Rizal Technological University (RTU) and the Department of Migrant Workers – National Capital Region (DMW–NCR) formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen advocacy, education, and support initiatives for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), students, and communities.

The MOA Signing Ceremony was held on January 19, 2026, at the Blas F. Ople Building of DMW in Mandaluyong City. It included opening remarks, messages from both institutions, an accomplishment report, the ceremonial signing, and a photo opportunity.

Atty signed the agreement. Falconi V. Millar, Regional Director of DMW–NCR, and Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, RTU President. The RTU delegation was led by Dr. Yangco, together with Dr. Magno M. Quendangan, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (VPRIES), and Asst. Prof. Ricardo H. Momongan, Jr., Director of the Extension and Community Services Office (ECSO). Atty. Millar was joined by Ms. Maria Theresa C. Sanz, DMW-NCR Assistant Regional Director, and other staff of DMW–NCR were also present during the ceremony.

The partnership aims to enhance collaboration on capability-building programs for students, faculty members, and community stakeholders, public information and worker education on overseas employment, the establishment of OFW Help Desks or Migrant Resource Corners within university campuses, Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (AIRTIP) campaigns, and full-cycle reintegration, livelihood, and pre-employment programs for migrant workers and their families.

In her message, Dr. Yangco emphasized that the MOA represents a shared commitment to protect lives, empower communities, and prepare students, migrant workers, and their families for safer and more secure futures. She highlighted RTU’s belief that education must extend beyond the classroom and into meaningful community engagement.

As part of its commitment, RTU will open its academic, research, and extension programs as platforms for DMW–NCR to continuously provide information, guidance, and awareness on safe migration, anti-illegal recruitment, and trafficking prevention. These initiatives aim to equip students and communities with the knowledge needed to make informed and responsible decisions regarding overseas employment.

Dr. Yangco also affirmed RTU’s readiness to support returning migrant workers or balikbayan who may require further training, retooling, or capacity-building. Through skills training, livelihood and entrepreneurship programs, and community extension initiatives, RTU stands ready to assist in their reintegration and economic recovery.

Following the MOA signing, the RTU delegation conducted an ocular visit to various offices of DMW–NCR to gain a better understanding of the agency’s operations and service processes. The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Jerome A. Alcantara, Assistant Secretary for Licensing and Adjudication, to discuss coordination efforts and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

Both RTU and DMW–NCR expressed optimism that the partnership will lead to sustained, campus- and community-based initiatives that strengthen public awareness, prevent illegal recruitment and trafficking, and enhance reintegration support mechanisms—advancing their shared goal of protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers and their families.