Three delegates from Capiz State University (CAPSU) participated in the BASA 2026: Building, Advancing, Sharing, and Amplifying Library Innovations, a benchmarking conference held September 17-18, 2026 at the Sogod Campus of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), to learn from SLSU’s Learning Commons and digital library initiatives.
The CAPSU delegation was led by Dr. Annalie G. Campos, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who represented University President Dr. Efren L. Linan. Joining her were Dr. Marianne A. Escleto, College Librarian IV and University Supervising Librarian, and Assoc. Prof. Christian George F. Acevedo, Head of the Roxas City Main Campus Library.
BASA 2026 provided a collaborative platform for university presidents, librarians, administrators, and other higher education personnel to observe, exchange, and learn from innovative practices at SLSU. With the university’s Learning Commons and Library Services at the center of the activity, the gathering also opened discussions on digital transformation, internationalization, sustainability, information systems, research and innovation, and disaster risk reduction and management.
SLSU President Dr. Jude A. Duarte opened the conference with a welcome to the delegates, followed by the ceremonial presentation of tokens that marked the spirit of friendship and institutional cooperation underpinning the gathering.
In her keynote message, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Michelle Aguilar Ong, who also serves as Chairperson-Designate of the SLSU Board of Regents, emphasized the importance of continually modernizing academic libraries to respond to the changing ways students access information, learn, and engage with their universities. She likewise recognized the work of university librarians and encouraged institutions to keep improving library spaces and services for today’s learners.
The conference then moved into a series of presentations showcasing SLSU initiatives that delegates could examine and potentially contextualize within their respective institutions.
Leading the first session was Ms. Geanprose L. Colonia, RL, Head of Learning Commons and Library Services, who presented “Transforming Library Services through ODILO and the SLSU Learning Commons.” Her presentation demonstrated how SLSU integrates physical learning spaces with digital technologies, systems, resources, and programs to strengthen library management and improve access to learning opportunities.
Delegates subsequently toured the Learning Commons, where they were given a closer look at its facilities and services. The visit included a hands-on demonstration of the ODILO Unlimited Learning Ecosystem, enabling them to experience how digital resources and technology can complement traditional library services and create a more flexible learning environment.
The second session shifted the focus from an established innovation to the processes behind bringing such an initiative to fruition. Mr. Francis Rey F. Padrao, MIM, Director of University Information System and Analytics, presented “From Concept to Reality: Packaging the IDIG Proposal for the SLSU Learning Commons.” He walked participants through key considerations in proposal development, costing, technical specifications, and project implementation. The discussion provided delegates with practical insights into how institutional ideas can be translated into viable and implementable projects.
BASA 2026 also touched topics beyond the library, highlighting broader picture of innovation at SLSU.
Dr. Ingrid M. Uy, Director of the Global Engagement and Strategic Partnerships Office, led the session “Soaring Beyond Limits: SLSU Best Practices in Internationalization.” She shared the university’s approaches to global engagement and strategic partnerships, emphasizing how internationalization can extend opportunities beyond institutional and national boundaries while allowing the benefits of global connections to reach local academic communities.
Sustainability took center stage in the succeeding presentation of Mr. Leo A. Omamalin, CPA, Director of University Planning and Development, on LIMPYO SLSU, or Learning and Implementation Models for Practical Zero-Waste Yield and Operations. The session offered participants insights into the university’s efforts to translate sustainability principles into institutional practices and operations, demonstrating how environmental responsibility can move from policy and planning into concrete action.
The series of presentations concluded with Dr. Jannie Fleur V. Oraño, Director of Research, Innovation, and Publication Services, who discussed “GIS Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.” Her presentation highlighted the application of geographic information systems in strengthening disaster preparedness, risk assessment, planning, and evidence-informed decision-making, demonstrating the potential of research and technology to contribute to safer and more resilient institutions and communities.
Following the technical sessions, participants joined the immersive tour of the SLSU Sogod Campus particular the RIES Building, GIS Tech Center, and Information and Systems Analytics Office, among other areas of the campus. These gave the participants the SLSU perspective on how the programs, technologies, and institutional systems discussed during the sessions operate in actual settings. It also provided an informal space for university leaders and personnel to continue conversations, exchange experiences, and identify possibilities for institutional cooperation.
The second day (September 17) of BASA 2026 brought participants beyond the university campus and into the history, culture, and natural landscape of Southern Leyte.
They visited the historic island municipality of Limasawa where they experienced some of the island’s most significant historical and natural attractions, including the First Mass Shrine in Magallanes, a site commemorating the first documented Catholic Mass in the Philippines on March 31, 1521, and Magellan’s Cross, where visitors can climb toward the First Cross Monument while taking in expansive views of the surrounding seascape.
Among the SUCs represented during the BASA 2026 were Adiong Memorial State College, Bataan Peninsula State University, Biliran Province State University, Capiz State University, Guimaras State University, Kalinga State University, Leyte Normal University, Marikina Polytechnic College, Northern Bukidnon State College, Pampanga State University, President Ramon Magsaysay State University, Romblon State University, University of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, and Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology.
Text by: Assoc. Prof. Christian George F. Acevedo
Images from SLSU Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Office