Abstract

Despite the mandate of Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to deliver extension services that are responsive and sustainable, there remains a limited understanding of the specific training needs of vulnerable sectors of society, necessitating an in-depth investigation to inform the development of a more relevant and inclusive extension program. With this in mind, this case study described the training needs of the vulnerable sectors such as LGBTQPIA+ individuals, former rebels, mothers, and economically disadvantaged members of the community as bases in developing a 3-year extension program. Through the thematic analysis of interview transcripts, the revealed the training needs of the participants which were dubbed as SAGOT, an Ilokano term which means offering or gift. This stands for sustainable skills for livelihood, accessible and inclusive training opportunities, growth through technical competence, opportunities for empowerment and reintegration, and technology-based and community-responsive learning. The study concludes that technical-vocational extension programs are vital in promoting sustainable livelihood, social inclusion, and empowerment among vulnerable sectors by equipping them with practical and market-driven skills. It highlights the need for inclusive, accessible, and industry-aligned training approaches that address both economic and psychosocial dimensions of development, including employability and social reintegration. Clearly, the findings call for strengthened stakeholder collaboration and continuous program improvement to ensure that extension initiatives remain responsive, equitable, and impactful in fostering inclusive community development.

Full Article

DOI: 10.56901/AJTC6248

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