The West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC), in partnership with the Municipality of Janiuay and the WVSU University Extension and Development Center (UEDC), conducted a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on Extension Services on July 30–31, 2026. The hybrid activity brought together WVSUMC personnel, local health officials, barangay representatives, barangay health workers, Rural Health Unit personnel, and community stakeholders to strengthen their capacity for evidence-based and community-responsive health extension.

The workshop highlighted the vital role of university extension in advancing primary health care through meaningful collaboration between academic institutions and local communities. Sessions introduced participants to key concepts in primary and universal health care, community organizing, community-academic partnerships, extension protocols, project planning, monitoring and evaluation, sustainability, and responsible project exit.

During the online sessions on the first day, resource speakers shared best practices in community-based health work and university extension. Among the highlights was the presentation of Dr. Ricky P. Becodo, University Extension and Development Center, titled Beyond Hospital Walls: SUC Extension as a Pathway for Health Service, Capacity-Building, and Community Impact. He underscored the role of state universities in extending health services beyond clinical settings through systematic, evidence-informed extension programs that generate measurable community impact.

On the second day, the UEDC team facilitated a face-to-face workshop focused on community data-gathering methods. Participants were trained to use situational analysis tools and conduct ethical data collection through surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and field observation. These activities prepared the participants for a rapid community situational analysis in Barangays Nobleza East and Sta. Rita, Janiuay.

The assessment will provide the evidence needed to design a responsive extension program on health governance and primary health care. By identifying local health conditions, service gaps, existing resources, and community priorities, the initiative seeks to ensure that future interventions are responsive to verified needs and aligned with existing local health systems.

The workshop was spearheaded by Dr. Ruth Mary S. Pada, Chair of the WVSUMC Extension Committee and Extension Coordinator, together with Dr. Rachel Ann D. Catague, WVSUMC Training Officer and member of the Extension Core Group, with support from the WVSUMC Extension Committee, the UEDC team, and partners from the Municipality of Janiuay.

The activity reflects WVSU's continuing commitment to translating academic expertise into sustainable community action. Through collaborative planning and evidence-based extension, WVSUMC, UEDC, and their local partners are laying the groundwork for health programs that are participatory, measurable, and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.