Since 2014, Batangas State University has been a strong ally of various institutions and agencies in responding to community problems by enforcing the third function of the University - extension service. It caters the needs of the vulnerable and marginalized communities through various programs such as adopt-a-barangay, environment and natural resources conservation, protection and rehabilitation, capability-training, livelihood, gender and development advocacies, disaster preparedness and response/climate change adaptation, and technology transfer. Further, BatStateU commits to assist in the attainment of the sustainable development goals.

 

Extension Service Framework

GEARS: Extension Services Pillars for Revolutionizing Pathways for Families and Communities

As the National Engineering University committed to develop leaders in the global knowledge economy, the Batangas State University shall serve as a public service university by providing various forms of community, public and volunteer service, as well as scholarly or technical assistance to the government, private sector, and civil society while maintaining established standards of excellence. As part of its social responsibility, the BatStateU shall continue to serve the Filipino nation, carrying out its obligations related to the pressing concerns of the society and Filipinos’ aspirations for social progress and transformation. The pillars of extension services are Governance, Empowerment, Access, Resilience and Sustainability which serve as essential support in revolutionizing pathways for families and communities and in attaining responsive, sustainable and inclusive solutions for social development, while addressing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Objectives

To attain the target goals of the Extension Services Framework, various extension programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) toward GEARS will be conducted. The following will be accomplished:

 

• provide opportunities for participation and leadership, capacity building and training towards inclusive community engagements;
• enable access to digital and engineering innovations through technical assistance, advisory services and continuous improvement in the delivery of extension services that will improve the community’s competitiveness, as well as their social and economic development; and
• operationalize the ACTION Center as the centralized lens of the University on DRRM.

 

12-Point Extension Services Agenda

The following are the 12-point extension services agenda tailored to the curricular programs offered by the University in its constituent and extension campuses. The University extension agenda addresses the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These are outlines and discussed in this section:

 

• BatStateU Inclusive Social Innovation for regional Growth (BISIG). The BatStateU Inclusive Social Innovation for regional Growth (BISIG) aims to implement new solutions that can be a concept, process, product, or organizational change in order to improve the overall well-being of families and communities. This also aims to address socio-economic and environmental problems through enabling policy framework and collaboration with the public, non-profit, and private actors to build a stronger alliance for inclusive social innovation and growth of the region.

 

See featured PPAs under BISIG. [hyperlink to page of PPAs. Add contents below].

 

 

• Livelihood and other Entrepreneurship related to Agri-Fisheries (LEAF). This aims to identify potential extension programs for livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities in the agri-fisheries sector. The objective of the program is to help reduce poverty and inequality by creating jobs and generating employment and sources of income among poor households, and by moving highly vulnerable households into sustainable livelihoods and toward economic stability. The program addresses the zero poverty and decent work and economic growth aspects as reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030.

 

See featured PPAs under LEAF.  [hyperlink to page of PPAs. Add contents below].

 

Bangon Batangas : Training on Basic Tinapa Making

The Bangon Batangas project, launched by Batangas State University with funding from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development, aims to create effective rehabilitation plans for internally displaced populations affected by the Taal volcano eruption. One intervention provided to IDPs was a basic training on making smoked fish using native fish from Taal Lake, including the bangus and tilapia, with the help of a prototype smokehouse built by DOST-PCAARRD.

 

Bangon Batangas: Training on Business Marketing

On June 29, 2022, BatStateU ESO personnel and marketing faculty experts provided training to beneficiaries of various livelihood projects implemented through the Bangon Batangas project, such as smoke fish making, baskagan, dishwashing liquid, ube crops, and eco bricks making. The training, led by Dr. Nicki Boy Manalo and Ms. Jeckamarie Pasay, focused on business marketing strategies to help the recipients market their finished goods and reach a wider market. The training was organized to boost revenue and promote local goods in the Municipality of Laurel and among those affected by the Taal Volcano eruption, with the goal of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and creating cutting-edge marketing and sales strategies. The Bangon Batangas project was launched in 2020 to determine the requirements and vulnerabilities of the affected communities and provide effective rehabilitation plans through science-based interventions.

 

            Bangon Batangas: Training on Proper Packaging and Labeling

On December 14, 2022, the BatStateU – Extension Services Central, together with the DSWD IV-A and MSWDO Ibaan, conducted a Training on Packaging and Labeling for Smokefish as part of the BANGON BATANGAS Project. The training focused on teaching the beneficiaries the proper packaging and labeling of smokefish and was facilitated by the faculty of the Food Engineering Program of BatStateU. In attendance were Asst. Prof. Kristia Lei A. Reyes, Engr. Nico John R. Abratique, Engr. Dianne Yspher H. Habal, Engr. Gean Anniel O. Geniza, Mr. Alvin J. Libao, Ms. Riverosa S. Ibal, representatives from DSWD-SLP, MSWDO-Ibaan, NHA-Batangas, and Mr. Joseph D. Javier of the ESO Staff.

 

• Environment and Natural Resources Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation. The program aims to preserve biodiversity and increase the productive capacity of watershed rainforest towards sustainable resource-based watershed communities through research-based and extension programs, projects and activities.

 

See featured PPAs under Environment and Natural Resources Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation. [hyperlink to page of PPAs. Add contents below].

 

BatStateU hosts BCRMF 30th Anniversary and Launching of Project BASIC

 

The Batangas Coastal Resources Management Foundation, Inc. (BCRMF) celebrated its founding anniversary at Batangas State University on  December 7, 2022, with Forester Jefferson Cruz delivering a keynote speech about conservation programs for coastal and marine resources in CALABARZON. The highlight of the celebration was the launch of the Batangas Social Innovation Challenge (BASIC) by Batangas State University, which aims to address local environmental issues and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals by encouraging young innovators to identify and solve problems related to marine ecosystem conservation. The project is set to run from January to December 2023 and has received support from 21 companies and organizations. The president of BCRMF, Ramon Araneta, expressed his gratitude for the continued support of the organization and the growing participation in its advocacy.

 

NOCEI x ESO: A Webinar on Tree Planting, Caring and Monitoring

The BatStateU Extension Service Office-Central and Network of CALABARZON Educational Institutions Inc. Community Extension Committee (NOCEI-ComEx) organized a webinar on Tree Planting, Caring and Monitoring as part of the celebration of the 2022 Philippine Environment Month. The activity aimed to raise awareness about the importance of tree planting for biodiversity and its benefits in the environment. The webinar featured Mr. Michael V Resurreccion as the resource speaker who highlighted the importance of tree planting in increasing resilience of ecosystems, minimizing climate change effects, and buying time for people and governments to adapt to changing conditions. He also discussed the extinction of native trees in the Philippines and possible solutions to address this issue. A virtual synchronous tree planting was also conducted via Zoom platform during the activity, which was attended by BatStateU ESO Staff and different universities/colleges who were members of NOCEI-ComEx.

BatStateU Collaboration with CSO addressing Environmental Concerns

Batangas State University's Extension Service Office and the Social Innovation Research Center presented a social innovation project called "Bringing Agents of Social Innovation to Communities" or BASIC during the regular meeting of member institutions of Batangas Coastal Resource Management Foundation, Inc. The project was approved by the members of BCRMF as one of the foundation's flagship projects, and it will be launched in December as part of its 30th founding anniversary. BASIC will be funded by BCRMF and supported by its member institutions, including manufacturing industries, academic institutions, government offices, and other interested private citizens. The meeting was attended by several representatives from BatStateU.

 

 

• Smart Analytics and Engineering Innovation. The program is aimed at fostering and enabling research-based extension that can help data users such as small to medium business enterprises, industry, local governments, legislators, policymakers, teachers, students, families, individuals, and other stakeholders harness the potential of data, in varying levels of complexity, in order to make informed decisions. Innovations such as smart predictive informatics tools are needed to help make sense of increasing configurations of data, and thereby aid in day–to-day productivity as well as support macro goals of economic competitiveness.

 

See featured PPAs under Smart Analytics and Engineering Innovation. [hyperlink to page of PPAs. Add contents below].

 

MET: A Web-Based Monitoring and Evaluation of Target Extension Program, Activities and Projects (PPAs)

 

On May 5-6, 2022, the BatStateU Extension Service Office-Central and CICS of BatStateU ARASOF Nasugbu Campus hosted a workshop focused on the use and implementation of the Institutional Research Project MET: A Web-Based Monitoring and Evaluation of Target Extension Program, Activities and Projects (PPAs). This web-based monitoring and evaluation tool is designed to help monitor and evaluate the progress of target extension programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) across different campuses.

The workshop was attended by Extension Heads/Coordinators, GAD Secretariats, and staff of extension offices and aimed to familiarize them with the new data system. The training was conducted in person at the Forest Crest Nature Hotel and Resort KM 72 in Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas.

 

• Adopt-a-Municipality/Adopt-a-Barangay/Social Development through BIDANI Implementation. This program aims to design, develop, implement and evaluate the research-based, high-impact community development programs, projects and activities utilizing an approach that promotes social development of an adopted community or school, and sustainable nutrition-in-development through a local participative and integrated management system.

 

See featured PPAs under Adopt-a-Municipality/Adopt-a-Barangay/Social Development through BIDANI Implementation. [hyperlink to page of PPAs. Add contents below].

 

BATAlakayan: Training on Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses among Sama-Bajau Mothers

 

 

The BATAlakayan training workshop on Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) was held in Sitio Bajauan, Batangas City, last June 29, 2022, coordinated with the assistance of CSWDO and student officers from Spartan League of Nurses (SLN). A lecture on dehydration and anemia, including their symptoms, etiological factors, treatment, and prevention was conducted to teach the community of Sarna-Bajaus about childhood illness as well as the importance of sanitation and hygiene. The participants were then given case patients and performed a role play simulation to demonstrate their identification of symptoms, providing immediate care, diets to be provided, and procedures for hospital referral.

 

• Community Outreach. The agenda aims to encourage the participation of the University stakeholders (students, parents, teachers, staff, personnel and alumnae) in humanitarian activities and public service works, including collaboration with community-based organizations and institutions in their efforts to promote a just, loving, equitable, and humane society, and to improve the quality of life at the grassroots level.

 

See featured PPAs under Community Outreach. [hyperlink to page of PPAs. Add contents below].

 

                        Harmony of Hope: Voices of the Volunteers

 

The article discusses gender-based violence, which is a form of violence that stems from unequal power relationships based on social gender differences. This type of violence can take many forms, such as physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. Women are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, and many organizations focus on ending this type of violence. One such organization is the Regional Haven for Women and Girls. BatStateU-Gender and Development Advocacies, through Sulambi VOSA and CABEIHM Circle of Talents, conducted an outreach program called "Harmony of Hope" to help women who have been abused and faced hardships in their lives. On June 21, 2022, they visited the Regional Haven for Women and Girls in Rosario, Batangas, to provide support and break the stigma surrounding gender-based violence.

 

NUTRInteraksyon Radio Program

Advances in technology have made it easier for people to access a vast amount of information through various channels, including radio broadcasts that can provide news and entertainment updates. However, in Batangas Province in 2017, a survey conducted by the Provincial Health Office found that there were significant nutrition problems among underweight and severely underweight preschool children, including physical inactivity and low rates of exclusive breastfeeding.

To address these issues, BatStateU Extension Service Office-Central partnered with the Nutritionist-Dietitians' Association of the Philippines (NDAP) Batangas Chapter to develop a nutrition-related radio program called NUTRInteraksyon sa Radyo. This school-on-air radio program aims to provide listeners with information about nutrition-related activities that can help improve their health and well-being, with a specific focus on addressing malnutrition problems in Batangas and nearby provinces.

 

Lingap Kabayan: Donation Drive for Brgy. Wawa and Malitam Fire Victims

On January 24, 2022, the Extension Service Office-Central and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Development and Extension Services joined forces to gather and distribute in-kind donations for the fire victims in Brgy. Wawa and Malitam, Batangas City. A total of 227 families, comprising 1,014 people, mostly Sama-Bajaus, received face masks, face shields, feeding utensils, water and beverages, and hygiene kits such as toothbrushes.

 

The collected donations were transported to Brgy. Wawa, where Dr. Vaberlie Garcia and Mrs. Kristia Lei Reyes distributed them with the help of councilors, led by the barangay captain Hon. Restituto Roce. The donations were warmly received and appreciated by the barangay residents. After the distribution in Brgy. Wawa, Dr. Garcia and Mrs. Reyes moved to Brgy. Malitam to deliver donations to five affected families. The in-kind donations received acknowledgment from Brgy. Captain, Hon. Mamerto Marasigan.

 

 

• Technical–Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The overall objective of the TVET Program is to provide the economy with qualified and competitive members of the workforce and to train citizens who are able to participate in sustainable growth and poverty reduction by ensuring training opportunities to all social groups without discrimination.

 

See featured PPAs under TVET. [hyperlink to page of PPAs. Add contents below].

 

Project Aetaguyod: Livelihood Training on the use of Solar Powered Sewing Machine and Basic Dressing

Batangas State University, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology and Yes Club Philippines, implemented a livelihood project in the Aeta community of Brgy. Banoyo, San Luis, Batangas. Women members of the community were trained in basic sewing techniques for their solar-powered sewing services enterprise, which was funded by the DOST. The course covered various topics, including sewing technology, machine parts, and the sewing process. Participants were provided with solar paneled and manual sewing machines, and the organizations involved have committed to providing further support for the community's business, including training on business and financial management, marketing, and product development.

 

• Technology Transfer and Adoption/Utilization. This agenda aims to assist and support the faculty and students in creating avenues for research-based technology transfer and to enhance the technological capabilities of the faculty for more effective extension services through technology assessment, transfer, adoption, and utilization of research outputs. It also aims to assist the community and industry sectors through technology advancement and innovation, to facilitate the transfer of high-impact research outputs for the utilization of the community and industrial sectors, and to ensure the quality of the research–based technologies in the services areas through assessment and monitoring.

 

See featured PPAs under Technology Transfer and Adoption/Utilization. [hyperlink to page of PPAs. Add contents below].

ESO x CoE Collaboration for Eco Bricks Production

BatStateU-Lipa Extension Services, along with other organizations, collaborated on a community project called "Building Blocks of Greener Future Project: Eco Bricks Making". The project aimed to create eco-bricks using campaign-related materials, such as tarpaulins, in order to create a greener neighborhood. Shredded tarpaulins were combined with a waste granulator equipment to create ECO-Bricks. ENRO officials, Mr. Ricardo Libon, Engr. Roberto Virrey, and Engr. Romeo Tumambing, led the training on the proper processing and making of Eco Bricks.

 

Development of a TPACK-Based Professional Development Framework for the New Normal in Education

In March 2022, the research project entitled "TPACK-based Professional Development Framework for Basic Education Teachers Under the 'New Normal' in Education" was completed successfully, and its findings were accepted for presentation and publication. The study was presented at the 2022 3rd International Conference on Information Technology and Education Technology (ITET 2022) on May 13, 2022 via an online platform. Furthermore, it is scheduled to be published in the International Journal of Information and Education Technology (IJIET), which is indexed by Scopus, INSPEC, UGC-CARE List (India), CNKI, EBSCO, Electronic Journals Library, Google Scholar, and Crossref.

 

 

• Technical Assistance and Advisory Services. This aims to identify strategies to improve the productivity of local government units, small/medium enterprises, government and non-government agencies, and other educational institutions through technical inputs and capacity building, including support for stakeholder consultations. Outputs will include support for policy reforms and capacity building in the areas of business regulation, access to finance, and public-private partnership (PPP).

 

See featured PPAs under Technical Assistance and Advisory Services. [hyperlink to page of PPAs. Add contents below].

 

Virtual Launching of BatStateU Pande-MEAL Plan

Batangas State University has launched an initiative called the Pande-MEAL Plan, which seeks to provide gender-sensitive information, education, and communication materials related to healthy eating during the pandemic. This initiative was launched to help care for patients in Batangas Province and to contribute to the nation's reconstruction efforts through food innovation and research. The Pande-MEAL Plan offers a 2-week meal plan that has been tried and tested in the kitchen and includes nutritional information. The Office of the Extension Services and Gender and Development Advocacies virtually launched this initiative on July 28, 2022, with Asst. Dir. for Community Development Services Asst. Prof. Kristia Lei A. Reyes leading the effort. Good eating is our best defense against any illness, including COVID-19, which has caused significant loss of human life and created unprecedented challenges for food systems, workplaces, and public health worldwide.

 

CTE, ESO-PB fuels Padre Garcia SHSs Robotics

The Office of Extension Services-Pablo Borbon and DepEd Batangas-Padre Gracia District organized a two-day seminar-workshop called "RoboTeach: Introduction to Robotics using Arduino Microcontroller Unit" on June 17, 2022, for STEM students and teachers of Padre Garcia and Pansol Integrated High School. The workshop aimed to provide an introduction to robotics using the Arduino microcontroller unit. Participants received orientation and demonstrations on robotics, and on the second day, they assembled a robot-wheeled motor. In addition to the workshop, the College of Teacher Education donated four robotics kits to the participants, which were handed over during the opening program. Dr. Emiliana M. Roxas, the Public Schools District Supervisor of DepEd Padre Garcia District, expressed gratitude for the donated kits and training.

 

• Parents’ Empowerment through Social Development (PESODEV). PESODEV aims to provide livelihood, gender and development, responsible parenting and socio-cultural trainings and activities for parents to make them active members of the communities they belong to, including that of the University system.

 

See featured PPAs under PESODEV. [hyperlink to page of PPAs. Add contents below].

 

• Gender and Development Advocacies. The program aims to mainstream gender perspective in the curriculum, ctional delivery, research, extension, and school operations, to institutionalize gender responsive mechanisms in the University, to develop and recognize gender responsive members of the academic community and external stakeholders, to establish sustainab ders.  le partnerships with external stakeholders and technical experts, to foster cooperation in the planning, development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of GADA PPAs, and to construct/upgrade facilities that would address gender concerns of stakeholders. Learn more about BatStateU GADA.

 

See featured PPAs under GADA. [hyperlink to page of PPAs. Add contents below].

ENGAGE: ENhancing GAD Capacities towards Gender Equality                      The Magna Carta of Women (MCW) requires all government agencies, including BatStateU, to adopt gender mainstreaming as a strategy to promote women's human rights and eliminate gender discrimination. In accordance with this mandate, BatStateU's Gender and Development Office conducted an 8-hour training workshop called ENGAGE for the reorientation of the BatStateU Gender Focal Point System (GFPS) members. The training was conducted in face-to-face mode in each constituent campus of BatStateU from May 10 to May 18, 2022, with Assoc. Prof. Maria Theresa A. Hernandez serving as the resource speaker. The workshop reviewed GAD concepts, mandates and tools, emphasized the roles and responsibilities of GFPS members, and discussed GFPS guidelines, GAD concepts, and GAD planning and budgeting.

2022 END VAW Kick-Off Ceremony

BatStateU Gender and Development Advocacies Office participated in the 2022 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. The campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the pervasive social problem of violence against women and children, kicked off on November 25, 2022, with a walk-to-end VAW at the university grounds. The event was attended by university officials, employees, faculty, and students, and aimed to promote awareness of the forms of violence experienced by women and girls, provide information on the laws protecting them, gather insights on the public's awareness of VAW, and highlight the gains and milestones in efforts to prevent and address VAW in the Philippines.

 

 

• Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Disaster Preparedness and Response/Climate Change Adoption (DRRM and DPR/CCA). The program aims to promote a safe and secure environment for people and communities. Specifically, it aims to increase people’s awareness on DRRM and DPR/CCA, to increase safety and preparedness of the community members, to understand the proper response movement and evacuation in an emergency, to ensure the health and safety of the people during calamities and disasters, and to train volunteers to respond to the needs of people and communities. Learn more about our DRRM initiatives via BatStateU ACTION Center website.

 

See featured PPAs under DRRM and DPR/CCA. [hyperlink to page of PPAs. Add contents below].

 

Lingnan University, BatStateU conduct Community Visit

 

 

The quote by Peter Nemcova emphasizes the importance of disaster preparedness in reducing the loss of lives during natural disasters. On December 22, 2022, the BatStateU Extension Service Office - Central together with Dr. Ng Aik Min from Lingnan University of Hongkong, led a community visit in Brgy. Talahib Pandayan, Batangas City, and the Ibaan Batangas Relocation Site for Taal Volcano Eruption victims. The visit was part of the BatStateU Extension Service Office AHON Program, which aims to develop disaster response interventions and humanitarian technologies for disaster-prone communities. During the visit, they assessed the relocation site for internally displaced populations due to the Taal Volcano eruption and discussed potential projects with the community.

 

 

Strategies of Implementation

 

Extension is the organized exchange of information and the purposive transfer of skills and knowledge. Its scope has extended from disconn ected local events to a complicated, largescale, and even national/international activity. The key elements in the process of extension are knowledge and skills, technical advice and information, and motivation and selfconfidence. These elements are the foundation of the following strategies of implementation.

 

• Internal Networking and Collaboration. Develop a networking system among the colleges and/or constituent campuses that will facilitate planning, writing of extension proposals, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, documenting, conducting of impact assessment, and disseminating through presentations and publications of implemented extension programs.
• Service Learning. Employ a learning strategy that connects the academic curriculum to community problem-solving. This is combining learning goals with community service in ways that can enhance both students' growth and the common good. This may involve moving on from community service to inquiry based learning and practical, real world application and a lifelong understanding of their ability to influence positive change.
• Knowledge Sharing. Utilize the exchange of information or understanding between and among people communities, teams, or organizations. It is an intentional process to help individuals or groups of individuals create or enhance an archive of accessible information for others.
• Linkages and Cooperation. Establish and sustain linkages with local, national, or international organizations, private or government agencies, and/or universities with strong extension programs.
• Resource and Fund Generation. Source out funds from external sources for the implementation of extension PPAs. This may be local, national or international.
• High Impact and Relevant Extension Programs. Implement research-based and sustainable extension programs anchored on the University extension agenda.
• Sustainability Practices. Integrate the sustainable development goals in the conduct of extension programs, projects, and activities.

 

 

Partners and Linkages

The University’s commitment to forging partnerships and linkages with various government agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, private companies, and local communities through extension PPAs demonstrates its commitment to community engagement and service.

See BatStateU-The NEU’s list of partners in extension service initiatives through the years.

ESO Facts and Figures

 

The extension services of the University play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life of the communities it serves. Here’s a glance at the university’s accomplishments in the field of extension services based on the recent year:

• 122 Active Partnerships. BatStateU-The NEU, through its extension services PPAs, has established partnerships through active collaborations with various LGUs, industries, NGOs, NGAs, SMEs, and other stakeholders.
• 412 Extension PPAs. The University demonstrates its commitment to the society through the successful implementation of its extension programs, projects, and activities, which aim to address the needs and concerns of various community stakeholders. See list of 2022 Extension Service PPAs.
• 10,755 Personnel trained. The figure reflects the number of the University’s trained individuals who have undergone training through various technical advisories offered by the University. This number takes into account the length of training, demonstrating BatStateU-The NEU’s commitment to help strengthen their capabilities and knowledge in a range of fields.
• 17,398 beneficiaries. The University underscores its dedication to making an impact to the lives of people in the community through its extension service PPAs. In the recent year, thousands of people from neighboring communities of the University benefited from its various extension service initiatives.