Higher education institutions (HEIs), extension practitioners, and local stakeholders gathered at Cebu Technological University (CTU)–Main Campus from May 20–22 for the 2026 International Extension Symposium and Technology Forum (IESTF), organized by the Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementors, Inc. (PAEPI).
Anchored on the theme, “Transforming Communities through University-Led Extension for Sustainable Development,” the three-day symposium highlighted the role of university-led extension programs in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across communities in Central Visayas and beyond.
Organized by PAEPI Region VII and supported by PAEPI-National President Dr. Hermogenes M. Paguia, the event brought together representatives from local and international academic institutions, government units, and community development advocates to strengthen collaboration in sustainability-driven initiatives.
The symposium was organized in partnership with several Cebu-based universities, including the University of Cebu–Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue Campus, Cebu Institute of Technology University, University of San Jose-Recoletos, Cebu Doctors’ University, and Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine, Inc.
International partners also participated in the event, namely the International Industry and Agriculture Innovation Research Center of Maejo University in Thailand, IE University in Spain, Pancasakti Tegal University in Indonesia, and Rise Above Foundation Cebu.
Backing local initiatives, Cebu City Mayor, Hon. Nestor D. Archival, graced the symposium, expressing that he envisions the city as “sustainable, smart, and inclusive.”
Throughout the conference, plenary and parallel sessions tackled various extension disciplines and showcased strategies aligned with specific SDGs. The plenary sessions, held at the CebuTech Gymnatorium, gathered all participating extension practitioners, while thematic parallel sessions were conducted simultaneously across designated campus venues to evaluate community-based studies presented by HEI representatives.
Local plenary speakers included Dr. Lynnette Matea S. Camello of CTU Extension Services, Dr. Jay P. Picardal of Cebu Normal University–Balamban, Cebu City Councilor Hon. Michelle A. Cellona, Dr. Sylvester T. Cortes of CTU Pure Sciences, Dr. Chris Jordan G. Aliac of CIT-U, and Dr. Aurelio P. Vilbar of UP Cebu.
Meanwhile, international plenary speakers featured Dr. Prakash Bhuyar of Maejo University, Thailand; Mr. Akhmad Habibullah and Prof. Dr. Taufiqulloh M. Hum of Pancasakti Tegal University, Indonesia; Mr. Hugo Orbe of IE University, Spain; and Ms. Abigail K. Biard of Rise Above Foundation.
Recognizing Outstanding Extension Research and Innovation
To recognize impactful extension research and community-based initiatives, the symposium honored outstanding presenters across various thematic categories during the parallel sessions.
In the Agriculture, Food, and Environment category, Associate Professor Eddalin Q. Lampawog of CTU Main received the Best Research Presenter award for the study, “Food Waste Reduction Towards Sustainable Consumption: A Carbon Literacy Program in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City, Philippines.”
For Health, Nutrition, and Wellness, Dr. Michelle P. Trangia of CTU Main was recognized for the paper, “Wellness and Support Experiences of Menopausal Women: An Exploratory Study of Status, Needs, and Received Care.”
Instructor Marivel B. Glinogo-Cañete of CTU Argao earned the Best Research Presenter award in Education for the paper, “From Preservation to Pedagogy: The HISTORYA Extension Project as a Model for Integrating Hinablon Heritage in Elementary Education.”
In Engineering, SMART Analytics, and ICT, Dr. Ronald M. Galindo of CTU Main and Dr. Donald R. Lalican of CTU Danao were recognized for their respective studies on renewable energy-driven STEM education and mobile water treatment devices for community extension initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Entrepreneurship and Circular Economy category honored Mrs. Janet Q. Entese of CIT-U and Ms. April Mae L. Bantog of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges for their studies on sustainable livelihood programs and nutrition-based community extension projects.
For Humanities, Culture and Arts, and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Miss Bejay V. Bolivar of CTU Main and Dr. Ritchie L. Gahob of CTU Daanbantayan received recognition for their respective studies on eco-framing with mangroves and post-extension assessments of tricycle services.
In the Best Poster category, the University of Cebu–Banilad Campus secured first place for its presentation, “Project Kaha: From Kitchen to Community.”
Reflecting on the forum’s collective efforts, Dr. Paguia emphasized the responsibility of extension practitioners to create responsive and sustainable community programs.
“We have the privilege and the responsibility to bring innovative solutions to the grassroots and to listen and respond to the unique needs of the communities we serve,” he said.
Through the symposium, participating institutions were encouraged to strengthen partnerships with government agencies and communities to further advance civic engagement, economic development, and sustainable nation-building initiatives, with CTU reaffirming its support for collaborative extension efforts.
