On December 4, 2024, the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs Services (OSAAS) gathered all of its unit heads, particularly those directly involved in student support and development, for an in-house seminar-workshop titled “Future‑Proofing Student Services: Building a 5S‑Driven, Student‑Centric SDG Culture”, in an effort to strengthen the student services offered by Rizal Technological University (RTU).

The program opened with the discussion Dr. Rodrigo DP. Tomas, Dean of OSAAS, centered on “Future‑Proofing OSAAS through 5S.” He explained the importance of the 5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain) methodology, a Japanese workplace organization method, in modernizing student services, strengthening workplace organization, and sustaining a culture of excellence within OSAAS—emphasizing its role in improving operational efficiency. Dr. Tomas also identified existing gaps in current processes and offered recommendations for continuous improvement.

The second session, led by Assoc. Prof. Donato Z. Estocada, centered on the concept of Student‑Centric SDG Champions. His discussion highlighted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relevant to student‑centered university services and underscored the responsibility of OSAAS in advancing SDG‑aligned initiatives. He encouraged collaboration among units to build a future‑ready student support system and explored ways to integrate SDG principles into their respective services. The session concluded with an open dialogue on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Tomas emphasized the importance of developing projects that are both realistic and holistic—initiatives that genuinely support the overall growth and well‑being of learners.

With the proposed programs, strategies, and solutions aligned with the SDGs and strengthened by the consistent application of 5S, RTU’s student services are poised to advance further and deliver more impactful, future‑oriented support to the university community.