SLT 1255
March 9-15, 2024
Southern Leyte’s lone university, the Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), has educated young people of the province and nearby places, and nurtured young professionals to serve as leaders of the university and other institutions, both public and private. Twenty years ago, dynamic Southern Leyte Representative Aniceto Saludo successfully made to reality the birth of the province’s state university, with the passage of Republic Act (RA) 9261 issued on March 7, 2004. Two state colleges were integrated in the province of Southern Leyte, Southern Leyte State College of Science and Technology and Tomas Oppus Normal College together with Ruperto K. Kangleon Memorial Agro-Fisheries Technical Institute, San Juan Polytechnic College, and Southern Leyte Institute of Agriculture and Technology. SLSU has six campuses: Sogod Campus- main, Tomas Oppus Campus, Bontoc Campus, San Juan Campus, Hinunangan Campus and Maasin City Campus. Last week, SLSU celebrated its 20th anniversary, reflecting two decades of transformative education, intellectual growth, and commitment to sustainability; its theme was “Two Decades of Transforming Lives, Nurturing Minds, and Fostering a Sustainable World.” The celebration kicked off on February 26 with a vibrant-color Fun Run, symbolizing the university’s dynamic spirit and unity. This was followed by a thanksgiving mass and a ground demonstration that showcased the university’s commitment to sustainable practices – highlighting its role in environmental stewardship. From February 29 to March 1, the campus came alive with the exhilarating Sports Fest, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship among students, faculty and staff. March 2 saw the joyous gathering of alumni during the Alumni Homecoming, reminiscing about cherished memories and celebrating the enduring legacy of SLSU. Graduate School Day on March 3 provided a platform for academic discourse and intellectual exchange. The highlight of the festivities came on March 4 with the glamorous Mr. and Ms. SLSU 2024 pageant, where Mike Clava Pabuaya and Leslie Joy Hersano emerged as the reigning ambassadors of SLSU. Representing different campuses, six pairs captivated the audience with their poise, talent, and intellect: Heart Kent Perales and Nikko Tagbak from Tomas Oppus Campus (1st runners-up), Irish Joy Guivani from Main Campus and Ken Terby delos Santos from Hinunangan Campus (2nd runners-up). March 5 continued to dazzle with the U-Idols competition, showcasing the diverse talents and creativity of SLSU students in literary, visual, and performing arts. The festivities culminated on March 7 with the grand Hugyaw Parade and Presentation, a colorful extravaganza showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Southern Leyte. The momentous 20th anniversary was concluded by the glittering Gala Night that honored SLSU’s partners and past leaders. The faculty and staff who made outstanding contributions to the university were grandly recognized with cash and trophy awards. The Southern Leyte State University, under its new president Jude A. Duarte, now looks forward to a future filled with boundless possibilities, to inspire and empower generations to come. (Andrea Vista, GMR)
Southern Leyte Times