January 2026 marked another productive month for the Tarlac State University–Office of University Extension Services (TSU-OUES) through its Professional Assistance in Volunteerism and Extension (PAVE) Program, as extension personnel provided technical assistance to neighboring state universities in Central Luzon in the areas of extension program management and volunteerism mainstreaming.
OUES Director Discusses Volunteerism Mainstreaming at Pampanga State University
On January 21, 2026, Engr. Emir Lenard S. F. Sicangco, Director of the Office of University Extension Services (OUES), delivered a lecture on volunteerism mainstreaming in higher education during the Memorandum of Understanding signing between Pampanga State University and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA).
As a member of the PNVSCA National Volunteerism Resource Pool, Engr. Sicangco shared TSU's best practices in integrating volunteerism into institutional programs and highlighted his experiences as TSU's Volunteerism Focal Person to support Pampanga State University's volunteerism mainstreaming initiatives.
Also present during the event was Ms. Lauryn C. Blottin, a United States Peace Corps Volunteer assigned to TSU, who shared her experiences as an international volunteer and emphasized the value of volunteerism in community development.
Volunteerism Best Practices Shared at Pampanga State Agricultural University
On January 22, 2026, TSU-OUES participated in the seminar-forum "Volunteerism: Students' Awareness, Unity, and Purpose," hosted by Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) at the Rafael Lazatin Audio-Visual Center.
Dr. Francelle Calub, Head of the Volunteerism Management Department, served as the guest speaker and presented TSU's institutional experiences and best practices in community organizing and volunteer program implementation. Her discussion focused on student engagement, partnership-building, and ensuring the sustainability of volunteer initiatives.
The seminar was attended by students from various PSAU colleges and featured a dialogue with Peace Corps Volunteers, including Ms. Blottin, providing participants with insights into both local and international volunteerism while reinforcing the role of higher education institutions in promoting responsible and purpose-driven volunteer service.
OUES Conducts Extension Training at President Ramon Magsaysay State University
On January 28–29, 2026, TSU extension personnel facilitated the Comprehensive Training Workshop on Effective Planning, Implementation, and Assessment of Community Extension Programs at President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU) in Iba, Zambales.
Carrying the theme "Empowering Communities Begins with Empowered Extensionists," the two-day training featured a series of lectures and workshop sessions on effective extension management.
Engr. Sicangco opened the workshop by discussing TSU's extension management system and emphasizing the importance of designing extension programs that address the root causes of community issues.
Dr. Francelle Calub, an international awardee for an outstanding extension program, shared her experiences in conceptualizing extension proposals and implementing community-based initiatives in collaboration with fellow extensionists and student volunteers.
On the second day, Asst. Prof. Aljon N. Lusong, Head of the Extension Services Management Department, discussed proposal evaluation, program implementation guidelines, and the preparation and submission of post-implementation reports. The session concluded with an open forum and workshop, allowing participants to clarify concerns and apply the concepts discussed.
The final session was facilitated by Ms. Jay Ann L. Pablo, concurrent Head of the Publication and Communication Department and the Planning and Performance Management Department. She emphasized the importance of strategic planning, target cascading, performance monitoring, and aligning extension accomplishments with statutory requirements, human resource capacities, and budget utilization.
The training workshop was attended by 65 PRMSU personnel, including extension chairs, coordinators, extensionists, and other university officials responsible for implementing the institution's extension mandate.
Through the PAVE Program, TSU-OUES continues to strengthen partnerships among higher education institutions by sharing its expertise in extension management and volunteerism, contributing to the advancement of quality extension services and community engagement across Central Luzon.
