By Nina Kassandra Menor, TMPCJ Correspondent

The Marikina Polytechnic College opened the academic year 2025-2026 in a General Assembly at the frontage of the Academic Building on August 18. The program, which also welcomed first year students, centered on the theme “Impact Connect: Access, Belong, Lead.” The event brought together students from all institutes and programs to celebrate unity and shared purpose.

Dr. Glen Mangali, Vice President for Planning, Research, Extension, Linkages, Quality Assurance, and Publication (PRELQAP), in his inspirational message, stated that “leadership is not about position, but about influence and responsibility. Your voice matters, your dreams matter, and your leadership matters.”

His words about influence and responsibility were supported by Dr. Joemel Bautista, saying [trans.] “When people are united and have one goal, work becomes lighter and the results are more fruitful. Remember that you are not alone in your journey here in Marikina Polytechnic College. Your professors, employees, and the entire community are here to guide and accompany you until you reach your dreams.” (Kapag ang mga tao ay nagkakaisa at iisa ang layunin, mas nagiging magaan ang trabaho at higit na mabunga ang mga resulta. Lagi ninyong tandaan na hindi kayo nag-iisa sa inyong paglalakbay dito sa ating Sintang Dalubhasaan. Nandito ang inyong mga guro, mga kawani, at buong komunidad upang gabayan at samahan kayo hanggang sa marating ninyo ang inyong mga pangarap.)

In his message before the student body, College President Dr. Rene Colocar reminded them to “work together to achieve plans.” He hopes that “in the near future, you [sic] will be proud being members of this family and being officially accepted as MPCians.”

The program proceeded with the Freshmen Orientation in the afternoon. New students were introduced to school policies, facilities, services, and student organizations. The ceremony ended with the paper plane launching of the students, which signify their dreams, aspirations, hope, and new beginnings.

A series of institution- and technology-based orientations were held in the days that followed. Led by student organizations, such as the Future Teacher Association (FTA), Young Technopreneur Society (YTS), Creative and Outstanding Society of Sewers (COSER), Productive Young Technopreneur in Food Industry (PYTIFI), Association of Electronics Engineering Students (AECES),  and Civil Tech Innovators Society (CTIS), these assemblies welcomed students to their respective majors and introduced to faculty members, as well as guided on rules and regulations and expectations for the new school year.

Photo gallery here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZJt6eadD4okGnce4y9FxFvUYtLGpFyh_?usp=drive_link