THE MOUNTAIN PROVINCE STATE POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE (MPSPC) EXTENSION SERVICES: AN INSTITUTIONAL MARKETING ARM
Joyce Cuyangoan


ABSTRACT

This study focused on the strategies considered in designing the different extension activities and programs of Mountain Province State Polytechnic College in terms of pre-design considerations, packaging, implementation and evaluation. Further, it centered on the relevant indicators that Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) extension services can use as a measure of effectiveness in creating institutional value with regards to goals and objectives, student enrollment, linkages and goodwill. Furthermore, it focused on the problems confronting the MPSPC extension services as an instrument in institutional marketing.

The researcher employed qualitative research method. An interview with the community recipients and extension unit personnel, departmental extension coordinators and others who prepare extension service projects, activities and programs (PAPs) was employed. Supplementary data was gathered through documentary analysis.

The result of the study revealed that the conducted PAPs deviated from the framework of the National Extension System. Documentation as a part of the extension service undertakings was given emphasis. Experience and line of interests are considered in the strategy of regarding field of specialization as a factor in choosing facilitators for extension service programs, projects and or activities designs. Follow up PAPs that are supposed to sustain the interest of the recipient communities are not given. Implementation is in close coordination with the barangay officials. The goals and objectives of the extension contributed to the milestone of the Polytechnic. The trend of enrolment coincides with the bulk of extension PAPs conducted. The forged linkages started diminutively and ascended without any direct association with completed PAPs. Finally, the extension PAPs were confronted with the absence of implementing covering the rules and regulations.

Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions were drawn: completed PAPs missed out considerations set by the National Extension framework, thus, losing the opportunities to tap the resources of concerned agencies; there were significant indicators in the areas of: goals and objectives; enrollment; linkages; and, goodwill that MPSPC extension services can employ as a measure of effectiveness in creating institutional value. The major problems confronting extension services are absence of implementing guidelines on the rules and regulations of PAPs, lack of community participation, absence of specialized training in community services, delay in the procurement of requested budgetary requirement and issues on transparency.