MPC Strengthens Global TVET and Industry Ties During Courtesy Visit to PH Embassy in Vietnam

The delegation of Marikina Polytechnic College’s ReSOLES Technology Business Incubator (ReSOLES TBI), led by College President Dr. Rene M. Colocar, paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of the Philippines in Vietnam on August 17. The visit marked the start of the college’s foreign study mission to Vietnam, which runs from Aug. 17-21, 2026.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam His Excellency Francisco Noel R. Fernandez, with the assistance of Ms. Rebecca Z. Aguado-Ventanilla, Political and Economic Assistant and Attaché at the Embassy. President Colocar presented an overview of MPC, its mandate, and its commitment to supporting the footwear and leathercraft industry, and discussed the College’s initiatives to help revitalize the Marikina shoe industry. He shared MPC’s aspiration to become a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) University of the Philippines by presenting innovations and prototypes from ReSOLES TBI’s startup incubatees. He also emphasized the importance of establishing stronger international linkages and learning from global best practices to advance the college’s vision and industry engagement.

Ambassador Fernandez discussed the importance and role of Technical Vocational Education and Training in Vietnam and its significance in professional growth and employment of Filipinos abroad. He shared a Filipino success story in Vietnam’s TVET sector and highlighted the contributions of Filipinos working in various industries. Some Filipinos, he noted, have advanced to supervisory positions in the garment sector, while others have successful applied their technical skills in other countries.

Furthermore, Ambassador Fernandez pledged to help MPC establish linkages with key institutions and stakeholders in Vietnam, specializing in TVET, skills development, innovation, and industry collaboration.

Funded by DOST-PCIEERD, MPC ReSOLES TBI is the country’s only incubator dedicated to the footwear and leathercraft industry. Through this study mission, the incubator aims to build partnerships and gain insights into Vietnam’s best practices in startup incubation, innovation management, technology commercialization, and industry-academe collaboration.

The MPC delegation is composed of Dr. Medardo B. Bombita, ReSOLES TBI Project Lead and Dean of the Graduate School; Dr. Jerry F. Napay, Jr., Incubation Coordinator and Dean for the College of Business, Education, and Information Science; and Mr. Jezreel M. Llanera, ReSOLES TBI Manager, alongside College President Dr. Colocar.

The courtesy visit was made possible through the support of Mr. Enrico Mariano, Commercial Attaché of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) – Ho Chi Minh City, Embassy of the Philippines in Vietnam, whose assistance helped facilitate the delegation’s engagements with key institutions and stakeholders in Vietnam.

MPC President Colocar and the MPC delegation expressed sincere gratitude to CHED Chairman Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis through the Office of Commissioner Michelle Ong for the support of the College in the foreign study mission and efforts to strengthen a global vision through international associations. The foreign study mission is part of the ongoing efforts of MPC ReSOLES TBI to grow international relations through benchmark practices in the footwear and leathercraft industry in the Philippines.