Two extension projects from the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences earned top awards at the 1st Philippine Extension Managers Network (PEMNet) National Extension Conference, held October 27-30, 2026, at Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay in Malay, Aklan.
The university’s entries competed in the Completed Extension Project Papers category and were recognized during the awarding on October 29, 2026. The conference was organized by PEMNet, Inc. in partnership with Capiz State University.
ECS / Joy Picar & Rey Ramos photos
“Bottle-Net Life Jacket: A Lifeline from Floating Waste” of the College of Engineering was declared champion in Cluster 5: Environment/ Climate/ DRR/ Community Resilience.
Program Leader Engr. Rey Ramos, COE Extension Coordinator, and team member Prof. Perseus Bravo presented the program and its impact to partner communities. The CHMSU delegation was accompanied by Extension and Community Services Director Wanny Jaron.
The program turns floating plastic waste into life jackets, addressing both environmental pollution and water safety in vulnerable communities.
The Bottle-Net Life Jacket program team is composed of Engr. Ramos, GAD Director Ana Mary Ann Pancho, Alumni Relations Director Melanie Porquez, Research and Development Services staff Glend Castillo, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit staff Cheryl Salaya, Extension and Community Services staff Arlene Visitacion, and faculty of the College of Industrial Technology: Prof. Bravo, Prof. Lylanie Rivera, Prof. Lourdes Hagos, and Engr. Dominic Mercurio.
Meanwhile, the “TWINEMATICS: Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood Sustainability through Mathematical Handwoven Craft” placed first runner-up in Cluster 4: Livelihood/ Entrepreneurship/ Cooperatives/ MSMEs/ LED. Program Leader Joy Picar, BS Applied Mathematics Program Chair, presented the program in the subpanel.
TWINEMATICS combines mathematics with traditional handwoven craft to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for women.
The TWINEMATICS program team is composed of Prof. Picar, Prof. Alfredo Alave; Engr. Romeo Desabella Jr., and Prof. Rivera.
The awards reflect the university’s commitment to extension work that is grounded in research and responsive to community needs, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
