As part of the flagship initiative, Community Empowerment through Science and Technology as a Sustainability Approach for Resiliency and Food Security, Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) – Main Campus, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology – Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (DOST-CEST) Region VIII, successfully implemented a Training on Disaster Risk Management (DRRM) for members of the Kahupian Samahan ng Mag-uuma Association on July 22, 2025, in Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte.

The training serves as a vital component of the ongoing project, Geospatial Analytics of Farmers Engaged in Agricultural Production and Farm Outlet, which seeks to generate spatial data on agricultural households and farmlands across Kahupian through the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. The project is designed to develop data-driven strategies that ensure the sustainability and resilience of local food supply chains, particularly in the context of emergency food production and disaster risk management.

The resource speaker, Mr. Edcel Clem Morales, Head of the SLSU Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Unit, provided expert insights on climate-resilient agriculture, disaster preparedness, and risk mitigation measures tailored explicitly for farming communities. His presentation underscored the significance of the four pillars of DRRM, as stipulated in Republic Act 10121—Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Rehabilitation and Recovery—as essential foundations in enhancing the adaptive capacity of vulnerable agricultural sectors.

The training bridged technical innovation with community-based preparedness, equipping participants with essential knowledge on disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, emergency response strategies, and sustainable agricultural practices. Ultimately, the activity contributes to building climate-resilient communities and reinforcing the stability of food systems amid increasing environmental and disaster-related challenges.

Actively attended by both male and female farmer-beneficiaries, the training included interactive workshops and discussions, allowing participants to acquire practical skills in hazard identification, adaptive farming techniques, and localized disaster response protocols.

The initiative is led by Ms. Adelfa C. Diola, in collaboration with project leader Dr. Rhoderick Malangsa, and project team members Ms. Jannie Fleur Oraño, Mr. Jorton Tagud, Mr. Renee Clint Gortification, and Mr. Jerson Maasin. The team is currently undertaking a comprehensive inventory of agricultural lands, assessing farmers’ production capacities, and identifying key commodities cultivated in the municipality. Through GIS-supported mapping and analytics, the project will provide critical data to inform evidence-based decision-making and local policy formulation.

“This initiative will enable local government units and stakeholders to improve planning mechanisms, particularly in disaster-prone contexts,” stated one of the project proponents. “Accurate and accessible data empowers communities to ensure continuity in food production while addressing urgent needs during crises.”

This undertaking underscores the commitment of SLSU and DOST-CEST to leveraging science and technology for grassroots empowerment. By integrating geospatial analytics with capacity-building initiatives in disaster risk management, the project contributes significantly to the realization of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—notably SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action)—while advancing the resilience and long-term sustainability of agricultural communities in Southern Leyte.

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through its banner extension program SUMMER-LUP: Skills Upgrading and Mentorship to Micro-entrepreneurs for Economic Resilience – Livelihood Uplift Project, continues to deliver transformative community initiatives by equipping individuals with essential livelihood skills. One of its most recent interventions, the Basic Sewing and Garment Skills Training for Home-Based Livelihood, aims to foster sustainable income-generating opportunities among vulnerable and underserved groups.

The training sessions were conducted on June 14, July 12, and July 19, 2025, at the Javier Covered Court in Javier, Sogod, Southern Leyte. The activity primarily targeted women, out-of-school youth, and individuals from low-income communities with the goal of enabling them to develop marketable sewing and garment production skills that can be utilized at home or scaled into small enterprises.

Guided by the objectives of promoting inclusive economic empowerment and sustainable home-based livelihood, the training sought to provide participants with foundational knowledge in sewing techniques and garment construction, enhance creativity and craftsmanship to promote self-reliance and entrepreneurial initiative, encourage active participation of women and youth in productive economic activities.

The participants gained practical competencies in safe and confident operation of sewing machines, execution of basic hand stitches and garment repair techniques, pattern drafting, fabric measurement, cutting and production of simple apparel and household items (e.g., pillowcases, dress, skirts, and shorts/pajama).

Under the supervision of experienced trainers Ms. Perla A. Tenio, the sessions employed a hands-on approach that allowed learners to design and create their own outputs while exploring innovation in local garment-making. The training culminated in a product showcase where participants displayed their completed garments—a testament to their skill development and renewed confidence.

This initiative is strongly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically, SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Through this initiative, SLSU reinforces its role as a catalyst for community resilience and inclusive growth by weaving together knowledge, empowerment, and sustainability—not only sewing garments, but also strengthening the social fabric of communities.

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) – Main Campus, through the Faculty of Computer Studies and Information Technology (FCSIT) and the Geographic Information System (GIS) Technology Center, successfully implemented the Geospatial Analytics of Farmers Engaged in Agricultural Production and Farm Outlet Project. This milestone initiative represents a major advancement in agricultural planning and disaster preparedness, utilizing cutting-edge geospatial technologies.

In strong partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (DOST-CEST) Region VIII, the project concentrated on two key activities: (1) the profiling and mapping of farmers in selected communities, and (2) the development of a predictive classification model and risk maps for identifying potential hazard-prone agricultural zones.

Conducted in Barangay Kahupian, Sogod, the activity directly engaged the Kahupian Samahang Mag-uuma Association (KASAMA) — the primary beneficiaries of the project. Through comprehensive mapping of agricultural products and existing farm sites within the municipality, the project aims to establish an updated inventory of local agricultural production. This data serves as a foundation for monitoring the sustainable supply of food commodities, especially crucial in times of disaster and during the production of emergency food packs.

By leveraging GIS tools, the project team adopted a data-driven strategy to visualize and analyze farming patterns, assess commodity-specific outputs, and geotag farm locations. This approach facilitates more effective farm-to-market planning, climate risk reduction, and the promotion of climate-resilient agriculture within the municipality.

Leading the capacity-building sessions were experts from SLSU’s CCSIT: Dr. Rhoderick Malangsa, Ms. Jannie Fleur Oraño, Jorton Tagud, Renee Clint Gortification, and Jerson Maasin. Their collective expertise in computer science, GIS, and data analytics played a vital role in empowering farmers and local stakeholders with knowledge on how digital tools can improve agricultural decision-making.

This initiative reflects SLSU’s unwavering commitment to delivering research-based, science-driven, and sustainable solutions that empower communities and enhance disaster resilience. Moreover, the project contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

As part of its institutional mandate to extend scientific knowledge and promote sustainable agricultural development, Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (DOST-CEST) Region VIII, successfully implemented the program titled “Community Empowerment through Science and Technology as a Sustainability Approach for Resiliency and Food Security” under the component Community Adoption and Capability Enhancement for Agricultural Production and Management on July 18, 2025, at the Lecture Hall of SLSU-Bontoc Campus.

The extension activity was designed to strengthen the technical capacities of local farmers, particularly the members of the Kahupian Samahang Mag-uuma Association (KASAMA), by combining science-based training with practical, field-based learning. The initiative forms part of SLSU’s broader community engagement framework that supports food security, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable farming systems in Southern Leyte.

The program opened with a welcome message from Dr. Gladys Pascual, Campus Director of SLSU-Bontoc, who underscored the importance of meaningful academic-community collaboration in driving rural development. It was followed by a Statement of Purpose delivered by Ms. Adelfa C. Diola, Director of Extension Services and Project Coordinator, who emphasized the role of science and technology in enhancing community-based agricultural systems. An Inspirational Message from Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, encouraged participants to adopt transformative practices through the university’s extension efforts.

The morning session included a series of structured lectures focused on key aspects of sustainable agriculture, delivered by subject matter experts. Mr. Ericjhon P. Hinayon, a Postharvest Major pursuing a Master of Science in Horticulture, discussed proper crop handling and storage techniques aimed at reducing postharvest losses. Following his presentation, Mr. Noel E. Celeste, an expert in Agricultural Development and Soil Management, led a discussion on sustainable land preparation practices, emphasizing the importance of soil conservation for long-term agricultural productivity. Additionally, Mr. Gladwin B. Goc-ong Jr., a Plant Pathologist, addressed pest and disease management, focusing on the identification and biological control of plant diseases to ensure optimal crop health.

The afternoon session transitioned from lecture to application through a Field Demonstration and Site Visit, facilitated by SLSU-Bontoc Agriculture students. The hands-on activity featured the formulation and use of organic fertilizers and pesticides, providing farmer-participants with concrete exposure to ecologically sustainable farming techniques.

This initiative reflects SLSU’s commitment to delivering science-based, community-centered, and development-focused extension services. It aligns with the university’s goals of supporting inclusive agricultural innovation. It contributes to the realization of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Through sustained collaboration with agencies such as the DOST-CEST Region VIII and the active participation of faculty, students, and local farming communities, SLSU continues to catalyze rural transformation, promote agricultural sustainability, and enhance community resilience in the province of Southern Leyte.