Malaybalay hinterland residents access university extension services through BukSU caravan

Squash has long been prepared as a meal dish in the hinterland community where Jocame Remalin lives. During a community outreach activity in Barangay Can-ayan, however, she learned another way to use the vegetable: as bread filling.

Remalin of Sitio Incalbog came across the culinary technology demonstration while reporting for work. She decided to join the session, where she learned a different approach to preparing a familiar ingredient.

“When I sat in on the techno-demo, I learned a new strategy for cooking squash,” Remalin said. “In the mountains, we usually just make soup out of squash, but now it can actually be used as a bread filling.”

The session was part of Bukidnon State University’s (BukSU) Serbisyo Caravan on October 16, which brought health care, agricultural assistance, educational activities and technical services to residents of Barangay Can-ayan, a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA).

The caravan served 624 individuals as the culminating activity of Extension Week 2026, held October 12–16 under the theme “Partners in Action: Co-Creating Solutions for the SDGs.”

Remalin’s experience was one of several recorded during the caravan, where residents accessed services based on their household and personal needs.

Anjelyn Montes, a first-time mother from Sitio Taguican, attended with her nine-month-old son after learning about the activity through a social media post shared by a barangay official. She hoped to obtain free medicine for herself and her child.

“This is my first time attending the caravan, and I didn’t expect it to be like this,” Montes said. “My main purpose was really just for my child and me, so we could hopefully get free medicine.”

Reza Gamalo of Sitio Tigbawan also used the opportunity to seek a pediatric checkup for her son and have her malfunctioning phone repaired.

“I brought my phone to get fixed because it wouldn’t turn on,” Gamalo said. “I’m really glad this service is available.”

Senior citizens received assistance as well. Heidi Padua, 68, of Purok 2, was among 40 elderly residents who received gift packages containing groceries, household supplies and crop seedlings.

“I am very happy because I received these gifts,” Padua said. “This is my very first time attending.”

BukSU reported 105 medical consultations and 41 recipients of dental care during the activity. Four individuals received legal aid and consultations, while five clients accessed veterinary services.

Agricultural assistance included 240 packs of assorted seeds distributed to 163 individuals and 1,000 crop seedlings provided to 73 residents. The university also distributed 120 packs of preloved items to 120 individuals, 40 grocery packs to selected recipients and more than 150 donated books.

Educational activities included a storytelling session attended by 26 children and an alternative-cooking technology demonstration that drew 17 participants.

Technical teams handled basic electronics repairs for 10 clients and basic automotive repairs for six clients.

The university partly financed the caravan through Pamahaw ta BukSU, an annual breakfast fundraising initiative organized by faculty members and staff.

The caravan formed part of Extension Week 2026, organized by BukSU’s Extension Services and Community Engagement Unit (ESCEU). The week also included the 2026 Kabulig Awards on October 13, which recognized government agencies, civic organizations and local government units (LGUs) that collaborate with the university on extension initiatives.

Two extension projects were recognized among more than 50 projects for their contributions to community empowerment: Capacity Development on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) for Alubijid Youth and Enhancing Leadership Capabilities of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Officials of Alubijid.

According to BukSU Alubijid Extension Coordinator Aisha Omaimah C. Mamarinta, through these initiatives, the university and its local government partner seek to equip young people and SK officials with the knowledge, competencies, and leadership capabilities needed to contribute meaningfully to local governance, disaster preparedness, and community development.

“Extension has always been dear to my heart, as I have been an extensionist ever since I joined the state university. Today, we recognize the strong partnerships behind these initiatives. What makes our extension programs truly powerful is that they are never a one-way street,” said BukSU President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol.

ESCEU Director Dr. Jiemalyn B. Paulican said the value of partnerships lies in the relationships they establish and their effects on communities.

“The true value of a partnership is not measured by the number of agreements we sign, the activities we conduct, or the awards we receive. It is measured by the relationships we build, the trust we sustain, and the difference we make in people’s lives,” said Paulican. (BukSU – Information Unit)

Special thanks to pre-loved items and book donors:
Bachelor of Public Administration students (Voluntary Sector Management classes)

Roger Hanson (President, Rotary Club of Malaybalay)

Marlboro Rotary Club