In a significant step toward impactful community engagement, the Extension and Training Services unit of the ISU-San Mariano Campus recently facilitated a series of high-level consultation meetings between university project leaders and various partner agencies. These sessions served as a vital platform for aligning the university’s academic expertise with the actual needs of the community, ensuring that the upcoming extension projects are both sustainable and culturally responsive.
The consultations focused on four flagship projects designed to address diverse sectors, ranging from food security and digital literacy to governance and indigenous resilience.
SAGANA: Elevating Native Agriculture
Project Leader: Miss Sarah Kay Vigilia (BSHM Program)
The SAGANA (Sustainable Agri-based Gastronomy & Native Agricultural for Value-Added Enterprise Development) project aims to bridge the gap between local farming and the culinary industry. During the consultation, Miss Vigilia emphasized the importance of value-added enterprise, turning raw agricultural products into gourmet assets. Partner agencies expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential to boost local tourism and provide sustainable livelihoods for farmers through culinary innovation.
Project CODE: Bridging the Digital Divide
Project Leader: Mr. Romnick Carlos (BSIT Program)
Recognizing the necessity of technological proficiency in the modern era, Project CODE (Creating Opportunities for Digital Empowerment) was presented by Mr. Romnick Carlos. The discussions focused on how digital literacy can empower marginalized sectors, providing them with the tools to participate in the digital economy. Partners from the ICT sector and local government units identified key areas where digital interventions could streamline public services and enhance personal employment opportunities for residents.
Program HELP-V: A Holistic Approach to Governance and Preparedness
Program Leader: Dr. Evelyn B. Cristobal (BSEd Program)
Program HELP-V (Holistic Empowerment through Livelihood, Leadership & Governance, Preparedness, and Values Education) stands as a comprehensive multi-component initiative. Dr. Cristobal outlined a roadmap for community development that balances economic growth with strong moral and civic foundations. A major point of discussion during the meetings was the integration of Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM), ensuring that partner communities are not only empowered but also resilient in the face of environmental challenges.
Project FIRE: Honoring Indigenous Resilience
Project Leader: Miss Hydee Corpuz (BSEd Program)
Focusing on the preservation and empowerment of indigenous communities, Project FIRE (Footprints of Indigeneity for Resilience & Empowerment: The Journey) was presented by Miss Hydee Corpuz. This project seeks to document and celebrate indigenous knowledge while providing modern tools for self-advocacy. The consultation highlighted the need for a sensitive, “journey-based” approach that respects traditional customs while fostering social and economic empowerment.
The consultation series concluded with a strategic alignment of goals and the finalization of the “Roadmaps of Intervention” for each target community. To formalize these vital alliances, a ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing has been scheduled, marking the official transition from conceptual planning to active field implementation.
By involving partner agencies—including local government units, NGOs, and community leaders—at this early stage, the Extension and Training Services office ensures that these projects are not merely academic exercises, but deeply rooted, life-changing interventions. The university remains steadfast in its mission to extend knowledge beyond the classroom, fostering a future where academic expertise and community resilience go hand in hand.
