The Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) at Isabela State University (ISU) Cauayan has a robust community extension program. The program has been recognized for its innovative approach to community development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Cauayan City’s vision as a smarter city. Through various extension modalities, IAT empowers communities, fosters self-sufficiency, and improves the quality of life for its partner communities.
One of the key extension modalities is the Adopt-A-Barangay Program, an integrated approach where experts from various disciplines work together to transform a selected barangay into a self-reliant and progressive community. The program focuses on need-based assessment, capacity building, and collaborative implementation of projects. IAT also actively participates in strengthening the Local Government Unit (LGU) by providing training, technical assistance, and demonstration projects to enhance the LGU’s capabilities in delivering extension services.
In addition, IAT conducts various community-based social services, pilot projects, and mobile clinics to reach out to areas outside the university. It also provides technical assistance, consultancy, and training to empower partner agencies. Gender and Development (GAD) is another key focus, with the campus mainstreaming gender issues and concerns in all its extension activities, ensuring women’s empowerment and equality in community development.
IAT’s extension program emphasizes community involvement and participation in all stages of project planning, implementation, and evaluation. The campus actively collaborates with various stakeholders, including barangay officials, representatives from different sectors, and agency partners. The program has been recognized for its impact, garnering various awards and recognition, including Best Paper awards in University-In House Reviews and recognition from Local Government Units for outstanding extension services.
The Institute of Agricultural Technology has established a legacy of extension programs that have made significant contributions to community development, the SDGs, and the Cauayan City’s vision as a smarter city. Through its various extension modalities, IAT has empowered communities, fostered self-sufficiency, and improved the quality of life for its partner communities. The campus’s commitment to participatory planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, along with its strong partnerships and innovative approaches, has enabled it to create a sustainable and impactful extension program.
Aligning with SDG 2: Zero Hunger
The IAT extension program is particularly relevant to SDG 2, which aims to “end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.” The program’s focus on agricultural technology and community empowerment directly contributes to these goals. By providing training and resources on sustainable agricultural practices, IAT helps communities improve their food production and access to nutritious food. The program’s emphasis on livelihood projects, such as mushroom cultivation and poultry production, also helps to increase income generation and reduce poverty, which are key factors in achieving food security.
Download the IAT’s Narrative Report below.