The Social Studies Department of Rizal Technological University’s (RTU) College of Education (CEd) formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Sta. Lucia High School (SLHS) in Pasig to conduct “Project DECIPHER: Driving Excellence through Capacity-building, Innovation, and Publication of High-quality Evidence-based Research”, an extension program that aims to enhance and strengthen the capacity of Sta. Lucia HS SocStud teachers in conducting impactful research.

The delegation was led by the project leader, Dr. Samuel Balbin, along with the members, Instr. Dexter Andal, Dr. Melvin Ambida, Dr. Irene Ambida, Instr. Zernan Gumban Jr., Instr. James Lawrence Gutierrez, Instr. Hazel Selanoba, and Instr. Kate Azucena.

On June 3, 2026, the extension team paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Lorna Rodriguez, SLHS Principal, to discuss the partnership and the project, ensuring that both institutions are well informed of their roles and responsibilities towards their shared goal. The team also discussed the implementation timeline, noting that the project will run for 2 years.

At least 40 teachers and personnel from SLHS, under the agreement, will benefit from the technical expertise of research mentors and trainers from RTU, with the support of the SLHS leadership.

Both institutions expressed strong, positive expectations for the project as they exchanged messages of commitment.

With this new partnership with SLHS for Project DECIPHER, RTU continues to serve beyond its community, extending its expertise and resources to the greater benefit of the whole education sector as an institution committed to research and knowledge expansion.