February 27, 2026 — It was a fruitful Friday for Rizalianos and faculty volunteers from the College of Education (CEd) English and Filipino majors as they visited Patiis Elementary School in San Mateo, Rizal. This visit was made possible through the Rizal Technological University (RTU) Extension and Community Services Office (ECSO) initiative, “RTU EduAKSYON,” in partnership with Silid Aralan, Inc. (SAI) through its Volunteer Engagement Program.
The extension program, titled “RTU EduAKSYON: Kaagapay sa Karunungan, Katuwang sa Silid Aralan,” is designed to support learners at Patiis Elementary School from Kindergarten to Grade 6. By addressing diverse learning needs and bridging learning gaps, the program provides storybooks in both English and Filipino, serving as vital tools for developing comprehension, expanding vocabulary, and promoting a genuine love for reading among young learners.
The day was marked by a synchronized display of commitment. While the third-year pre-service teachers from the CEd-BSE English and Filipino majors headed to their assigned classrooms to begin reading sessions with 250 students, university and school officials gathered for the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This signing formalized the partnership between RTU and Patiis Elementary School, ensuring the continuity and sustainability of these literacy efforts.
The program opened with Ms. Florian L. Guanio, the Principal of Patiis Elementary School, sharing her deep appreciation for the Rizalianos who have chosen teaching as their vocation, viewing their presence as a true commitment to the profession. This sentiment was echoed by Ms. Ruby Mae P. Del Monte, a teacher at Patiis, who affirmed their shared mission in fostering a culture of learning. Mr. Arcie G. Mallari, Founder and Chief Motivation Officer of SAI, further noted that true commitment is tested when teachers pour every ounce of effort into their work, yet still encounter learners who struggle to keep up. He challenged the volunteers with a poignant reminder: “Kung walang nagtuturo, sino ang magtuturo sa kanila?” Reinforcing this call to action, ECSO Director Asst. Prof. Ricardo H. Momongan Jr. shared a resonant metaphor, noting that a learner is like a bibingka in the oven. Just as the traditional rice cake requires heat from both the top and the bottom to cook evenly, a student requires the collaborative warmth of both direct guidance and foundational support to truly flourish.
The initiative was spearheaded by Asst. Prof. Momongan, alongside a dedicated team of Faculty Extensionists: Dr. Robelyn B. Bautista, Head of ECSO’s Extension and Community Linkages Unit; Instr. Monica Elaijan Macaballug, Program Head of the CEd-English Department; Instr. Samantha Karen D. Morano, Faculty-in-charge of FS1-Filipino, and Asst. Prof. Jodezza C. Montehermoso, Faculty-in-charge of FS1-English. Together, they encouraged volunteerism and civic engagement by providing third-year pre-service teachers from the CEd-BSE English and Filipino majors with invaluable practical teaching experiences. These interactions strengthened the Rizalianos’ instructional skills and professional readiness while fulfilling the program’s goal of promoting learning continuity, sustainability, and alignment with CHED’s A.C.H.I.E.V.E. Agenda.
Through this collaborative effort, RTU continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to community empowerment and the development of future educators who are not only technically proficient but also socially responsible. By bringing the EduAKSYON initiative to Patiis Elementary School, the University showcased the core values of compassion, service, and excellence, proving that the path to educational sustainability is paved with collective action. Ultimately, this extension program serves as a testament to the Rizaliano spirit—going beyond the confines of the classroom to ignite a passion for literacy and ensuring that no learner is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge.
