Rizal Technological University (RTU) and Silid Aralan, Inc. (SAI) officially launched the RTU EduAKSYON Kaagapay sa Karunungan, Katuwang sa Silid Aralan Extension Service through a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on October 21, 2024. This partnership aims to uplift non-grade-level-ready learners by addressing educational gaps and fostering a love for learning.
The signing, led by key representatives from RTU including Instr. Ricardo H. Momongan, Jr., Director of the Extension and Community Services Office (ECSO), and Silid Aralan representatives led by Mr. Arcie G. Mallari, Founder and Chief Motivation Officer, emphasized the importance of community-based education in improving academic performance for underserved students.
The event was also attended by RTU faculty extensionists, including Dr. Arlene Grace C. Diaz, Dr. Rolando B. Magat Jr., and Instr. Angeline V. Villareal, CED Extension Coordinator who witnessed the signing. Instr. Momongan delivered the opening remarks, followed by supportive messages from Instr. Victor M. Lim, Executive Assistant of the Office of the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension Services (OVPRIES), and Instr. Samuel A. Balbin, Associate Dean of the College of Education.
Mr. Mallari and Instr. Balbin both expressed their commitment to shaping young minds and highlighting the program’s transformative impact in improving academic skills and instilling self-confidence and a passion for learning in students.
A two-phase Volunteer Training Program was also conducted to prepare RTU faculty and student extensionists for their roles. The program’s first phase, led by Mr. Julius Nico E. Saturno, Learning and Development Assistant at SAI, introduced the program’s objectives and methods for understanding student needs. The second phase, facilitated by Ms. Roxanne U. Montances, Head Co-Learner at SAI, focused on interactive learning techniques, role-playing, and workshops aimed at fostering co-learning experiences between volunteers and students.
This collaboration between RTU and SAI represents a major step toward closing educational gaps and promoting the holistic development of learners. As the 12-week program unfolds, it is expected to enhance the academic performance of struggling students while also nurturing leadership, empathy, and social responsibility in RTU volunteers, contributing to a brighter future for the next generation.