20/08/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ฑ๐ญ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ ๐ข๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค, ๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ฌ ๐ง๐๐ฐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ
The Department of Extension and Training (DET) convened college deans and program chairpersons for a leveling-off meeting to discuss institutional updates and strategic directions on August 20, 2026, at the IFSU New Library, Lamut Campus.
Led by DET Director Desiree A. Ballitoc, the session focused on evaluating the department's existing extension modalities alongside a set of proposed new modalities. The restructuring ensures that extension budgets directly support programs aligned with the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs') core functions: transferring knowledge, technology, and research outcomes to marginalized rural communities to uplift quality of life, eradicate poverty, and foster sustainable local development through active community engagement.
Director Ballitoc emphasized that extension and training initiatives will adopt a streamlined structure. Under the proposed setup, each academic college will implement one (1) Extension and Training Banner Program composed of two (2) projects with a three- to five-year life cycle. All programs must be anchored on DET's strategic extension framework, HAGGIYO.
To ensure that interventions address actual community needs, Director Ballitoc underscored the importance of conducting a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment (CNA) prior to project implementation. The CNA will serve as the primary basis for program development, integrating the college's technical expertise, mature university research ready for technology transfer, and community-identified needs and aspirations.
Director Ballitoc also clarified that while extension programs will be faculty-led, students will serve as active co-proponents and partners in community engagement activities.
To expand the University's knowledge-sharing initiatives, Director Ballitoc introduced six (6) proposed extension modalities: the Extension Journal, E-Extension, IFSU School-on-Air, Students Field School, Micro-Credentialing through Extension, and an Extension Coffee Table Book.
The session provided clearer direction for future extension initiatives while reinforcing the University's commitment to responsive, research-based, and community-centered development programs.//
Photo Credit: M.B Ananayo, UEA I