Rizal Technological University (RTU), through its International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO), successfully hosted the highly anticipated event “aRANKada: Towards a World-Class University” on April 30, 2026. The initiative brought together academic leaders, administrators, and stakeholders to advance global competitiveness, institutional excellence, and sustainable development in higher education.
The event opened with a compelling presentation from IALO Director, Assoc. Prof. Donato Z. Estocada, who unveiled the university’s Internationalization (IZN) Roadmap. The roadmap, anchored on four strategic pillars—Teaching and Learning, Research, Governance, and Sustainability—outlined RTU’s direction to align with global standards while remaining responsive to local and national development needs. Emphasizing a collaborative vision, Estocada underscored that “World-class is not a destination; it’s a shared direction,” capturing the essence of RTU’s transformative journey.
A highlight of the program was the keynote session delivered by Dr. Sonny Soriano, Director of the External Affairs and Linkages Office of Urdaneta City University. His presentation, “Advancing Towards a World-Class University Through Sustainability and Innovation,” provided a comprehensive and insightful discussion on how higher education institutions can leverage innovation and embed sustainability principles to enhance their global standing. His talk resonated strongly with participants, offering both strategic perspectives and actionable frameworks.
Complementing this was the engaging session by Dr. Laurene Chua-Garcia, who spoke on “Visionary Leadership and Strategic Alignment Towards Global Competitiveness in Higher Education.” Her presentation highlighted the importance of foresight in leadership, institutional coherence, and data-driven strategies in navigating the evolving landscape of global education. Attendees gained practical lessons on aligning institutional goals with international benchmarks and fostering a culture of excellence.
The event was strongly supported by Dr. Kristine Y. Opulencia, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, whose presence reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing internationalization initiatives and academic quality.
In her closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Mary Anne Rubio, Director of the Presidential Management Staff Office, delivered a powerful call to action, urging the RTU community to actively engage in internationalization efforts, strengthen global linkages, and collectively contribute to the university’s aspiration of becoming a world-class institution.
The aRANKada forum marks a significant milestone in RTU’s ongoing journey toward global recognition. More than a dialogue, it served as a platform for reflection, alignment, and renewed commitment, reinforcing that achieving world-class status requires not only strategic direction but also shared responsibility and sustained collaboration across the entire academic community.