Rizal Technological University (RTU) met with representatives of the Mindoro Marine Manufacturing Corp. (MMMC) and the Paluan, Mindoro Local Government Unit, on February 24, 2026, to discuss a tripartite agreement to ensure employability for Paluanons.

Under the partnership agreement, the three organizations will work together to provide industry needs-based training for Paluanons to enhance their employability. RTU will provide the expertise, facilities, and training, including the trainer, curriculum, and modules. The Paluan LGU will identify beneficiaries from communities within its municipality, including members of indigenous communities. MMMC will provide support to trainees, including accommodation and allowances. Successful completion of the training will ensure employability at MMMC under the Return of Service provision of the agreement, ensuring that beneficiaries will be immediately offered jobs at the corporation’s shipyards.

Since MMMC is a shipyard company involved in the construction and maintenance of maritime vessels, the training will focus on various welding competencies. After the training, successful trainees will also be supported in obtaining a National Certificate at an affiliated TESDA-accredited Assessment Center, ensuring that the training translates into authenticated credentials.

Mediated by the Extension and Community Services Office (ECSO), under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Ricardo Momongan Jr., the meeting gathered several key university officials, including the University President, several extensionists from the College of Engineering led by Dean Wilfredo Timajo, and Mechanical Engineering Program Head Engr. Gerry Cabrera. Instr. Ryan V. Munar of the BTVTED Department was also present, as he will serve as the designated trainer for the program.

Asst. Prof. Momongan discussed the overview of the partnership, enumerating the roles of each organization. He meticulously considered the capabilities of each organization while generously offering the most that RTU could contribute to the initiatives.

To set expectations on what the training will entail, Instr. Munar presented the training plan and the TESDA qualification requirements. He briefly discussed the welding process and the training regulations that must be followed to ensure effective delivery of the training.

Dr. Rogelio T. Viaña, Coordinator of the Paluan LGU–RTU Community Services Project, expressed enthusiasm and full support for the initiative as it advances the employment interests of their residents through the longstanding partnership of Paluan LGU and the University. He added that he hopes to see a time when the trainees will be able to train new batches of beneficiaries under the partnership.

Concluding the meeting, all representatives committed to the active participation of all parties, highlighting that the partnership was conceived through a shared dedication to public service and development. The respective heads of the organizations will soon meet again to ratify the tripartite partnership through a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement.