Mandaluyong City, Philippines —The much-anticipated benchmarking program between Marinduque State University (MarSU) and Rizal Technological University (RTU) was held at the RTU Main Campus, Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City on March 26, 2025. The event marked a significant step toward fostering academic collaboration and strengthening ties between the two prestigious institutions.
The program began with the National Anthem, the Doxology, and the RTU Hymn, which were beautifully performed by the RTU Himig Rizalia, followed by the acknowledgement of RTU and MarSU delegates.
The delegates from RTU were led by its Officer-In-Charge, Dr. Rodolfo L. Ducut (Vice President for Finance and Administration), along with Dr. Salvacion J. Pachejo (Vice President of the Office of the Vice President for Planning, Quality Assurance, and Strategic Initiatives), Ms. Malou Austria (Director of RTU’s Quality Assurance Office, QAO), Mr. Donato Z. Estocada (Director of IALO), Mr. Emmanuel Taruc (Director of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office), and other members of RTU.
On the other hand, the MarSU team was led by University President Prof. Diosdado P. Zulueta, along with Dr. Ma. Edelwina M. Blasé (Vice President for Research and Extension), Asso. Prof. Marvin P. Plata (Vice President for Student Affairs), Asst. Prof. Raoul J. Magcamit (Vice President for Academic Affairs), Ms. Morena V. Santos (Board Secretary), Atty. Arlyne Retardo (Legal Officer), Asso. Prof. Lenie Z. Rodriguez (Executive Assistant), Faculty Regent Dr. Joy R. Profugo, Ms. Desiree Anne M. Sto. Domingo (Head, Information Unit), and Student Regent Mr. Nolasco P. Revilla.
Dr. Ducut delivered the welcome remarks, emphasizing the invaluable opportunity to build partnerships that would benefit both faculty and students, stressing the importance of collaboration between the institutions.
Prof. Zulueta delivered a special message, highlighting the significance of collaboration in the local setting. He remarked, “We Filipinos are revolving towards acting locally but thinking globally,” underscoring the importance of global perspectives in local academic initiatives.
A pivotal moment in the program was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two universities, symbolizing their formal collaboration and commitment to shared goals of educational development.
Ms. Austria presented an in-depth overview of the office’s functions. She provided a detailed background of QAO, including its organizational structure, duties, responsibilities, and key initiatives such as the Commission on Higher Education (COPC) accreditation, the journey towards ISO certification, and the AACUP accreditation process.
Additionally, Mr. Taruc highlighted the key functions, plans, and operations of the DRRMO. Taruc also highlighted several initiatives, including regular disaster drills, enhancing infrastructure to withstand calamities, and fostering partnerships with local and national agencies.
Moreover, Mr. Estocada shared insights into the role of his office in establishing both local and international student relations. He spoke about RTU’s extensive international partnerships in countries such as the United States, Taiwan, Asia, Europe, and Indonesia. Estocada emphasized how RTU also welcomes students from Africa and has ongoing research collaborations with universities globally.
An interactive Question and Answer session followed, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with the speakers and ask questions related to the presentations. The dialogue was constructive, with both sides sharing valuable insights into their respective academic environments. Additionally, a token of gratitude, certificates of appreciation were awarded to RTU.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Pachejo. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the successful collaboration and emphasized the significance of continuous partnerships in enhancing the quality of education.
Following the formal proceedings, a short university tour was organized for the MarSU delegates.
(J. Breganza | Photos by JR Mullanida)
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