MPC Celebrates Historic ‘Triple-Header’ Milestone

Thanksgiving Mass and Investiture

Marikina Polytechnic College marked a significant milestone in its 78-year institutional history with a triple-header celebration highlighted by a Thanksgiving Mass and the formal investiture of College President Rene M. Colocar on December 19, 2025, held at the 5th Floor of the Academic Building.

The celebration opened with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Reverend Father Marcelino Rafalia Jr. and attended by college officials and representatives from partner institutions. The solemn ceremony set the tone for the day’s historic events, which culminated in the reaffirmation of leadership and institutional commitment.

Following the Mass was the formal investiture of MPC President, Dr. Rene M. Colocar, whose reappointment was unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees on October 7, 2025. The ceremony, themed “Pagtatalaga 2025: Renewal of Mission and Commitment,” symbolized the College’s continued dedication to excellence and service.

The academic procession was led by Dr. Renelyn Udaundo, representing the Board of Trustees and bearing the College Seal, followed by Atty. Jason Demetri O. Benitez, MPC Legal Counsel, who presented the Institutional Charter. Joining them were College Vice Presidents Dr. Glen R. Mangali (VP-PRELQA), Dr. Ma. Arra B. Santos (VPAA), and Dr. Joemel V. Bautista (VPAF), along with deans, directors, and heads of offices.

The MPC Medallion was ceremoniously carried by the President’s son, Jore Rence Colocar, underscoring the personal and institutional significance of the occasion.

Among the distinguished guests was Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Hon. Michelle Ong, who officially read the Appointment of the College President. Former CHED Commissioner Hon. Marita R. Canapi delivered the Salutation, while academic leaders from various institutions attended to express solidarity, including Professor Ronald Allan S. Mabunga, Philippine Normal University President Bert J. Tuga, City College of Calamba President Ronald A. Gonzales, and Technological University of the Philippines President Reynaldo Ramos.

After the reading of the Board Resolution, the donning of the presidential gown, and the presentation of the gavel and mace, Dr. Colocar took his Pledge of Reaffirmation and delivered his inaugural Presidential Address. “My door remains open. My ears will keep listening. My hands will continue working alongside yours. Let us move forward with courage, compassion, and clarity of vision. Let us build not just a university, but a long-lasting legacy,” Dr. Colocar said, expressing gratitude for the renewed trust placed in his leadership.

The program concluded with messages of support from guest speakers, including Dr. Raymundo Arcega, CESE, President of Taguig City University and President of ALCU Philippines, who praised Dr. Colocar’s leadership and expressed confidence in MPC’s continued progress and advancement under his renewed term, which will run until 2028.

PRAISE 2025

Dressed in shimmering attire and filled with anticipation, employees of MPC gathered for PRAISE (Program in Rewards, Awards, and Incentives for Service Excellence) 2025 at the Academic Building. This fateful evening was dedicated to honoring faculty and staff whose dedication and service have significantly contributed to the College’s continued success.

Anchoring on the theme “A Night of Stars and Sparkles,” the event celebrated excellence in innovation, instruction, and public service, highlighting the commitment of MPC employees to quality education and institutional growth.

Among the awardees recognized for outstanding performance were Mr. Edmund G. Arias, named Best Implementer of Design Thinking; Prof. Marcela M. Bungag, Outstanding Teacher (Technology); and Dr. Maychilou L. Fabellar, Outstanding Teacher (Academic). The Employee of the Year – Non-Teaching awards were conferred upon Mr. Fernando B. Borres Jr. and Ms. Jessica L. Busa for their exemplary service and professionalism.

The event also featured the Loyalty Service Awards, honoring employees who have rendered 10 to 43 years of government service. Representing the retirees, Mr. Jesus Q. Ignacio, a 43-year service awardee, delivered a moving message reflecting on decades of perseverance, dedication, and commitment to public education.

Dr. Joemel V. Bautista, Vice President for Administration and Finance, commended the awardees for their “unwavering dedication and excellence in service.”

MPC President Dr. Rene M. Colocar paid tribute not only to the honorees but also to their families, acknowledging their vital role in supporting the employees throughout their years of service. In addition, four employees were recognized as the Best Dressed of the Night. In the Teaching Category, Prof. Deo James B. Roxas and Prof. Rialita A. Villareña impressed the panel of judges while Mr. Mico Lois Encinares and Ms. Maribeth M. Monsad secured the awards for the Non-Teaching Category.

Year-end Convocation

The MPC community traded business attire for cozy pajamas at this year’s Year-End Convocation held in the evening at the academic building.

The night was headlined by a spirited Christmas Acapela competition, where VPPRELQA took home the Grand Championship for their beautiful performance of “Angels We Have Heard on High.” VPAA and VPAF followed closely as 1st and 2nd Runners-Up, respectively. President Dr. Rene M. Colocar kept the energy high, handing out cash prizes to the “Best Dancers” and surprising the crowd with extra raffle draws. He ended the night with a touching reminder to carry faith, compassion, and the spirit of pakikipagkapwa-tao into 2026, wishing everyone a healthy and joyful year ahead.

By: Records and Information Center

More pictures here:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ra4NQnsDcUdqt81SyuLFtWGG92EVS08S?usp=drive_link