April 14-17, 2026 | Tag Resort, Coron, Palawan
Guimaras State University (GSU) reaffirmed its commitment to community empowerment and technological advancement during the PAEPI International Extension Conference (IEC 2026), held from April 14-17, 2026, at the Tag Resort in Coron, Palawan. Centered on the theme “Next-Gen Extension: Driving Socioeconomic Change for Inclusive Community Development,” the event was co-organized by the Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementors, Inc. (PAEPI) in partnership with Bulacan Agricultural State College (BASC), the Asian Agro-Ecological University Network (AAUN), and the PAA-Tamarind Chapter (PAA-TC). The conference served as a premier platform for highlighting outstanding extension programs, aiming for a deep sense of cooperation and interconnectedness among individuals, public and private higher learning institutions, and extension service providers throughout the ASEAN region.
The four-day international gathering featured a diverse array of plenary speakers from various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Discussions and presentations covered a wide spectrum of critical thematic areas, including: Agriculture, Food and Environment; Health, Nutrition, and Wellness; Education; Culture, Social, and Behavioral Sciences; Engineering, Smart Analytics, and ICT; and Entrepreneurship and Circular Economy.
A significant focus was placed on Engineering, Smart Analytics, and ICT, exploring how modern technological tools can be leveraged to create sustainable and inclusive growth for local communities.
Representing GSU’s College of Science and Technology (CST) were Dr. Reiner Jun G. Alminaza, the CST Extension Coordinator, and Instr. Alfred John G. Borreros, Mosqueda Campus SAS Coordinator. Both delegates presented impactful research under the Engineering, Smart Analytics, and ICT category, showcasing the college’s dedication to digital literacy. Dr. Alminaza presented his study, “Digital Skills for Governance: Empowering Barangay Leaders with Excel,” which focuses on enhancing data management and administrative efficiency at the grassroots level. Simultaneously, Instr. Borreros shared his work titled “EmpowerED: Training Teachers for the Digital Classroom,” a project designed to equip educators with the necessary competencies to navigate and lead in modern, technology-driven learning environments.
The participation of GSU in this international circuit underscores the university’s proactive role in driving socioeconomic change. By sharing these innovative extension activities, GSU continues to bridge the gap between academic expertise and community needs, ensuring that the benefits of the digital age reach local leaders and educators alike. The insights gained from the IEC 2026 not only highlight the university’s successful initiatives but also strengthen its ties with regional partners dedicated to the common goal of inclusive community development.
This post was reviewed and cleared for posting by the University Information Unit with POST ID: SOC-260421-0119.
