An extension project entitled “Webinar on Developing and Designing Learning Modules for Distance Learners” was held virtually on December 18, 2021.

Mrs. Evelyn L. Mendoza, the Head Teacher III of the Speaker Eugenio Perez National Agricultural School (SEPNAS) who is an expert in the field of developing and designing learning modules provided lecture to this extension activity sponsored by the students of the Doctor of Education Major in Educational Management Class. The objectives of Mendoza’s lecture are to describe the unique features of modules, to discuss the inevitable role of teachers on learning delivery modes, and to develop a module in a particular learning area following the guidelines.

Led by Dr. Luzviminda Ramos, she welcome the participants. She said that amidst the worldwide pandemic caused by the COVID-19, the Department of Education (DepEd) came up with a new strategy in lined with the new normal setting of education called distance learning. At this set up, students are not required to attend school physically, but learning continues with the usage of the different learning delivery modalities. Ramos enumerate the three types of distance learning:

1) Modular Distance Learning (MDL);

2) Online Distance Learning (ODL); and

3) TV/Radio-Based Instruction.

The PSU Mental Health Support Service created a Facebook page to disseminate their plan to help the PSU community with their mental health concerns, especially in crises.

Since its launch up to the quarantine course, several callers had addressed their concerns, mostly students and a few faculty members.

According to the Admission and Guidance Center, the office that holds the University’s Mental Health Support Service, the client may use any mode of communication they prefer and respond. The office offers e-counseling and free therapy, especially to those who suffer  from anxiety attacks, insomnia, and family problems.

Ms. Danielle Madero, a registered psychometrician and guidance counselor of PSU, suggested doing journaling to be productive. “Make it a habit to write. Write your feelings. Takedown what you want to do today and the next day, what you want to have,” she suggested.

“What do these people have in common? VP Leni Robredo, the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, Ms. Universe Pia Wurtzback, Lea Salonga, and Jessica Soho” This was Ms. Lea Navarro’s introduction as she encouraged the women of Brgy. Palisoc, Bautista, Pangasinan during the PSU-DOST CEST extension program entitled Association Management and Women Empowerment Training held on August 13, 2021.

Ms. Navarro, a PSU faculty and student of PSU SAS motivated the women of Palisoc to be active not only in household management, community partipate in any business or entrepreneurial activities. She discussed the marketing mix of 4Ps such as product, price, place and promotion and added more Ps such as people and partnership as factors to be considered in starting up or managing an enterprise.

Dr. Potenciano D. Conte, Jr., a faculty of PSU SAS and Economics Department gave lecture on the development of manual of operations which include process flow, making a resolution, request letter making and MOA development which are vital in keeping a progressive association.

Coinciding with the Chinese New Year on February 1 was also a free and enriching webinar on Career Literacy entitled, “Journey Towards Career: Handa Ka Na Ba?” which was an output of the thorough planning of the GAC 317 (Career Education) class under Dr. Sheridan Manamtam.  Competent resource speakers were comprised of career advocates themselves, Ms. Michela P. Dela Cruz who talked on Personal Development; Mr. Arvin A.  Betonio who facilitated the exploration of Career Theories; and Mr. Dave Patrick L. Ruiz who delved on Career Talks, and are all students in GAC 317.

The Pangasinan State University and the Department of Science and Technology Region I strengthen partnership in delivering extension services through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST).

Dr. Armando Q. Ganal, the DOST Regional Director said during the Orientation Meeting held last March 10, 2021 that CEST is one of the Department’s initiative of alleviating poverty by providing appropriate science and technology (S&T) interventions to the less-privileged communities in the region focusing on livelihood or economic enterprise development, health and nutrition, human resource development, disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation and environmental protection and conservation.

Together with the team of the DOST Provincial Office headed by the Provincial Director Engr. Arnold Santos, and Dr. Paulo V. Cenas, the University Vice President for Research, Extension and Innovation (REI), the face-to-face orientation meeting held at the Dr. Telesforo N. Boquiren Convention Hall in PSU Lingayen, Pangasinan was participated by the REI Directors, and Center Heads.

Cenas named the ten Research and Extension Centers which can potentially assist the DOST in implementing rapid rural appraisals, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation.