LOOK! The Marikina Polytechnic College through its College President, Dr. Rene M. Colocar, has forged four (4) international partnerships through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shanghai Technical School, China; Sahavith Business Administration Technological College, Thailand; Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo, Indonesia; and Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang, Indonesia.

Under the MOU, the partner institutions agree to undertake collaboration on the following:

1. Exchange of students
2. Academic exchange activities between faculty and researchers
3. Joint talent training and skills competition; and
4. Other projects as mutually agreed.

This MOU signifies the College President’s commitment towards fostering international cooperation in education, particularly in enhancing TVET through the internationalization of digital technologies, which will ultimately benefit students and educators across the region.

The significant event took place during the 2nd China-SEA Partnership Workshop with the theme: Internationalization of Digital Technologies in TVET, on May 12-13, 2025 at Phnom Penh, Cambodia where Dr. Rene M. Colocar delivered his talk entitled “From Local Roots to Global Heights: Marikina Polytechnic College and TESDA leading the Digital REvolution in TVET”. Prof. Deojames B. Roxas, Planning Director also attended the event.

The workshop was attended by members of the SEAMEO-TED, short for Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre of Technical Education Development, China, Russia, some European countries, etc.

The workshop and the MOU signing underscore the growing importance of digitalization in TVET as well as the need for regional cooperation to drive innovation and excellence in technical education.

As Dr. Rene M. Colocar has put it, “The transformative potential of Industry 4.0 in TVET cannot be realized in isolation. We propose regional collaboration to establish Industry 4.0 skill standards and joint research initiatives between China and Southeast Asian institutions.”

Kudos, MPC!

Full transcript of Pres. Colocar’s presentation:

Session II: Adopting Industry 4.0 Technologies in TVET Training
Dr. Rene M. Colocar
President, Marikina Polytechnic College – Philippines

From Local Roots to Global Heights: Marikina Polytechnic College and TESDA Leading the Digital Revolution in TVET

Dearest and honored guests, colleagues and fellow academicians, a pleasant and blessed day!

Introduction: The Urgency of Industry 4.0 in TVET and MPC’s Leadership Role

We stand at the precipice of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where technologies like IoT, AI, and robotics are fundamentally transforming global industries and workforce requirements.

The World Economic Forum projects that by 2025, half of all employees will need reskilling to remain relevant in this new technological landscape. This seismic shift presents both an unprecedented challenge and opportunity for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions worldwide.

At the forefront of addressing this challenge in the Philippines is Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC), a premier state-run higher education institution under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and one of the eight State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the National Capital Region and an active member of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), MPC has established itself as a leader in innovative, industry-aligned technical education.

Founded with a vision to bridge the gap between education and employment, MPC offers cutting-edge programs in engineering, information technology, industrial arts, and business education. Our institution takes particular pride in being:

• A grantee of the Philippine government’s Smart Campus and Digital Academic Platform Project
• The home of specialized facilities like the Footwear Innovation and Technology (FIT) Research Laboratory, MPC DTI Shared Services Laboratory, CREOTEC Mechatronics, Robotics, and Electronics Services Laboratory
• An active partner in international collaborations such as the GLOBUS Project with Danish institutions, Learning Express of Singapore, and Japan’s TAU Ethos Cooperative Union Cartender Automotive Mechanic Training Program
• A pioneer in implementing Industry 4.0 technologies across our curriculum

Our strategic location in Marikina City – known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines – positions us uniquely to combine traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge digital technologies. This duality forms the core of our educational philosophy: honoring local heritage while aggressively pursuing global competitiveness through technological integration.

MPC’s Initiatives: Bridging the Gap Through Innovation and Collaboration

To address the challenges of high costs, educator readiness, and infrastructure gaps, MPC has leveraged strategic partnerships and cutting-edge projects. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been instrumental in securing funding and resources.

For instance, our collaboration with CHED-DTI’s Shared Service Facilities and the TAU Ethos Cooperative Union has enabled us to deliver specialized training programs, such as the Cartender Automotive Mechanic Training Program. These partnerships not only mitigate financial barriers but also ensure that our curricula remain relevant to industry demands.

One of our flagship initiatives is the Globus Project: Asian Craftsmen for a Better World, a groundbreaking partnership between MPC, Denmark’s Himmerlands Erhvervs- og Gymnasieuddannelser (HEG), Megawide, and Manly Plastics. This project focuses on upskilling artisans and craftsmen through advanced manufacturing techniques, sustainable practices, and digital tools, bridging traditional
craftsmanship with Industry 4.0 innovations. By combining MPC’s technical expertise with HEG’s vocational training excellence and the industry insights of Megawide and Manly Plastics, the project empowers local talent to compete in a globalized, technology-driven market.

A cornerstone of our international collaboration is our strong partnership with Singapore Polytechnic (SP) through the Learning Express (LeX) program. This innovative exchange program immerses both faculty and students in design thinking methodologies to solve real-world industry challenges. Through this collaboration, MPC has:

• Trained over 120 students and faculty in human-centered design approaches
• Developed 10 prototype solutions for local Marikina businesses
• Implemented design thinking frameworks across our curriculum
• Fostered cross-cultural innovation between Philippine and Singaporean students

Another key initiative is the Footwear Innovation and Technology (FIT) Research Laboratory, established through a DOST grant. This facility supports footwear design and prototyping research while offering hands-on training in design, marketing, and technical services. Additionally, our CREOTEC programs in mechatronics, robotics, and electronics production line operations provide students with practical exposure to Industry 4.0 technologies. These efforts are complemented by TESDA’s competency-based training systems, which integrate digital tools to align skills with global standards.

Call to Action: Collaborating for a Future-Ready Workforce

The transformative potential of Industry 4.0 in TVET cannot be realized in isolation. We propose regional collaboration to establish Industry 4.0 skill standards and joint research initiatives between China and Southeast Asian institutions. Industry-sponsored labs and equipment donations, like those facilitated by the CATECP ceremony, can further enhance access to advanced technologies.

At MPC, we believe that the integration of Industry 4.0 into TVET is a leap toward future-proofing our workforce and economies. By embracing innovation and fostering partnerships—such as the GLOBUS PROJECT—we can bridge skills gaps and create equitable opportunities for all. Let this workshop serve as a catalyst for actionable collaboration, turning insights into tangible outcomes for TVET across the region. Together, we can ensure that no learner is left behind in the digital age.

Thank you very much!

Photo credits by SEAMEO: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QaQYcH8ZVl9AYp-3rJTAdNjxDlCqdztz