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Organized by PEMNet, Inc. in partnership with Capiz State University (CAPSU), the four-day national gathering carried the theme, “HEIs at the Forefront of Transformative Extension: Advancing Evidence-Based, Inclusive, Sustainable, and Resilient Community Development.”
The conference provided a platform for academic leaders, extension managers, faculty members, and development practitioners to examine emerging directions, institutional challenges, and good practices in higher education extension. It underscored the importance of strengthening the connection between research, innovation, and extension in generating meaningful and lasting public value.
Advancing Evidence-Based and Transformative Extension
The conference's opening program featured a keynote address by Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) and SUC President IV of Batangas State University. His keynote, “HEIs at the Forefront of Transformative Extension: Turning Knowledge and Expertise into Lasting Public Value,” emphasized the strategic role of higher education institutions in translating academic knowledge and institutional expertise into responsive community development initiatives.
The plenary sessions further explored the evolving landscape of university extension.
Dr. Fernando V. Magdato Jr., Extension Head and Program Head of the MS Agricultural Extension program of the University of Southeastern Philippines, presented “Beyond Accomplishment Reports: Building Credible Evidence of Outcomes, Adoption, Sustainability, and Public Value in Extension.” His session focused on the importance of moving beyond activity documentation toward demonstrating measurable results and long-term community benefits.
Representing West Visayas State University (WVSU), Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, delivered the second plenary session, titled “From Research to Community Value: Integrating Research, Innovation, and Extension for Sustainable Development.” The discussion highlighted the value of institutional collaboration and the integration of the university's core functions in translating research and innovation into practical solutions for communities.
The third plenary session, delivered by Dr. Carmelo V. Ambut, Vice President for Research and Extension of Iloilo Science and Technology University, examined “From Research, Development, and Innovation to Adoption: How Higher Education Institutions Drive Technology Transfer.” The session highlighted the importance of facilitating the adoption and utilization of knowledge and innovations beyond the academic setting.
Engaging in Meaningful Conversations on Extension Practice
The first discussion, “Behind Transformative Extension: Real Stories, Challenges, and Lessons from Project Implementation,” examined the experiences of project leaders and implementers, focusing on the challenges and lessons that emerge from actual community-based initiatives.
The second roundtable, “Let’s Talk Transformative Extension: Realities, Challenges, and the Way Forward for HEIs,” gathered extension directors from various higher education institutions to discuss the leadership, management, and sustainability considerations involved in institutionalizing effective extension programs.
These sessions provided opportunities for exchanging institutional perspectives and reflecting on the practical dimensions of extension management, implementation, and community engagement.
Strengthening Institutional Collaboration and Extension Leadership
WVSU's participation was reflected in several key roles throughout the conference program.
Dr. Ricky P. Becodo, PEMNet President, Inc. and Extension Director of WVSU, delivered the inspirational message during the opening program. Dr. Adrienne D. Veloso, PEMNet Vice President and Extension Director of ISAT-U, presented the conference objectives.
Other WVSU representatives also contributed to the conference discussions, including Dr. Elias C. Olapane as a roundtable discussant and Dr. Jeffrey Ballaret as moderator. Dr. Julie Gay B. Quidato also served as moderator during the plenary sessions.
The conference program further outlined parallel technical sessions, conference synthesis, and closing activities as part of its continuing engagement with research-based extension practices and institutional development.
Towards Sustainable and Responsive Community Development
Extension Projects Earn National Recognition
Among the recognized initiatives was “Rays of HOPE: An Evidence-Based Household Health Capacity Building Model for Isolated Communities,” whose project team, composed of Prof. Sheila P. Beliran and Dr. Madonna S. Palmes, was named Champion in Cluster 2 – Health/Nutrition/Wellness/Community Care. The initiative also received a Second Runner-Up distinction for its video presentation, entitled “WVSU Rays of HOPE,” underscoring the project's recognition in both the completed project paper and video presentation categories.
Another notable recognition went to “Project ROSE (Revitalizing the Opportunities on Sustainable Education): From Literacy to Life Empowerment – An Integrated Community-Based Approach to Functional Literacy, Practical Numeracy, and Psychosocial Resilience Among Adult Learners.” The project team, consisting of Dr. Rothsel T. Cabatac, Dr. Genesis G. Camarista, and Ms. Merally S. Degillo, RGC, earned the Champion Award in Cluster 3 – Education/Literacy/Skills/Lifelong Learning, Sub-cluster A: Literacy, Teaching, and Community Education.
Meanwhile, the extension project paper titled “From Seaweed to Symbols: Reimagining Coastal Heritage through Participatory Dance, Community Wellness, and Co-Created Extension,” developed by Joel C. Camaso, M.Ed., and Marlyn V. Rivera, Ph.D., JD, received Second Runner-Up in Cluster 2 – Health/Nutrition/Wellness/Community Care.
The recognitions, conferred on October 29, 2026, highlighted the diversity of extension approaches presented at the national gathering, spanning household health capacity-building, functional literacy, psychosocial resilience, coastal heritage, and community wellness.
These distinctions affirm the value of extension initiatives that are grounded in community needs, multidisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based approaches. More importantly, they demonstrate how higher education institutions can translate academic knowledge, research, and local resources into meaningful interventions that strengthen community capacities and contribute to sustainable development.
Towards Sustainable and Responsive Community Development
The PEMNet 1st National Extension Conference 2026 highlighted an important direction for higher education institutions: the need to continually strengthen extension as a strategic function that connects academic expertise with the needs and aspirations of communities.
As universities respond to increasingly complex development challenges, extension initiatives must be grounded in credible evidence, inclusive participation, sustainable partnerships, and clearly demonstrated outcomes.
Ultimately, transformative extension goes beyond the delivery of programs and services. It is measured by the knowledge adopted, capacities strengthened, communities empowered, and lasting changes generated through meaningful collaboration.
Through platforms such as the PEMNet National Extension Conference, higher education institutions can continue to strengthen their collective commitment to making research, innovation, and extension relevant, responsive, and impactful instruments of sustainable development.
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