Highlighting the value of sustainable rural development sustains the adoption of CLSU technologies and improves rural livelihoods.

Hailed as the best paper in the development category in the 38th Annual In-House Review of Completed and Ongoing Research and Development (R&D) Projects, held on Oct. 20, 2026, as part of the 2026 RIDe Fest.

The paper, “Techno-Village Development Program as an Extension-Enterprise Modality: A Successful Model of Rural-Based Enterprise for Community Development,” highlights the program as a replicable model for sustainable rural development through technology adoption, farmer participation, and strong institutional partnerships.

The paper also demonstrates how the CLSU- University Extension Center (UEC) in collaboration with CLSU, College of Agriculture (CAg), Small Ruminant Center (SRC), Crops Research Resource Development Center (CRRDC), Freshwater Aquaculture Center (FAC), and Center for Tropical Mushroom Research Development (CTMRD), integrates extension services, agricultural technologies, and enterprise development can strengthen rural livelihoods, sustain community-based enterprises, and improve the quality of life of farming communities.

Among the evaluators were Pastora S. Coloma, former Director of the Extension Office at Central Luzon State University (CLSU); Hermogenes M. Pagiua, the Vice President for Research and Extension of Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU); and Jesito M. Ponio Jr., the Chief Economic Development Specialist at the Development Research Division of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Regional Office III.

The recognition underscores the importance of the Techno-Village Development Program as an extension approach that promotes inclusive and sustainable community development by connecting agricultural innovations with livelihood opportunities.