Ifugao State University's (IFSU) Lagawe Campus, through its Research, Development, and Extension and Training (RDET) unit, held a forum to set the direction for its Research, Development and Extension (RDE) programs on March 1, 2024 in Lagawe, Ifugao.

The event, dubbed "Stakeholder Involvement: A Necessity for Extension and Research towards Sustainable Development," aimed to ensure RDE initiatives address the immediate needs of stakeholders, leading to more impactful and sustainable programs. The forum also focused on strengthening the University's connection with partners in order to foster long-term collaboration for mutual growth.

In her Opening Remarks, Dr. Vicky K. Cadalig, Campus Executive Director, thanked the stakeholders for attending and highlighted the forum's importance. Dr. Cadalig also stressed about showcasing RDE achievements, building partnerships, and driving positive change within Ifugao communities and beyond.

The forum served as a platform for the University to gather valuable feedback from various stakeholders to enable informed decision-making and program improvement. College Deans presented the programs offered by their respective colleges, along with their RDE initiatives. Dr. Moraya P. Caclini from the College of Advanced Education introduced the N.E.G.O.P.R.E.N.U.E.R program. Dr. John Pagaddut of the College of Business and Management (CBM) discussed the CBM program. Dr. Dizon Tayaban from the College of Education presented the COE HELPS program, and Engr. Marianne Malingan of the College of Engineering and Technology explained the G.O.P.N.A.D program.

Discussions among stakeholders followed that allowed them to identify needs aligned with the presented programs. The identified needs were noted by the college deans.

Dr. Marissa B. Bulong, Vice President of RDET, provided feedback, while Dr. Florence N. Bahni, Department of IFSU Research and Development Director, commended the stakeholders' participation and highlighted the importance of research as the foundation for extension works. She enthused that colleges need to collaborate to be able to address expressed stakeholders’ needs and encouraged continued engagement in future partnerships.

Various stakeholders participated in the event, including representatives from the Department of Education (Boliwong Elementary School and High School, Cudog National High School, Southern Hingyon National High School), MSME owners (Tribo Estilo by G&G, Palazzo & Dolce Vita, Nathaniel Store), government agencies (Provincial Local Government Unit, Department of Trade and Industry), a private agency (Riverview Polytechnic and Academic School, Inc), barangay local government units, a people's organization (Greener Pasture ad Holnad, Inc), alumni, parents, and students.#Froylyn M. Facullo & Faith B. Napudo