Spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Academic and Students Affairs (OVPASA), under the leadership of Vice President Kristine Y. Opulencia, Rizal Technological University (RTU) welcomed the delegates of Samar State University (SSU) for an Inter-university Benchmarking Activity on June 24, 2025 at RTU Mandaluyong Main Campus. The visit’s primary objective was to learn from RTU’s digital learning practices and implementation strategies of the outcomes-based education (OBE).

Fulfilling the expectations of SSU, Pandayang Rizalia provided practical insights and best practices in curriculum planning, instructional innovation, and educational technology integration, as key university officials under the OVPASA cluster led the discussions on digital learning environment and OBE implementation.

Dr. Faith Micah Balbin, Director of the Institute of Flexible Learning and Digital Education (IFLDE), showcased E-RTU, the university’s Flexible Learning Management System. She delved into the features and functionalities of the platform, highlighting how E-RTU supports both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Dr. Balbin also discussed the strategies IFLDE and the university have employed to overcome the challenges in the implementation, proudly showcasing the innovative digital tools and resources integrated into E-RTU.

On the OBE implementation of the university, Dr. Melvin N. Ambida, Director of the University Curriculum and Instruction Office (UCIO), led the discussion on how RTU institutionalized OBE, sharing the university’s best practices in curriculum planning, instructional innovation, and faculty development. Various deans and academic units from both RTU and SSU participated in the discussion, sharing their experiences in integrating OBE principles into their teaching practices. The discussion heavily leaned on the influence of digital tools in enhancing OBE implementation.

The two universities further exemplified the essence of academic collaboration between state universities through a sharing session, exchanging insights and their best practices on student affairs and services led by Dr. Rodrigo DP. Tomas, Dean of the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs Services (OSAAS), and management of learning resource centers for faculty development. 

The productive meeting of the minds between the RTU and SSU was an opportunity to learn from each other in advancing and ensuring the quality of education they provide. Productive collaborations and academic exchanges such as this benchmarking activity are opportunities Pandayang Rizalia would never miss, ensuring that learning as an institution is just as important in providing quality education.