ICTECO 2025 Winners Celebrate Transformative Extension and Community Impact

Theme: “ELEVATE: Enriching Lives and Expanding Vision through Advanced Transformative Extension Services”

The 2025 International Conference on Transformative Extension and Community Outreach (ICTECO), hosted by Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) in partnership with esteemed local and international institutions, successfully concluded under the theme “ELEVATE: Enriching Lives and Expanding Vision through Advanced Transformative Extension Services.”

 The three-day virtual conference gathered scholars, educators, researchers, and practitioners committed to advancing transformative and inclusive community programs. With five thematic clusters—Social Well-being, Social Equality, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Prosperity, and Sustainable Communities— the event highlighted innovative approaches that bridge research, education, and service to directly impact communities.

 This year’s awardees are recognized as true Champions of Change, setting new benchmarks for transformative extension and outreach.

 Social Well-being

•  Winner: Loida P. Hangdaan, Ifugao State University
•  Paper: CHS REACH Program: Enhancing Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Ifugao Through Comprehensive Community Engagement

Hangdaan’s initiative responds to the urgent need for adolescent sexual and reproductive health education in Ifugao. By uniting schools, local governments, health professionals, and youth organizations, the CHS REACH Program fostered culturally sensitive, community-based strategies that strengthened awareness and support systems. The program now serves as a model for rights-based, health-focused outreach across similar contexts.

Aligned SDGs: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

 Social Equality

•  Winner: Multi-disciplinary Team, Central Mindanao University
•  Paper: Optimizing Public Safety: AI and Digital Transformation in PNP & BJMP Region X
  

 Through the integration of artificial intelligence and digital tools, this project modernized public safety systems in Region X. The initiative enhanced surveillance, records management, and predictive analytics for the PNP and BJMP, while also providing digital literacy and governance training. The team’s work demonstrates how technology-driven solutions can strengthen equity, accountability, and human rights in public service.

Aligned SDGs: SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Environmental Stewardship

• Winners: Marijane Iglesia, Alicia Pempena, and Maria Luisa Lanciso, Partido State University
• Paper: Kahimanwa, Bantayan, Likayan Peligro nin Kalamidad sa Paagi nin Asistensya Teknikal (KaBaLiKAT)

The KaBaLiKAT project promoted disaster preparedness and environmental stewardship in Bicol’s coastal and upland communities. Grounded in indigenous knowledge and local systems, the project empowered communities through environmental mapping, localized technical assistance, and collaboration with disaster response units to strengthen resilience against climate-related hazards.

Aligned SDGs: SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Economic Prosperity

•  Winners: Ines G. Falcon, Kenneth Jay L. Dugaria, Danna C. Remojo, and Jerry Mae G. Abrigana, Southern Leyte State University
•  Paper: Implementation of the Three-Tier Queuing System for Land Transportation District Offices in Eastern Visayas, Philippines: A Field Report

By introducing a three-tier queuing system, this project improved efficiency and reduced waiting times in government transportation offices. Using data analytics and user feedback, the team created a more client-friendly and transparent system—showing how evidence-based innovations can restore public trust and enhance government services.

Aligned SDGs: SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Sustainable Communities

•  Winners: Kher Dave H. Doños, Anna May E. Baldomero, Kaye B. Necessario, Christian Gil N. Carta, Angela Jo Jocoy, Franz Mandahuyan, Jeemson Tan, Jeanibe M. Sacil, and Rubelyn M. Mandahuyan, Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology
•  Paper: Improving Smallholder Tilapia Farm Productivity through Science and Technology Interventions for Geographically-Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas of Davao

The project uplifted smallholder tilapia farmers in remote Davao by introducing modular ponds, solar-powered aeration, and mobile monitoring. Farmer training, cooperative-building, and enhanced market access ensured that the interventions not only improved productivity but also fostered long-term sustainability, food security, and rural empowerment.

Aligned SDGs: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

 The ICTECO 2025 winners exemplify the power of extension work that is inclusive, technology-enabled, and community-driven. From public health and safety to environmental resilience, economic reform, and food security, these initiatives prove that research and outreach can bring about real and lasting change when anchored in collaboration and compassion.

 Southern Leyte State University extends its heartfelt congratulations to all winners and participants of ICTECO 2025. Your passion and commitment inspire us all to continue the mission of enriching lives and expanding visions through transformative extension services. Together, we ELEVATE!