CLSU IS TOP 1 IN SUC EXTENSION PROGRAM TO MITIGATE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN REGION 3

The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) was recognized as having the best extension program in mitigating the effects of COVID 19-pandemic among state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Region 3 in the virtual ceremonies held on May 20, 2021, in celebration of the 1st National Higher Education Day and 27th Founding Anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). A total of 23 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region showcased their best extension and productivity practices in video presentations, with some schools sending more than one presentation. Out of the 29 entries, the Screening Committee composed of officers and representatives of the CHED-organized Task Force on Extension and Productivity chose the top 10 programs. From this shortlist, CHED selected the top 3 programs for the categories SUCs, private HEIs, and Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs). The videos of the best programs were played during the ceremonies before the plaques of recognition were presented and the winning institutions’ heads gave their response. CLSU President, Dr. Edgar A. Orden, in his response, thanked CHED for acknowledging what CLSU loves to do in extension. He further said “the range of the endeavors reflect the university’s continuing commitment, dedication and excellent service to the stakeholders. This will motivate us even more to make a difference in the lives of the peoples and communities we serve.” CLSU’s video presentation featured the extension innovation Techno Village Program which seeks to establish hubs of CLSU technologies in the communities to enhance families’ access to technologies that they can use to improve their food and livelihood, income, and ultimately, well-being. The presentation also highlighted the university's effort to continue reaching the service communities during these challenging times of the pandemic. This was by recalibrating its extension strategies to include webinars and limited face-to-face training, remote and limited face-to-face advisory services, farmer-managed technology demonstrations, and project support provision that enabled clients to establish techno livelihood and food production projects. President Orden also congratulated and thanked the Extension Team and its partners in the various centers and colleges of the university for the achievement through a direct message sent to Dr. Eugenia G. Baltazar, University Extension Center Director. CLSU shares the top spot in the SUC category with another Nueva Ecija-based academic institution, the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) that also placed second to the Malolos City-based Bulacan State University (BulSU) in the Netizens’ Choice Award. The special award was given to the video presentation that garnered the most number of heart or care reactions among all the video presentations uploaded in the Facebook Group of the Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementors (PAEPI) Region 3.