




Faculty members from Rizal Technological University (RTU) made significant contributions to the International Multidisciplinary Research-Based Extension Conference (IMREC) 2024, held from October 15-18, 2024, at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City. Hosted by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, the conference revolved around the theme “Empowering Communities through Innovative Extension Practices: Bridging Gaps, Transforming Lives, Inspiring Change.” RTU’s participation emphasized its strong commitment to addressing societal challenges through sustainable, research-driven community extension programs.
The RTU faculty presented four outstanding projects during the event. The DSWD INA Healing Center: Grief and Bereavement Intervention Program, led by Asst. Prof. Russelle Ane A. Dela Cruz and Asst. Prof. Dynehgre Casasola from the Psychology Department of the College of Arts and Sciences, provided psychological support to grieving mothers.
Assoc. Prof. Jovita A. Anit of the Biology Department shared her project on urban agriculture, focusing on the efficiency of RTU-developed planting structures in improving food security in urban areas.
Instr. Cyrille F. Dela Cruz, from the Civil Engineering Department, presented her research on the lived experiences of Habitat for Humanity beneficiaries, offering insights to improve RTU’s housing-related programs.
Lastly, Dr. Roland M. Valencia from the Electrical Engineering Department presented an impact assessment on the sustainability of community extension programs in Bistekville, Quezon City.
In addition to the program presenters, several key members of RTU’s Extension and Community Service Office (ECSO) actively participated in the conference. Instr. Ricardo H. Momongan, Jr., Director of ECSO, and Instr. Abigail P. Mendoza, Deputy Director of ECSO, were joined by Instr. John Paul G. Sison, Head of ECSO Community Program Development and Outreach Services Unit, Dr. Robelyn B. Bautista, Head of ECSO Extension and Community Linkages Unit, and Instr. Cleofe Mae L. Montoya, a faculty member of the College of Education. Their presence reinforced RTU’s dedication to promoting community engagement and service through collaborative efforts.
IMREC 2024 featured notable plenary speakers who discussed key themes such as youth engagement, communication in community development, and grassroots innovation including Florence Alexius (IFFAsia Framework), Prof. Bradley C. Freeman, Ph.D. (Sunway University Malaysia), Dr. Anthony C. Sales (Department of Science and Technology), Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela (Commission on Higher Education), and, via Zoom, Prof. Anil K. Gupta. The conference concluded with a shared commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and resilience in community development efforts worldwide. RTU’s active participation highlighted its crucial role in driving positive change and empowering communities through its research-based extension initiatives.