With the theme “Cultivating Empowerment: Nurturing Minds for Sustainable Community Impact,” the Aldersgate College Community Extension Services (ACCESS) Unit successfully conducted its first Coordinators’ Orientation and Workshop aimed at enhancing the capacities of faculty extension coordinators and student leaders. The event underscored a crucial paradigm shift—aligning institutional extension and community outreach programs with national and international development frameworks, namely the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Cagayan Valley Regional Research and Development Agenda, and the long-term vision of Ambisyon Natin 2040.
Building Sustainable Linkages
The orientation opened with a presentation of ACCESS services by the Director, followed by an inspiring message from Incoming President Rev. Eduardo B. Copliting, Jr., Ph.D., who highlighted the institution’s commitment to education-driven community empowerment. He emphasized that higher education institutions must not only deliver academic excellence but also function as catalysts for local and global impact.
Mr. Kristian Cesar Ollier led the key discussion on development frameworks. He stressed the relevance of the 17 UN SDGs in designing extension programs that address poverty, inequality, education, climate action, and partnerships. He further integrated the Cagayan Valley Development Framework, noting how research and outreach initiatives should respond to regional priorities, particularly in agriculture, industry, and services. The Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS) under RA 10625 was also discussed, underscoring the importance of evidence-based projects supported by reliable data.
Regional Development Context
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region II, the economic structure of Cagayan Valley shows that services account for 45% of regional output, industry at 29.7%, and agriculture at 25.3%. While the expansion of services and industries signals economic development, this imbalance raises an alarming concern, given that Region II has historically been recognized as the country’s agricultural hub. This reality reflects both a challenge and an opportunity: universities and colleges must strengthen research, innovation, and community engagement efforts to uplift agriculture while leveraging the growth of services and industry sectors.
By integrating Ambisyon Natin 2040, a collective vision of a strongly rooted, comfortable, and secure life for every Filipino, workshop discussions emphasized how extension programs can contribute to long-term inclusive growth. Projects that empower farmers, sustain microenterprises, and develop youth capacities can directly contribute to bridging the gaps in the agricultural sector while fostering regional competitiveness.
Workshop Sessions
The workshop featured sessions on practical planning and communication skills for coordinators and student leaders:
Annual Work and Financial Plan (AWFP) Development – aligning initiatives with institutional and development goals.
Activity Design & Implementation – ensuring structured and impact-driven projects.
Canva Design & Visual Content Creation facilitated by Mr. Adriel Baguio, who pledged customized templates for outreach communication.
Publication Posting & Caption Writing led by Ms. Jasmin Espenocilla, who shared effective strategies for digital engagement.
In the afternoon, ACCESS Director Prosperita Marites A. Matterig discussed updated policies on budget requisition and liquidation, ensuring transparency and accountability in extension program implementation.
Toward Impactful Engagement
The event concluded with an open forum, where coordinators reaffirmed their commitment to submit their AWFPs by September 8, 2025. More importantly, the workshop instilled the mindset that institutional extension work is not an isolated undertaking but a collective contribution to national development and global sustainability goals.
By rooting extension programs in global frameworks like the SDGs, addressing regional priorities in the Cagayan Valley, and aligning with Ambisyon Natin 2040, Aldersgate College is cultivating empowered communities—paving the way for inclusive, sustainable progress in the region and beyond.
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