Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO), together with components of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and with assistance from SLSU-Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) Inc. and other various organizations, spearheaded a clean-up and greening activity as the opening event of the University’s 19th Charter Day celebration, March 10.
The activity, dubbed “SLSU Acts: Action for Climate Through Service,” began with an opening program at the University Gymnasium. Program preliminaries were followed by a welcome message from SLSU Student Regent, Hon. Jan Angelo Claierix Paderon, and inspirational remarks from the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Dhenalyn Aquino-Dejelo; Vice-President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Arvin N. Natividad; and, University President, Dr. Fredrick T. Villa, represented by his Executive Assistant, Jay Mel Nicomedez.
Thereafter, DRRMO Director Vanessa S. Cadeliña briefed the participants on safety and precautionary guidelines, distributed assignment areas, and provided an overview of the day’s activities. The clean-up drive was conducted simultaneously across the upper and lower perimeters of the Main Campus, particularly in the College of Agriculture in Ayuti, Lucban, SLSU Big Fields, and the remaining colleges. The activity was also held across all SLSU satellite campuses, each hosting simultaneous programs and activities.
In an interview, Hon. Paderon said, “Volunteerism resonates strongly with the celebration of the university’s milestones and its continuing commitment to public service. Charter Day is not only a commemoration of the institution’s founding but also a reminder of the role that every member of the SLSU community plays in shaping its future. Through volunteerism, students, faculty, and staff become more active partners in advancing the university’s mission, strengthening solidarity, and contributing to initiatives that promote inclusive growth and community development.”
He added that volunteerism reflects the spirit of SLSU as a public institution, one that values service, participation, and the collective effort of its community in creating meaningful, lasting impacts and truly serving the people.
Throughout the activity, supervisors strictly enforced safety procedures and protective measures to ensure the welfare of student volunteers. Participants were required to wear gloves and face masks while performing clean-up tasks, with SLSU-CERT on standby to respond immediately to any emergencies or accidents.
In the main campus, NSTP leaders, including CWTS Head, Prof. Elleard M. Faller, and ROTC Head, 2LT Oliver Mandating PA (RES), led the operation alongside other NSTP faculty members, strategically monitoring the drive across the SLSU. The activity organizers also promoted proper waste management; participants responsibly segregated all collected waste into recyclables and disposables.
This clean and green legacy aims to promote environmental stewardship, foster community engagement, and strengthen sustainable practices across the University.
Article: Glenmyr Joshua H. Hina
Photo & Layout: Bosh Dujapa