In a significant demonstration of academic-judicial collaboration, Rizal Technological University (RTU) faculty members spearheaded a comprehensive skills enhancement workshop for court stenographers at the Court of Appeals compound in Ermita, Manila, on September 23, 2025. The Mandatory Stenographic Diagnostic Test and Skills Enhancement Training, organized by the Court of Appeals, brought together ninety court stenographers from across the judicial system to participate in an intensive, full-day program designed to elevate professional standards and technical proficiency within the field of legal documentation.
The training initiative was led by four distinguished RTU faculty members who brought extensive expertise to the judicial capacity-building effort. Prof. Rosa F. Diestro, Prof. Vicente C. Painaga, Prof. Marie Joy G. Jorduela, and Prof. Maria A. Fuentes facilitated a comprehensive curriculum that addressed both the technical and ethical dimensions of stenographic work in the contemporary legal environment. The program encompassed multiple specialized modules, including real-time transcription drills that challenged participants to maintain accuracy under time pressure, speed and accuracy exercises designed to enhance their fundamental skills, systematic error analysis sessions that helped identify and correct common transcription mistakes, and comprehensive instruction on best practices in legal documentation standards.
Beyond the technical components, the training emphasized the evolving role of stenographers within the judicial system, highlighting their critical function as guardians of legal accuracy and their ethical responsibility to maintain the integrity of court proceedings. The collaborative approach between RTU and the Court of Appeals ensured that the program maintained both academic rigor and practical relevance, addressing real-world challenges faced by working stenographers while incorporating the latest pedagogical approaches to skills development. This partnership represents a model for how academic institutions can directly contribute to the professional development of judicial personnel, ultimately strengthening the entire legal system through enhanced capacity and expertise.
RTU’s participation in this initiative reflects the university’s broader commitment to public service and its recognition of the role of education in supporting democratic institutions. By deploying its most qualified faculty members to support the judiciary’s capacity-building efforts, RTU demonstrated its understanding that academic excellence extends beyond campus boundaries to encompass meaningful contributions to national development. The university’s proactive engagement in this high-impact training program underscores its commitment to producing skilled professionals who can make practical contributions to various sectors of Philippine society, while also fostering institutional integrity and professional excellence across government agencies.
The successful execution of this training program represents more than just a professional development opportunity; it symbolizes the kind of inter-institutional collaboration necessary for strengthening democratic governance and ensuring the continued effectiveness of the Philippine judicial system. Through initiatives like this, RTU continues to establish itself as a trusted academic partner in national development, leveraging its educational expertise to address critical needs within government institutions and contributing to the broader goal of delivering transparent, efficient, and professional public service.
