SSU Samar Island Center for Good and Local Governance

SICGLG, SK Mercedes collaborate to empower voters

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

As we continue to empower the youth through informed and responsible voting, we are joined by inspiring resource speakers who will guide us in understanding the importance of democratic participation, effective leadership, and fighting misinformation in elections.

Let us learn, engage, and become more aware voters for a better and more progressive future. See you on May 18, 2026, at the Mercedes SK Hall.

Abante Kabataan, Abante Buraknon!

𝙑𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙀𝙙, 𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙮/𝙎𝙆 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙡𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙖?

As we gear up for another electoral exercise in November 2026, we are opening our doors for collaboration with Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Councils for a series of initiatives on Voters’ Education, and Records Management and Proper Turnover of Documents. Through this partnership, we aim to strengthen electoral awareness among constituents while also promoting organized and responsible governance transitions at the local level.

Ensuring informed voting empowers communities to choose leaders wisely. At the same time, proper records management and document turnover safeguard institutional memory and maintain continuity of essential services, preventing disruptions in barangay operations beyond leadership changes.

For those interested, you may scan the QR code on the poster or click this link:

https://forms.gle/DvoBrg6URDP47jQj6
https://forms.gle/DvoBrg6URDP47jQj6
https://forms.gle/DvoBrg6URDP47jQj6

Are you up for the challenge?

Together, let us build communities that are both politically informed and administratively prepared!

For Samar, and beyond!



Note: This is on a first-come, first-served basis. Thank you!

𝙎𝙎𝙐-𝙎𝙄𝘾𝙂𝙇𝙂, 𝙎𝙆 𝙋𝙤𝙗. 𝟵 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙫𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨’ 𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

Grounded in the principles of civic responsibility and democratic participation, the Sangguniang Kabataan of Poblacion 09, Catbalogan City integrated a voter’s education initiative into its Youth Leadership Training held on May 3, 2026 at the Catbalogan City Youth Center. The activity underscores the importance of equipping young leaders with the knowledge and values necessary to meaningfully engage in democratic processes.

This initiative was strengthened through the partnership with Samar State University - Samar Island Center for Good and Local Governance, with Sir Jason Paul Amatosa serving as a resource person. His session emphasized critical voter awareness and the enduring relevance of informed decision-making in shaping governance outcomes.

Aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), the initiative situates youth participation within a broader framework of inclusive and accountable governance. It reinforces the role of the youth as agents of nation-building, committed to upholding truth and advancing justice.

For Samar, and beyond!

𝙎𝙎𝙐-𝙎𝙄𝘾𝙂𝙇𝙂 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨’ 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨

In an effort to support the digital and governance communication skills enhancement of Motiong’s youth leaders, the Samar State University, through the Samar Island Center for Good and Local Governance (SSU-SICGLG), conducted a capacity-building initiative titled “Strengthening Youth Leadership Communication in Motiong: Supporting a Communication Training Program for Sangguniang Kabataan Officials” on April 10, 2026 at the SB Session Hall, Motiong, Samar.

The training was formally commenced by the welcome message of the SK Federation President, Hon. Mark Nelson Cabarrubias, on behalf of Municipal Mayor Hon. Rene Anthony D. Cabael. Dr. Nathalie Ann A. Acosta presented the overview and objective of the training, as well as discussed on The Principles of Effective Digital Communication. The other topics were delivered by Atty. Alona Medalia C. Gabejan, who tackled Digital Communication in Youth Governance, and Mr. Tranie B. Gatil, who discussed Responsible Social Media Use in Governance.

The activity also featured an interactive workshop, allowing participants to apply key concepts in real-life communication scenarios. Moreover, it highlights the collaborative efforts of the local government and academic institutions in equipping Sangguniang Kabataan officials with essential communication skills, fostering responsible leadership and effective engagement in the digital age.

This initiative contributes to SDG 4 by enhancing the communication competencies of youth leaders through structured training and practical application. It also advances SDG 16 by strengthening participatory governance among Sangguniang Kabataan officials, whilst promoting transparency and accountability. Finally, it reflects SDG 17 through the collaboration between SSU-SICGLG and the local government of Motiong, buildingthe capacity of young leaders for responsive and ethical public service.

For Samar, and beyond!

For Samar, and beyond!

| SSU through the Samar Island Center for Good and Local Governance, has been recognized as an ALAB Awardee 2025 by the Local Government Academy under the CAPDEV Awards.

SSU stands as the sole State University and College (SUC) national awardee from Eastern Visayas, earning distinction as a National Benchmark for Capacity Development.

The recognition highlights the University’s significant contribution to advancing local governance and capacity-building initiatives in the region.

Congratulations, SICGLG Team!

𝙎𝙎𝙐, 𝘿𝙄𝙇𝙂 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙪𝙗-𝙇𝙂𝙍𝘾 𝙈𝙎𝘼𝘾

The 1st Quarter Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Council (MSAC) Meeting of the Samar Sub-Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) conducted on March 25, 2026 at the SSU Board Room, spearheaded by DILG Samar and Samar State University through the Samar Island Center for Good and Local Governance, marks a renewed commitment to collective action for better local governance in the province. More than a meeting, this is a revival. It brought together partner institutions to reconnect and move forward together.

The MSAC meeting included key activities including an (re)orientation of members, presentation of accomplishments and plans, sharing of initiatives from member agencies and offices, and setting the ways forward. As we reignite this platform, the council stands firm in its commitment to sustain these efforts, deepening collaboration and driving impactful initiatives for Samar and its people.

This activity aligns with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), promoting inclusive governance and strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable local development.

For Samar, and beyond!

𝘾𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙡 𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩: 𝙎𝙋𝙋𝘾 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚, 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙘 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙧

In a recently concluded Strategic Development Planning workshop, the Samar Provincial People’s Council (SPPC) crafted a new vision for the for the province – one that resonates the collective will of the vulnerable sectors, including women. While the overall intention was for civil society empowerment, there was a conscious effort to highlight the women’s and women-led organizations as a timely tribute to women’s empowerment, coinciding with the month-long global celebration of women.

The workshop, held on March 23–24 at the MGrand Royale Resort, Catbalogan City was facilitated by SSU’s Samar Island Center for Local and Good Governance (SICLGG). The initiative was supported by the Provincial Government of Samar and the Governance for Climate and Disaster Resilience (Gov-CDR) Project of Global Affairs Canada.

The SPPC envisions a “Samar nga inklusibo (inclusive), patas (fair), marig-on (resilient) ngan progresibo (progressive).” To realize this, they committed to this mission: “Magin boses han komunidad ha gobyerno ngan tulay han gobyerno ngadi ha mga tawo.” (Serve as community voice in government and a bridge connecting government to the people.)

The inclusion of the word “patas” was a result of firm advocacy from the women’s breakout group. They argued that while "inclusion" signifies valuing diversity, "fairness" ensures that people are treated with genuine justice.

Beyond their vision, the council also identified core organizational values and strategic goals for the next five years. In the afternoon of the second day, they formulated specific programs and activities designed to turn these goals into reality.

A key highlight of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the SPPC and SSU-SICLGG. Under this agreement, SICLGG committed to providing "handholding" support, assisting the council in capacity building and the pursuit of its long-term objectives.

More than half of the 86 workshop participants are women leaders of community-based organizations. The cities of Catbalogan and Calbayog, and nine other municipalities of the province were represented. Leaders of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the transport sector were also present for their groups, among others.

The facilitation team was led by Dr. Abigail Cabaguing, SICGLG Director, alongside Mr. Eric Aseo, Provincial Project Coordinator of Gov-CDR, who represented the project throughout the sessions.

The SPPC Strategic Development Planning initiative aligns strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16 by promoting participatory and inclusive governance. It advances SDG 5 through the intentional inclusion of women and women-led CSOs while also addressing SDG 10 by amplifying marginalized sectors. The initiative further supports SDG 11 through community-driven planning, and SDG 17 by strengthening collaboration among CSOs, government, academic institutions, and non-government organizations.

A proud moment for Eastern Visayas, and most especially for Samar State University (SSU)!

Following the Regional Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Council (MSAC) Meeting spearheaded by the DILG Regional Office VIII on March 23, 2024, it was announced that Region VIII has been recognized as a 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, meaning that our region manifests a strong culture of extending support to and a substantial contribution to the capacities of local government units, while fostering and sustaining collaborations with concerned government agencies and relevant organizations.

At the forefront of this milestone is SSU, through the Samar Island Center for Good and Local Governance, as the 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 (𝗦𝗨𝗖) / 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲 (𝗟𝗥𝗜) 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 to receive the 𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗕 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 in 2025 from the Local Government Academy for its consistent and grounded capacity development efforts. This affirms SSU’s unwavering commitment to service excellence, translating knowledge into action and bridging academe and communities, continuously shaping responsive and empowered local governance across Samar and beyond.

This recognition is not just an award. It is a testament to SSU’s role in leading community-centered and transformative development in the region.

Congratulations as well to our fellow awardees:
🏆 DepEd Schools Division of Southern Leyte – Kinang Awardee
🏆 Southern Leyte Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers’ Organization Inc. – Kislap Awardee

As we celebrate this achievement, SSU remains committed to extending support and collaboration to fellow SUCs who share the same vision of advancing good and empowered local governance.

Padayon, Eastern Visayas. Padayon, Samar. Padayon, SSU.

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨

On January 23, 2026 at SSU RIC-AVC and February 19, 2026 at Mare e Monte Restaurant, Catbalogan City, the SSU Samar Island Center for Good and Local Governance (SICGLG) gathered partners and stakeholders for our Pre-Strategic Planning Meeting and Workshop, finalizing the support activities that will guide the upskilling of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the Province of Samar.

Anchored on focused and purposeful FGDs, the pre-training workshop surfaced grounded insights that will shape the direction of the Strategic Development Planning on March 18–19, 2026. These conversations were not merely preparatory but were foundational, ensuring that the plans the collaboration crafts are responsive and participatory, rooted in the lived realities of our CSOs.

This initiative forms part of the greater program of SICGLG in providing capacity-building support to CSOs in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Samar and Alinea Philippines, Inc.

This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16 by strengthening inclusive, participatory governance through empowered Civil Society Organizations, and Sustainable Development Goal 17 by fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration among government, academe, and development partners to drive sustainable local development in Samar.

Towards an empowered civil society!

For Samar, and beyond!

Happy birthday, Ma'am Julie! 🎉

May your dedication continue to uplift and inspire those around you, and may you always be a bright source of positivity. We hope all your dreams and goals come to life.

Cheers to another wonderful year ahead!

Thank you for your inspiring leadership and genuine commitment to serve Samar. Your guidance continues to motivate us, and it is truly an honor to work alongside you. Wishing you good health and happiness! May you have continued success in the year ahead.

For Samar and beyond!

Happiest birthday!