Rizal Technological University’s (RTU) Extension and Community Services Offices (ECSO) gathers the Program Heads from various colleges and institutes of the University at Project IGNITE 3.0 to strengthen the implementation of extension programs, clarify institutional processes, and align departmental initiatives with the University’s extension priorities and national policies.

Dr. Magno M. Quendangan, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, lauded the active participation and collaboration of the participants in strengthening RTU’s extension culture in his opening remarks. His encouragement resonated with the participants, who renewed their commitment to uplifting communities.

The morning session provided participants with an orientation on the Roles of Extension Coordinators and key institutional guidelines. Asst. Prof. Ricardo H. Momongan, Jr., Director of ECSO, comprehensively discussed the roles and responsibilities of extension coordinators, important reminders for effective implementation, and the provisions of CHED CMO No. 18, s. 2025. He explained how the issuance serves as a guiding framework in standardizing and enhancing extension programs in higher education institutions. The session highlighted compliance, documentation standards, alignment of extension priorities per department, and the importance of measurable community impact. The discussion provided clarity on policy expectations and institutional direction.

The afternoon sessions focused on operational processes within ECSO. Dr. Robelyn B. Bautista, Head of ECSO-ECLU, outlined her unit’s procedures for review and approval of extension proposals. This was followed by Mr. John Luis M. Martinez, who presented the CPDOSU process, detailing coordination and documentation requirements. The discussion on the ESTU process was presented by Ms. Sheena Foster, who outlined the additional forms that need to be submitted before implementing the extension program, as well as the document request form for requesting documents. Finally, Ms. Gemma J. Acer discussed the Monitoring and Evaluation processes. She highlighted the importance of systematic assessment, impact measurement, and proper reporting to ensure the continuous improvement and sustainability of extension programs.

The program concluded with closing remarks from Instr. Jay-Ar Villavicencio, OVPRIES Executive Assistant, expressed appreciation to all participants and reiterated the University’s commitment to excellence in extension and community engagement.

Project IGNITE 3.0 served as a strategic platform to reinforce policy alignment, improve coordination mechanisms, and strengthen Program Heads’ leadership capacity to manage and implement extension programs. The activity reaffirmed ECSO’s commitment to fostering responsive, sustainable, and community-driven initiatives that embody the University’s mandate of service and innovation.