The Effectiveness ofthe Extension Programs of the University of Northern Philippines School Year 2005-2008

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the extension programs of the University of Northern Philippines in the different adopted schools and communities in the First and Second Districts of the Province of Ilocos Sur. The respondents of the study were the administrators and clientele of the different communities where programs and projects ofthe UNP Extension Services Office were being implemented during the School Year 2005 - 2008, namely: Teppeng, Sinait; Guimod, San Juan; Manzante, Magsingal; Lao-ingen, Lussoc and Sived, Sto. Domingo; San Vicente; Sta. Catalina; Lidlidda; San Emilio; and Suyo in the Province of Ilocos Sur. The study made used of the descriptive survey method ofresearch to describe and analyze the existing situation about the effectiveness of the extension
programs of the university. In order to attain the objectives of the study, the following statistical tools were used: mean, frequency count and percentages, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment of Correlation. On the basis of the findings, the researchers forwarded the following conclusions: The administrative capability ofthe UNP Extension Services Office in terms of executive leadership, persomel capability, and financial capability is "High." The extent ofparticipation ofthe development partners in extension services and the extent of implementation of the extension programs of the UNP Extension Services Office in terms of mission, goals and objectives and execution of the criteria in the selection ofservice area for Extension Services Program (Adopt-a-Community and School Program) are also "High." Moreover, the program outputs of the UNP Extension Services Office in terms of Skills Training. Information Drive, Medical/Dental Mission and Livelihood Organizations are "High"  In terms ofthe economic and social impacts of the programs of the UNP Extension Services Office, out of 188 respondents, 14 or 60.64 percent believed that they were not employed as a result of the skills learned, only 74 or 39.36 percent believed to be employed. Most (123 or 65.42%) ofthem perceived that their houses were not improved as a result of the income derived from the income generated after the training. It can also be traced that 112 or 59.57 percent of the respondents believed that they were not able to buy appliances as a result of the income generated from the employment as a result of the skills learned. On the contrary, the respondents perceived that their social status have improved in terms of self-esteem, health and nutrition, andenvironment. There is a significant relationship between the extent of implementation of the program ofthe UNP Extension Services Office and administrative capability and participation of development partners; level of program outputs and impact of the program except for house and appliances. Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations were presented by the researchers: The "high" level of administrative capability of the UNP Extension Services Office in terms of executive leadership, personnel capability, and financial capability; the extent ofparticipation of the development partners in extension services; of the extent of implementation of the extension programs of the UNP Extension Services Office in terms of mission, goals and objectives and execution of the criteria in the selection of service area for Extension Services Program (Adopt-a-Community and School Program); of program outputs ofthe UNP Extension Services Office in terms of Skills Training, Information Drive, Medical/Dental Mission and Livelihood Organizations should still be sustained or improved. The economic and social impacts of the programs of the UNP Extension Services should also be improved. For an intent periodic assessment of the effectiveness of the Extension Program of the University of Northern Philippines, another study on the status of the Extension Program focusing on the improvement of its role as development partners of the community should be conducted.