Aiming to bridge technical expertise with practical knowledge, Rizal Technological University’s (RTU) College of Education (CEd) and Extension and Community Services Office (ECSO) renewed the university’s partnership with Silid Aralan Inc. through a Memorandum of Agreement, and conducted an orientation on CEd’s institutional extension program, EdukAKSYON: Kaagapay sa Karunungan, Katuwang sa Silid Aralan for student volunteers.

The EduAKSYON Extension Program aims to teach basic literacy skills to students from marginalized communities. Simultaneously, the program benefits student volunteers enrolled in Bachelor of Secondary Education programs, as they gain practical teaching experience and sociocultural awareness through immersion in the communities.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Magno M. Quendangan, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, underscored the University’s steadfast commitment to quality education and community-responsive extension programs. He highlighted the vital role of strategic partnerships in creating sustainable, transformative, and meaningful impact within partner communities.
 

Reiterating her support for the University’s extension thrust, Dr. Wendelyn A. Samarita, Dean of the College of Education, reaffirmed the College’s dedication to extension initiatives that empower communities through education, mentorship, and capacity-building efforts. She emphasized that meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom and into communities where future educators can make a difference.

Mr. Nico Saturno, Head Co-Learner for the Luzon Area of Silid Aralan Inc, facilitated the orientation. He provided an overview of the organization’s history, mission, and core programs. He outlined the objectives of the upcoming implementation phase and clearly discussed the roles, expectations, and responsibilities of the volunteers, ensuring alignment with the program’s goals.

The afternoon session, led by Mr. Clifford Jay R. Alar, featured the onboarding training for the student volunteers. This segment focused on the specific tasks, deliverables, and responsibilities of the student volunteers during the implementation period. The training equipped participants with the necessary knowledge and guidance to perform their roles effectively in the field.

Concluding the program, Asst. Prof. Ricardo H. Momongan, Jr., Director of ECSO, expressed sincere appreciation to the student volunteers for their enthusiasm and willingness to serve. He encouraged them to uphold professionalism, commitment, and collaboration as they embark on implementing the program.

In the same event, RTU renewed its partnership with Silid Aralan through a simple MOA signing, reaffirming the invaluable mutual support between the University and the NGO, which has been a longtime partner in community development. The partnership with Silid Aralan Inc. has been pivotal to the program’s inception, as the non-governmental organization helps RTU identify communities in need of assistance.

For this installment of the program, CEd Extensionists and students will focus on helping the struggling students of Patiis Elementary School in San Mateo, Rizal, on February 27, 2026.

The event strengthened institutional partnerships and reaffirmed RTU’s mission of producing socially responsible professionals dedicated to innovation, service, and community development by preparing participants for active engagement in extension and community service initiatives.