December 6, 2024 – Following the International Conference held at SEAMEO INNOTECH Center on December 5 where Rizal Technological University (RTU) welcomed the delegates of ASEAN university partners as part of the Annual Passage to ASEAN (P2A) General Meeting, the university hosted the P2A Partner’s Internal Meeting at its own venue (RTU SNAGAH Penthouse – Mandaluyong Main Campus), further proving to be a hospitable host to our regional neighbors.

The event opened with Kultura Rizalia’s performances greeting and charming our Southeast Asian (SEA) neighbors where RTU student performers showcased remarkable cultural dances of the Philippines. Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, the University President, followed these performances with a welcome message, stressing the significance of the P2A general meeting and how it is a privilege of the university to host this avenue for international collaboration towards the uplifting of higher education institutions (HEIs)  in Southeast Asia. She was followed by Dr. Hang Nguyen Tue Le, Director of P2A Secretariat, delivering her opening remarks wherein she reinforced the importance of ASEAN universities convening and collaborating on the betterment of higher education, especially in our region. 

In a proud moment for RTU, the P2A Secretariat awarded Dr. Yangco for the hospitality the university has shown in hosting this year’s P2A assembly. Adding more pride to the university, the P2A Secretariat also awarded Dir. Donato Z. Estocada, Director of the RTU International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO), as Best P2A Coordinator for his exemplary performance as the lead coordinator for this year’s assembly. His dedication to ushering the university towards international collaboration truly reflects RTU’s commitment to global competitiveness.

The meeting moved forward to the Annual P2A Report, facilitated by Dr. Hang Le where she went over the accomplishments of the association and bared the plan for focusing on the role and integration of artificial intelligence in the administration and development of academic institutions. This was followed by P2A Country Chapter Reports facilitated by Dr. Wiryono Raharjo, P2A Director for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, where he discussed the launching of mobility programs of the association in the coming year. The delegates from the member countries were also encouraged to share the status of their accomplishments in research, academic offerings, and mobility programs. Mr. Lim Teng Leng, P2A Director for International Relations, also facilitated the welcoming of the new member institutions of the P2A association, giving a chance to other HEIs from different SEA countries to join the P2A mission towards the unification and strengthening of educational institutions in the region.

The event proper of the meeting concluded with closing remarks from the new P2A coordinators, emphasizing their commitment to the mission and vision of the P2A Association. Finally, the RTU officials and delegation hosted the site visit and city tour for the ASEAN visitors to enjoy.