URS-Extension Services Keeps Going Amidst Pandemic

by Fe Esperanza T. Mateo

The year 2020 has been full of challenges primarily due to the CoVid 19 pandemic.  Nevertheless, the University Extension Unit with the committed and responsible faculty extension project implementers have paved way in continuously helping uplift the life of the community members.

Since the onset of the community quarantine period, a total of fourteen (14) Projects, Programs and Activities (PPAs) were conducted and initiated by the unit benefitting a total of 1,618 individuals comprised of recipients from the university, community, and other partner agencies as well, across the region. The participants and beneficiaries were given technical information and tangible assistance which are helpful in reconsidering opportunities and recovering from the current situation brought about by pandemic.

The personnel of the unit and the project implementers attended fora and seminars which feature information dissemination and responses to opportunities, challenges, new technologies, livelihood, gender and development, food, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and education concerns. Likewise, there was thirteen (13) Memorandum of Agreements established for the year 2020 within extension projects of the university being spearheaded by the tenacious and service-oriented faculty from the different campuses of the university.

Moreover, fourteen (14) extension projects were completed and presented during the conduct of the 1st and 2nd Agency In-house Reviews last August 4 and September 23, 2020, respectively, and were justifiably commented by internal and external evaluators. Twenty- two (22) new extension proposals were given the Notice to Proceed during the last two (2) quarters of the year with the approval of the University Extension Advisory Committee (UEAC) and the University President.

Two (2) of the completed extension projects were highlighted and presented in the Regional and National Congress and Summit such as the Community Empowerment through GAD Intervention Program Phase II by Prof. Olivia R. Cababat, Prof. Maricel B. Berdan, Prof Elwood M. Atienza, Prof. Marc Anthony D. Butac, Prof. Michelle R. Garcia, Prof. Sherwin C. Cababat, Prof. Alexander C. Altamirano, Prof. Hector M. Rubiales II, and Prof. Jennelyn G. Mercado during the National Gender and Development Research Congress held at Central Luzon State University on November 12-13, 2020, and the Establishment of Embryo Cultured Macapuno (ECM) Demonstration Farm in Upland Antipolo City Phase III by Dr. Dorothy C. Solano, Prof Ma. Victoria L. Rivera and Mr. Ronald Eugerio during the Regional Macapuno Summit held on November 20-24, 2020.

The year-round commitment of the unit was wrapped up with KAYAKAPP (Kapwa Ay Yamang Kaagapay sa Pagbangon ng Pamayanan) Bayanihan Project which was strongly supported by the personnel and other stakeholders of the University of Rizal System.  Truly, the desire of the heart to be of service can never be ceased even by a pandemic.

In behalf of the URS Family, President Nancy T. Pascual thanked everyone who served as a KAYAKAPP.