01/09/2026
The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), through the UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungód and the Office for Institutional Development in Higher Education (OIDHE), successfully hosted the delegates from Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) for a 4-day Training and Benchmarking Activity held from August 24–27, 2026.
The visit provided ISPSC leaders and coordinators with comprehensive insights into UPLB’s best practices, research management, extension programs, and community engagement initiatives across various offices.
Here is a look back at their 4-day activities at UPLB:
Day 1: Courtesy Call
The benchmarking activity kicked off with a courtesy call with UPLB Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., together with Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Director Dir. Jose Limbay Lahi O. Espaldon, and OIDHE Program Coordinators Asst. Prof. Ramoncito G. Cambel and Asst. Prof. Juan Alberto B. Mercado.
Day 2: Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE)
The delegates spent the day delving into UPLB’s research management frameworks, the UPLB AGORA, extension operations, publication incentives, and knowledge management systems. Insights were shared by the dedicated team from OVCRE: Ms. Czarlina May E. Magnata, Ms. Lean Mechelle D. Ramilo, Engr. Lavinia Marie M. Abucay, Ms. Ruth M. Almario, Mr. John Roedd R. Collado, and Mr. Jose Elmo H. Azores.
Day 3: BIDANI Network Program, OVCCA, & DUNONG Program
The third day began with an orientation on the UPLB Barangay Integrated Development Approach for Nutrition Improvement (BIDANI) Network Program—highlighting its history, innovative strategies, and member SUC engagements—led by Program Leader and National Coordinator Dr. Clarissa B. Juanico, RND.
This was followed by an insightful presentation on community development and best practices under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs (OVCCA), led by Engr. Christian Paulo C. Altoveros.
To conclude the day's sessions, Program Coordinator Ms. Rosario B. Bantayan of UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungod discussed the DUNONG Program, which aims to improve children’s reading skills and build a lasting habit of reading among young learners.
Day 4: Field Immersion & Exit Presentation
To wrap up the benchmarking activity, the ISPSC delegates visited the Putho-Tuntungin Project site for a hands-on look at UPLB’s community interventions, guided by Mr. Gilbert Q. Langwan and Ms. Kathe Lyn L. Tamisin of UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungod. The visit concluded with a fruitful exit presentation session reflecting on key learnings and future collaborations.
ISPSC Delegates:
Dr. Rose Marie C. Detran — Director for Extension
Mr. Sanny M. Pangonoron Jr. — Chief, Community Engagement and Capacity Development Division
Mr. Marvin M. Galano — Chief, Monitoring and Impact Assessment Division
Ms. Michelle M. Fontejon — Chief, Training Continuing Education Division
Ms. Venus D. Sabado — Extension Coordinator, Santiago
Ms. Micaela C. Roldan — Extension Coordinator, Candon
Ms. Erlinda D. Nacis — Extension Coordinator, Cervantes
Ms. Claire Antonette Santisteban — Extension Coordinator, Tagudin
UPLB through OIDHE remains committed to fostering institutional partnerships and driving excellence across Philippine higher education!
