Impact of Community Extension Entrepreneurial Programs on the Women’s Association in Barangay Communal, Cabanatuan City

Abstract

The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), one of the Philippines' state universities, performs four major functions: instruction, research, extension, and production. The study sought to determine the project's impact on those who received extension services as well as the economic, social, and environmental effects of those services provided by the Atate Campus over the previous five (5) years (2017-2022). This involved twenty-five (25) extension beneficiaries or members of the Samahan ng Kababaihan (Women’s Association), in Brgy Communal, Cabanatuan City who participated in the descriptive survey reseach design. Findings revealed that majority of the members of the said association were married, high school graduates, with two (2) children, and unemployed. The project's outcome had the biggest impact on how the extension services affected the aforementioned participants. Environmental impact was minimal compared to the moderate effects of the economic and social factors. As the outcome of the project improved the lives of the group members by gaining employment, establishing small business, and creating self-employment opportunities using the knowledge and skills gained during the entrepreneurial training. It is suggested that long-term relevant projects be implemented in order to sustain the vigor of the entrepreneurial spirit developed through the extension program.