Six delegates from Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) – Salcedo Campus conducted a benchmarking activity with the UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) last 4 August 2022. The Delegates is composed of faculty members and administrative Staff of ESSU namely, Ms. Rizza Josefina T. Doguiles, Dr. Noba F. Hilvano, Ms. Amalia Paraluman B. Lombrio, Ms. Jennifer T. Besalda, Ma. Nina O. Oguing, and Ms. Leovie Joy A. Lopez. 

Dr. Hilvano, a faculty of ESSU, is an alumnus of SESAM. She was also recognized for her research achievements and contributions to the scientific field during her PhD in Environmental Science program in the recent UPLB Commencement Exercise.

The Instruction Division of SESAM headed by Dr. Jessica Villanueva-Peyraube coordinated with ESSU for this visit. Dr. Villanueva-Peyraube along with another faculty member, Dr. Janice Sevilla-Nastor, and SESAM researchers namely, For. Sofia A. Alaira (Head, Continuing Education and Training Division), Dr. Alma Lorelei Dj. Abejero, Dr. Thaddeus P. Lawas, Ms. Cherry S. Padilla, and Ms. Rosemarie Laila D. Areglado, met with the guests at the SESAM Boardroom on behalf of Dean Rico C. Ancog. 

“We are grateful that you chose SESAM for this activity and I hope that this meeting will be fruitful for you and your university”, said Dr. Villanueva-Peyraube. 

Dr. Villanueva-Peyraube started the discussion with a presentation of the graduate programs and the research structure, initiatives, and projects of SESAM. She highlighted that students are very welcome to participate in the current projects being implemented by the School. This is part of the mentoring strategy of SESAM to its students.  

For. Alaira then presented the services offered by the Continuing Education and Training Division (CETD). She also invited ESSU to participate in the future trainings to be conducted by the CETD. Meanwhile, Dr. Abejero presented the capabilities of the SESAM Environmental Laboratory and the different equipment and instruments available and can be used by students, faculty, and researchers for sample collection, preparation, and analysis. Dr. Sevilla-Nastor, on the other hand presented the SESAM Simulation Laboratory and discussed the laboratory’s functions for database and processing. 

After the presentations, ESSU toured SESAM facilities, including the Environmental Laboratory and Library. ESSU is currently offering a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and through this visit, ESSU looks forward to a collaborative undertaking with SESAM in the enhancement of their academic programs as well as capaciting their human resources. (RDAreglado)