University News

EMO leads inaugural Gawad Lingap Komunidad; PUP-CAF wins Best Extension Project

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

In recognition of their outstanding social and community development efforts for its beneficiaries and stakeholders in these challenging times, the Extension Management Office (EMO) led the 1st Gawad Lingap Komunidad?Best Extension Project last December 8, broadcasted Live via Zoom Teleconference App.

Hosted by Dr, Edna T. Bernabe, the event aimed to highlight and to recognize the extension projects headed by several Colleges, Branches, and Campuses of the Sintang Paaralan for their work on assisting and shaping their communities into something fruitful and helpful to their developmental progress.

“We would like to give credit and recognition to the efforts, commitment, and dedication of the academic officials, the faculty, the students, and employees in providing worthwhile activities to our partner institutions and communities as they progressed in becoming empowered individuals in this society,” she said.

In his message, University President Dr. Manuel M. Muhi lauded the efforts exerted by parties behind in this newly-initiated awarding body, especially the EMO for helping the University on “accelerating the community extension services and to create a conducive, sustainable development, and people-centered development program to build strong collaboration and sustainable communities.”

“As we continue to work together towards a better and effective university, I call each and everyone to continue to serve the people and let’s work together to brave the challenges facing us in these turbulent times. Together as one, our Sintang Paaralan will be at the forefront in service to the people and bringing quality and accessible higher learning,” he added.

Vice President for Research, Extension, and Development Dr. Anna Ruby P. Gapasin reaffirmed and reiterated the rationale on establishing this awarding of the notable Extension programs at the University.

“Ang pagpapanday ng kaisipan at kakayahan ang layunin ng Sintang Paaralan para sa kabataang Pilipino. Subalit hindi nakakahon ang layuning iyan, kung kaya’t nagsasagawa ng programang pang-ekstensyon ang ating pamantasan kung saan ang galing, talino, at kaalaman ng ating kaguruan ay ating naisasalin sa iba’t-ibang komunidad. Ngayong araw na ito, ating pararangalan ang natatanging programa pang-ekstensyon na nagpaunlad sa ating kapwa,” Gapasin said.

Then named Gawad Suhay: The Search for the Best Extension Program, each of the nominated extension programs must meet all of the criteria mentioned below and graded by the following:

Impact of profession- generation of new knowledge/methodologies that have significant contribution to the profession, impact study of extension program/project that will truly assess the usefulness of the program or clients’ perspective on the impact of the program to the community of target groups. 40 Points

The project enhances the delivery of any or all the functions of the institution?instruction, research extension and production. 20 Points

Effectiveness- use and adoption of program/project outputs in regional and national extension programs and policies, significant contribution to rural development including gender-related issues. 20 Points

Contribution to the Advancement of Disciplines. 15 Points

Recognition given to the program. Citations and awards given by the external establishments and reputable bodies and organizations. 5 Points

Amongst the finalists nominated for the award, the College of Accountancy and Finance (CAF) stood at the top and was hailed as the Best Extension Project for their “Accounting for Non-Accountants,” a program initiative that aimed to share their expertise and knowledge on accounting to individual and single business entrepreneurs, basic accounting, and basic business finance to senior high school teachers to better equip them to the empowerment of the community. For their contributions, they were awarded with P50,000, in which the proceeds will be given for the advancement of this program.

PUP CAF had also bested the 2nd Best Extension Project College of Communication Salin Kaalaman sa Pamamahayag sa Komunidad, PUP Taguig EduKalinga, and the College of Arts and Letters’ Extension Program for the Brgy. Bilad, Camiling, Tarlac and their Research Training and Research Colloquium for high school teachers.

At the conclusion of the event, EMO Director Zandro T. Estella, expressed his gratitude for its success, the judges present, and for the overall quality extension projects presented by the finalists, and noted that this will serve as a stepping stone to greater public service.

“Tunay na walang halaga o katumbas ang pagtulong at pagmamalasakit natin sa ating kapwa, subalit ang pagkilalang ito ay mas magbibigay ng motibasyon para lalo pang palakasin at seryosong gampanin ng bawat kaguruan ang kanilang paglilingkod sa ating komunidad," Estella concluded.