With energy, anticipation, and a renewed sense of connection, the Supreme Student Council (SSC) of Southern Leyte State University–Main Campus, together with partner institutions, opened the first semester of Academic Year 2025–2026 through the General Student Assembly held at the Multi-Purpose Covered Court.
The annual gathering brought together students, representatives from various campus organizations, and guest agencies for a full-day program of learning, collaboration, and community building—setting the tone for a vibrant school year ahead.
The morning session spotlighted the importance of financial literacy and responsible money management, with representatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and partner financial institutions—including Land Bank of the Philippines, Maya, and BPI BanKo—sharing practical insights on budgeting, financial security, and accessible banking services.
To make financial engagement more than just theory, students were invited to put their learning into practice by directly accessing services from participating banks and cooperatives stationed at the venue. Those who availed themselves of transactions were even treated to free lunch, adding a thoughtful, hospitable touch to the day’s learning experience.
As the day moved forward, the focus transitioned from finance to transparency. The afternoon opened with the Freedom of Information (FOI) for Students session, led by the Presidential Communications Office. Ms. Jhea Dela Cruz set an energetic tone with a quick activity before introducing resource speaker Ms. Frances Paula Libo-on, who outlined the FOI program’s purpose and procedures.
The momentum continued with an interactive segment involving 10 student participants, who offered thoughtful insights from the exercise. Building on this engagement, Ms. Carla Bianca Serut walked the audience through the FOI portal, explaining how to submit requests, the processing timeline, and the valid IDs required—equipping students with knowledge they could immediately apply beyond campus.
From there, the program took a moment to look at the bigger picture of youth involvement. A video message from National Youth Commission Undersecretary Jeff Ortega brought a national perspective, emphasizing the National Youth Agenda and inspiring students to take an active role in nation-building.
Bringing the conversation closer to home, SLSU’s guidance counselors took the stage to introduce new initiatives aimed at student welfare. Ms. Mona Rhea R. Cabalo proposed an Online Group Guidance program, which sparked constructive feedback from attendees. Meanwhile, Ms. Nenita V. Flores clarified the rationale behind proposed guidance fees and explained how UniFAST subsidies are allocated—offering transparency and reassurance on how student support services are funded.
Finally, as the event drew closer to an end, the spotlight turned to the plans and people who will shape the rest of the year. SSC-elect Mr. Felmer Anocop warmly welcomed both new and continuing students, introduced the roster of student leaders from various campus organizations, and unveiled exciting upcoming activities, including the Acquaintance Party and Panagsangkaay: Intramural Meet 2025—promising a school year filled with camaraderie, competition, and celebration.
The 2025–2026 General Student Assembly not only marked the official start of the semester but also reaffirmed SLSU-Main’s commitment to empowering students through knowledge, advocacy, and active participation. More than just an event, it was a clear message that the university community is ready to face the year united, informed, and inspired.