IMPACT OF COMMUNITY EXTENSION PROGRAMS ON THE RESIDENTS OF SELECTED ADOPTED BARANGAYS OFIFUGAO STATE UNIVERSITY, PHILIPPINES

One of the core functions of the academic institutions is to effect change by empowering the people in the community by way of extension programs and services. This studyassessed the impact of the community extension programs of the Ifugao State University (IFSU) on the residents of its six adopted barangays in the province of Ifugao, Philippines. This evaluation type of research intends to gain an understanding of the successes and challenges that the extension implementers of IFSU face so as to guide future activities in a positive way. A total of 111 recipients of IFSU’s extension programs and services were utilized as respondents. Frequency and percentages were used as statistical tools. Results showed that IFSU’s extension programs have contributed to the communities especially in enhancing the knowledge and skills of the residents, as well as, in promoting health and wellness among the residents, and in preventing the youth and the mothers not to be indulged in vices. While respondents believed that they have gained and learned many skills through the extension programs and projects, almost all of the respondents perceived the necessity of further improving and enhancing the community extension programs of IFSU. An integrated extension project package should be developed and carried out based on the assessed community needs in order to have greater impact. Likewise, proper monitoring and evaluation of extended programs should be undertaken to determine their impact to the communities.