Our Contributions to SDG 11
Public Access to Buildings
The Leyte Normal University (LNU) Main Campus in Tacloban City is composed of three main compounds—the Admin Compound, College Compound, and Youngfield Compound—as shown in the official Building Map prepared on July 16, 2024 under the University’s Master Plan Project.
Across the campus, there are 31 identified building structures, including academic, administrative, residential, and support facilities:
- Admin Compound (11 structures): Houses the Administration Building, Brillo Hall, HRDC Building, IT Building, Humanities Building, CTE/LL Building, Student Center, and essential facilities such as the Guard House, Covered Basketball Court, and IGP Food Court.
- College Compound (8 structures): Includes the College Building, Science Building, Graduate School, Learning Resource Center, Entrepreneurship Building, LNU House, IGP Food Park, and Guard House.
- Youngfield Compound (12 structures): Contains the Gym, Academic Building, CME Building, Conversion Building, De Venecia Building, Hotel Cresencia, Male and Female Dormitories, Faculty Dorm, Guest House, Guard House, and IGP Food Park.
The layout shows a connected and accessible campus, with roads linking all compounds and open green spaces distributed across the area. This organization highlights LNU’s sustainable campus design—balancing academic infrastructure with community accessibility and green zones.
The Building Map demonstrates LNU’s commitment to organized land use and inclusive facilities, aligning with SDG 11’s goals of creating sustainable, safe, and resilient institutional environments.
Policy Framework for Access to Buildings
Approved on 26 April 2023, the Finance and Administration Manual (FAM 11.02) institutionalizes transparent guidelines for the reservation and use of university facilities and vehicles. It opens LNU’s spaces to external stakeholders, including local government units, review centers, civic organizations, and cultural groups, under a clearly defined process that ensures accountability, fairness, and efficiency.
The Manual’s provisions embody open governance in practice: standardized forms, presidential approval protocols, and a data privacy-compliant record system that guarantees orderly, equitable access. This transforms the campus into a functional civic hub, enabling the city’s social and educational life to flourish within university grounds.
The LNU Board of Regents reinforced this commitment by approving Resolution No. 1531, Series of 2023, which rationalized the fee structure for campus facilities. The revision ensures affordability, cost recovery, and sustainability, which balances public accessibility with the upkeep of shared spaces.
Classroom rentals remain between ₱400–₱600 per day, while large venues such as the HRDC Cultural Complex follow a tiered pricing model based on amenities and utilities used. This policy guarantees transparency, predictability, and continued investment in maintenance, while protecting equitable access for community groups, schools, and public agencies.
In Calendar Year 2024, Leyte Normal University (LNU) recorded 102 official reservations by external organizations, underscoring its strong commitment to an open-campus policy. These reservations covered a wide range of community-oriented activities, including seminars, public trainings, review classes, cultural performances, and civic celebrations.
Most of these reservations were charged only nominal utility-based fees, confirming LNU’s role as an enabler of access rather than a commercial lessor. By keeping its facilities affordable, the University continues to expand opportunities for local governance, education, and cultural expression, reinforcing its identity as a community anchor institution in Eastern Visayas.
Indicator | Result (2024) |
|---|---|
Total External Reservations | 102 |
Average Fee Range | ₱400–₱600 (classrooms); tiered for halls |
Primary Users | LGUs, schools, review centers, civic & religious groups |
Core Benefit | Inclusive, low-cost access to safe, well-managed facilities |
Beyond these scheduled reservations, LNU facilities are also made available free of charge for national and public service initiatives. On August 2–3, 2024, the University hosted the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF), the largest-ever BPSF held in Region VIII, without venue rental fees, further affirming its commitment to public service and government collaboration.
The event gathered numerous government agencies that delivered vital services directly to citizens, including education, health, livelihood and housing support, legal assistance through the Katarungan Caravan, agriculture, regulatory services, and social welfare programs. A Kadiwa Center was also established to provide affordable food products to attendees.
Through the Cash Assistance and Rice Distribution (CARD) and Start-up, Incentives, Business Opportunity, and Livelihood (SIBOL) programs, beneficiaries received food, educational, and livelihood assistance. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) likewise distributed food packs, while the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection ensured the event’s safety and order.
The fair provided over ₱1.26 billion worth of cash aid and services to more than 253,000 beneficiaries across Eastern Visayas, highlighting LNU’s vital role as a venue for inclusive and large-scale public service delivery.
Moreover, LNU extends the same spirit of openness during times of calamity, providing its facilities free of charge as an evacuation center for displaced residents during typhoons and other emergencies, including Typhoon Yolanda. This continuing practice reflects the University’s steadfast dedication to community resilience, safety, and solidarity.
Public Access to Libraries
The Leyte Normal University Library Citizen’s Charter reflects the institution’s commitment to accessible and quality public service. As a knowledge hub open to everyone, the LNU Library welcomes not only students and faculty but also external visitors and researchers who wish to use its resources. Guided by the principle of inclusivity, the library ensures that no fees are charged to clients for the use of its facilities and services, affirming its role as a free and public learning space.
Among the major services detailed in the Charter is the Reference Service, which offers direct personal assistance to anyone in search of information. This service enables users to access the right information at the right time, whether for academic, professional, or personal research purposes. Visitors are simply asked to present a valid ID or referral letter and register at the information desk before being assisted by the library staff. This well-defined process demonstrates how LNU upholds efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered service delivery aligned with good governance principles.
Institutional Linkages Initiatives for Library Services
The LNU Library Service Manual, under Section A.III (Linkages), underscores the value the university places on collaboration and shared academic growth. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been established as an institutional linkage between Leyte Normal University (LNU), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Visayas State University (VSU), Naval State University (NSU), Samar State University (SSU), and Asian Development Foundation College (ADFC).
This partnership enhances inter-library cooperation, enabling member institutions to share resources, best practices, and access to information networks. It reinforces the regional commitment to expanding educational opportunities through collective access to learning materials and research databases. Through this, LNU demonstrates leadership in building a collaborative academic ecosystem that benefits both internal and external stakeholders.
Recognizing the importance of digital connectivity in the modern learning environment, the LNU Library maintains an active Facebook page: LNU Learning Resource Center. This online platform serves as an extended arm of the library, ensuring that clients, including those not from LNU, can easily access its announcements, resources, and services.
The page features service advisories, event updates, and a responsive chat feature, providing real-time assistance to users who may need help with references, schedules, or general inquiries. Through this online presence, the LNU Library brings its services closer to the community, ensuring equitable access to information regardless of physical location.
Public Access to Museums
Standing as one of the most enduring landmarks of LNU Brillo Hall embodies over a century of academic tradition, resilience, and cultural significance. Originally known as the Leyte Normal School Building, its earliest iteration, the historic Fiske Building constructed in 1908, served as the core of teacher education in the region under the American colonial education system.
Over time, Brillo Hall bore witness to the institution’s transformation: from Leyte Normal School to Leyte Normal College, and eventually, Leyte Normal University. Its storied halls nurtured generations of educators and professionals who shaped the educational and cultural landscape of Eastern Visayas and beyond.
During the Second World War, the building stood as a silent yet steadfast witness to adversity. It was among the few educational structures in Tacloban City that survived the conflict, serving at various times as a temporary refuge and post-liberation hub for the resumption of academic life. Its endurance through war and reconstruction symbolizes the unyielding spirit of the university and the community it serves.
Today, Brillo Hall continues to stand as a living monument with its preserved architecture and renewed function, embodying both history and progress. Once the cornerstone of instruction, it now fulfills a new role as the home of the Leyte Normal University Museum, transforming a historic space of learning into a center for public access to culture and heritage.
The Establishment of the Leyte Normal University Museum
In celebration of its 99th Founding Anniversary, Leyte Normal University formally inaugurated the LNU Museum. This is a landmark event that formed part of the university’s centennial commemoration (1921–2021). The museum was envisioned to institutionalize the preservation and celebration of LNU’s heritage as a dynamic academic and cultural institution.
Located on the second floor of Brillo Hall, the museum serves as a repository of the university’s history, showcasing an extensive collection of memorabilia, historical documents, photographs, and artifacts that trace the evolution of LNU from a pioneering normal school to a leading state university. Each exhibit narrates a story of academic excellence, resilience, and public service, highlighting LNU’s contributions to education, culture, and national development.
Open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the LNU Museum welcomes visitors to explore its curated exhibitions, serving as both a historical archive and a public educational venue that strengthens cultural awareness and inclusivity.
Soft Opening of the Newly Curated LNU Museum – A Celebration of Legacy and Learning
Continuing its mission to enhance cultural accessibility, Leyte Normal University held the soft opening of the newly curated LNU Museum alongside the State of the University Address (SUA) of University President Dr. Evelyn B. Aguirre on March 7, 2025.
The newly curated museum introduces enhanced exhibition spaces, interactive learning features, and expanded cultural collections, positioning it as a vibrant hub for history, education, and community engagement. It reflects the university’s steadfast commitment to inclusive access to cultural and educational resources, ensuring that heritage is not confined within institutional walls but shared openly with the public.
Public Access to Green Spaces
Open Space Mapping and Development of Green Campus Zones
In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), continues to reaffirm its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship through the preservation and strategic management of its campus open spaces.
As part of this initiative, LNU conducted a comprehensive Open Space Mapping Project, which identified, categorized, and documented the university’s freely accessible green and communal zones across its three main areas: the Young Field Compound, the Administration Compound, and the College Compound.
This mapping initiative underscores the university’s holistic approach to campus planning, integrating ecological preservation, accessibility, and community well-being. These open spaces serve multiple purposes: they act as natural buffers for biodiversity, recreational and wellness zones for students and staff, and safe communal areas that promote social interaction and academic collaboration.
The Young Field Compound features broad green lawns and shaded pedestrian walkways that provide students with spaces for recreation, outdoor learning, and cultural gatherings. Meanwhile, the Administration Compound preserves landscaped gardens and open courtyards that promote relaxation and mindfulness within administrative workspaces. The College Compound, serving as the academic heart of the university, integrates eco-friendly corridors and tree-lined pathways that enhance walkability, comfort, and campus aesthetics.
- Open Space Map for Administration Compound
- Open Space Map for College Compound
- Open Space Map for Youngfield Compound
Through these efforts, Leyte Normal University ensures that its campus remains a living model of sustainable design and inclusive public access. The open space map serves not only as a guide for spatial management but also as a visual testament to the university’s commitment to creating an environmentally balanced, student-centered, and community-responsive campus.
Adoption and Rehabilitation of the Mangonbangon River and River Park Development
Leyte Normal University has played a pioneering role in transforming the Mangonbangon River and its surrounding environment into a vibrant, accessible, and ecologically sustainable public space.
The initiative began in September 2019, when LNU formally adopted the Mangonbangon River through a collaborative partnership with the Tacloban City Youth Affairs Office and the Youth for Human and Ecology Security, under the guidance of the City Population Office. The program focused on restoring the river’s ecological integrity, promoting environmental education, and engaging local youth in community-based sustainability efforts.
In 2020, as part of the university’s preparations for its centennial celebration in 2021, LNU inaugurated the newly constructed Mangonbangon River Park, located in Barangay 50-A, Youngfield, Tacloban City. This project marked a significant milestone in the university’s environmental and social advocacy, transforming what was once a neglected waterway into a safe, accessible, and inclusive open space for recreation, learning, and community interaction.
The Phase 1 development, amounting to ₱2 million, included the construction of concrete benches, railings, landscaped walkways, and green buffers, providing both functional and aesthetic enhancements to the riverfront. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Leyte Normal University and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) formalized their shared commitment to preserve, rehabilitate, and manage the area sustainably.
The Phase 2 rehabilitation, likewise amounting to ₱2 million, further expanded the park’s facilities and extended the rehabilitated river stretch, reinforcing LNU’s long-term commitment to environmental resilience and urban livability.
Now open to the public, the Mangonbangon River Park serves as both a recreational green space and an educational site for sustainability awareness. It embodies LNU’s vision of creating shared spaces that connect people, nature, and learning.
Arts and Heritage Contribution
Policies Strengthening the Arts and Heritage Contribution of Leyte Normal University
LNU stands as a beacon of cultural vitality in Eastern Visayas, upholding a strong tradition of artistic expression and heritage preservation through its dynamic performing groups under the Student Performing Arts (SPA) program. These include the Leyte Normal University Philharmonic Singers (LNU-PS), Leyte Normal University Dance Company (LNU-DC), Banda Dumagsa (BD), LNU Marching Band (LMB), LNU Hip-Hop Generals (HG), Muzik Harmonie (MH), and Tingog Dumagsa (TD). Collectively, these ensembles serve as cultural ambassadors of the University, showcasing excellence in music, dance, and performance arts while embodying the creative and intellectual spirit of the institution.
As an institution of higher learning, LNU aligns its cultural initiatives with national directives on the preservation, promotion, and transmission of arts and heritage, as enshrined in the Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, and Republic Act No. 11961 or the Cultural Mapping and Enhanced Heritage Education Act of 2023. These landmark laws declare it a state policy to protect and promote Philippine cultural heritage and to encourage the widest participation of the people, including educational institutions, in conserving and popularizing the nation’s artistic and cultural expressions. Through its performing groups, LNU actively contributes to the implementation of these national mandates by integrating cultural education and artistic practice into student development and community engagement.
In adherence to these policies, LNU has institutionalized internal mechanisms that strengthen its arts and heritage programs, ensuring that cultural promotion is not merely an extracurricular endeavor but a structured institutional commitment. Two key policies under the Student Development Manual (SDM), SDM 6.01: Selection and Monitoring of Performers and SDM 6.03: Artistic Performances, serve as the foundation for this effort.
The SDM 6.01: Selection and Monitoring of Performers establishes a transparent and merit-based system for the recruitment, evaluation, and retention of student performers across all SPA groups. It ensures inclusivity by opening membership to all bona fide students while maintaining standards of excellence through formal auditions, academic eligibility, and continuous monitoring. Meanwhile, the SDM 6.03: Artistic Performances governs the conduct of in-campus and off-campus performances, establishing clear procedures for requests, approvals, and coordination with the Student Performing Arts Office, the Vice President for Student Development, and the Office of the University President. It ensures that every performance follows proper institutional protocol, upholds the integrity of LNU’s artistic representation, and safeguards the welfare of its student performers through the use of consent forms and performance agreements.
Together, these policies provide the framework that allows LNU to sustain high-quality and ethically managed artistic productions. They transform cultural participation into a form of heritage preservation, where each performance, be it a concert, a dance recital, or a musical production, becomes a living expression of the University’s identity and contribution to the national cultural landscape.
Through the combined guidance of national cultural laws and university-level policy frameworks, Leyte Normal University exemplifies the role of higher education institutions as cultural stewards. It continues to strengthen the link between education, creativity, and heritage, affirming that the arts are not only a reflection of the past but also a vital force in shaping a sustainable and culturally rich future.
LNU’s Cultural Footprint: Annual Public Performances that Strengthen Local Arts
In 2024, Leyte Normal University strengthened its role as a cultural anchor in Eastern Visayas with 32 public performances by seven student performing groups, the LNU Dance Company, Hip-hop Generals, Muzik Harmonie, LNU Philharmonic Singers, Banda Dumagsa, Tingog Dumagsa, and Sirang Theater Ensemble.
Across university halls, city stages, and national venues, these groups carried the sound and movement of local artistry. From West Side Story in March to the year-end Christmas Cantata: Hope Unfolds, each performance reflected both discipline and passion for creative expression.
The University’s commitment went beyond entertainment. LNU performers lent their art to social themes—mental health awareness, environmental protection, and community celebrations—proving that the stage can also be a space for civic engagement.
A highlight of the year was LNU’s very own Christel Galacan’s solo performance at Konsyerto sa Palasyo, representing Banda Dumagsa and affirming the national visibility of LNU’s homegrown talents.
Through continuous training, documentation, and collaboration, LNU ensures that the arts remain part of everyday university life. Its student performers not only preserve regional heritage but also move it forward, making culture a living, learning experience that connects the University with the community it serves.
Record and Preserve Cultural Heritage
Documenting the Mamanwa Ritual Dance: LNU’s Role in Cultural Preservation
Leyte Normal University advances cultural preservation through research that records and protects indigenous heritage. In “Safeguarding the Mamanwa Ritual in Basey, Samar, Philippines: A Dance Documentation,” faculty researcher Dr. Maricar C. Tegero documented the ritual dance traditions of the Mamanwa tribe in Barangay Guirang, Basey, Samar.
Using the Francisca Reyes Aquino notation system, the study detailed the tribe’s movements, musical patterns, and cultural meanings, producing written and video materials for education and preservation. The documentation highlights the Pahayadhad ritual, a dance that embodies the Mamanwa’s spirituality and collective identity.
Presented at the Asian Multidisciplinary Conference on Education and Research in 2025, the project extended the reach of Mamanwa culture to the academic community. Through this work, LNU demonstrates how research can preserve living traditions and ensure that indigenous knowledge remains part of the nation’s cultural record.
Building a Legacy Through the Arts
Leyte Normal University (LNU) affirms that education reaches its fullest meaning when it includes culture and creativity at its core. In 2024, the University directed ₱31,851,539 toward the development of arts and heritage, expressing a clear commitment to strengthening cultural education and creative practice.
This allocation amounts to 6.6 percent of LNU’s total expenditure of ₱480,220,659. Of this, ₱29,851,554.64 supports twenty-three faculty and staff members engaged in the arts. Eight work in the literary field, six in theatre, and nine in dance and music. An additional ₱2,000,000 is devoted to operational requirements that include performances, exhibitions, and outreach activities within the community.
LNU’s expenditure for arts and heritage is consistent with national policy. Republic Act 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, directs educational institutions to advance cultural education and to preserve the nation’s heritage. Section 15 of the same law places a duty on schools and universities to strengthen cultural awareness and understanding. The University meets this responsibility through academic programs and creative platforms that celebrate local and national identity.
Republic Act 7722, or the Higher Education Act of 1994, also provides guidance for this commitment. The law envisions higher education institutions that foster moral, intellectual, and cultural development. LNU’s continuous support for the arts fulfills this vision by ensuring that cultural learning remains part of the academic environment. The presence of artists, writers, musicians, and theatre mentors within the University enriches the experience of students and broadens their sense of belonging to the country’s artistic tradition.
The Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 further emphasizes the role of culture in building inclusive growth. It identifies the creative sector as an engine for national progress. LNU contributes to this goal through programs that employ, train, and guide individuals in creative work. The University’s efforts strengthen regional participation in the arts while keeping heritage and innovation in balance.
Through continuous investment in arts and heritage, Leyte Normal University preserves the vitality of culture within education. Every literary output, stage performance, and musical presentation represents a university that values both scholarship and cultural identity. This commitment affirms LNU’s belief that nurturing creativity and safeguarding heritage form part of the nation’s long-term advancement.
Sustainable Practice Targets
Promotion of Cost-Effective and Environment-Friendly Mobility Solutions
Leyte Normal University (LNU) upholds national sustainability directives through clear, measurable actions aimed at minimizing its carbon footprint and optimizing transport efficiency. Aligned with Republic Act No. 9729 (Climate Change Act of 2009), Republic Act No. 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999), and CHED Memorandum Order No. 1, s. 2015 on Green and Sustainable Campuses, LNU integrates climate-responsive and environment-friendly transport management into its institutional operations.
The University’s Responsible Fleet Management Strategy is founded on the Government Vehicle Policy Guidelines, particularly Administrative Order No. 239, s. 2008 and DBM Budget Circular No. 2022-1, which provide the national framework for responsible, sustainable, and transparent vehicle utilization.
- Administrative Order No. 239, s. 2008, “Prohibiting the Use of Government Vehicles for Purposes Other Than Official Business,” explicitly requires all government agencies to use vehicles solely for essential and authorized institutional functions.
- Section 1 limits vehicle use to essential activities, requiring trip tickets to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Sections 2 and 3 prohibit the use of vehicles for personal or private purposes, mandating that all official vehicles bear government plates and are properly logged.
- Sections 5 and 6 direct all agency heads to disseminate, monitor, and ensure strict compliance with the policy.
- DBM Budget Circular No. 2022-1, “Omnibus Guidelines on the Acquisition, Use, Rental, and Replacement of Government Motor Vehicles,” reinforces the need for prudent, sustainable, and efficient vehicle management.
- Section 2.0 promotes the judicious, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly use of motor vehicles.
- Section 10.0 permits vehicle rental only when it is more economical and sustainable than outright purchase.
- Section 12.0 requires all agencies, including state universities and colleges, to prepare a three-year re-fleeting program that ensures vehicles are replaced based on efficiency, age, and mileage thresholds.
In adherence to these national directives, LNU maintains a minimal operational fleet of only six (6) official vehicles for a campus population of approximately 8,000 individuals—equating to a ratio of 1:1,333 (0.00075 vehicles per person). This deliberate limitation represents a measurable sustainability target that significantly reduces institutional greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Vehicle Type | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Toyota Grandia Vans | 2 | Official functions of university officials |
Mitsubishi Montero | 1 | Accounting and Budget Office operations |
Toyota Innova | 1 | Accounting and Budget Office operations |
Nissan Urvan | 1 | Faculty and staff activities |
Minibus | 1 | Student and faculty community engagements, research, and events |
Each vehicle is operated under the “Official Use Only” Policy, consistent with AO 239 and DBM Circular 2022-1, ensuring that all trips are officially authorized and properly documented through trip tickets and logbooks.
To maximize fuel efficiency and resource sharing, LNU actively encourages carpooling for personnel traveling to the same events or destinations. This practice embodies the principle of Section 2.0(c) of DBM Circular No. 2022-1, which emphasizes the fuel-efficient, environment-friendly, and cost-effective use of government resources. By consolidating trips, the University reduces both fuel consumption and carbon emissions, while reinforcing accountability and institutional sustainability.
Through these combined policy measures and quantifiable targets, Leyte Normal University demonstrates exemplary compliance with national administrative and environmental mandates, aligning its transport practices with the principles of sustainable urban mobility under SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Promote Sustainable Commuting
Institutional Actions to Encourage Non-Motorized and Public Transport Use
In parallel with its measurable sustainability targets, Leyte Normal University (LNU) undertakes a range of proactive measures to promote sustainable commuting practices among its faculty, staff, and students. Rooted in the mandates of RA 8749 (Clean Air Act) and CHED CMO No. 1, s. 2015, the University recognizes that transportation efficiency is not merely an operational concern but a key contributor to environmental stewardship and community well-being.
LNU’s campus layout itself promotes low-emission mobility. The Young Field, Administration, and College Campuses are all situated within an approximate 280-meter distance, a design that naturally encourages walking and active transport. This close proximity has significantly reduced short-distance vehicle trips within the University grounds, leading to both lower emissions and improved campus livability.
The Tacloban City Mayor’s Office has also implemented a one-way traffic scheme along the University Belt, which, though designed primarily for traffic management, has indirectly advanced LNU’s sustainable commuting goals. The route requires motorists to drive around an extended block to reach adjacent campus buildings—an adjustment that often leads personnel and students to opt for walking instead, effectively lowering fuel use and reducing vehicle congestion.
To reinforce these efforts, the University has institutionalized a Gate Pass Policy requiring all faculty and staff vehicle owners to register before entering the campus, limiting vehicle inflow and prioritizing those on official business. This policy not only supports security and order but also directly contributes to emission reduction by discouraging unnecessary vehicle use.
Additionally, dedicated bicycle parking spaces have been installed across campus to promote non-motorized transportation, in line with the sustainable campus vision outlined in CHED CMO No. 1, s. 2015. Through this infrastructure, LNU promotes cycling as an accessible and eco-friendly alternative to driving, supporting a culture of active mobility.
Allow Remote Working
Flexible Work at LNU: Aligning with CSC Policy on Remote Work
Leyte Normal University adheres to the Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 6, s. 2022, or the Policies on Flexible Work Arrangements in the Government, which institutionalizes flexible and remote work options as a permanent feature in public service.
Under Section 5 of the circular, government agencies are authorized to adopt flexible work arrangements such as Work-from-Home (WFH), Compressed Workweek, Skeleton Workforce, Flexible Work Hours, or a Combination of these schemes, provided that public service delivery and performance standards are maintained.
In line with this, LNU allows qualified personnel to render official duties remotely or to request alternative work schedules that suit their roles and personal circumstances. Employees may formally communicate their preferred official time through a letter addressed to the University President, subject to approval and compliance with institutional requirements.
This adherence to CSC MC No. 6, s. 2022 reflects LNU’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and employee welfare—ensuring that flexible work practices contribute to a responsive and sustainable public education environment.
Affordable Housing for the Employees
Affordable Housing for LNU Employees
As indicated in the Leyte Normal University Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) under Section 2.2e: Geographical Description and Survey of the Site Intended for Dormitories for Students and Housing Sites for SUC Employees, the University provides and expands affordable housing options for its personnel.
Two existing dormitory buildings—the Main Campus Dormitory and the Alumni Dormitory—currently accommodate faculty and staff alongside students. Each four-story structure covers 2,920 square meters and offers 400 beds, providing convenient and low-cost living arrangements within the campus.
To further strengthen employee welfare, the LUDIP identifies a new housing site specifically designated for faculty and staff, to be developed near the College of Management and Entrepreneurship and the College of Arts and Sciences. The area is accessible through the Young Field gate and is designed to ensure privacy, safety, and ease of access without disrupting academic activities.
Through these existing and planned facilities, Leyte Normal University ensures that SUC employees have access to affordable, secure, and well-situated housing, supporting their quality of life and reinforcing the University’s commitment to a sustainable and inclusive campus environment.
Affordable Housing for Students
Affordable Housing for Students
Leyte Normal University (LNU) provides affordable, safe, and student-friendly dormitories as part of its strong commitment to student welfare, inclusivity, and sustainable campus living. As stated in the Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) under Section 2.2(e), dedicated areas have been allocated for student dormitories and employee housing to support the University’s long-term spatial development. Through Board of Regents Resolution No. 1531, Series of 2023, the University approved a revised dormitory rate of ₱1,100.00 per month, which already includes water, electricity, bed and foam, drawers, and access to laundry equipment. The revision was based on a rationalized review of operational costs and benchmarking with other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Region VIII.
A market survey of nearby boarding houses shows rental rates ranging from ₱2,500.00 to ₱7,000.00 per month, making the LNU Dormitory a far more affordable option for students. Each dorm room is equipped with eight double decks, sixteen single-sized foams, and three drawers, providing sufficient space and comfort for residents. The dormitory is designed with separate rooms for boys and girls to ensure privacy and safety. Bathroom facilities include two showers, three toilets with partitions, and one lavatory. Common areas such as the lobby, laundry area, and wash area are available for residents’ convenience and are maintained regularly to promote cleanliness and order.
Visitors are allowed until 5:00 p.m. only, while curfew is set at 8:00 p.m. Working students, however, may be granted exceptions depending on their work schedules. The LNU Dormitory also caters to transient stays—students of LNU may avail themselves of transient accommodations at ₱150.00 per night, while outsiders are charged ₱250.00 per night. This flexible arrangement supports both long-term residents and short-term guests attending university-related activities.
To qualify for dormitory accommodation, applicants must be bonafide students of Leyte Normal University, with varsity members enjoying free housing privileges. Interested students must undergo an interview with the Dormitory Manager, Mr. Jan Carlo De Veyra, and submit the required forms together with a 2×2 ID photo and a photocopy of their enrollment slip. After the interview, students are required to pay a two-month advance fee amounting to ₱1,600.00. Applicants may personally visit the LNU Dormitory during office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Maintaining affordable yet quality on-campus housing demonstrates LNU’s continuing dedication to accessible education and sustainable campus development. By providing secure and inclusive dormitory facilities within the university grounds, LNU ensures that students have access to comfortable living spaces conducive to learning and personal growth.
Pedestrian Priority on Campus
Walking Toward Sustainability at Leyte Normal University
Leyte Normal University (LNU) actively promotes a safe, accessible, and environmentally sustainable campus by prioritizing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in full alignment with national sustainability mandates. This initiative is anchored on the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Low Carbon Transport Strategy (LCTS) 2017–2040, Republic Act No. 9729 (Climate Change Act of 2009), and Republic Act No. 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999)—all of which emphasize low-emission, people-centered mobility systems as integral to sustainable urban development.
The DOTr Low Carbon Transport Strategy (LCTS) outlines in Section 4.3 – Promotion of Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) the need to encourage walking and cycling by providing safe sidewalks, crossings, and overpasses, while Section 5.1 – Sustainable Urban Mobility directs institutions to prioritize accessibility, safety, and comfort for pedestrians. Guided by these provisions, LNU ensures that pedestrian movement remains at the heart of its mobility planning. The University has developed a network of walkways, sidewalks, and an elevated overpass connecting key areas of the campus—enabling students, faculty, and staff to move conveniently and safely between facilities without dependence on motorized transport.
To further encourage walking and reduce reliance on vehicles, clearly marked pedestrian lanes are established both within and around the campus premises. These lanes ensure organized pedestrian flow and minimize potential conflicts between people and vehicles. Complementing this system are covered walkways that protect the academic community from harsh weather conditions such as heat and rain, ensuring year-round comfort and continuity of movement. The covered pathways link major academic buildings, administrative offices, and communal spaces—enhancing connectivity and reinforcing a culture of active mobility that directly supports the objectives of the DOTr-LCTS and RA 8749, which promote non-motorized and low-emission transport systems.
In alignment with Republic Act No. 9729 (Climate Change Act of 2009), particularly Section 2 and Section 12, LNU’s pedestrian infrastructure is part of its institutional climate adaptation and mitigation strategy. By creating walkable environments and reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-based transport, the University contributes to greenhouse gas reduction and builds a resilient, low-carbon campus ecosystem.
Furthermore, the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749) reinforces in Section 2 and Section 21 that government and educational institutions should establish programs to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles by promoting pedestrian and non-motorized systems. LNU’s adherence to this mandate is evident in its integrated pedestrian network and vehicle-restrictive measures within campus grounds.
The University also ensures that sustainability is inclusive. In accordance with principles of universal design, LNU’s infrastructure includes ramps and barrier-free pathways for Persons with Disabilities (PWD). These facilities are strategically installed across academic and administrative zones, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to move independently and safely. This commitment reflects both the Accessibility Law (BP Blg. 344) and LNU’s core value of equitable access to education and services.
Through these well-planned measures, pedestrian lanes, covered walkways, overpasses, and inclusive accessibility infrastructure, Leyte Normal University not only ensures safety and convenience but also advances national and global goals for sustainable mobility.
Local Collaboration
Local Authority Collaboration on Planning and Development
Leyte Normal University (LNU) upholds strong collaboration with local authorities and national regulatory agencies in the preparation and implementation of its Campus Development Master Plan and Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP). Anchored in Part 4: Institutional Coordination and Monitoring Set-Up, this coordination ensures that institutional growth complies with both educational mandates and government planning frameworks.
As provided in the LUDIP (Part 4.1: Physical and Land Use Planning, p. 198–199), the Office of the President (OUP), through the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance (OVPAF) and with the technical support of the Planning Development and Engineering Office (PDEO), oversees all phases of physical and land use planning. The plan clearly states that “consultation with government agencies such as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), local governments of Tacloban and the provinces, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will be essential for interconnection and compliance.”
This institutional mechanism directly adheres to the Republic Act No. 11396, or the LUDIP Act of 2019, which mandates all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to prepare comprehensive campus land use and infrastructure plans in coordination with their Local Government Units (LGUs) and relevant agencies. LNU’s Master Plan thus fulfills both the requirements of the LUDIP Act and the Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, which emphasizes intergovernmental cooperation in planning, land use, zoning, and environmental management.
Furthermore, under Part 4.2: Infrastructure and Buildings, the LUDIP specifies that “consultations with local government units and the Department of Public Works and Highways are necessary for project alignment and compliance.” This ensures that construction and public works follow Presidential Decree No. 1096, the National Building Code of the Philippines, and Republic Act No. 6541, particularly on permits, structural integrity, accessibility standards, and alignment with LGU infrastructure plans.
In compliance with Republic Act No. 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009, and Republic Act No. 10121, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act, LNU integrates disaster resilience and environmental safeguards into all land use and construction projects. This is reinforced in the LUDIP’s sections on Environmental Protection (4.4) and Solid Waste and Pollution Prevention (4.6), where coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the University’s Pollution Control Office is required to ensure full adherence to Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
LNU also addresses the social dimension of development through its Faculty, Staff, and Student Housing Project (LUDIP 4.9), managed by the OVPAF with PDEO assistance. The plan states that “proposed housing projects may involve Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and will be closely coordinated with LNU.” This complies with the National Housing and Urban Development Framework of DHSUD and supports Republic Act No. 7279, the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA), which promotes affordable and decent housing through local government collaboration.
Moreover, LNU’s long-standing cooperation with local authorities is evident in the establishment of its extension campuses. The San Isidro Campus was founded through a Memorandum of Agreement with the LGU of San Isidro, while the Palo Campus operates under a usufruct agreement with the Provincial Government of Leyte (LUDIP Part 1.1a). These partnerships embody the University’s commitment to equitable access to education and to contributing to local development — consistent with Republic Act No. 7722, or the Higher Education Act of 1994, which mandates SUCs to collaborate with LGUs for regional educational advancement.
Through these statutory and institutional frameworks, Leyte Normal University ensures that all campus developments are legally compliant, socially inclusive, and environmentally responsible. This holistic approach strengthens LNU’s position as a model SUC that harmonizes national development goals, local urban planning, and academic excellence.
