True to its core value of Nationalism, Rizal Technological University (RTU) formalized a new collaboration relationship with the Mandaluyong College of Science and Technology (MCST) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Under this partnership, RTU is to offer the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) course to MCST’s Criminology students under the virtue of Republic Act no. 9163 or the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001.
The partnership enhances collaboration between RTU and MCST, enabling both higher education institutions to share resources, expertise, and facilities in delivering a standardized, efficient, and high-quality ROTC course. It upholds the mandate of RA 9163, particularly the ROTC’s mandate, while ensuring program quality through compliance with the Commission on Higher Education’s policies.
The landmark partnership between the two institutions was sealed through a MOA Signing Ceremony led by RTU President Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, Dr. Elmer C. Pascual, RTU NSTP Office Director; MCST OIC President Dr. Jonathan W. Chiong, who was represented by Dr. Antonio C. Paulite II,
and Mr. Antonio Lacpapan, MCST Program Chair for BS Criminology.
They were joined by key officials of their respective institutions. From RTU, Dr. Kristine Y. Opulencia, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Joven F. Andrada, NSTP-CWTS Coordinator, Instr. Maria Benjielyn C. Violenta, NSTP-ROTC Coordinator, Maj. Danny Boy A. Tapang (OS) PA, ROTC Commandant, Ms. Ma. Del Carmen G. Labong, Student Records and Admissions Unit Head, and C/LTC John Israel D. Rivera, Corps Commander, stood witness to the signing. MCST officials were also present, including Dr. Ariel C. Bartolata, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and Mr. Harry C. Bajo, NSTP Coordinator.
By going into this collaboration, the two institutions strengthen the training of ROTC Cadets as responsible citizen-soldiers who are prepared to serve the nation, support disaster response, and uphold the ideals of patriotic duty to the country, guided by honor, discipline, and the virtue of service.
Beyond academic collaboration, this agreement is an affirmation of the shared commitment between RTU and MCST in strengthening nationalistic values, shared community, and national growth.
