Wednesday, September 17, 2008

A UNIVERSITY WITH AN IMPACT TO THE COMMUNITY

All universities engage in research and teaching, but the nation's more than 100 colleges and universities, have a third critical mission—extension. “Extension” means “reaching out,” and—along with teaching and research— state universities and colleges “extend” their resources, solving public needs with college or university resources through various programs.
These programs should be conceptualized in such a manner that they will create resounding impact to the lives of the people in the communities they serve. Community extension programs should not be delivered for the sake of mere having them to include in our accomplishment reports or to add up in our credentials; they should be delivered because it is the university’s noble mission to help people.
Extension Services constitute the heart of the University's institutional purpose. It pledges that teaching, research, and public service will continue to be mutually enriching enterprises. However, to keep this part of the university’s heart beating, a flow of new blood from people who will be of service is needed. Apparently, only a few have been responding to the call of extra service to serve the community beyond the four walls of classrooms and offices. We aim to prove that the university was and is never detached from the community. We aim to deliver services that will improve the lives of BataeƱos, the country and the world.
A university finds its worth when it transmits knowledge not only to its students, nor the great number of its researches; a university find its worth more when its knowledge and researches are brought down to and felt by the community.
Extension is not just a work we are compelled to do so nor it is not simply a mandate. It is a mission inherent to the very existence of our institution. This is indeed our challenge.

Beyond the call of service



Teaching in BPSU is more demanding than ever. With its annual increase of student population, the university's faculty members are now devoting longer time for instructional preparations and other related matters inside the classroom. It is obvious that majority of the faculty are not engaging in other expected duties like research and extension because of the heavy load of work in instruction alone. Mrs. Bernadeth Gabor, a Food Technology Instructor proves otherwise.

Mrs. Gabor is now in the frontline of extension services in the name of the university and for the sheer love for service to underprivileged communities. Recently, during the 2008 commencement exercises of the Main Campus, she was awarded the Most Outstanding Faculty of the Year—an award given to faculty members who have delivered exemplary performance and have done things beyond the call of service.
A mother of two children and pregnant with the third, it never crossed her mind to stop conducting community services in places as far as Dinalupihan to teach people with livelihood and entrepreneurial activities. In fact, she sometimes brings her children to those places to have them expose in what she’s doing. Mrs. Gabor, who attended high school and college in BPSU, dreamt of the university giving more of what it has to offer to the most underprivileged communities through the commitment of more faculty to engage in extension work.
Surely, Mrs. Gabor has proved that you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to do something significant outside your classroom; it only needs a burning passion to be of service and the courage to sacrifice.

DC transfers techniques for home-based soap production

To spur the establishment of small, home-based soap-making entrepreneurs as means of livelihood, the BPSU Dinalupihan Office of Extension Services conducted soap-making trainings to residents of Barangays Pentor, San Simon and Sapang Balaf, in the land-locked town of Dinalupihan.
The said training was first launched in Brgy, Pentor last April 28, 2008. Another set of training was held the next day in San Simon. The third leg was held last May 3 in Sapang Balaf.
Backed-up by the Municipal Local Government of Dinalupihan, the three Sangguniang Barangays and DC Chancellor Dr. Maria Fe V. Roman, the extension program successfully trained 60 individuals in the said barangays.
Aside from the aim of spurring entrepreneurial spirit among the residents, the activity also aimed at making high-quality soaps readily available to residents of the three barangays.
The soap-making training was headed by Mrs. Glenda D. Abad along with Mrs. Judy B. Dumlao, Ms. Sunshine S. Talavera, Dr. Nely G. Espino, Dr. Ma. Fe V. Roman, Dr. Susan M. Talavera.
Resource persons were Mrs. Ofelia Mendoza (DSWD Dinalupihan) and Mr. Julius Moncupa (Mom Cares Marketing Company)
The project was pursued with the objective that a simplified, workable process for the production of soap and similar cleansers could be disseminated for commercialization and livelihood means. The project likewise aimed to encourage the participants to become small entrepreneurs by venturing into soap making business which traditionally has been controlled by large companies.

DOST-SETUP Supports BataanCommunity-based Chicken Layer Enterprise

The continuing commitment and advocacy of the university to take part in leading the progress of the community it serves was instituted through the creation and establishment of viable community-based livelihood programs in selected villages in the province.
With the funding support from the Department of Science and Technology – Small Scale and Medium Enterprise Technology (DOST-SETUP) to the project, “The Community-Based Chicken Layer Project” the profitability and potentials of the enterprise were able to extend in other service areas of the university. The funding support amounting to P705,000 was given to then Bataan State College in a form of loan to finance 3000-head chicken layer project. The management team is headed by Dr. Hermogenes M. Paguia with Prof. Rudy C. Flores and Mr. Gregorio J. Rodis as members. The Provincial Science and Technology Center, being the counterpart of the project team is extending assistance in relation to project economic status and technical efficiency analysis.
The project has four recipients namely: Tony Salenga from Brgy. Imelda; Bonifacio Dumlao, Jr. and Ceferino Garcia from Brgy. Palili in Samal and Paul Landicho from Brgy. Pandatung in Hermosa. Each was provided with 500 ready-to-lay pullets and welded wire cages amounting to P127500. Of this amount, a 6% interest per annum as managerial and supervisory cost is included. The recipients will pay back to the university the capital for a period of three years. However, the university retained 1000 heads for technology demonstration, research and training activities. From 11-month project operation, each farmer recipient was able to realize the value and significance of the project through their generated earnings which ranges from P8,000-10,000 per month. Since the said project covers two operating cycles, these cooperators are planning top expand their project from 500 to 1000 heads for the second cycle which is scheduled on May 2008. (H.M. Paguia)

OC teaches proper hygiene to students

Orani Campus headed by Mrs. Florencia C. Chiong, Nursing Department discussed the proper hygiene among 207 students in Orani, last April 28—May 26.
The program also focused on proper handwashing and toothbrushing. Basic hygiene practices and its advantages were few of the highlights of the activity.
There were return demonstrations among children participants to measure knowledge attained which were monitored by Leah Recca T. Felisilda, Ace R. Sanggalang, Efren L.Monday Jr. and Romeo C. Tuazon Jr., nursing Instructors of the Campus.
This project was funded by BPSU.

OC-DepEd leads Volley Sports Clinic

Orani Campus with DepEd had led 102 children from Orani South Elementary School (OSES) to participate in a volleyball sports clinic, April 19-May 26, 2008.
Headed by Mr. Jose Noriel M. Baltazar the program provided worthwhile activity which hone their skills in volleyball and develop sportsmanship and camaraderie for grades 4 and 5 pupils of OSES. Moreover, this activity was conducted to pave way for the selection of the top quality players that will represent the school in the district and provincial athletic meets.
Children were also introduced to history of volleyball, volleyball equipment and rules of the game and demos on offensive and defensive patterns.
An active intercolor competitions were also conducted which ended on a championship game among participants.

ARC Welding, food technology culminating activity holds in Pilar

The first batch of Basic Manual Metal ARC Welding and Bread and Baking technology held their culminating activity at Balut II Barangay Plaza, Pilar Bataan, April 22, 2008.
The program had drawn nearly 300 residents and spectators from other nearby coastal barangays.
The 8-week training program was headed by university extensionists Mrs. Bernadeth Gabor and Ms. Andrea Salvacion.
The program successfully trained 15 youth for welding and 10 residents for bread making and baking technology. Barangay Balut II is one of the priorities of the University Office of Extension Services (OES) in line with its Adopt-a-Barangay scheme.
Barangay Captain Miguel Solomon said that he was overwhelmingly grateful to the university for selecting his barangay and extending its services to his constituents and thereby helping them to be more productive citizens.
Present in the said activity was the Vice President for Research, Extension and Auxiliary Services Mr. Gregorio J. Rodis, Director of Extension Services Dr. Elizabeth Joson, Dean of the College of Education Dr. Rolliver M. Baciles, University HRD Officer Mr. Pritimino Paguio and College of Education Instructors Mr. Benjamin Adraneda, Mrs. Gemma Adraneda, Mr. Jaime Forbes, and Ms. Ma. Blesilda Flores.
Meanwhile, the OES also conducted Basic Catering Services Training led by Mrs. Gabor.
The said projects are still in line with the university’s thrust of empowering the people in the province through various community and livelihood services.

Villa Lina Homeowners Ass’n seeks assistance to BPSU

The growing popularity of home-based industry and livelihood and with the apparent need of Villa Lina Subdivision residents to gain technical knowledge and skills, the Villa Lina Homeowners Association—Balanga City headed by Dra. Leonor Orellana requested to the university any technical skills project that would benefit their constituents.
In response to this call, Dean Edmundo Tungol of the College of Industrial Technology and Education endorsed the request to the Office of Extension Services (OES). Mrs. Bernadeth Gabor then designed a training program for breadmaking and baking and introduction to catering. The university administration approved the project as an extension activity last May 9, 2008, to be headed by Mrs. Gabor.
The said program primarily aimed for the participants to acquire broader knowledge and skills in actual preparation of breads and cakes and start a small business that may help them in heir daily needs. Aside from lectures on tools, equipmet, ingredients and safety practices, demonstrations on doughnut, siopao, empanada, cake with icing, and table skirting were also conducted. To complete the activity, lecture on basic catering services was also included.
Forty-four individuals benefitted in the said project which was held from May 12-16 and May 19-20 at the Villa Lina Catholic Chapel.

BPSU GS holds free seminar workshop for Filipino teachers

To provide opportunities for training and professional enhancement, the Master of Arts in Education major in Filipino students of the university’s Graduate School (GS) sponsored a free one-day seminar-workshop on Reading in Filipino last May 24, 2008 at the Bulwagan ng Bayan, Provincial Capitol, Balanga City.
With the theme “Makabagong Guro sa Paglinang ng mga Napapanahong Estratehiy sa Pagbasa”, the seminar provided lectures and workshops on the topics “Ang Teorya at Praktika ng Multiple Intelligences” by Dr. Elizabeth Joson; “Ang Pagbabasa Bilang Agham at Sining” by Sis. Ligaya C. Delacruz; “Mga Teorya at Pananaw sa Pagtuturo ng Pagbasa” by Mr. Miguel V. Bondoc; “Ebolusyon ng Kagamitang Pampagtuturo” by Ms. Jackielou R. Bantay; “Mga Istratehiya sa Paglinang ng Pang-unawa sa Pagbasa” by Ms. Jennifer S. Dominguez and “Ang Tatlong Yugto ng Pagbasa” by Ms. Mary Grace De Luna. All lecturers, except Dr. Joson, are students in the university’s GS.
The said seminar was part of the academic undertakings of the MAED Filipino majors and at the same time serves as an extension activity for the Graduate School.
The opening ceremony was attended by Vice President Gregorio J. Rodis of the Research, Extension and Auxiliary Services, Dean Danilo C. Galicia of the Graduate School, Governor Enrique T. Garcia and University President Dr. Delfin O. Magpantay.
The program which primarily focused at Filipino teacher graduates who are recently not yet employed, also accommodated those who are already employed. The participants were limited to 40 persons only, on a first come first serve basis. The supposed 100 pesos to be colleceted for registration during the seminar was shouldered by Governor Garcia. MV Gas Refill Corporation provided the participants with foods, particularly snacks.

REAS consults key officials

To ensure proper directions, preparation of action plans, and the efficient and effective implementation of programs and projects, the Research, Extension and Auxiliary Services (REAS) Office held a series of consultation meetings with the university’s key officials assigned on research, extension and auxiliary services, January 8-11, 2008.
Prior to the series of meetings for each campus, a preliminary consultative meeting with the REAS Directors was first called by Gregorio J. Rodis, Vice President for REAS last January 3 where action plans of the different services of the university’s extension, research and auxiliary services’ arm were identified and will be prepared according to the format given by the Office of Operations, Planning and Development. (see sidebar “Course of Action” page 2)
The topics discussed in the said meeting were presented to REAS key officials in the university’s four satellite campuses for discussion, comments, suggestions and recommendations from January 8-11.
The university’s Office of Extension Services (OES) will adopt the Lakbay-Kalinga Programs, a holistic extension approach which is focused on uplifting the socio-economic status of the people of Bataan with the following banner projects: Lakbay-Kalinga sa Kalusugan, to be implemented by the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Lakbay-Kalinga sa Kabukiran for the Agriculture sector, Lakbay-Kalinga sa Lipunan for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Lakbay-Kalinga sa Teknolohiya for Engineering and Technology and the mobilization of Federated Alumni Association in recognition of the university’s graduates as potential partners for institutional development.
According to Dr. Elizabeth A. Joson, Director for Extension Services, the OES will continue to pursue and expand its current projects, collaborate with more government agencies, local governments, funding firms and non-government organizations, so as to assure the people of Bataan that the university is committed to the socio-economic development of its people. It will also encourage the faculty members of the university to engage more in extension work and make them connect their classrooms to the community.

7 FITS Centers launched in Bataan

With the university’s commitment in providing technology to the farmers of Bataan, seven Farmers and Information Technology Service Center (FITS) were launched in the towns of Orani, Hermosa, Limay, Dinalupihan, Bagac and one in the City of Balanga. A provincial FITS Center was also established in the capital city. Two more centers will soon be opened in Samal and Abucay.


The first center was launched in Orani last January 16. The next two in Limay and Hermosa January 22 and the recent additions in Bagac and Dinalupihan March 13.
In towns of Abucay and Samal, the team led by Dr. Hermogenes Paguia already presented the project concept to Sangguniang Bayan of the said towns.
FITS Centers aim to facilitate provision of information and technology services in agriculture, forestry, fishery and natural resources in forms and approaches appropriate to clients and to establish mechanism that enables dynamic feedback to match the needs of the clients and the services provided.
It is envisioned that advancements in agriculture, which are usually disseminated from experts to farmers, will be shared both by experts and farmers.
Specifically, the center will provide technology information in prints, video tapes, exhibits, and other formats, production of IEC (Information, Education and Communications) materials, access to the internet, sale of reference and information materials as well as technology training, technology clinic, linking clients to experts and financial institutions, technical assistance and consultancy, support to enterprise development, and linking with sources of planting materials, animals stocks, and agricultural inputs.
The FITS Center is one among the four component modalities of the Techno Gabay Program (TGP) spearheaded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural resources Research and Development Council (PCCARD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

BPSU Abucay conducts training on sweet tamarind and banana productions

To benefit the farmers and orchard enthusiasts from the economic gains and profitability of sweet tamarind and tissue-cultured derived planting materials of banana, the Research and Extension Services through its’ Vice-President Gregorio J. Rodis had tapped the experts from Pampanga Agricultural College to provide lecture on Production Technology of these two commodities.

The one day seminar conducted at the FTC of the Abucay Campus last April 17 was attended by 12 Agricultural technologists, two Municipal Agricultural Officers and 26 farmers from seven municipalities of the province. The Sweet Tamarind of Aglibut Variety which was originally developed by PAC researchers headed by Dr. Filomena K. Reyes is now the PAC’s banner commodity and was able to extensively disseminate the commodity through tight collaboration with SUC’s in the country. With this, the BPSU will then be responsible in providing seminar and technology services to individuals with interest on sweet tamarind production in the locality. Other possibilities aside from the promotion of the technology is the additional earnings to be generated from it through production of grafted seedlings in the BPSU nursery.
Meanwhile, the seminar was composed of the following topics; The Tamarind Industry and Growth Characteristics of Sweet Tamarind by Dr. Rogelio Cosio; Lay-outing, Transplanting and Intercropping of Sweet Tamarind, Irrigation, Fertilization, Pruning , Insects/Diseases Control, Harvesting Post Harvest Practices and Marketing of Sweet Tamarind by Dr. Filomena K. Reyes; Tissue Cultured Banana production Systems by Dr. Virgilio T. Bagunu; Insects and Diseases of Banana by Prof. Mary Grace Gatan; and Organic Agriculture Production System by Dr. Norman De Jesus.
With the overwhelming number of participants the PAC group through their Extension Director, Dr. Norman de Jesus gave each with two tamarind seedlings. The seedlings were awarded during the closing ceremony. Many of the farmers who attended the seminar manifested interest to integrate sweet tamarind with their plantation crops. The seminar ended with the awarding of certificates through the Associate Director of Extension Services, Campus Chancellor of Abucay Campus and Extension Director of PAC,Dr. Hermogenes M. Paguia, Mr. Rudy C. Flores and Dr. Norman De Jesus, respectively. (H.M.Paguia)

OES Orani addresses problems in reading among schoolchildren

“Readers today, Leaders Tomorrow”. Anchored on the belief that reading is a vital aspect of man’s education, the OES Orani recently launched its Remedial Reading Instruction to selected pupils of Orani District.
The program was simultaneously held in Orani South Elementary School, Orani North Elementary School and Alikabok Elementary School. Mrs. Emily Mendoza, Dr. Carolina Sugpatan and Mrs. Erlinda Bonifacio, principals of the said schools warmly welcomed the university extensionists during the opening programs held last April 28, 2008.
Reading instructions in the three schools were headed by Mrs. Angelina Acuna and Mrs. Delia Llave along with OC instructors Alicia M. Ocampo, Isabelita V. Isidro, Corazon Angeles, Flordeliza Peria, Khristina Dimarucut, Herren Miguel, Digna Millondaga, Katrina Corpuz and Lilibeth Santos.
The biggest attendance listed was in Orani South Elementary School which registered 102 students for the said program. There were 66 students who participated in Alikabok Elementary School and 39 in Orani South Elementary School. To meet the needs of each age group, classes were held separately.
The university extensionists who involved in the activity used materials which were patterned after the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory, prepared by the Deped—Bureau of Elementary Education.
Reading instructions culminated last May 26 2008 in three separate closing programs held in the said schools.

OES Dinalupihan conducts ‘Health for All’ activity

Guided by the “Health for All” principle of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH), BPSU Dinalupihan campus embarked on a Health Enrichment Program through the university’s Extension Services Office.
The said program, which was led by Mrs. Sylvia B. Pangilinan of the Nursing Department, included health education and medical and dental missions where promotion of preventive and curative levels of health care were emphasized.
The said projects were executed through series of lectures and information dissemination on nutrition, healthy snacks, hygiene, first aid and emergencies. The dental and medical missions were administered by Dr. and Mrs. Roberto del Rosario.
Preschoolers and schoolchildren of Barangay San Simon, Barangay Sapang Balas and Barangay Pentor (which covers Purok Candelaria, Purok Lipat-tulay, and Purok Torres Extension) were the beneficiaries.
Participants are expected to take an active role in their health, do self care and share decision-making and help them understand their health options.
The project was also in collaboration with the Municipal Health Office, Office of the Mayor of Dinalupihan, the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO) and Barangay Council members of the three recipient barangays.

DC’s Head start Program readies pre-elem children to ‘face the world’

The children are never to be forgotten in the Office of Extension Services—Dinalupihan Campus.
With the aim of providing holistic development to adopted barangays in Dinalupihan, the OES Dinalupihan conducted a breakthrough Headstart Program to children ages 3-6 of Barangay Sapang Balas and Barangay San Simon in the said town.
The said program envisioned children who have increased selfcare/independent skills, increased social skills, acquired basic creative arts skills, increased language skills, acquired pre-academic skills, acquired knowledge on community helpers and workplace.
University extensionist and Project Leaders Dr. Celia M. Lapid and Mrs. Noraida G. Bardemorilla discussed basic lessons on hygiene and grooming skills. There were also activities on structured and guided play, singing, dancing, poem reciting, storytelling, television viewing and basic oral communication. Literacy skills like basic skills in reading, writing, letters and numbers were also included. To top the activities, field trips to church, market, supermarket, hospital, municipal hall, and the BPSU—Dinalupihan Campus were likewise conducted.
Campus Student Council officers, who donated Php 10,000 for the project, took part in the said activities as part of their community immersion activities.
The said program was launched last April 8, 2008 in both barangays but the closing activites were held on separate days: May 22 for Sapang Balas and May 23 in San Simon.
Dr. Elizabeth Joson, who attended both the launching and closing ceremonies was highly elated with the responses of the parents on the activity given. She said that the communities would like to have the project implemented again in their barangays next summer.
OES Dinalupihan is chaired by Dr. Perla Estrella.

OC PROVIDES MASSAGE TRAINING

Even the most physically challenged could be productive members of society.
To make it happen, the OES Orani Campus launched last April 29, 2008 three of its Summer Extension Programs dubbed as Suklay at Gunting sa kaunlaran at the BPSU Orani’s Cosmetology Labortaory.
Headed by Mrs. Elizabeth L. Medairos with Cristina B. Simbul, a Physical Therapist and OC Instructor, the program provided massage trainings and hair grooming for livelihood purposes. Eight participants, who were physically and mentally challenged, were the beneficiaries in the said activity.
The project was in collaboration with the Association of Physically and Mentally Challenged Persons— Orani Chapter. In the culminating activity held last may 12, 2008 in Orani Campus, President Delfin O. Magpantay and Director Elizabeth Joson congratulated and encouraged the participants to be productive members of society and prove to the world that they can make a difference.

BPSU bridges ‘digital divide’


Poverty has been the reason why some of our local folks remain digitally marginalized. To address this ‘digital divide’, Dr. Teresita R. Castillo, VP for Student Affairs, in collaboration with College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) instructors held a basic computer literacy program to selected youth ages 10-14 of Barangay Calungusan in Orion, Bataan.
The said program was held in CICT Computer Laboratory 5 from May 2 to May 21 (3 meetings/week, 3 hours/day). Participants were taught basic computer operations and manipulations as well as knowledge on applications like Microsoft Word which can be used for school and other purposes. Mr. Noel Tolentino, Ms. Christine Ortega and Ms. Noemi Legaspi served as extensionists in the said activity.
In an interview, VP Castillo said that this project might spark the interest of participants in ICT that could lead them to pursue higher studies.
Brgy. Calungusan is one of the adopted barangays of the university.
Since the establishment of the CICT, the said program is being held every summer as one of the regular extension programs supervised by the Office of Extension Services (OES).

OES ENVISIONS TO INTENSIFY EXTENSION PROJECTS, PROGRAMS


The BPSU Office of Extension Services(OES) under the leadership of Dr. Elizabeth Joson has envisioned to intensify university extension programs and projects under its Lakbay Kalinga Programs.
The Lakbay Kalinga Program is a holistic extension approach which is focused on uplifting the socioeconomic condition of the people of Bataan. The OES will also spearhead the university in tapping the PSU graduates as potential partners for institutional development.
Since the installment of the new key officials for the university’s extension arm, last January, various projects for the fulfillment of the aims of the Lakbay Kalinga Programs have started to pour in.
The proposed projects are mostly health related or livelihood-oriented programs in Dinalupihan, Orani, Main and Balanga Campuses. Abucay Campus on the other hand leads projects on agriculture development, like the establishment of Farmers In formation Technology Services (FITS) Centers in the province, a national project led by the Department of Science and Technology. According to Director Joson, the said projects are to be expanded in more areas of the province as impacts to the community of the said programs are started to be felt by both the community and the university. This is evidenced by the request of the Municpality of Pilar to the university that OES projects be extended to more barangays in their town.
Moreover, OES is set to put on the table the Extension Services’ Manual of Operations come Academic Year 2008-2009 to improve its efficiency. It will encourage the faculty members of the university in extension work and make them extend classroom activities towards the community.

WELCOME TO THE OFFICE OF EXTENSION SERVICES ONLINE!!!

The Office of Extension Services, headed by a director is housed at the Main Campus. The University’s satellite campuses have their respective Extension Services units headed by Associate Directors. They are responsible for overseeing and guiding the planning, implementation and evaluation of all extension activities at the campus level. The following are the officials of Extension Services
Dr. Elizabeth A. Joson
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Director
Mr. Armando A. Villafuerte
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Associate Director (Orani Campus)
Ms. Monaliza Rodriguez
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Staff
The OES carries two flagship programs namely, Lakbay-Kalinga ng BPSU and Unified Peninsula Alumni Community. The first program is concerned with the transfer of appropriate knowledge and technology from the University to the community for the alleviation of the socio-economic condition of the people. On the other hand, the Unified Peninsula Alumni Community aims to activate the pool of University alumni for the various projects of OES but the BPSU as a whole.
The Extension programs in the University are implemented through Adopt-A-Barangay scheme. At present the University has two (2) adopted barangays. These are Barangay Diwa in the municipality of Pilar and Barangay San Simon in the municipality of Dinalupihan. Majority of the extension projects of the nine (9) colleges of the University are conducted in these barangays. Aside from conducting community extension programs, the OES is also tasked to maintain active partnership with the University alumni.