Faculty and students sharpen skills for delivering and amplifying extension services

The Extension Services and Community Engagement Unit (ESCEU) has taken steps to boost the visibility of its community outreach programs through a series of focused capacity-building activities on documentation and polishing of advocacy plans held on October 13 and 15, 2025, at the University Auditorium.

“These initiatives were a central part of the Extension Week Celebration, aiming to refine methodologies and disseminate best practices among the University’s students and faculty extensionists,” Dr. Jiemalyn B. Paulican, ESCEU Director, shared.

“The activities were designed to elevate the quality of extension service delivery and ensure the maximum impact of projects within partner communities,” she added.

A focus of the training sessions was on improving the processes of drafting and amplifying an extension work.

Seminars and workshops on effective documentation strategies for extension projects equipped participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to report project narratives through social media.

“I have seen the importance of getting the attention of our target stakeholders. We learned about the technicalities and matrix in the documentation. We are grateful for this,” said Ms. Judith Cauilan, Food Technology Department faculty member and project coordinator.

Integral to the capacity-building efforts was the sharing of successful models. The presentation of college and university extension projects and accomplishments highlighted the tangible results achieved across various academic units.

“Progress over perfection is an important takeaway for me. Having a growth mindset is a good reminder, too. And, developing the spirit of volunteerism encompasses the challenges upon knowing that your project has a purpose and looking forward to seeing a difference in their (community) lives,” Kristel Kate Salva, project leader and extension committee member from BukSU Baungon, expressed.

Student leaders across the main and satellite campuses contributed to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by recalibrating their advocacy plan.

“What happened today is a call to action, a reminder that a student leader is a changemaker capable of shaping the future we envision. The SDGs are not distant global ideals; they are personal missions that start within our communities, in the acts of service and in the compassion, we extend to others. Through volunteerism, we give life to these goals. To all our speakers and facilitators, thank you for igniting our passion for service,” Carlo Jacky Ellevera, BukSU SSC President, said.

The 2025 Extension Week Celebration reiterated BukSU’s foundational mission to serve its catchment area through relevant and sustainable programs. By integrating the SDGs into its outreach framework, the University is positioning itself as a key driver of progress in the region. (BukSU – Information Unit)