Rizal Technological University (RTU) President Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco articulated the fundamental principle that authentic public service is characterized by “Servant Leadership” during her appearance on the third episode of Lingkod Bayan: Unfiltered, hosted by Dr. Ronadel B. Bedia.
Dr. Yangco’s values-centered leadership philosophy at RTU was prominently featured as she expounded upon her perspectives on public service during the livestreamed Lingkod Bayan: Unfiltered Episode 3 on January 22, 2026. Drawing upon four decades of public service experience at RTU, Dr. Yangco emphasized that effective public servants must position themselves as active solution architects rather than passive critics of systemic inefficiencies. For Dr. Yangco, authentic leadership transcends hierarchical position and formal authority, embodying the principles of servant leadership.
Reflecting on her professional trajectory from a young civil servant with a limited understanding of governmental operations, Dr. Yangco recounted her initial observations of procedural inefficiencies at the institution she now leads. She observed firsthand the protracted enrollment processes during her early tenure at RTU but, with professional satisfaction, noted her contributions to the optimization and digitalization of these procedures, significantly reducing processing timelines. This experience informed her exhortation to public servants to “think how to contribute in making things better.”
When host Dr. Bedia asked about the typical responsibilities of a State University and College (SUC) president, Dr. Yangco remarked, with levity, that the very notion of normalcy warrants examination. She subsequently referenced her favored passage from the Panunumpa ng Lingkod Bayan (Public Servant’s Oath): “Isasabuhay ko ang isang lingkod bayang maka-Diyos, maka-tao, makakalikasan at makabansa” (I shall embody a public servant who is God-fearing, people-oriented, environment-conscious, and nation-loving). For Dr. Yangco, this passage encapsulates her professional commitment, as she endeavors to manifest these principles throughout her responsibilities as RTU President.
Addressing the critical dimensions of values and integrity in public administration, Dr. Bedia inquired which principles Dr. Yangco considers inviolable for public servants. She recalled her presidential campaign platform, which advocated for CHANGE: Consistency, Honesty, Accountability, Notability, Good Governance, and Excellence & Empowerment. She underscored that these values—particularly honesty and accountability—constitute non-negotiable pillars that every public servant must uphold to ensure optimal public service delivery.
In the interview’s concluding segment, Dr. Yangco addressed Dr. Bedia’s inquiry regarding essential preparations for public service aspirants entering government employment. She emphasized the critical importance of selflessness, reiterating that public servants must prioritize their potential contributions above personal advancement. For current RTU employees, she offered this encouragement: “Laban lang. Wala namang hindi napapagod, kailangan lang nating lumaban—para muna sa bayan, bago para sa sarili” (Persevere. Everyone experiences exhaustion; we must continue—first for the nation, before ourselves).
The episode concluded with Dr. Yangco’s message to the Rizaliano community on public service excellence, encapsulated in her personal mantra: “work hard, play harder, pray hardest,” emphasizing that professional dedication must be balanced with personal renewal while remaining fundamentally grounded in faith-based principles.
