MPC Expands Global Footprint with Indonesia’s UMP

Moving forward with its commitment to becoming “The Future National TVET University,” Marikina Polytechnic College conducted an international lecture series in collaboration with the Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo, Indonesia, on May 20, 2026. The event dubbed “Pasinaya,” brought together academic leaders, international guest speakers, and students to discuss sustainable development, financial literacy, and local community empowerment.

College President Rene M. Colocar formally opened the lecture series, emphasizing the institution’s progressive direction. “This international lecture series serves as more than just an academic activity; it acts as a bridge between local communities and global ideas,” Pres. Colocar said, encouraging students to maximize the opportunity to learn from the discussions and apply these insights to their future endeavors.”

Dr. Glen R. Mangali, Vice President for Planning, Research, Extension, Linkages, Quality Assurance, Publication and Alumni Relations, stressed the importance of international partnerships. “This event symbolizes a shared vision, a commitment to build bridges across nations, transform education into a force of societal advancement, and inspire future generations to become ethical leaders, innovators, and change makers in an interconnected world,” he stated.

Dr. Ma. Arra Santos-Bava, Vice President for Academic Affairs, imparted that true education extends beyond classrooms and borders. “True education does not just give answers, but it is giving us a global perspective that we can solve our local challenges here,” she shared.

Addressing faculty and students from the Food and Service Management, BIT, and BindTech programs, Dean for Technology and concurrent External Linkages and Internationalization Director Dr. Rudy James D. Tabasa highlighted the expanding horizons of MPC’s strategic partnerships. He emphasized how these alliances pave the way for international research collaborations alongside global student and faculty exchange programs.

The lecture sessions covered an array of specialized topics. Lecturers Fitri Rahmawati spoke on empowering local communities through the innovative processing of traditional foods, while Associate Professor Dr. Jeki Mediantari Wahyu Wibawanti shared her knowledge regarding innovations in fermented foods for the food service industry. Representing the Economics Faculty, Dr. Murry Harmawan Saputra discussed strategies for energizing small and medium enterprises, while Lecturer Hubi Rahmat Andika explained the effects of green marketing strategy and brand image on consumer purchase decisions. Concluding the series, lecturer Ishak emphasized green finance and sustainable development by introducing financial instruments such as green bonds, funds, and loans, while Dr. Intan Puspitasari tackled digital financial literacy and investor sentiment.

Steering the MPC closer to its goal of “driving the Future of TVET,” the program wrapped up with an inspiring closing address from Dr. Joemel V. Bautista, Vice President for Administration and Finance. “We are deeply moved because today, we did not just listen to lectures. We saw a reflection of ourselves. We saw how much we can do together,” Vice President Bautista shared.

This lecture series, moderated by Professors Cecile I. Vizcaya and Ken Rovic D. Reyes, serves as a direct expansion of the four international partnerships the college has established through Memorandum of Understanding. This successful collaboration marks yet another milestone in MPC’s ongoing mission to elevate its institutional footprint through internationalization, strategic partnerships, and research collaboration.

Photos by: Office of the College President