Ramping up Rizal Technological University’s (RTU) community development initiatives in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, select faculty extensionists, non-teaching extensionists, and the Extension and Community Services Office (ECSO) conducted a series of consultation and needs assessment activities, aimed at identifying the training needs, concerns, and areas for improvement that will serve as a basis for developing extension programs designed to uplift the community of Paluanons.

One activity conducted on September 30 was the Training Needs Assessment of RTU’s Mechatronics Department for Hands-on Arduino Training. The assessment focused on identifying Paluan National High School’s knowledge, skills, and competencies related to Arduino technology and its practical applications. Through the consultation, the team gathered relevant information to ensure the proposed training addresses the school’s and personnel’s actual needs.

The team also conducted the training needs assessment of the Procurement Management Office of Paluan LGU. The consultation provided an opportunity to determine the office’s current training requirements, challenges, and areas where additional knowledge and skills may be needed. The information gathered was used as a reference for designing appropriate training interventions and strengthening the office’s capabilities.

Another significant needs assessment activity was the consultation regarding the Human Resources (HR) System in Paluan. The consultation focused on understanding the existing HR processes, concerns, and possible areas for improvement in the system. The discussion provided valuable insights that can help identify appropriate interventions and possible capacity-building initiatives for the local government.

On October 1, 2026, the team continued its engagement through a feedback and feedforwarding session with Paluan Mayor Michael “Adobo” Diaz. The session provided an opportunity to present and discuss the observations, insights, and results gathered during the previous consultations, exchange feedback on identified needs and concerns, and provide feedforward on possible strategies, recommendations, and next steps to improve the identified areas further.

The activities strengthened the partnership and communication between the university and the local government, as the information gathered from the assessments, consultations, feedbacking, and feedforwarding will serve as valuable inputs in developing responsive extension programs and capacity-building activities that address the actual needs of the partner community and institutions.