–Bontoc received an award for her 30 years of dedicated service as a guidance counselor and scholarship coordinator, celebrating her long-standing commitment to student welfare and professional excellence.

The conference concluded on December 5, 2025 with the synthesis of learnings, awarding of certificates, and closing remarks. The SLSU–Bontoc delegation returned to their campus equipped with new knowledge, strategies, and renewed motivation to strengthen student services and foster an inclusive, supportive learning environment.

SLSU–Bontoc’s participation in the 3rd PAPSAS Region VIII Regional Conference demonstrates the university's ongoing dedication to professional development, regional collaboration, and the enhancement of student affairs programs across Eastern Visayas.

This initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.