SLSU, LGU Maasin City Seal Partnership for DOST-PCHRD Project

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maasin City formally inked a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for the implementation of the DOST-PCHRD-funded project titled “Development of a GIS-based Intervention to Assess Water Quality: Bases for Mitigating Water-Borne Diseases in Maasin City, Southern Leyte.”

The ceremonial MOA signing was held at the SLSU Main Campus, led by Dr. Jude A. Duarte, University President, and Hon. Luz V. Mercado, City Mayor of Maasin. The project aims to harness geospatial technology to monitor and improve water quality, thereby strengthening public health systems and preventing the spread of water-borne diseases.

Present during the ceremony were key officials from both institutions, including Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy (VP for Research, Innovation, and Extension), Ms. Jannie Fleur V. Oraño (Project Leader), Mr. Tamar B. Mejia Jr. (RIES MIS Head), Ms. Khorina Q. Aguilar (Director, Research and Innovation), and Hon. Lourse E. Ortega (City Administrator, LGU Maasin).

Through this collaboration, SLSU will design a geospatial database, conduct bacteriological analyses, generate GIS-based maps, and train City Health Unit personnel. At the same time, the LGU will provide logistical and technical support, including data sharing and laboratory resources.

This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both SLSU and LGU Maasin to protect public health, advance research-driven solutions, and promote sustainable community development. These efforts align with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, as well as SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Furthermore, this collaboration exemplifies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.