Rizal Technological University (RTU)—represented by University President Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, together with Asst. Prof. Ricardo H. Momongan, Jr., Director of the Extension and Community Services Office, and Asst. Prof. John Benidect Alim, Project Leader of Project MAKE, participated in the National CSO Academy Conference spearheaded by DILG–NCR, where the Pasig City CSO Academy (PCCA) was formally recognized for its outstanding contributions to civic participation, grassroots leadership development, and inclusive local governance. The recognition was presented during the Convergence of CSO Academies and Stakeholders on December 10-12, 2025.

As part of the ceremony, RTU was honored as one of the Pillars of the Pasig City CSO Academy, underscoring the University’s significant role in strengthening the academy’s initiatives and expanding its capacity to empower communities. This acknowledgment affirms RTU’s commitment to nurturing informed, engaged, and community-rooted leaders who champion participatory governance.

This engagement forms part of RTU’s extension services, reflecting the institution’s dedication to supporting civil society, enhancing community capacities, and advancing people-centered development through sustained and meaningful partnerships.

In addition to receiving the recognition, the RTU delegation also took part in the Launching of the Pasig City CSO Academy’s Knowledge Resource Center, themed “The Power of Participation: Unveiling the Pasig CSO Knowledge Hub.”

During this launch, several key knowledge products and platforms were formally introduced, including:

The PCCA Website – a digital platform hosting learning materials, best practices, and CSO-related resources;

The PCCA Manual – a comprehensive guide supporting training, development, and replication of CSO Academy practices;

The PCCA Coffee Table Book – an inspiring visual and narrative documentation of stories of change, milestones, and the evolution of citizen participation in Pasig City.

The program featured alumni stories, reflections, and messages from national and local leaders, highlighting the PCCA’s growing impact on participatory and responsive governance.

RTU’s recognition as a Pillar of the PCCA and its participation in the launch of the Knowledge Hub, website, manual, and coffee table book reaffirm the University’s strong commitment to community empowerment, inclusive governance, and nation-building—core principles that guide its transformative extension services.