Rizal Technological University (RTU) and Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC) formalized their institutional partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on January 29, 2026, at the CSPC campus. This agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in research, innovation, and academic mobility, with particular emphasis on sustainable development and measurable social impact.
The partnership aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), while supporting both institutions’ participation in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
The MOU represents a strategic commitment to advancing collaborative research that addresses national and regional development priorities. During the campus visit, both institutions identified key areas for cooperation, including applied research, technology transfer, capacity building, and community-responsive innovation. The discussions emphasized integrating sustainability principles into research agendas, strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, and expanding equitable access to learning through inter-institutional mobility programs. These initiatives are designed to generate practical solutions that benefit communities while contributing to evidence-based policymaking.
The RTU delegation comprised Dr. Salvacion J. Pacheco, Vice President for Planning, Quality Assurance, and Strategic Initiatives; Assoc. Prof. Donato Z. Estocada, Director of the International Affairs and Linkages Office; Mr. Joven Baltazar from the Research, Development, and Innovation Office; Mr. Diomel Gillesana from Technology Transfer; and Mr. Joel Mark Rodriguez, RDIO Unit Head. The CSPC delegation was led by University President Dr. Amado A. Oliva Jr. and Mr. Filmor J. Murillo, Head of the Center for International Relations and Linkages. The presence of senior leadership from both institutions demonstrates their commitment to making this partnership a strategic priority.
For RTU, this collaboration advances the university’s vision to become a smart, sustainable, and impact-driven institution in which research, instruction, and extension activities align with national development goals and global sustainability standards. While for CSPC, the partnership strengthens its role in promoting regional development through innovation and research collaboration. Both institutions recognize that higher education must actively engage with societal challenges and use academic expertise to develop solutions that improve communities and protect the environment.
The partnership is expected to produce joint research outputs addressing critical issues, including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, climate resilience, urban planning, and technology-enabled education. Mobility programs will provide faculty and students with opportunities to engage with diverse academic environments and broaden their research capabilities. Technology-based solutions developed through the collaboration will be made available to local governments, businesses, and community organizations, ensuring that research findings translate into practical applications. These activities will support both universities’ contributions to impact rankings and generate knowledge that informs policy decisions at the local, regional, and national levels.
Beyond research collaboration, the partnership emphasizes community engagement through extension programs, service-learning initiatives, and community-based research projects. This approach creates meaningful connections between academic work and community needs while providing students with valuable practical experience. By combining their resources and expertise, RTU and CSPC can undertake larger-scale initiatives and produce findings that carry greater significance for policymakers and development practitioners.
This MOU between RTU and CSPC exemplifies the essential role of inter-institutional cooperation in advancing higher education’s contribution to sustainable and inclusive development in the Philippines. By working together, sharing resources, and leveraging their complementary strengths, both universities can amplify their impact and demonstrate how academic partnerships create positive social change. The agreement represents not merely a formal collaboration between two institutions, but also a shared commitment to a socially responsible, outward-looking vision of higher education dedicated to building a more sustainable and equitable future for Filipino communities.
