July 9–11, 2024: Rizal Technological University (RTU) representatives joined the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Fair 2024, held at KCC Mall De Zamboanga. The event, themed “Weaving Culture and Innovations for a Transformative, Resilient, and Globally Recognized Philippine Higher Education,” was hosted by Western Mindanao State University and organized annually by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
The RTU delegation was part of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges—National Capital Region (PASUC-NCR) team and included Dr. Salvacion J. Pachejo, Vice President for Planning, Quality Assurance, and Strategic Initiative; Dr. Wendelyn A. Samarita, Dean of the College of Education; and Asst. Prof. Julian Santos Jr., Cultural Affairs Unit Director, and Asst. Prof. Margarita Conclara.
The three-day event kicked off with a solidarity meeting, followed by a parade and an opening program attended by Zamboanga Mayor, Hon. John M. Dalipe. Attendees were warmly welcomed by Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, President of Western Mindanao State University. Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera, Chairperson of CHED, officially declared the SUC Fair 2024 open and led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch the Innovation Exhibit and Demonstration. Joining him were Hon. Marquez Ocampo Go, Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher Education; Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of Batangas State University and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges; and several CHED Commissioners, including Atty. Ryan L. Estevez, DPA, Executive Director of UNIFAST, Atty. Cinderella Filipina S. Benitez-Jaro, Executive Director IV, Commission on Higher Education; and Atty. Lily Freida C. Macabangun-Mill, CESO IV, Director IV, OIC of the Deputy Executive Director and Director of the International Affairs Service. Other CHED officials, CHED Central and Regional Office Directors, and SUC Presidents were also in attendance.
Day 2 of the fair saw the launch of several competitions, including PINTAR: Poster Making Competition, Colors of Mindanao: TikTok Competition, MAS (Musical Anthems of SUCs): Regional Music Video Competition, BELLEZA: Mr. and Ms. SUC Fair 2024, SEENEMATICA: Same-Event Edit Competition, and Innovation, Variation, Acceleration Through Research (INNOVAR): Research Pitching Competition. The NCR Team was hailed as the 3rd Place in the Student category for the INNOVAR competition.
On Day 3, the event featured LENTE: Photography Competition Exhibit, where RTUian John David Teodosio represented the NCR delegation. A plenary talk was also held, with Justice James Lee Cundangan sharing his expertise.
The SUC Fair 2024 highlighted the collaborative efforts and innovative spirit of Philippine higher education institutions, celebrating cultural and academic achievements while fostering resilience and global recognition. RTU’s participation underscored its commitment to excellence and innovation in education.