The Christian spirit of service to others for the promotion of social justice is of particular importance to each Catholic Education Institution, shared by its teachers and developed in its students. It has also the responsibility, to a degree, to promote the development of the emerging nation. The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides for an integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society, a system that shall encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge and promote vocational efficiency. 

Every Catholic Educational Institution is responsible to contribute concretely to the progress of society within which it works. The mounting problems and difficulties in the world today makes it imperative for the Colegio de San Juan de Letran to promote community involvement not only in building community awareness and producing quality graduates in the profession or vocation, but also, directing and motivating faculty and students toward community service and providing them with opportunities for direct experience and actual service to the community. 

The Colegio’s Extension Services has the vital function in providing assistance to the needy and disadvantaged by helping them develop into well–integrated persons, thus, uplifting the human dignity of our society.

History
In 1989, the newly elected Rector and President of the Colegio, Rev. Fr. Rogelio B. Alarcon, OP, thought of introducing a program that makes use of a community as an educational resource. He initiated the practicum program (on-the-job-training) or application of what the Letran College students learned from their academic subjects like Sociology, Theology, Marketing, Accounting, etc. 

The initial stage was an orientation of the students by bringing them to Tala and matching the class with economically deprived family for learning-partnership. The program was intended to be a long–range plan that will establish a lasting relationship between the students and the adopted community. The choice of the place, to quote Fr. Roger, was because, “Tala is kind, a safe, and welcoming community.” Likewise, the Martinian Brothers, a group of Dominican Missionaries stationed in Tala were conducting similar activities. Hence, they were requested to assist in the implementation of the program. 

In 1992, the new Rector and President, Rev. Fr. Ramon Cercado, OP, formalized the creation of the office which will be in-charge of this kind of activities now known as Extension Services Office. He likewise believed that the academe must include a feature, which allows the Colegio (students and employees) to connect with the community and to learn altruism. 

The present Rector and President, Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Lao, OP, has the same vision as his predecessors. This is to promote the importance of the Extension Services in realizing the Vision – Mission of the school in addition to his dream of making the Colegio known for its “academic excellence with social relevance.” The current mission of the Extension Services is expanded to include the immediate residents of the Intramuros community around the premises of the Colegio. This would promote the delivery of the basic and technical education for out-of-school youths and for adults as well. Likewise, the Camiguin Mission Island, being assisted by another group of young Dominican Missionaries, will also be a beneficiary of the Colegio’s Extension Services.

Vision
We envision an improved quality of life of the Filipinos through the Extension Services of the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Manila.

Mission 
We, commit ourselves to the:

·         formation of an integral human person

·         improvement of the quality of life and the

·         upliftment of the human dignity of the Filipinos.

Role
The Extension Services Office was established to provide opportunities for the members of the Colegio and to exemplify the spirit of concern and communal participation in bringing assistance to the needy through outreach programs and activities.  

            The main tasks of the Extension Services are: 

1.       Development of Extension Programs

2.       Maintenance of Developed Extension Programs

3.       Consolidation and Liquidation of Resources from the different sectors of the Colegio

4.       Establishment of Linkages

Goals and Objectives  

Goals
To encourage commitment and involvement of the Colegio in providing assistance to the marginalized sector of the society.

Objectives  

1.       To develop a person who lives a life of constant witnessing to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

2.       To encourage and promote communal participation in the Colegio.

3.       To provide opportunities for students personnel, alumni, and administrators to teach out and share time, talents, and their material blessings to those who have less in life in the spirit of volunteerism and Christian love.

4.       To provide the structure upon which technical know-how and Christian communities.

5.       To provide a basic literacy program to the out-of-school youth.

Areas of Concern

Spiritual
This program aims to develop persons who embody a life of constant witnessing to the gospel message of Christ. 

Health/ Environment
This program aims to promote primary health care including first aid administration, sanitation, dangerous drug awareness, disease prevention and management, and family planning using natural method.

Education
This program facilitates the empowerment of the people especially of the poor.    It aims to promote basic literacy programs, informal education, special adult education, values formation, and other skills training.

Livelihood
This program aims to promote employment and income-generating small-scale enterprises including marketing and management.

The program also aims to develop the behavioral changes brought about by the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and values. These behavioral changes will bring about the upliftment of the living conditions. 

The program will conduct short-term livelihood and non-degree training programs, continuing education in engineering, science and technology. These programs are aimed at the operation of the livelihood projects in support of the national development programs. 

Social/ Cultural
The social program promotes the participation of the Colegio in the affairs of the society in manifesting its concern for the marginalized sector of the society in which it exists and operates.  

The cultural program promotes the traditional Filipino values, development of Filipino heritage and culture.

Officers and Staff

Ronald D. Dugang
Head, Extension Services

Reynaldo Domingo
Coordinator, Collegiate

Elvira Tabinas
Coordinator, High School

Guadalupe Bodegon
Coordinator, Elementary 

Strategies   
In order to ensure effective implementation of the programs and projects and in consonance with its objectives, the Colegio’s Extension Services Office has devised the following strategies for implementation. 

1.       Establish a network for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluation of projects to develop an efficient system of extension program management.

2.       Promote a systematic program of human and material resource development and an adequate pool of highly motivated manpower, capable of meeting the needs of Extension Services.

3.       Design non-formal education classes and training programs suited to the needs of the community.

4.       Establish and build-up linkages with government and non-government agencies, local and international professional organizations, etc.

5.       Strengthen the involvement of alumni in the different programs and activities of the Colegio.

6.       Render consultancy and/ or advisory services.

7.       Adopt- a- School/ Community as a Brotherhood Scheme in Technology.