International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2013): 6.14 | Impact Factor (2015): 6.391 Volume 5 Issue 6, June 2016 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY The Extension Services of the Ifugao State University, School Year 2012-2015: Basis for a Community Enhancement Program Eva Marie Codamon-Dugyon 1 Ifugao State University, Extension and Training Department / College of Advanced Education, Main Campus, Nayon, Lamut, Ifugao , Philippines 3605 Abstract: This study aimed to assess the extension programs and services of the Ifugao State University (IFSU) along education, livelihood generation, health and wellness, good governance and peace & order, environmental awareness and protection, and organizational linkages during the School Year 2012-2015. This is a descriptive research using a questionnaire to gather data. Frequency, mean and t-test were used as statistical tools. There were 23 implementers and 210 beneficiaries who were utilized as respondents in the study. Results showed that the extension programs and services of IFSU were perceived by the implementers as “less implemented”, while the beneficiaries perceived them as “implemented”. The two groups of respondents were “involved”. A significant difference existed in the ratings between the two groups of respondents on the implementation of all extension programs and services with the exception of environmental management. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in the perception of both respondents on their involvement in extension programs and services along livelihood generation, good governance, peace and order, and organizational linkages. Implementers and beneficiaries both considered the item “there is no proper monitoring and evaluation of the extension projects conducted” as the most encountered problem in the implementation of University extension programs and projects. Keywords: extension programs, services, community development, beneficiaries 1. Introduction Extension, as one of the trifocal functions of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is perceived as a catalyst of development in the midst of today’s complex society. The need for extension services has been growing exponentially not only in the Philippine HEIs but also in other countries because community extension is where reaching out, touching lives, community empowerment and collaboration exist. In its broadest sense, extension is an educational process with communication being its core component. Van den Ban and Hawkins (1996) define the term extension as the conscious use of communication of information to help people form sound opinions and make good decisions. As a system, extension facilitates the access of farmers, their organizations and other market actors to knowledge, information and technologies; facilitates their interaction with partners in research, education, agribusiness, and other relevant institutions; and assists them to develop their own technical, organizational and managerial skills and practices (Christoplos, 2010). Relative to this, the Commission on Higher Education mandates institutions of higher learning like State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to respond to the call for societal transformation. With this, educational institutions initiated and implemented an array of extension programs and services with the end in view to effect change and improve community life. For its part, the Ifugao State University (IFSU) being the lone HEI in Ifugao, carries the mission to provide quality instruction, research and extension services to bring about educated individuals endowed with professional and entrepreneurial skills who will take the lead in enhancing sustainable development towards improved quality of life. This portrays IFSU’s responsibility as an agent of change as well as its leadership in knowledge creation and transmission through the interface of instruction, research and extension. It is said that extension plays a significant role in the knowledge-creation process and therefore is instrumental in shaping communities. Extension’s goal is to teach people things that make their life better. It is within this context that institutions with corporate responsibilities design their extension programs that bring about the required knowledge, skills and resources to the communities in their quest for transformed lives. The IFSU extension programs and services are being implemented by the Extension and Training Department of the university through community development programs which are designed primarily to alleviate poverty, reduce illiteracy, increase security of livelihood, promote health and wellness, strengthen governance that sustains human development, and protect and conserve the environment. These services, being implemented in the first and second districts of the province of Ifugao and neighboring provinces are focused on capability building through the conduct of livelihood skills training and education, technical assistance and advisories, and the transfer of technology to members of the communities in need. However, there is no study yet conducted on the extent of implementation and involvement in extension programs and services of IFSU by the implementers and beneficiaries. Purpose of the Study This study was undertaken to assess the extension programs and services of the Ifugao State University, School Year 2012-2015 with the aim of generating information on the extent of implementation and involvement of extension Paper ID: NOV164137 http://dx.doi.org/10.21275/v5i6.NOV164137 327