Rizal Technological University (RTU) demonstrated its commitment to transformative leadership and institutional excellence as University President Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco led the University’s delegation to the 2026 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly, held on July 13–15, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Anchored on the theme, “Transformative Leadership and Strategic Governance: Empowering SUCs for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures,” the annual gathering brought together presidents, vice presidents, governing officials, and administrators from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) across the country to discuss the future of Philippine higher education.
Joining President Yangco were Vice President for Finance and Administration (VPFA) Dr. Rodolfo L. Ducut and Vice President for Research, Innovation, Extension and Internationalization Services (VPRIES) Dr. Magno M. Quendangan, together with Asst. Prof. Ricardo H. Momongan, ECSO Director; Assoc. Prof. Donato Z. Estocada, IALO Director; AO Shaira Marie P. Rona, HRMDO Director; AO Ian Oliver C. Moscardo, UPMO Director; CAO Rowell C. Marasigan, FSMO Director; Assoc. Prof. John Eric O. Estrellado, Director of the RMO; Assoc. Prof. Marie Joy C. Jorduela, RGASO Director; and Faculty Regent, Assoc. Prof. Guillermo Miguel Ochoa.
The convention formally opened with a welcome address from Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, PASUC President and President of Batangas State University, who underscored the vital role of strategic governance, collaborative leadership, and institutional innovation in strengthening the country’s SUCs. The opening day featured a keynote address from Senate President Sherwin “Win” T. Gatchalian, who emphasized the importance of responsive governance and transformative leadership in enabling state universities and colleges to contribute more effectively to national development. On the second day, Senator Joel Villanueva, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, delivered a featured plenary address highlighting the importance of legislative support in advancing globally competitive higher education institutions. The convention concluded with a featured plenary session by Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Hon. Shirley C. Agrupis, who called on SUCs to pursue shared leadership, stronger inter-institutional partnerships, and greater collective impact in transforming Philippine higher education.
Throughout the three-day convention, delegates participated in high-level discussions covering governance and accountability, innovation and strategic partnerships, digital transformation, internationalization, human capital development, and research, extension, innovation, and commercialization. These sessions provided SUC leaders with valuable perspectives on strengthening institutional effectiveness, fostering innovation ecosystems, enhancing global competitiveness, and aligning university initiatives with the nation’s sustainable development agenda.
RTU’s participation in the 2026 PASUC Annual Convention and General Assembly reflects the University’s continuing commitment to excellence in governance, research, instruction, extension, innovation, and internationalization. Through the leadership of President Yangco, VPFA Ducut, VPRIES Quendangan, and the University’s administrators, RTU remains steadfast in aligning its strategic initiatives with national higher education priorities while reinforcing its role as a dynamic and forward-looking institution dedicated to serving the Filipino people through quality education, impactful research, and meaningful public service.