Revisiting Extension Service Implementation, Modalities, and Challenges in a Private Higher Education Institution in Region 02: Policy Directions for Program Enhancement

Community extension services enable Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to translate academic
expertise into community-responsive development initiatives. This study investigated the
implementation of extension services in a selected Private Higher Education Institution (PHEI) in
Region 02, with the end view to determine the programs, extension modalities, and operational
challenges. The study utilized a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design using survey data from
sixty (60) faculty and staff extensionists and qualitative data from ten (10) Extension Coordinators
through key informant interviews. The data analysis used descriptive statistics and methodological
triangulation. Results indicated that the extension programs were implemented at an extensive level
(OWM=2.76), with dole-out (WM=3.80), literacy campaigns (WM=3.56), and livelihood skills
training (WM=3.53) being very extensive. Extension modalities were moderately extensive
(OWM=2.28), reflecting a very extensive reliance on traditional approaches such as Adopt-a-
barangay (WM=3.56) and Adopt-a-School (WM=3.56). Respondents further agreed that operational
challenges in the delivery of extension services (OWM=3.44) were too much academic work
(WM=3.98), coverage of too many target groups (WM=3.83), lack of essential teaching and
communication equipment (WM=3.78), and lack of training in extension and communication
methods (WM=3.76). Based on the results, it is concluded that strengthening policy frameworks,
resource allocation, communication and technological integration, and capacity-building initiatives
are vital to achieving sustainable, community-driven extension delivery.