The Light Publication - Tomas Oppus

14/09/2025

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | 3rd Session of Intensive Press Training with the staff members of The Light and Kairos

14/09/2025

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | 3rd Session of Intensive Press Training with the staff members of The Light and Kairos

_
📸: James Ladres | The Light Captures

13/09/2025

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | Stude journos undergo intensive Press Training

The Light Publication, led by Editor-in-chief James Ladres, gathered last September 6 and reconvened on September 13 at the academic building for an intensive press training, which aimed to enhance the writing and journalism skills of Kairos and The Light staff members.

Said training featured lectures on news, feature, editorial, column, copyreading and headline writings, photojournalism, and editorial cartooning.

Selected members of The Light Publication shared their expertise, practical tips, and experiences in their respective categories.

"As someone whose been so dedicated dearly on campus journalism, I really wanted to extend our knowledge to Kairos, and perhaps the following months, journalists from public schools," said EIC Ladres.

Lecturers gave various activities that engaged student journalists in writing exercises, photo capturing, and editorial cartoon drawing.

"Ang press training sessions were truly a game changer for me especially sa mga techniques nga gipangtudlo on how to write feature articles and actually applying it to my time sa DSPC enhancement trainingtraining," Jakesha Marie Tagud, a staff member of Kairos Publication said.

"But what really sticks with me sa time sa press training kay ang memories specially with The Light staffs along with my fellow journalists sa Kairos," she added.

These activities tested their social awareness, accuracy, and creativity, while emphasizing the importance of responsible journalism in both written and visual forms.

This press training will last until September 14 with more activities to prepare students for upcoming press conferences and to equip them with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the school publication.

Moreover, said training is expected to conclude with an open forum where students can share their learnings and giving of certificates to recognize the effort and time dedicated by The Light Publication.

_
via Lawrence Bermoy | The Light News
photos | The Light Captures

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 | PART III

From ground zero to ground breaking—Former Rac Prexy

To officially turn over the Rotaract Club for the school year 2025–2026, with the theme 'Pagdumala', the 3rd Induction and Handover Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of SLSU took place at the Hotel de SLSU Ballroom, earlier this afternoon, September 12.

Former President Ms. Jilian Grace D. Burila officially called the ceremony to order.

"I couldn’t be prouder of RAC-SLSU—started from ground zero and into something groundbreaking. It all began with the 11 mighty kingfishers," Burila shared, recalling their experiences.

Knowing that they lacked the required number of members to qualify to start a Rotaract Club, they still pushed through to become pioneering leaders, calling themselves the Lucky 11 or the Magical 11.

She asserted that they didn’t have resources; they only had passion and one clear goal, to build a strong foundation for the future.

"Always keep the needs of others before your own. Fuel your work with passion and strengthen it with commitment. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, use this as a reason to make everyone proud," she said.

Rotaract adviser and the Principal of Laboratory High School (LHS) Dr. Sybill Krizzia Ledesma also expressed her gratitude to the outgoing officers whose dedication and commitment laid the groundwork for RAC SLSU in her welcome address.

Dr. Ledesma led the inauguration of Jack C. Toyong was the Rotaract club president for the s.y. 2025-2026 and the appointment was formally pronounced by Burila.

Toyong, the new president of Rotaract Club of SLSU mentioned in his inaugural speech, "Fellowship through service," the phrase that caught his attention that led him to accept the challenge.

"Lead with humility, always choose to understand your members even if they don’t understand you. This will be my guiding principle throughout my presidency," he said.

Marc Eric Dadios, junior vice president of Sogod Campus formally introduced the new members which was officially declared by the university president and Rotary Club of Tacloban president, Dr. Jude A. Duarte.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗦

Attendees include the president of the Rotary Club of Tacloban and the university president, RTN. Dr. Jude A. Duarte; RTR. Matthew Jolo Palacio, President of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban; Marnel Justin Pedrosa, the Public Image Chair of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban; Campus Director Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla of SLSU -TO, Campus Director Dr. Gladys L. Pascual, SLSU–Bontoc; Campus Director Dr. Gary D. Garcia of SLSU–San Juan; Dr. Norla Grace Betarmos, campus dean of SLSU–TO; Hon. Khane T. Dulfo - SK Chairperson; Thocco Claire C. Puray, the School Principal of Barangay Beniton Integrated High School; Hon. Rhett Gabronino; RTR. Justine Joe Balbon the immediate past president; RTR. Jilian Grace D. Burila, Immediate past Junior vice president of the Main Campus; RTR. April Palaran Lagumbay; past Treasurer, RTR. Thanja Mercado along with the new elected officers and members.

Said ceremony was enlivened by the Campus Idol's first runner up, Mr. Hans Axl Dasal from SLSU-TO.

"President Jack, mind you this the numbers game do not matter as much as the amount of members who actually participate in the initiatives that you do to make a change in the world. Be it the smallest act or the largest project," Mr. Justin Joe Balbon, president of Rotaract Club s.y. 2023-2024 uttered, "Sir Jude always reminds us the importance of quality rather than Quantity because, Rotaract is more than a club. It’s a movement of young leaders bold enough to believe that a better world is not just possible—it is our responsibility."

Before the ceremony adjourned Dr. Jude reminded everyone about the Rotaract motto "Service above self."

Said inaugural event fostered the pact that the new officers vow to uphold in their term as the officers of Rotaract Club of SLSU 2025-2026.

✍️: Edelita Amrento, Sophia Soler | The Light News
📸: Roan Timkang, Shaina Mae Mercado | The Light Captures

12/09/2025

𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 | PART II

From ground zero to ground breaking—Former Rac Prexy

To officially turn over the Rotaract Club for the school year 2025–2026, with the theme 'Pagdumala', the 3rd Induction and Handover Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of SLSU took place at the Hotel de SLSU Ballroom, earlier this afternoon, September 12.

Former President, Ms. Jilian Grace D. Burila officially call to order the ceremony.

Former President Ms. Jilian Grace D. Burila officially called the ceremony to order.

"I couldn’t be prouder of RAC-SLSU—started from ground zero and into something groundbreaking. It all began with the 11 mighty kingfishers," Burila shared, recalling their experiences.

Knowing that they lacked the required number of members to qualify to start a Rotaract Club, they still pushed through to become pioneering leaders, calling themselves the Lucky 11 or the Magical 11.

She asserted that they didn’t have resources; they only had passion and one clear goal, to build a strong foundation for the future.

"Always keep the needs of others before your own. Fuel your work with passion and strengthen it with committment. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, use this as a reason to make everyone proud," she said.

Rotaract adviser and the Principal of Laboratory High School (LHS) Dr. Sybill Krizzia Ledesma also expressed her gratitude to the outgoing officers whose dedication and commitment laid the groundwork for RAC SLSU in her welcome address.

Dr. Ledesma led the inauguration of Jack C. Toyong as the Rotaract club president for the s.y. 2025-2026 and the appointment was formally pronounced by Burila.

Toyong, the new president of Rotaract Club of SLSU mentioned in his inaugural speech, "Fellowship through service," the phrase that caught his attention that led him to accept the challenge.

"Lead with humility, always choose to understand your members even if they don’t understand you. This will be my guiding principle throughout my presidency," he said.

Marc Eric Dadios, junior vice president of Sogod Campus formally introduce the new members which was officially declared by the university president and Rotary Club of Tacloban president, Dr. Jude A. Duarte.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗦

Attendees include the president of the Rotary Club of Tacloban and the university president, RTN. Dr. Jude A. Duarte; RTR. Matthew Jolo Palacio, President of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban; Marnel Justin Pedrosa, the Public Image Chair of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban; Campus Director Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla of SLSU -TO, Campus Director Dr. Gladys L. Pascual, SLSU–Bontoc; Campus Director Dr. Gary D. Garcia of SLSU–San Juan; Dr. Norla Grace Betarmos, campus dean of SLSU–TO; Hon. Khane T. Dulfo - SK Chairperson; Thocco Claire C. Puray, the School Principal of Barangay Beniton Integrated High School; Hon. Rhett Gabronino; RTR. Justine Joe Balbon the immediate past president; RTR. Jilian Grace D. Burila, Immediate past Junior vice president of the Main Campus; RTR. April Palaran Lagumbay; past Treasurer, RTR. Thanja Mercado along with the new elected officers and members.

Said ceremony was enlivened by the Campus Idol's first runner up, Mr. Hans Axl Dasal from SLSU-TO.

"President Jack, mind you this the numbers game do not matter as much as the amount of members who actually participate in the initiatives that you do to make a change in the world. Be it the smallest act or the largest project," Mr. Justin Joe Balbon, president of Rotaract Club s.y. 2023-2024 uttered, "Sir Jude always reminds us the importance of quality rather than Quantity because, Rotaract is more than a club. It’s a movement of young leaders bold enough to believe that a better world is not just possible—it is our responsibility."

Before the ceremony adjourned Dr. Jude reminded everyone about the Rotaract motto "Service above self."

Said inaugural event fostered the pact that the new officers vow to uphold in their term as the officers of Rotaract Club of SLSU 2025-2026.

✍️: Edelita Amrento, Sophia Soler | The Light News
📸: Roan Timkang, Shaina Mae Mercado | The Light Captures

12/09/2025

𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 | PART I

From ground zero to ground breaking— Former Rac Prexy

To officially turn over the Rotaract Club for the school year 2025-2026, with the theme 'Pagdumala', the 3rd Induction and Handover Ceremony of the Rotaract Club of SLSU took place at the Hotel de SLSU Ballroom, earlier this afternoon, September 12.

Former President Ms. Jilian Grace D. Burila officially called the ceremony to order.

"I couldn’t be prouder of RAC-SLSU—started from ground zero and into something groundbreaking. It all began with the 11 mighty kingfishers," Burila shared, recalling their experiences.

Knowing that they lacked the required number of members to qualify to start a Rotaract Club, they still pushed through to become pioneering leaders, calling themselves the Lucky 11 or the Magical 11.

She asserted that they didn’t have resources; they only had passion and one clear goal, to build a strong foundation for the future.

"Always keep the needs of others before your own. Fuel your work with passion and strengthen it with committment. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, use this as a reason to make everyone proud," she said.

Rotaract adviser and the Principal of Laboratory High School (LHS) Dr. Sybill Krizzia Ledesma also expressed her gratitude to the outgoing officers whose dedication and commitment laid the groundwork for RAC SLSU in her welcome address.

Dr. Ledesma led the inauguration of Jack C. Toyong as the Rotaract club president for the s.y. 2025-2026 and the appointment was formally pronounced by Burila.

Toyong, the new president of Rotaract Club of SLSU mentioned in his inaugural speech, "Fellowship through service," the phrase that caught his attention that led him to accept the challenge.

"Lead with humility, always choose to understand your members even if they don’t understand you. This will be my guiding principle throughout my presidency," he said.

Marc Eric Dadios, junior vice president of Sogod Campus formally introduce the new members which was officially declared by the university president and Rotary Club of Tacloban president, Dr. Jude A. Duarte.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗘S

Attendees include the president of the Rotary Club of Tacloban and the university president, RTN. Dr. Jude A. Duarte; RTR. Matthew Jolo Palacio, President of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban; Marnel Justin Pedrosa, the Public Image Chair of the Rotaract Club of Tacloban; Campus Director Dr. Clemente H. Cobilla of SLSU-TO, Campus Director Dr. Gladys L. Pascual, SLSU-Bontoc; Campus Director Dr. Gary D. Garcia of SLSU-San Juan; Dr. Norla Grace Betarmos, campus dean of SLSU-TO; Hon. Khane T. Dulfo - SK Chairperson; Thocco Claire C. Puray, the School Principal of Barangay Beniton Integrated High School; Hon. Rhett Gabronino; RTR. Justine Joe Balbon the immediate past president; RTR. Jilian Grace D. Burila, Immediate past Junior vice president of the Main Campus; RTR. April Palaran Lagumbay; past Treasurer, RTR. Thanja Mercado along with the new elected officers and members.

Said ceremony was enlivened by the Campus Idol's first runner up, Mr. Hans Axl Dasal from SLSU-TO.

"President Jack, mind you this the numbers game do not matter as much as the amount of members who actually participate in the initiatives that you do to make a change in the world. Be it the smallest act or the largest project," Mr. Justin Joe Balbon, president of Rotaract Club s.y. 2023-2024 uttered, "Sir Jude always reminds us the importance of quality rather than Quantity because, Rotaract is more than a club. It’s a movement of young leaders bold enough to believe that a better world is not just possible—it is our responsibility."

Before the ceremony adjourned Dr. Jude reminded everyone about the Rotaract motto "Service above self."

Said inaugural event fostered the pact that the new officers vow to uphold in their term as the officers of Rotaract Club of SLSU 2025-2026.

✍️: Edelita Amrento, Sophia Soler | The Light News
📸: Roan Timkang, Shaina Mae Mercado | The Light Captures

11/09/2025

𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 | SLSU-TO actively participates in 3rd Quarter NSED

Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus (SLSU-TO) actively participated in the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) held earlier today, September 11.

At precisely 4 p.m., a siren echoed across the campus, signaling the start of the drill. Students, faculty and staff immediately performed out the “duck, cover, and hold” procedure.

Said drill aimed to strengthen preparedness and ensure that everyone knows the proper actions to take if a real emergency strikes.

A freshman from the Bachelor of Information Technology (BSIT) Department Mel Cres Lagahit said, “Medyo kulba ko sa sinugdanan, pero na-realize nako nga importante gyud ang andam pirme.” (I felt a little nervous at first, but it made me realize the importance of being prepared).

Lagahit emphasized that taking earthquake drills are crucial because earthquakes can strike without warning. She added that knowing what to do helps prevent panic, keeping everyone safe .

Through its participation in the NSED, SLSU-TO reaffirmed its dedication to protecting the welfare of its academic community and fostering a culture of readiness and resilience in times of emergency.

_
✍️: Quennie Mariz Rodriguez | The Light News
📸: John Emanoel Caingles, Roan Timkang | The Light Captures

10/09/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | Biz crowned new champion, ending Sabertooths' reign

Blazing Biz clinched the overall championship in the college division, halting the years-long dominance of the Valiant Sabertooths with a gold-heavy performance.

In just a week of preparation, Biz managed to dominate the field, collecting 61 golds, 9 silvers, and 22 bronzes for a total of 92 medals. This commanding tally placed them well ahead of the Cyber Falcons (25 golds, 38 silvers, 20 bronzes) and the dethroned Valiant Sabertooths (24 golds, 28 silvers, 32 bronzes).

The outcome marked a decisive shift in the college division, where the Sabertooths had long been regarded as the team to beat. Biz’s strong showing underscored its ability to deliver under pressure, proving that even with minimal preparation, consistent performances can secure the overall crown.

In the high school division, the Night Furies led the pack with 45 golds and 24 silvers, while the Sunfire Serpents followed closely with 38 golds and 35 silvers. Neither team obtained a bronze, highlighting their focus on finishing only at the top ranks.

University president Dr. Jude A. Duarte commended all participants during the awarding ceremony, noting both the competitive spirit and the promise of future events. “Next week, we will be having the UGAMES, so the winners here, we welcome you, we encourage everyone to join the UGAMES,” Dr. Duarte said. “From there, the next step is the SCUAA 2025, which will be held in Tacloban City.”

The conclusion of the games signaled not only the rise of Blazing Biz as the new frontrunner in the college division but also the readiness of both college and high school athletes to take on larger competitions ahead.

✍️: Eureka Ausa | The Light News
📸: John Emanoel Caingles | The Light Captures

10/09/2025

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Victory Party

𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗜𝗜

SLSU-TO celebrates victory party; Panagtigi '25 honors athletes

Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus (SLSU-TO) held its Victory Party to officially close the Panagtigi season, a night dedicated to recognizing the grit, perseverance, and achievements of its student-athletes, on September 5.

Sports coordinator Mr. King Valds Anthony Berame, reminded the crowd of the determination displayed by athletes throughout the competition.

“The Panagtigi season will always be a story of grit and perseverance,” Mr. Berame said.

“There were numerous setbacks, but as a chef, you have to cook the greatest dish you can offer," he added.

His words captured both the challenges and the victories of this season, focusing on how students managed to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and excellence.
Following the opening remarks, the evening transitioned into a festive showcase of talents.

Said program featured a string of live performances, including a concert that energized the crowd and a dance presentation by the College of Performing Arts Group (CPAG). These interludes added a cultural flair to the celebration, reflecting the creativity and vibrancy of the campus community.

Moreover, it continued with a concert and cultural dance performance by the College of Performing Arts Group (CPAG), bringing energy and creativity to the stage.

Said evening also featured the presentation of special awards to recognize teams beyond athletic performance. Among the highlights, the Blazing Biz received the Social Media Hype Award for their strong online presence, while the Most Disciplined Team Award and several other citations honored the efforts and dedication of students from different groups.
The Victory Party not only marked the end of the season but also highlighted the values of unity, perseverance, and sportsmanship that defined this year’s Panagtigi, leaving the SLSU Tomas Oppus community with memories of competition and celebration.

✍️: Eureka Ausa | The Light News
📸: John Emanoel Caingles | The Light Captures