𝐁𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐎 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏⎮ 𝐋𝐄𝐗 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 | ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Learning Express (LEX) Program 2026 advanced cross-cultural collaboration and community empowerment as it conducted a transformative homestay visit in Barangay Burgos, Naguilian, Isabela, from March 18 to 20.

The initiative convened Mr. Mario Ocampo Lajarca Jr., Senior LEX Facilitator from Singapore Polytechnic; Dr. Isaias C. Dela Peña, LEX Facilitator from Isabela State University–Cauayan Campus; ten students from Singapore Polytechnic; and ten students from various ISU campuses. The participants fully immersed themselves in community life, engaging directly with local residents to gain deeper insights into rural livelihoods and cultural practices.

Further reinforcing institutional support, key campus officials were present during the activity, including Prof. Liezl Joy L. Quilang, PhD, Director for Academic Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Nancy G. De Leon, DME, Director for Extension and Services; Assoc. Prof. Ryan P. Salviejo, Director for Public Relations, External Linkages, and International Affairs; and Assoc. Prof. Armald C. Marcos, GSO Director.

The homestay visit served as a key component of the broader LEX Program. It prominently featured the university’s extension project, Economic Empowerment through Agriculture: Pato-Manok at Gulay Maka-Kabuteng Pangkabuhayan Program Phase II, implemented in partnership with the ISU Cauayan Campus–Barangay Burgos Integrated Farmers Association.

Through hands-on engagement, participants actively exchanged knowledge with local farmers, explored sustainable agricultural practices, and contributed ideas aimed at strengthening community-based enterprises. The activity effectively bridged academic learning with real-world application, fortifying the role of experiential education in addressing local challenges.

In collaboration with the local government unit of Naguilian, under the leadership of Hon. Edgar R. Capuchino, municipal mayor, the program was efficiently supported through coordinated logistics, safety measures, and community facilitation. This partnership highlighted the vital role of local governance in enabling impactful academic and extension initiatives.

—