The Office of the Extension Services of Southern Leyte State University is currently conducting a two-day Training Workshop on Impact Assessment of Extension Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) on February 13-14, 2025. Hosted by the Extension Office, this initiative aims to strengthen the university’s commitment to evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of its extension projects.

The training emphasizes the critical role of impact assessment in ensuring that extension initiatives achieve their intended goals and generate meaningful benefits for the community. The workshop also seeks to equip faculty members with the necessary skills and methodologies to systematically evaluate extension PPAs, providing valuable insights for improving future programs.

The workshop features renowned resource speaker, Dr. Rhoderick D. Malangsa, an expert in impact assessment. His knowledge-sharing sessions are providing participants with practical strategies to measure the success of extension projects effectively.

This initiative highlights the Southern Leyte State University’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that its extension projects drive impactful, sustainable, and community-centered development. By empowering faculty with enhanced evaluation skills, the university continues to elevate the quality and effectiveness of its outreach programs, ultimately fostering long-term societal growth.

February 11, 2025 – Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) conducted an In-House Review and Evaluation of its Extension Services at the RIES Training Hall, 2nd Floor, SLSU Main Campus. This initiative aimed to assess the effectiveness and impact of the university's extension programs and projects.

The event was spearheaded by the Extension Services Office, led by Adelfa C. Diola, Director of Extension Services, and Ms. Adel Grace P. Gaudicos, Head of Extension Services. The review and evaluation process were further strengthened by the expertise of Dr. Jocelyn Sagun De Vera, from Pangasinan State University, who served as the external evaluator.

The program commenced at 8:00 AM with the singing of the national anthem and a prayer, setting the tone for the day's activities.

Dir. Adelfa C. Diola, Director for Extension, delivered the welcome message, emphasizing the university's commitment to community engagement and sustainable development through its extension programs.

Following the welcome remarks, Ms. Adel Grace P. Gaudicos introduced the external evaluator, Dr. Jocelyn Sagun De Vera, highlighting her extensive experience in academic and community-based extension projects.
One of the key segments of the event was the Presentation of Extension PPA’s Evaluation, where various extension projects were assessed based on their implementation, impact, and alignment with the university’s goals. This rigorous evaluation provided valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement of SLSU’s extension initiatives.

The review and evaluation featured a diverse set of research proposals aimed at addressing various community needs and promoting sustainable development.

The "Training Program for the Enhancement of Health and Wellness as the Basis for a Sustainable and Healthy Lifestyle" focused on improving community well-being through structured health programs. Similarly, the "Empowering Community Associations: Communicating Grant Funding Opportunities for Community-Led Environmental Initiatives" explored ways to strengthen local organizations in accessing financial support for environmental projects.

Technological empowerment was also highlighted with the "Empowering Communities Through Technology: Basic Computer Literacy Training for Local Government Unit," which aimed to enhance digital literacy among local officials. Another project, "SCHOOL MAPS: Strengthening Community Resilience through Hazard Open Mapping and Operational Localization for Mitigation and Preparedness in DepEd Schools of Liloan," underscored disaster risk reduction through innovative mapping techniques.

Economic and livelihood sustainability were key themes in "Livelihood Optimization Project for Ocean Yields," a project designed to improve the economic conditions of coastal communities through sustainable fishing practices. Additionally, the "Journey and Knowledge: Becoming a Skilled Tour Guide – An Extension Project for the Local Community of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte" focused on capacity-building in the tourism sector, equipping local residents with essential skills to become professional tour guides.

This in-house review and evaluation serve as an essential mechanism for enhancing the quality, relevance, and sustainability of SLSU’s extension services. By engaging external evaluators, the university ensures an objective assessment of its programs, fostering accountability and excellence in service delivery.

The Office of the Extension Services (OES) of Southern Leyte State University successfully conducted a Capability-Building Seminar on Extension Proposal Creation and Compliance for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) on February 5, 2025, at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Faculty Room. This initiative aimed to equip faculty members with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and refine extension proposals, ensuring that FAS meets its extension targets for the year.

The program began at 8:00 AM with an opening prayer by Mr. Uriel G. Maglines, followed by the National Anthem led by Ms. Geraldine Abella. Dr. Aldwin Teves delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of extension work in achieving the university’s goals.

At 8:15 AM, Ms. Adelfa C. Diola (University Extension Director) and Ms. Adel Grace P. Gaudicos (Extension Head) facilitated a lecture on crafting extension proposals and complying with institutional requirements. Their session provided insights into proposal development, key components of a strong extension project, and strategies for securing approval.

A Question-and-Answer session followed at 9:15 AM, allowing participants to clarify concerns and receive expert advice. The Writeshop from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM provided hands-on time for faculty members to draft, refine, and finalize proposals with direct input from the resource persons.

In the afternoon session, Dr. Aldwin Teves shared important reminders at 1:00 PM, followed by the presentation of newly crafted and revised proposals at 1:15 PM. Faculty members were able to showcase their extension concepts, receive final comments from the Extension Office, and ensure alignment with institutional standards.

As a result of the workshop, five extension proposals were successfully crafted, marking significant progress in FAS’s extension initiatives.

The event concluded with the giving of certificates to resource persons at 4:40 PM and the uploading of final proposals at 5:00 PM. The entire seminar-workshop was efficiently hosted by Ms. Lieza Noelle Malinao as the event’s emcee.
Through this capability-building seminar, the Office of the Extension Services reaffirmed its commitment to supporting faculty members in designing and implementing impactful extension projects. With the newly developed proposals, FAS is now better equipped to achieve its extension targets for 2025, fostering meaningful community engagement and sustainable development.

On November 18, 2024, Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), through the office of the Extension Services, launched the "Community Empowerment through Science and Technology as Sustainability Approach for Resiliency and Food Security" project, with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing on November 18, 2024.

The project aims to leverage science and technology and empower local communities by promoting sustainable farming methods, thereby improving food security, and boosting disaster preparedness.
The CEST Project gathered the academic institutions, local government units (LGUs), and People's Organizations (POs) to ensure that the solutions are not only innovative but also specifically tailored to the local needs, creating a strong foundation for long-term resilience and food security.

On the other hand, the MOA signing marks a significant milestone in the collaboration for sustainable development. Dr. Jude A. Duarte conveyed his message of commitment on behalf of SLSU, while Hon. Sheffered Lino S. Tan delivered a message of support representing the Local Government Unit (LGU).

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) continue to serve as initiator for programs that address food insecurity and promote sustainable agricultural practices in regional communities. As the project moves forward, it will focus on creating sustainable food systems and resilient ecosystems, equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools for communities to thrive, rather than just survive, in an ever-changing world.