PROJECT IGNITE (Inspire Growth, Nurture Innovation, Transform Extensions), held on March 6, 2024, at RTU’s Boni Campus, aimed to bolster the capabilities of Extension and Community Services Office (ECSO) Staff and College/Institute Extension Coordinators. The event was driven by the acknowledgment of extension services’ crucial role in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, it focused on Research and Development, Technology, and Innovation for Economic and Social Transformation, providing participants with skills for national development.

The central objective of PROJECT IGNITE was to empower ECSO Staff and Extension Coordinators. This included clarifying the ECSO’s pivotal role, initiating discussions on the RTU Extension Agenda, and imparting skills for reviewing extension proposals. The event emphasized establishing effective extension mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, ensuring accountability, sustainability, and continuous improvement in extension programs.

The event featured the expertise of Instr. Ricardo H. Momongan, Jr., Director of ECSO, and the workshop was facilitated by Instr. Abigail P. Mendoza, Instr. John Paul G. Sison, and Ms. Gemma J. Acer, the event was participated by the College/Institute Extension Coordinators from various departments, including Instr. Antonio Bustamante, Jr. (CAS), Instr. Angeline Villareal (CED), Instr. Abigail P. Mendoza (CBEA), Instr. John Paul G. Sison (CBEA), Assoc. Prof. Edwin Purisima (CEng), Instr. Rhoda Malabanan (IHK), Instr. Maria Agnes C. Guardiano (ICS), and Ar. Felip R. Magcamit, Jr. (IA). The face-to-face training featured comprehensive sessions, from icebreakers to in-depth discussions and workshops on critical topics such as the ECSO’s role, the RTU Extension Agenda, and the guides for the evaluation of extension proposals.

The day concluded with an evaluation and the awarding of Certificates of Recognition. In his closing remarks, Instr. Ricardo H. Momongan, Jr. expressed gratitude to participants and highlighted the transformative potential of the knowledge gained during PROJECT IGNITE.