The Office of Extension Services of Cotabato State University actively participated in the Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementers, Inc. (PAEPI) Extension Conference held in Coron, Palawan on April 14–17, 2026.

Two participants from the College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Analiza S. Macacua and Engr. Elena O. Biado, presented a poster entitled “Empowering Communities through Training in Fruits and Vegetables Safety and Preservation in Cotabato City, Maguindanao.” The presentation highlighted CotSU’s extension programs, community engagement initiatives, and impact-driven activities. It also showcased the College’s efforts in technology transfer, capacity building, and sustainable agriculture, reflecting the university’s commitment to community development.

One of the key highlights of the conference was the active participation of the Director of Extension Services, Dr. Samsia A. Ibrahim, who also serves as a National Officer of PAEPI. During the event, she served as one of the evaluators in the international extension conference, underscoring CotSU’s leadership and credibility in the field at both national and international levels.

The conference served as a productive venue for academic exchange, where extension practitioners from various state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country convened to share best practices, innovations, and success stories. Through poster and paper presentations, as well as open fora, the CotSU delegation was able to benchmark with other institutions, gain new insights, and establish linkages for future collaborative extension projects.

The engagement also provided opportunities to learn emerging trends in extension delivery and to promote CotSU’s contributions to rural development. Interactions with fellow extension practitioners fostered camaraderie and strengthened the network of SUCs committed to transformative community service.

Overall, the participation of the Office of Extension Services in the 2026 PAEPI Extension Conference was a meaningful undertaking that enhanced institutional visibility, encouraged knowledge sharing, and reaffirmed CotSU’s role in advancing extension as a core function of higher education.