SLSU, LGU-Sogod Sign MOA to Strengthen Solid Waste Management and Promote Employee Wellness
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sogod formalized two major institutional partnerships yesterday, August 6, 2025, through the ceremonial signing of two Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) held at the SLSU Main Campus. The University was represented by its President, Dr. Jude A. Duarte, while LGU-Sogod was represented by Municipal Mayor Hon. Shefferd Lino S. Tan. The MOAs mark a deepening of collaborative efforts between the academic and local government sectors, particularly in advancing environmental sustainability and employee wellness.
The first MOA focuses on enhancing solid waste management at SLSU through cooperation with the LGU. Under this agreement, the University commits to implementing proper waste segregation at its Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), retaining biodegradable waste for in-house composting, and supporting LGU-led education campaigns on solid waste management. The LGU, in turn, has pledged to collect recyclable and residual wastes from the university’s MRF every Wednesday, free of charge, and to conduct continuous information and education campaigns for students, employees, and other stakeholders. This collaboration comes as a proactive response to SLSU’s performance in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, where it ranked 501st globally, 12th in the Philippines, and 2nd in Eastern Visayas. Notably, the Waste category was identified as the university’s weakest area, scoring only 45.83%. Through this agreement, both parties hope to elevate institutional responsibility and transform waste into a resource via composting, recycling, reuse, and other resource recovery activities.
The second MOA grants LGU-Sogod employees scheduled access to SLSU’s athletic oval for physical fitness activities, such as jogging, walking, and stretching. As part of the LGU’s Workplace Wellness Program, this initiative seeks to promote health and well-being among municipal personnel. The agreement permits use of the oval from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., Mondays through Saturdays, free of charge. Entry is allowed only through the main gate, with required ID verification and logbook registration. The agreement also sets guidelines on attire and behavior, prohibits the use of certain facilities without prior approval, and enforces university policies on cleanliness, orderliness, and responsible use of property. Participants assume full responsibility for their safety during the activity, and SLSU is not liable for any injuries or damages unless due to its own negligence. LGU-Sogod may assign medical personnel at its own expense, subject to university coordination.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by key university and municipal officials, including Dr. Dewoowoogen P. Baclayon, Vice President for Administration and Finance; Mr. Leo A. Omamalin, Supervising Administrative Officer; Engr. Roberto B. Paranas, Administrative Officer V; Engr. Aiza M. Torrecampo, Administrative Officer IV; Hon. Rhett T. Gabronino, Municipal Councilor; Hon. Krishna Villa, Municipal Councilor; and Ms. Shari Ann Asares, Municipal Tourism Officer. In his message, Dr. Duarte expressed his appreciation for the partnership, describing it as a convergence of environmental responsibility and community development. Mayor Tan echoed this sentiment, stating that the agreements reflect a strong commitment to shared goals and institutional synergy.
These MOAs are aligned with SLSU’s Strategic Development Plan, LUPAD: Ascending of the Mighty Kingfishers, and reinforce the University’s vision of becoming a smart and green institution, and support the realization of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). These include SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through the promotion of physical fitness; SDG 4 (Quality Education) through awareness campaigns on environmental responsibility; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering safe and resilient local development; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through improved waste management practices; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by reinforcing collaboration between higher education institutions and local government units. Beyond infrastructure and policies, they represent the collective will of the University and the LGU to create a healthier, cleaner, and more empowered community—one built on shared responsibility and mutual support.