Deconstructing the concept and operationalization of extension as a function of higher education institutions in the Philippines

The exploratory study described the historical evolution and early concepts and practices of extension among the state universities and colleges, the local universities and colleges, private sectarian schools and the private non-sectarian schools in the Philippines, especially within the context of communities undergoing rural-urban transitions. It also determined the nature, components, and scope of HEIs [Higher Education Institutions] extension in various stages of development as well as analyzed the causality and effects of the issues and constraints surrounding HEIs' extension and its policy implications for CHED [Commission of Higher Education] and HEIs. In addition, the study described the emerging concept and practice of extension as a function of Philippine HEIs. Fifty HEIs, representing the SUC [State Universities and Colleges], LUC [Local Universities and Colleges], PS [Private Sectarian Schools] and PNS [Private Non-Sectarian Schools] sectors participated in the study through the survey, focused group discussions and simple case studies with key informant interviews. The study revealed that extension is present in the operation and system of HEIs in the Philippines. Most of the respondents understand extension as a co-equal function of instruction and research among higher education institutions. They look at it as the service arm of these institutions aimed at the improvement of the quality of life. The forms of extension vary from dole-out assistance in served communities, to partnerships in community development efforts. All of the HEI constituents engage in extension especially the students, and all of them point to linkage with other groups, organization and agencies as an important source of support and funding for extension undertakings. The early concepts and practices of extension, however, especially in the 1975-1985 period, were not obtained conclusively since the present occupants of HEIs extension offices and departments are new to their posts, and documents of early extension undertakings are missing. The nature of HEI extension in the Philippines is one with the worldwide trend of university extension moving into the engaged concept. This means that HEIs no longer consider themselves at forefront of extension advocacies but as partners and co-workers of peoples and communities. As for the components and scope of extension, these have varied, shifted and expanded through time, especially relative to contexts, needs and locations of HEIs. The study also revealed that although extension as a function is operating among Philippine HEIs, it has constraints. The major existing concerns of the respondents HEIs' extension are lack of institutional mindset for extension, insufficient financial support, and lack of full time extension personnel, respectively categorized as administration-related, resources-related and personnel-related. Nothing conclusive was drawn from the client-related and program-related concerns. To address these constraints, recommendation were forwarded for the HEI Extension, the Extension personnel, the HEIs and the CHED. Finally, based on the findings, this study concluded with an emerging discourse on HEI extension, and constructed that HEI extension is "a function, an approach, and a process that droves on the ideals of social responsibility, facilitating accomplishments of goals in serving communities in partnership with other extension providers through educative programs and processes aimed at the improvement of the quality of life of its beneficiaries and other stakeholders'.