Huntahang Pangkomunidad: RTU Strengthens Student Extensionists’ Community Service Capability

On October 1, 2025, the Extension and Community Services Office (ECSO) spearheaded the program “Huntahang Pangkomunidad: Strengthening Extension Work from the Ground Up for Student Extensionists” at the SNAGAH Building Penthouse. 

The event brought together learners and facilitators, with the participation of ECSO staff members and unit heads. Student extensionists from the College of Education attended, highlighting the program’s mission. This gathering showcased the ECSO’s dedication to nurturing competent and socially responsible student leaders and set the stage for meaningful learning and empowerment in community engagement. 

The program formally opened with a welcoming remark from Instr. Ricardo H. Momongan Jr., Director of the ECSO, emphasizing the importance of building a solid foundation for extension work. This was followed by messages of support from Dr. Magno M. Quendangan, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, and Dr. Wendelyn Samarita, Dean of the College of Education.

The program featured a walkthrough of the step-by-step process of conducting an outreach activity, led by Mr. Clifford Jay Alar, ECSO staff. Dr. Robelyn B. Bautista, Head of the Extension and Community Linkages Unit, presented updates on the status and process of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Ms. Gemma Acer, ECSO staff, explained the implementation and monitoring stages of extension projects. An open forum and sharing session were also conducted. 

The program concluded with a closing message from Instr. Mariacil Agustin-Villanueva, encouraging continued dedication to community work. The event wrapped up with a photo opportunity to commemorate the gathering.

Huntahang Pangkomunidad proved to be a vital initiative in shaping the next generation of student extensionists. This initiative reflects Pandayang Rizalia’s enduring commitment in supporting communities outside the university, as well as the holistic development of Rizaliano students.