In recognition of the valuable contribution of Rizal Technological University’s (RTU) partners in community engagement and extension activities, the University, through the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (OVPRIES) and the Extension and Community Services Office (ECSO), gathered 41 extension partners for the Stakeholders’ Conference 2025.
Held on November 18, 2025, at RTU’s SNAGAH Penthouse, the event served as a formal convention of various agencies that continue to support and collaborate with RTU in creating stronger, better communities through extension programs and community-building initiatives.
In her message, Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, University President, expressed her heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Rizaliano community for the unwavering support and collaboration of the different agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and other communities. She further emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the needs of diverse peoples and communities. As she closes her welcome speech, she reiterates the University’s readiness to respond to the call of public service and that Pandayang Rizalia will continue to create programs that will lead to progress and development. “To serve not only as an academic institution that educates, but as a university that uplifts, transforms, and cultivates change with the communities around us,” Dr. Yangco said, reiterating ECSO’s motto of “Mula sa Komunidad, Para sa Komunidad”.
Instr. Ricardo Momongan Jr., Director of ECSO, also expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders, citing their strong commitment to public service and collaboration with the University. In his address, he recalled RTU’s journey of building partnerships beyond Pandayang Rizalia’s expectations. He further acknowledged the attendees, emphasizing their roles in the extension programs in fields such as education, urban agriculture, disaster response, technology development, and business.
RTU then recognized the stakeholders’ collaborative spirit and valuable contributions by awarding the Plaque of Appreciation.
The event also did not let the opportunity to hear the partners’ testimonies pass by, as one of the aims of the Conference is to listen to stakeholders’ thoughts and experiences in collaborating with RTU. Several leaders from other agencies took to the stage to express their utmost appreciation for the partnership, citing how RTU has been fully supportive of programs that elevate their respective communities. One of them is the Municipal Mayor of Paluan, Mindoro, Hon. Michael Diaz, who shared that the Digital Hub, established by RTU and the local government of Paluan, served as a source of inspiration and learning for the local community. The transformative project is now creating opportunities for skills development and employment for the people of Paluan.
The event closed with the VP for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, Dr. Magno M. Quendangan’s closing remarks. In his speech, he affirmed that RTU will continue to build stronger partnerships and collaborations and that the efforts to create more sustainable communities are a commitment that RTU takes to heart.
Signaling the conclusion of the program was the singing of the Community Song, led by Himig Rizalia, with their masterful rendition of Rivermaya’s Liwanag sa Dilim, which displayed a renewed and unified heartfelt commitment to community work.
With RTU’s success in launching and conducting various extension programs, it acknowledges that it is not alone in the efforts for community development. Pandayang Rizalia celebrates the fact that, only with its partners’ cooperation, it was able to mobilize its resources to address the needs of its adopted communities. The Stakeholders’ Conference is a testament to the shared commitment of RTU and its partners. It is a move towards a stronger hand-in-hand mobilization and extension capabilities.