QSU: Transforming Communities Through Innovative Extension Programs

In times of adversity, the true spirit of an institution is revealed. In the face of global challenges, QSU has
emerged as a beacon of hope and support, extending a helping hand to vulnerable communities and
inspiring positive change worldwide.

Adapting to a Changing Landscape

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional methods of community outreach, QSU's faculty,
staff, and extensionists rose to the occasion. They not only persevered but also innovated, finding new
and more effective ways to deliver their extension services.

QSU's extension programs have reached new heights, spanning a diverse array of initiatives, each with a
unique mission to impact lives:

Skills HARnessing Experience through IT (SHARE IT) and Semege Penmadu (Pagsibol ng Pag-asa) by the
BSIT program.

Scriba Peritia Program of BSOA, Creating Opportunities and Sustainable Program Through Quality
Extension Services (PROJECT C.O.P.S), and Services that are Assured to Lead Unity Towards Excellence
(SALUTE Project) by the BS Criminology.

Kumikitang Kabuhayan sa Kabukiran para sa Kaunlaran and FSP: Food Security Program by the BS
Agriculture.

Sustainable Watersheds by the BS Forestry.

Literacy and Livelihood Program by the BSED, Kabuhayan Tungo sa Landas Ng Entrepreneurship by the
BTLED.

Service Initiative Responsive Instruction Beneficiaries (SIRIB), EDUcator’s CIRcle for Community Linkage
& Empowerment (EDUC CIRCLE), and E-suro by the BEED program.

Sustainable Livelihood thru Entrepreneurial Ventures (SLiEVe), Serving the Public Through Innovation,
Collaboration, and Empowerment (SPICE), and Building Service through Hospitality Opportunities &
Morally Upright Individuals (I LOVE BSHM) by the BSHM programs.

Skills Upgrade in Tourism Services (SUITS) Program by the BSTM, CAFE Program by the BSABE, Creating
Business through Extension by the BSBA.

Nutrition-focused Interventions towards Empowered and Developed Communities (NutriFIED-C

Program) by the BSND.

Draft, Design, and Develop (3D Program) by the BSCE.

Collaborative Approach for a Responsive Extension Service (Midwifery CARES) by the BSM.

Venturing of Information for Communication’s Effectiveness of the Community (VOICE) by the BAELS.

Mathematical Advancement Towards Holistic and Innovative Community (MATHiC) by the BSMath.
Industry Development and Entrepreneurial Activity (Project IDEAD) by the BS entrepreneurship.

These programs have forged partnerships with industries, local government units, non-government
organizations, national government agencies, and other stakeholders, with collaborative partnerships
growing from 20 in 2019 to 26 in 2022.

Reaching New Heights

The impact of these initiatives is undeniable, as evidenced by the increasing number of trainees reached
by the University. From 4,809 in 2019, the number surged to 7,150 in 2022, showcasing QSU's
commitment to extending its reach and benefiting more people through its diverse projects.

Remarkably, the percentage of partners who rated training courses and advisory services as satisfactory
or higher in terms of quality and relevance remained at an impressive 100%. This speaks volumes about
the satisfaction and trust clients have in the technical services offered by the university.

Building Stronger Connections

QSU has always prioritized building and strengthening connections with various organizations and
agencies. These partnerships have enriched education, research, extension, and production functions
while allowing the university to extend its services to communities.

Notable partners include the Cooperative Development Authority, Tanggol Kalikasan, OceanaGold
(Philippines), Inc., Department of Agrarian Reform, Quirino Provincial Police Office, PUSUAC
Multipurpose Cooperative, Far East Broadcasting Company, Tarlac Agricultural University, Department
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Caloocan Integrated School, Diffun Central School, and
nearly all municipal local government units of Quirino, among others.

These linkages have enhanced extension programs through collaborative efforts, making a positive
impact on countless lives.

Uninterrupted Extension Delivery

Even during the pandemic, QSU remained committed to its mission. It adapted to the circumstances by
organizing webinars and limited face-to-face activities to meet targets. As restrictions eased, the
university returned to its signature "learning by doing" method.

The QSU team's dedication shone through various projects, such as:

The Plant Plant Plant Program (Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat) in response to the Department of
Agriculture’s food production initiatives.

The Tissue Cultured Banana Project, aiming to revive the banana industry in the province.

The Promotion and Commercialization of Soya Products in Quirino Province, elevating soya products and
benefiting local farmers.

The QSU Mushroom Project, promoting mushroom production and helping farmers increase their
income.
The Mass Production of Vermicast/Vermitechnology Project, focusing on vermicompost to sustain food
production.

The Free Range Chicken Production Technology, a response to meat shortages and support for local
farmers.

The Community Reading Center (BookNook), offering educational resources and career development
opportunities.

Magandang Umaga Mommy, a school-on-the-air program in partnership with FEBC, promoting

livelihood trainings for mothers.

These projects reflect QSU's dedication to making a meaningful impact on society by leveraging its
resources, expertise, and capabilities.

A Vision for the Future

As the pandemic recedes, QSU doesn't merely return to normalcy but seizes the opportunity to redefine
higher education, research, and extension services. The institution embraces innovative technologies
and pedagogies, offering flexible and accessible hybrid learning models while prioritizing student well-
being.

QSU emerges from adversity stronger and better, continuing its mission of transforming communities
and leaving a lasting legacy of positive change.