Rizal Technological University (RTU) participated in the 2025 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Midterm Convention and General Assembly held at the SMX Convention Center Manila from July 9 to 11, 2025. The three-day convention, themed “Forging the Future: Empowering SUCs through Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence,” brought together leaders from state universities and colleges across the Philippines to discuss critical issues in higher education.
RTU president, Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, together with nine RTU officials, represented the university at the convention. The delegation included Dr. Magno M. Quendangan, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (VPRIES); Dr. Salvacion J. Pachejo, Vice President for Planning, Quality Assurance & Strategic Initiatives (VPPQASI); Dr. Marc G. Garvida, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (VPASA); Dr. Rodolfo L. Ducut, Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA); Dr. Kristine Y. Opulencia, Presidential Assistant; Mr. Rowell C. Marasigan, CPA, Chief Administrative Officer for Finance (CAOF); Instr. Donato Z. Estocada, International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO) Director; Asst. Prof. Dynehgre C. Villavicencio, Human Resource and Management Office (HRMO) Director, and Instr. Ian Oliver C. Moscardo, University Procurement Management Office (UPMO) Director.
The convention featured comprehensive discussions on transforming higher education in the Philippines. The convention opened with ceremonial activities and featured two major keynote lectures: “Redefining SUC Governance for Transformative and Innovative Higher Education” by Hon. Marita R. Canapi, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education, and “Trends and the Future of Philippine Higher Education” by Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis, Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education. The second day focused on practical applications with the keynote address “Forging the Future: Empowering SUCs through Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence” by Hon. Amenah F. Pangandaman, Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management. The day featured multiple panel sessions covering topics from global competitiveness to digital governance and work-life balance in SUCs. Day 3 concluded with sessions on procurement, resource management, governance standards, and building AI-ready SUCs, emphasizing policy, capacity, and innovation pathways.
RTU’s participation in the PASUC convention manifests the university’s commitment to staying at the forefront of higher education developments in the Philippines. The convention provided valuable insights into governance reforms, digital transformation, sustainability practices, and innovation strategies that RTU can implement to enhance its educational offerings. The delegation’s attendance at this significant gathering of SUC leaders demonstrates RTU’s active role in shaping the future of Philippine higher education and its dedication to continuous improvement and excellence in serving its academic community.
The 2025 PASUC Midterm Convention and General Assembly served as a crucial platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among state universities and colleges, reinforcing their collective commitment to advancing higher education in the Philippines.
