The Extension Managers’ Council for Negros Island Region (EMC-NIR), the regional governing body for extension programs of state and local universities and colleges, is expected to improve research-based extension programs and promote other related initiatives in the new administrative region.

“This new council’s innovation comes with extending memberships to local universities and colleges, which will improve research-based extension programs in NIR,” EMC-NIR chairman and director of the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) Extension and Community Services Roger Ray Manzano said in a statement yesterday.

“Through the establishment of the council, we can identify and document best practices in extension services while pinpointing areas for improvement to contribute to effective extension guidelines,” he added.

The EMC-NIR will be the first council in the Visayas with memberships from both state and local government unit (LGU)-managed universities and colleges.

The 11 members include CHMSU, Central Philippines State University, Negros Oriental State University, Philippine Normal University-Visayas, State University of Northern Negros, Siquijor State College, Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas, Bacolod City College, Bago City College, La Carlota City College, and Colegio de La Castellana.

Manzano was elected chairman last March 13 during the first quarter meeting of the Regional Association of State Colleges and Universities Western Visayas-EMC Inc. held alongside the training workshop on optimizing extension services hosted by the Siquijor State at its convention center in Larena town.

The EMC-NIR will perform various functions, such as conducting presentations and critique sessions for extension research proposals; planning capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening the competencies of extensionists; and organizing workshops focused on documenting and packaging the best community extension services practices.

Manzano said the EMC-NIR is finalizing the memorandum of understanding to be signed by all members, its constitution and bylaws, and registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission. (PNA)