ASU holds Extension Program In-House Review

By Sally R. Villasis

To review and determine the effectiveness of the extension programs and projects of different academic units, the Aklan State University (ASU) through its Extension and Community Services (ECS) conducted the University Extension Program In-House Review on September 11-12, 2012 at the ASU Review Center, Banga, Aklan.

Dr. Anna Mae C. Relingo, Vice President for Academic Affairs represented the University President, Dr. Danilo E. Abayon.  She highlighted the recognitions in extension gained by the University.

Relingo said, “We are not to rest on our laurels in the Extension and Community Services, but we must be challenged to enhance our knowledge exchange.”

“For extension, being the Center of Development for Agriculture Education, we have the responsibility to help our fellow SUCs in the Region in capability building not only in instruction and research but also in extension. Not only to share but to enhance more our capability,” Relingo added.

Prof. Alexander I. Ramos, ECS Director noted on House Bill 2085, A Proposed Magna Carta for Extension Workers, which stipulates that “Extension work is by all means a task not for the faint-hearted.  It is an undertaking which can only be given justice by those who are strong-willed yet yielding to those who are most in need.”

He also stressed that the University had proven to be at the helm in this undertaking.  More are yet to be done to become better and best in the continued delivery of our extension service interventions.  It has to be relevant and responsive to the needs of the communities in the light of the realities that the country is now experiencing and will face in the future.

“Our research and extension work to be efficient and effective must be merged in tandem with the efforts in science and technology, industry, agriculture, energy and other sectors,” Ramos added.

Awarded as the Best Paper, Completed Category is “Integrated Extension Development Programs for Katunggan it Ibajay (KII) as Century Old Mangrove Eco-Park,” authored by MS Villorente, RL Saladar, PR Israel, CU Navarra,  LM Macoy, RAS Inocencio, MA Gaviola, A Saturnino, BEM Roquero, CM Tumaca and HC Ruzgal.

For the On-going Category, the Best Paper is “Empowering Community People towards Gaining Responsibility of Their Own Health: A Comprehensive Community-based Health Program,” authored by CJ Palma-Remaneses, G Lapuz, S Zabala, D Lariosa, J Villanueva, AM Sacamay, J Ang, J Casemero and S Pimentel.

Awarded as Best Paper, Proposed Category is “Blooming Muguing: Livelihood  and Nutrition Intervention  for  Social Transformation,” authored by EP Vedasto, AM Relingo, LJ Teodosio, MM Teodosio, JR Pajo, ER Orlina, N Santiago, WR Leyson, G Masigon, CI Navarra, AI Irader, H MSaladar,  PR Flores, GG Bullo, E Flores, YP Ruiz and M Calizo.

Recognizing the expertise of the ASU’s partner institutions, panel evaluators were invited to assist in achieving the goal of enhancing the research and development initiatives of ASU.  The panelists were Dr. Alicia L. Lustica, Regional Technical Director for Ecosystem, Research and Development Service of Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesRegional Office 6; Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Research Director of West Visayas State University and Chairman, PASUC VI – Extension Managers Council, Inc.; Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, Member, ASU Board of Regents andDr. Benny A. Palma, Professor VI and former University President.