March 10, 2025 – Rizal Technological University (RTU) marked another milestone in international collaboration by forging a partnership with the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) and Gimcheon University of South Korea. The meeting took place at the Office of the President (OP) Conference Room, bringing together key university officials and representatives.
The meeting was graced by RTU President, Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, along with Dr. Kristine Y. Opulencia, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (VPASA); Dr. Rodrigo DP. Tomas, Director of the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs Services (OSAAS); and Instr. Donato Z. Estocada, Director of the International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO), accompanied by his staff, Instr. Kyle Nicole Alcantara, and Instr. Michael Ivan Mendiola.
Representing the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) was Rev. Kyung Hyun “Abraham” Nam, President of IYF Philippines, Mr. Gichun Cho, Secretary General of IYF Philippines, and Mr. Jay-Ar Fajardo, Program Manager of IYF Philippines. The event also welcomed international volunteers, including Mr. Seijin Oh from South Korea and Mr. Elias Requilas from Argentina, who brought their diverse perspectives and experiences to the discussion. Additionally, Mr. Lee Jong Woo, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Indicellbio Cosmetic, South Korea, was also in attendance, further strengthening the international presence and collaboration at the event.
The discussion proved highly productive, with the IYF team and Gimcheon University presenting a range of initiatives aimed at enriching the RTU academic and student community. Among these was a seminar and workshop on Mind Education for RTU faculty and staff, designed to enhance mindset development, leadership skills, and decision-making abilities. These initiatives seek to cultivate resilience, emotional intelligence, and a positive academic environment, benefiting both educators and students.
Further expanding opportunities for RTU students, the Good News Corps Overseas Volunteering Program was introduced, offering immersive international experiences. Other student-focused initiatives include the Campy Tour Activity and World Youth Camp 2025, both designed to be an experiential learning program that provides students with hands-on exposure to leadership training, teamwork, and cultural exchange. The program features outdoor activities, interactive workshops, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering self-discipline, problem-solving skills, and global awareness. Through this initiative, participants engage in cross-cultural discussions, skill-building sessions, and real-world simulations that enhance their adaptability and resilience in diverse environments. Additionally, Gimcheon University proposed a student and faculty exchange program, fostering academic collaboration and international exposure.
To further support global competency, free language classes in Nihongo, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese will be offered to all RTU undergraduate students and graduate school students and faculties. These classes will not only enhance linguistic proficiency but also serve as gateways to international career opportunities, cultural understanding, and limitless professional connections across continents.
This collaboration marks a significant step in RTU’s commitment to providing global opportunities for its academic community, strengthening international ties, and fostering holistic development among students and educators boldly reaffirming its role as a trailblazer in education, committed to bridging the gap between local talent and global opportunities. By continuously expanding its network and fostering strategic international partnerships, RTU is shaping a future where its students are not just participants in the workforce but pioneers of change, visionaries of progress, and leaders of the next global era.
This is just the beginning. RTU, alongside Gimcheon University and IYF, is set to redefine the future of education, ensuring that every student who walks through its halls steps into a world of unparalleled possibilities, boundless ambition, and limitless success.
