Introduction: Elevating Extension Services and Community Engagement
The Extension Services and Community Engagement Unit (ESCEU) at BukSU has launched a targeted effort to raise the profile and effectiveness of its community outreach programs. Centered around the Extension Week Celebration held on October 13 and 15, 2025, the initiative focused on documentation, advocacy planning, and the dissemination of best practices among the University’s students and faculty extensionists. The aim is clear: improve how extension projects are documented, amplified, and ultimately delivered to partner communities.
Capacity-Building Through Documentation and Advocacy
Dr. Jiemalyn B. Paulican, ESCEU Director, emphasized that the week’s activities were designed to refine methodologies and boost the visibility of extension work. “These initiatives were a central part of the Extension Week Celebration, aiming to refine methodologies and disseminate best practices among the University’s students and faculty extensionists,” she stated. A key focus was on improving the drafting and amplification processes for extension work, ensuring projects resonate with stakeholders and attract the support they need to scale impact.
Practical Tools for Reporting and Narratives
Seminars and workshops on effective documentation strategies equipped participants with practical tools for reporting project narratives via social media and other channels. Attendees learned how to translate field activities into compelling stories, clear metrics, and tangible outcomes. The goal is not merely to publish content but to craft narratives that reflect the real benefits delivered to communities and to demonstrate accountability and progress to partners, funders, and the public.
Insights from Stakeholders and Project Leaders
Feedback from participants underscored the value of the capacity-building sessions. Ms. Judith Cauilan, a faculty member in the Food Technology Department and a project coordinator, remarked, “I have seen the importance of getting the attention of our target stakeholders. We learned about the technicalities and matrix in the documentation. We are grateful for this.” The sessions helped bridge theoretical understanding with the practical demands of documenting and communicating extension outcomes to diverse audiences.
Sharing Models and Celebrating Successes
Integral to the week were showcases of successful models from various units within the university. Presentations highlighted tangible results across college and university extension projects, providing real-world examples of how well-designed outreach can affect change. Kristel Kate Salva, a project leader and extension committee member from BukSU Baungon, reflected on the experience: “Progress over perfection is an important takeaway for me. Having a growth mindset is a good reminder, too. And, developing the spirit of volunteerism encompasses the challenges upon knowing that your project has a purpose and looking forward to seeing a difference in their (community) lives.”
Student Leadership and the SDGs
Student leaders from BukSU’s main and satellite campuses played a pivotal role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They recalibrated their advocacy plans to align with local needs while maintaining a horizon of global objectives. Carlo Jacky Ellevera, BukSU SSC President, articulated the sentiment of the group: “What happened today is a call to action, a reminder that a student leader is a changemaker capable of shaping the future we envision. The SDGs are not distant global ideals; they are personal missions that start within our communities, in the acts of service and in the compassion we extend to others.”
Looking Ahead: A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Outreach
The 2025 Extension Week Celebration reaffirmed BukSU’s mission to serve its catchment area through relevant and sustainable programs. By integrating the SDGs into its outreach framework, the University positions itself as a key driver of regional progress. The ESCEU’s capacity-building efforts will continue to emphasize documentation excellence, advocacy effectiveness, and the amplification of community impact, ensuring that extension services not only reach more people but also inspire lasting improvements.
