Rizal Technological University (RTU) reinforced its position as a growing hub for research and international collaboration as it actively participated in the 6th International Conference on Engineering, Social Sciences and Humanities (ICESSU 2026) organized by the International Foundation for Research and Development (IFERP), held on April 27–28, 2026 in Manila.
As a co-host institution, RTU played a vital role in convening global scholars, researchers, and practitioners in a two-day conference that highlighted interdisciplinary research and innovation. The event, conducted in both onsite and virtual formats and held alongside the 4th Global Nursing Congress, served as a platform for advancing discussions on engineering, social sciences, humanities, and emerging global issues. The conference was led by Dr. Siddth Kumar Chhajer, Managing Director and Founder of the Institute for Educational Research and Publication (IFERP), whose leadership continues to expand IFERP’s global network of academic collaborations. Supporting the international coordination of the event was Ms. Mira Ramirez, Head of International Relations of IFERP, who played a key role in strengthening institutional partnerships and global participation.
The university’s leadership was strongly represented, led by University President Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, who served as one of the Guests of Honor during the inaugural ceremony and delivered a message emphasizing RTU’s commitment to research, innovation, and global partnerships. She was joined by members of the university’s executive leadership, including Dr. Kristine Y. Opulencia, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs; Dr. Rodolfo L. Ducut, Vice President for Finance and Administration; and Dr. Salvacion J. Pacheco, Vice President for Planning, Quality Assurance, and Strategic Initiatives. Their presence underscored RTU’s strong institutional support for research development and internationalization.
RTU’s participation was further marked by the presentation of more than 30 research papers contributed by its faculty and researchers. These works reflected the university’s multidisciplinary strengths, focusing on areas such as sustainable development, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, education and governance, community engagement, and cultural heritage. The breadth of these themes demonstrated RTU’s commitment to producing research that is both globally relevant and locally impactful.
The conference featured a distinguished lineup of international and local keynote speakers, as well as panel discussions addressing pressing topics such as artificial intelligence, ethics, and responsible innovation in global education. Extensive technical sessions, conducted across multiple tracks, enabled meaningful exchange of ideas among participants from various countries. RTU delegates actively engaged in these sessions, fostering academic linkages and exploring opportunities for future collaborations.
Through its active co-hosting role and strong research contributions, RTU continues to advance its strategic thrust of enhancing research productivity and global engagement. Its participation in IFERP’s ICESSU 2026 affirms the university’s commitment to contributing to the international research community and to generating impactful knowledge that supports both national priorities and global development goals.