The Campus Information Systems and Analytics (CISA) team from Southern Leyte State University - Maasin City Campus (SLSU-MCC), along with the Physical Plant Development and Maintenance Office (PPDMO), conducted a benchmarking visit to SLSU-Hinunangan Campus on February 19, 2025. The delegation was led by Mr. Rannie Sumacot, Head of CISA, and included Mr. Florito Cortel, Mr. Mark Eleutaire Fernandez, Mr. Nicko Salazar, Engr. Regie Bero, and Mr. Reynante Lorzano.

Upon their arrival, the team first paid a courtesy visit to the Campus Director, Mr. Wade C. Lim, before proceeding with their site visits. Accompanying them were the Planning Officer of Hinunangan Campus, Engr. Noel Bugais, and the Head of CISA in Hinunangan, Mr. Jonathan Pasayan. The benchmarking focused on assessing various campus facilities and technological implementations, with particular attention to sustainable energy practices, internet infrastructure, and modern academic resources. Hinunangan Campus also shared their Microsoft Office 365 license with Maasin Campus and assured that they would provide and share their licensed café management system for free when Maasin Campus fully implements an internet laboratory this year. Additionally, their Microsoft 365 setup ensures that Windows OS and Office are licensed and integrated with Azure Active Directory for centralized management and security, and they will share it with Maasin Campus also.

One of the key areas of interest was the Hinunangan Campus' solar farm and its full-scale solar-powered energy system. The team examined the efficient implementation of solar energy, which powers the entire Main Distribution Frame (MDF) and Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) of the smart campus project. This ensures that internet connectivity remains uninterrupted even in the event of a main line electricity outage. Additionally, the solar energy system provides power to all computer units in the administrative building, guaranteeing that critical transactions and operations are not disrupted. The team also explored the campus’ internet laboratory, where an innovative automated air conditioning system is employed, activating only when individuals are present to conserve energy.

In addition, the team reviewed the server infrastructure, observing the well-maintained server racks and dedicated air conditioning units designed for 24/7 operation, all powered by solar energy. The computer laboratory of the Information Technology (IT) department, headed by Mr. Ruther Manun-og, was another highlight, where each computer is connected to a dedicated internet connection with a minimum speed of 15Mbps, utilizing Starlink for high-speed access, where majority of the software used by the students are fully licensed, while others are free to use.

The benchmarking also extended to the gymnasium, where the team was given access to the control room to observe and operate the advanced sound system and LED wall. Further exploration led them to the Multi-purpose Academic Building (MAB), which boasts extensive Wi-Fi coverage and a dedicated control room for audiovisual management.

Lastly, the team visited Academic Building 1, which houses the campus library. The library is designed to cater to various student needs, featuring a silent room for individual study, a discussion room for collaborative learning, and a dedicated computer room for research and coursework.

This benchmarking activity aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), emphasizing the importance of technology-driven learning environments and sustainable infrastructure. The visit provided valuable insights into innovative campus developments, particularly in energy efficiency, internet connectivity, and academic resource management, which the SLSU-Maasin team aims to adopt to enhance their own campus facilities and services.