Bridging Communities through Knowledge Sharing: MMSU Hosts IFSU for two-day Extension Benchmarking Visit

Written by Administrator on 29 July 2026

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), through its Extension Directorate, hosted a two-day knowledge exchange visit for a 24-member delegation from Ifugao State University (IFSU) on July 27–28, 2026, at the ILAARRDEC OSIS.

The benchmarking activity provided an opportunity to share best practices in extension governance, technology transfer, management, research communication, and community engagement in alignment with the "Comprehensive Community Service" under the SUCCEED Agenda.

MMSU President Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. warmly welcomed the IFSU delegation composed of extension officers and campus coordinators at the FEM Hall before proceeding to the knowledge-sharing sessions.

Among the key topics and extension initiatives presented include the following:

???? System Operation & Management of Extension & Community Engagement PPAs for Sustainable Community Development – Dr. Marlowe U. Aquino, Extension Director

???? Technology Demonstration on MMSU Hybrid Tomato Production for the Wet Season in Ilocos Norte – Ms. Abegel Joson,  Chief, Technology Promotion and Demonstration

???? Agro-Entrepreneurship on White Onion: Small-Scale Farmers’ Experiences in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte – Mr. Meynard Saclayan, Project's Focal Person

???? Blending Traditional and Digital Media: A Complementary Extension Approach to Promoting Sustainable Goat Production – Dr. Sean R. Vidad, MMSU CAFSD

???? Sappuyot, Salun-at (Phase III) – Dr. Elmer Santos, MMSU-CHS

???? The Magic 5 Journey – Prof. Nova M. Cabias, MMSU-CIT

Following the sharing of practices and experiences, the IFSU delegation was given a guided tour of various demonstration projects maintained by the Extension Directorate.

With many of their members new to extension work, the IFSU team expressed deep gratitude to MMSU for sharing invaluable insights, project documentation methods, and operational frameworks.

Dr. Roderick Vicente, Chairperson for Research and Extension at IFSU Potia Campus, highlighted that the visit inspired them to "revisit, reform, and restart" key extension initiatives, emphasizing the critical role of thorough needs assessment and strong partnerships with LGUs and line agencies. Expressing confidence in choosing MMSU as their benchmarking venue, the IFSU team expressed interest in inviting MMSU extension specialists to their home campus for future joint initiatives.

In his message, MMSU Extension Director Dr. Marlowe U. Aquino emphasized the core philosophy of true extension work—grounded in real experiences and direct client feedback:

"If you own the process—if you work together with your clientele based on their needs—you can bring out the best in them. Address the challenges, look at emerging trends, and match programs directly to the needs of the community.

Time is our number one resource. Continue telling the whole world that there is such a thing as extension work. That when we do extension work, we change lives. Changing lives starts with active participation with key players and various stakeholders for growth and development. We help our clientele by empowering them—helping people help themselves."

Dr. Aquino assured the IFSU delegation that MMSU’s doors remain wide open for ongoing partnership and mentorship, encouraging them to stay connected via email or Facebook Messenger.

MMSU remains steadfast in keeping its communication lines open to support IFSU and other academic partners in advancing sustainable, community-centered development.



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