Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) took part in the 1st International Seminar on Soil Examination and Field Description held at Visayas State University (VSU) from October 21–24, 2025.

The four-day seminar, jointly organized by the Society for the Advancement of Philippine Soil Science (SAPPS), VSU, and SLSU-Hinunangan Campus, gathered soil science instructors, researchers, and graduate students from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in a landmark collaboration to advance soil literacy and promote sustainable land management.

Designed as a skills-building seminar, the event combined classroom-based learning with hands-on fieldwork and soil excursions to provide participants with updated, practical techniques in soil assessment. Sessions covered a range of competencies—from measuring the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils to mastering sampling design, suitability evaluation, and soil fertility management aimed at building climate-resilient and productive agricultural systems.

Participants conducted on-site field examinations and soil profile descriptions across key reference soil groups commonly found in Philippine landscapes, including Entisol, Inceptisol, Andisol, Vertisol, Mollisol, and Ultisol. By comparing these profiles in real field conditions, attendees deepened their understanding of how differences in soil texture, structure, mineral composition, and horizon development influence crop suitability, irrigation practices, and long-term land stewardship.

SLSU played both organizational and instructional roles in the seminar. Dr. Ian A. Navarrete, Professor of Environmental Science at SLSU, served as one of the resource persons, sharing insights drawn from years of fieldwork and soil excursions across the Philippines, Russia, Germany, Poland, Canada, and Japan. His lectures on soil profile description emphasized the importance of consistent terminology, horizon recognition, and context-driven interpretation, which are essential skills for converting raw field observations into reliable information for farmers, planners, and policymakers.

Dr. Navarrete underscored that accurate soil description forms the foundation of evidence-based decision-making, from fertilizer recommendations to erosion control and climate-smart agriculture. By making soil science more accessible and practical, his sessions helped bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world agricultural application.

Beyond instructional support, Engr. Anna Mae Cuta and Ms. Meriza Saga represented SLSU-Hinunangan Campus as active participants. Their engagement reflects SLSU’s applied and community-oriented approach, ensuring that knowledge gained through advanced training is translated into meaningful local action. These faculty members are expected to cascade their learnings to local farmers, students, and community partners, strengthening grassroots capacity for sustainable land and resource management.

As the Visayas region faces increasing challenges from soil erosion, extreme weather events, and changing land-use patterns, the need for accurate soil data and interpretation becomes critical. By helping organize this international seminar, SLSU has strengthened its leadership in applied soil science and its dedication to capacity-building within the academic and agricultural sectors.

In celebrating the success of the 1st International Seminar on Soil Examination and Field Description, SLSU proves a central belief: Better soil knowledge leads to better soil use, and ultimately, better yields and better lives.

Through expert instruction, active collaboration, and community engagement, SLSU continues to transform science into service, supporting farmers, empowering communities, and nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards across Southern Leyte and beyond.

The seminar’s objectives are strongly aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). By enhancing soil examination and fertility management, the initiative contributes to sustainable food production systems and promotes resilient agricultural practices in support of SDG 2. Through field-based learning that addresses soil degradation and climate variability, it advances adaptive land use planning and fosters climate resilience in line with SDG 13. Furthermore, by encouraging responsible stewardship of soil resources, the seminar supports ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation consistent with SDG 15.

The Southern Leyte State University–Hinunangan Campus strengthened its commitment to digital learning and educational innovation through a one-day Training Workshop on the SLSU Learning Management System (LMS) held on October 8, 2025. The activity was spearheaded by the Campus Information Systems and Analytics (CISA) Office and attended by faculty members and teaching administrative staff.

The initiative aimed to enhance the digital competence of the teaching force, ensuring that educators can effectively utilize the university’s LMS to create inclusive, engaging, and technology-supported learning environments.

The statement of purpose was delivered by Mr. Jonathan Pasayan, Head of the Campus Information Systems and Analytics (CISA) Office, who highlighted that the activity sought to strengthen the campus’ transition toward a more efficient and technology-driven academic system.

“This training is designed to empower our faculty with the digital tools necessary to streamline classroom management, enrich student learning experiences, and support the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation,” Mr. Pasayan stated.

In his welcome remarks, Faculty Dean Dr. John Paul Gapasin underscored the importance of the training in building a future-ready academic community.

“This workshop is a step toward transforming how we teach and learn. By mastering our LMS, we are not only improving instructional delivery but also supporting the university’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and quality education,” the dean said.

The morning session featured comprehensive discussions and demonstrations led by Mr. Ruther B. Manun-og, Program Chair of Information Technology, and Mr. Ranie M. Sumacot, Information Systems Coordinator. The facilitators introduced the features and core functions of the LMS, guiding participants on course creation, content organization, and assessment tools designed to optimize student engagement and learning outcomes.

Mr. Sumacot also discussed the student record generation system, a key LMS feature that enables efficient monitoring of student performance and class data management. This functionality ensures greater transparency, accuracy, and accessibility of academic records, thereby strengthening data-driven decision-making among faculty and administrators.
In the afternoon, participants engaged in hands-on activities focusing on LMS navigation, uploading of course materials, managing online assessments, and utilizing the e-Class Record features. These practical exercises allowed faculty members to apply what they learned in real-time, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation in instructional delivery.

Dr. Jacinto P. Bacalyon, Faculty Regent and faculty member of the Agribusiness Department, delivered the closing message, commending the participants’ enthusiasm and commitment.

“Empowering our educators with digital tools aligns perfectly with SDG 4 – Quality Education, as it promotes lifelong learning and equitable access to knowledge. It also contributes to SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by advancing our university’s digital transformation,” Dr. Bacalyon emphasized.

The LMS Training Workshop reflects SLSU-Hinunangan’s ongoing efforts to integrate technology into education while fostering sustainable development practices. By capacitating its faculty, the campus continues to move toward its vision of producing competent, innovative, and socially responsible professionals who can thrive in the digital era.

The Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Team from Southern Leyte State University–Main Campus, headed by Mr. James Flores, Director for Quality Assurance, conducted on-site monitoring and quality audit at the SLSU–Hinunangan Campus on October 6, 2025, as part of the university’s continuous efforts to uphold and strengthen its quality management systems.

The visit covered key operational areas, including Management, Administration, Student Affairs and Services (SAS), and Academics. The audit aimed to evaluate the implementation and consistency of internal quality assurance procedures, ensuring alignment with institutional standards in preparation for the upcoming ISO evaluation scheduled for the end of October.

During the on-site visit, the IQA team reviewed essential documents, assessed office operations, and engaged with campus officials and unit heads to verify adherence to the university’s established quality protocols. The process also served as a venue for discussion, feedback, and technical guidance to further improve campus systems and documentation practices.

According to Mr. James Flores, Director for Quality Assurance, the internal audit is a proactive step toward continuous improvement. “These audits are not just about checking compliance. They help each campus evaluate its strengths, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure that all systems are ISO-ready and aligned with our institutional quality objectives,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, SLSU–Hinunangan Campus Administrative Officer Mr. Gamebert Mulig expressed appreciation for the audit visit, highlighting how the activity strengthens the campus’ culture of accountability and service excellence. “We welcome this evaluation as part of our commitment to maintaining efficient, transparent, and responsive systems across all sectors of the campus,” Mulig shared.

In addition to preparing for ISO certification, the audit also contributes to the university’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By reinforcing efficient governance, effective management systems, and high academic standards, SLSU ensures that its operations directly support global efforts toward inclusive and sustainable development.

The internal quality audit forms part of Southern Leyte State University’s broader institutional initiative to uphold quality assurance mechanisms across all its campuses. Through these continuing evaluations, SLSU reaffirms its dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in education, research, and public service — shaping a university system that stands as a model of integrity, accountability, and quality-driven growth.