In a progressive stride toward community-driven agricultural development, the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), through its Extension Services Division, in collaboration with the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Local Government Unit of Pili, and the Agricultural Extension Society, launched the e-Balangibog Agricultural Extension (AgEx) Webinar Series on July 25, 2025.
With the theme “Agricultural Extension in Community Development,” the initiative underscores CBSUA’s commitment to promoting knowledge exchange and grassroots empowerment, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education, Sustainable Communities, and Partnerships for the Goals. This initiative is implemented under the extension project, YOUth EmpowermeNt ThrouGh InitiativeS in AgriculTural PracticEs, StRategies, and InnovationS (YOUNGSTERS), led by Ms. Abigail V. Guinoo, MSc, RAgr.
The webinar brought together students, educators, extension workers, researchers, and community leaders in an engaging and informative virtual platform that emphasized collaboration, resilience, and innovation in addressing agricultural and environmental challenges. Designed to raise awareness about the vital role of agricultural extension work in societal transformation, the series highlighted the contributions of agricultural professionals who inspire meaningful change in rural areas.
The event featured four distinguished agricultural extension workers who shared insights and personal experiences in advancing community development through agricultural outreach. The first speaker, Ms. Abigail V. Guinoo, MSc, RAgr, Faculty member at CANR, presented an overview of the basic concepts of agricultural extension. She emphasized the importance of bridging knowledge gaps and fostering sustainable community development through innovative strategies and effective communication with farming communities.
The second topic, “Agricultural Extension Workers: Community Champions for Development,” was jointly discussed by Mr. Basil Dr. Layosa, RAgr, Agricultural Technologist/LYDO, and Mr. Rodel M. Garbeles, RAgr, Agricultural Technologist/MUPAP & OAP Focal Person. They offered a heartfelt perspective on extension work as both a profession and a mission—one that requires empathy, purpose, and a deep commitment to uplifting communities. Their message emphasized that effective extension work is rooted in service, leadership, and genuine care.
In the third presentation, Ms. Caroline G. Resagaya, R.Agr., Agricultural Technologist and RBO’s Focal Person, discussed the essential role of partnerships in agricultural extension work. She affirmed that strong collaboration among stakeholders—government institutions, academia, private organizations, and local communities—is key to delivering technical knowledge, enhancing access to resources, and encouraging sustainable farming practices. Her insights underscored how collective efforts fuel long-term agricultural success.
This impactful webinar series was organized by the Extension Services Division with the dedicated support of its staff and enthusiastic interns: Ryan J. Autor, Kamila Mae C. Vargas, Mary Joyce D. Tormes, and Rexel Jay A. Manlapaz. Their commitment and teamwork were instrumental in the success of the event, ensuring smooth coordination, thoughtful engagement, and dynamic execution across all facets of the program.
CBSUA’s e-Balangibog series serves as a powerful platform that not only celebrates the contributions of agricultural extension workers but also inspires students and future professionals to embrace community development with purpose and passion. With knowledge as a tool and collaboration as a path, this initiative plants seeds of empowerment, resilience, and sustainable transformation across rural landscapes. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘒𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘝𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘴, 𝘙𝘺𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳, 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘑𝘰𝘺𝘤𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘙𝘦𝘹𝘦𝘭 𝘑𝘢𝘺 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘭𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘻; 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘡𝘺𝘳𝘢 𝘉. 𝘏𝘪𝘭𝘢
