In an initiative to support community development, Rizal Technological University (RTU) has partnered with the Municipality of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, to launch “RTU ACE: Reaching, Training, Unlocking Abilities for Community Empowerment.” The program was officially inaugurated on September 19, 2024. With the theme “Hugpungan ng Isipan: Isang Paunang Pagpupulong at Seremonya ng Paglagda ng Kasunduan”, the ceremony was held at the RTU Main Campus, SNAGAH Penthouse.

 RTU President, Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco led the university’s delegation, which included key university officials. The Municipality of Paluan was represented by Mayor Hon. Michael D. Diaz, alongside other local government officials.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Magno M. Quendangan, RTU’s Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services, emphasized the importance of aligning skills development with national certification standards. The training initiatives, presented by faculty from RTU’s College of Education, are designed to make participants more competitive in various industries.

The event’s highlight was the signing of the agreement between RTU and Paluan LGU, which formalized the partnership. Instructors Victor Antonio M. Lim and Ricardo H. Momongan Jr., along with Dr. Wendelyn A. Samarita, Dean of the College of Education (CEd), expressed RTU’s long-term commitment to community development.

This collaboration serves as a model for future partnerships between educational institutions and local governments. By offering certification training, the RTU ACE program has the potential to significantly boost the local economy and empower communities.