Asst. Prof. John Benedick D. Alim made waves at the 3rd International Multidisciplinary Research-based Extension Conference (IMREC) 2025 as he was awarded Best Paper Presenter for “Project MAKE: Monitoring, Adapting, Knowledge transfer and Empowerment in Partnership with Pasig City CSO Academy” in the Social Empowerment and Governance Strand.

The conference, held on November 19-22, 2025, in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, brought together researchers, extensionists, professionals, and other community development stakeholders. It serves as a significant platform for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and other practitioners to discuss the outcomes of extension programs and share best practices. RTU’s participation in said conference is driven by its intense dedication to public service and community development.

Asst. Prof. Alim’s presentation on Project MAKE showcased the program’s excellent results and substantial impact on its target beneficiaries. Project MAKE aims to strengthen the capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Pasig City by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge in local governance. To this end, RTU had entered a thriving partnership with the Pasig City CSO Academy. Countless members of various CSOs have benefited from Project MAKE’s capacity-building programs.

Apart from Asst. Prof. Alim, Dir. Ian Oliver Moscardo and Asst. Prof. Michael Mesinas composes the team behind Project MAKE. Through their efforts, the program continues to strengthen participatory governance in Pasig.

The University commends Asst. Prof. Alim and his team for the success of the presentation at IMREC 2025. His award as Best Paper Presenter showcases Rizalianos’ passionate commitment to contributing to its communities and extending RTU’s academic expertise as a tool towards community progress.