On March 14, 2024, personnel from the JBLFMU Community Extension Services (CES), together with student interns, successfully conducted a Community Meeting and comprehensive data-gathering activity in Barangay Poblacion, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. The activity focused on a Community Needs Assessment and Impact Study of the Community Managed Savings and Credit Association (CMSCA), serving as a vital step toward evidence-based and sustainable community development.
Aligned with the CES Office Annual Operational Plan, the initiative aimed to identify priority community needs, assess the effectiveness and outcomes of the CMSCA, and encourage meaningful community participation in local decision-making. Through direct engagement, discussions, and field data collection, the team gained valuable insights into the financial, social, and organizational conditions of the community.
The activity strengthened collaboration between the university and community members while providing interns with hands-on learning experience. The initiative enhanced planning accuracy, promoted inclusive development, and reinforced CES’s commitment to building resilient, self-sustaining communities.