On February 23, 2026, the Extension and Community Services Office (ECSO) visited the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature, marking a valuable step towards stronger international and multicultural engagement.  Beyond deeper collaboration between the two institutions, the knowledge-sharing activity aimed to gain insights into best practices and to adapt UP’s strategies for working in global, culturally diverse academic environments.

The Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature, with its commitment to preserving and promoting Filipino culture, language, and literature, was the ideal venue for this benchmarking activity. Faculty members from RTU had the opportunity to observe and learn from UP’s successful approaches in internationalizing curriculum and fostering an inclusive, culturally sensitive learning environment. The focus was on equipping RTU faculty with the tools needed to effectively engage international students, making the learning experience more inclusive and relevant to diverse backgrounds.

In line with this, ECSO is now developing a workshop and capacity-building training to enhance the faculty’s ability to design and implement courses and syllabi for international students. With the support and guidance of UP’s Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature, RTU faculty members will receive crucial support in adapting best practices to local contexts, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of multicultural teaching.

This collaboration is expected not only to improve the faculty’s preparedness but also to strengthen RTU’s educational offerings, fostering an inclusive academic environment that welcomes and supports international students. The benchmarking activity at UP Diliman has set the stage for RTU’s continued growth and success in creating a more globally aware and culturally inclusive educational experience.