Tertiary school extends expertise to Leyte town

TACLOBAN CITY, March 11 (PNA) -- San Miguel town in Leyte is forging a new partnership with the Leyte Normal University (LNU) under its extension services to help local government units enhance the capabilities of its employees.

San Miguel Mayor Cheeryl Enrica Esperas said this is part of the local government’s effort to capacitate and empower more its employees so they may effectively and efficiently provide the services needed in their community.

The extension services of LNU has been relegated the crucial task of bringing about individual and social transformation, professional growth and development. It brings about new knowledge and technologies discovered through collaboration, cooperation and networking.

This therefore imposes a significant responsibility on the university to ensure that the general public, and the communities within the university service area can access campus intellectual resources, facilities and activities.

The community extension service of the university includes those activities undertaken by the staff and students along advocacy, linkages, community extension services, alumni affairs, cultural projects and activities as well as media and public relations.

“Where before we have only settled with the way we were, now, we are trying to reach out and open up the town to new opportunities, new partnerships so we can improve ourselves and help our people,” Esperas added.

She hopes LNU can assist their local government unit in developing human resource in rural and urban development management. They also provide technical support to policymakers in both the executive and legislative branches of government.

This new partnership also comes in the heels of the 99th Founding Anniversary of San Miguel, to which, Esperas said, is among the town’s prime accomplishment.

The local government has opted for a low-key celebration this year as the town gears for a grander centennial celebration of the town’s foundation next year.

“Beyond infrastructure and the physical facelift the town have undergone, what is more important is the change of heart among the people of San Miguel to be inclusive and participative for the town’s development and progress,” Esperas said in her anniversary message.

San Miguel marked their 99th year on March 10. (PNA)

FFC/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR