The awardees with Extension Director Dr. Ricky Becodo

Congratulations Prof. Beliran and Dr. Pagunsan! 

Photo credit: Dr. Corazon Samorin

In a moment of triumph and testimony to community-rooted innovation, West Visayas State University (WVSU) emerged as one of the most awarded institutions during the 2025 PAEPI International Extension Congress held in Siargao Island. Themed “Embracing Science and Technology-Driven Extension Platforms for Sustainable and Inclusive Communities,” the congress gathered top extensionists, researchers, and stakeholders from across the ASEAN region.

WVSU earned the spotlight with the following recognitions:

·         2nd Best Paper Award – Dr. Ricky P. Becodo for “Darag Native Chicken Production in Sara, Iloilo, Philippines: Strengthening Livelihoods and Resilience”

·         2nd Best Paper Award – Prof. Sheila P. Beliran and Dr. Madonna S. Palmes for “Rays of HOPE: Empowering Caregivers, Transforming Community Health”

·         3rd Best Paper Award – Dr. Virginia B. Parreñas (WVSU–Pototan Campus) for “Residents’ Involvement in the Development of Competencies for Employment (RIDCE)”

·         3rd Best Poster Award – Dr. Julie Gay Blason-Quidato and Dr. Ma. Ernalyn Cepeda for “3P’s Program (Pagbulig Extension Project)”

These awards highlight WVSU’s commitment to empowering communities through research-based, science-driven, and values-oriented extension work. Behind these successes are strong collaborations with barangays, people’s organizations, LGUs, and private partners who have opened their doors to co-create development solutions.

“We share this recognition with our partner communities and stakeholders who have walked with us every step of the way,” said Dr. Ricky P. Becodo, WVSU Extension Director. “Their trust and participation breathe life into our programs.”

WVSU's strong showing at PAEPI 2025 reflects the power of shared vision—where academic expertise meets local wisdom, and innovation thrives through partnership.

By Ricky P. Becodo, PhD.

The Agriculture-Fishery-Forestry Research and Extension Development Network (AFFREDN) convened stakeholders in a regional workshop from May 28 to 30, 2025 at MO2 Westown Hotel, Iloilo City, to harmonize the research and extension agenda of Western Visayas. The activity, facilitated by Dr. Ma. Jhoanna G. Guarin of Aklan State University, brought together representatives from State Universities (SUs), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and its attached bureaus.

A significant highlight of the workshop was the participation of Engr. Buen S. Mondejar, Chair of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), who was also honored as Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED) for the Department of Agriculture Western Visayas. This recognition reflects his unwavering commitment to farmer empowerment and sustainable agri-fishery development in Western Visayas. Engr. Mondejar outlined critical grassroots concerns needing immediate policy and research attention. He emphasized that “farmers’ increased income—not yield— should be the primary measure of success.”

Among his points were:

▪ The absence of local breeder farms for layers, which leads to costly imports that may carry diseases.

▪ Market limitations and the lack of a value chain strategy for local farmers' produce.

▪ Over dependence on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, —calling instead for grounded data through community-based research.

▪ Call for a constructive dialogue with DENR to find ways to harmonize conservation goals with sustainable agricultural livelihoods among farmers living near protected areas.

▪ Failure to follow through on existing crop roadmaps, including for cacao. Engr. Buen S. Mondejar shares his insights during the AFFREDN Regional Workshop held at MO2 Westown Hotel, Iloilo City. He emphasized the need for grassroots-based research and farmer-centered development strategies.

▪ Poor quality of local coffee beans preventing access to local café markets—an area where research and training could help.

▪ Alarming health impacts of chemical-intensive farming, with reports of cancer cases even among children linked to unsafe agricultural practices.

Engr. Mondejar’s input resonated with the DA’s vision of promoting safe, nutritious food free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and the participants agreed to integrate these issues into the regional format.