Public forum presents MPC Prexy Candidates written by: Jay Ar T. Taperla and Kim Alexandria M. Bernardo

The Search Committee for MPC Presidency (SCP), chaired by Dr. Lisa Grace Bersales, presented the three (3) candidates namely; Dr. Jeffrey C. Trinidad – Principal III, Sta. Elena High School, Dr. Raymond Macatangga – Dean of College of Computer Studies, Our Lady of Fatima University, and Dr. Rene Colocar – College Administrator from City College of Calapan during the public forum last July 8, 2021.
Each presidential candidate was given a 10-minute opportunity to present their vision, mission, and goals for the College.
Dr. Trinidad envisions MPC in five years to be the nation’s premier institution for technical teacher education, industrial technology, and the shoe and leathercraft industry.
“The vision really institutes to what has been created in Republic Act no. 9289, the act of converting MIST to MPC,” he said.
After that, Dr.Trinidad mentioned four points in his proposed mission where MPC commits itself to; 1) provide quality tertiary instruction and training to technical teacher education students and learners of industrial technology and shoe and leathercraft industry; 2) create avenues for research and innovation to develop a comprehensive shoe and leathercraft education that will contribute to Marikina City’s industry and to nation-building; 3) establish strong local and international linkages, and 4) improve Filipinos’ quality of life by providing education that will hone resilient, competent, and highly-skilled professionals.
On the other hand, Dr. Macatangga envisions MPC as a higher institution that produces graduates who are well-prepared for the global digital-driven workplace.
Dr.Macatangga proposed mission states that MPC is committed to producing competent, responsible and resilient professionals who are ready for qualifications set by industries and immediately contribute to nation-building.
“…it is my personal belief that embracing technology is the way to move forward. We have to admit that the future is already here. Change, being one of the constants in our world, we need to adapt and adopt in order to cope with the transition as part of the evolutionary process,” Dr. Macatangga said.
“Thus, the summary of the vision and mission of Marikina Polytechnic College is being resilient in the face of disruptive innovation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Colocar envisions MPC as a “future-ready” Polytechnic College in the country, for God and humanity while his proposed mission lies with the commitment to produce highly competent, ethical, and service-oriented 21st technopreneurs and educational leaders that contribute to national and global development.
“It [the mantra of MPC] spells out our public service…, public service is our institution, public service is our people,” he said.
Dr. Lilian A. Delas Llagas, CHED Commissioner and chair of the MPC Board of Trustees, commended on her message the three presidential aspirants for their commitment to serve the College.
“Ngayon palang, natutuwa po ako at binibigay niyo ang pagkakataon upang manilbihan sa MPC,” Commissioner Delas Llagas said.
Dr.Delas Llagas also commended the questions raised during the open forum.
“The questions raised were very relevant that tells us the competence, an idea whether or not the three nominees are knowledgeable. What they want to do, and how to walk the talk,” she said.
“President is both an academic leader and an excellent manager. Excellent to operate, but transformative to live,” she added.
The search committee chaired by Dr. Lisa Grace Bersales was composed of the following members namely; CHED Regional Director, Dr. Virginia D. Akiate, Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) President, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, Vice President of MPC Faculty Association, Dr. Francisco DC. Cos, Jr., and Former DepEd Undersecretary, Atty. Franklin Sunga.
Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla, CHED Executive Director and the current OIC of the Office of the MPC President, thanked everyone as she ended the forum through an inspiring closing remark.
“Truly, it has been a very enriching [and] enlightening experience, the past four months as your OIC and looking now at our candidates, we know that there is much hope also for MPC and to everyone,” she said.
The public forum was held at the Activity Center and broadcast live through Facebook. Strict compliance to health and safety protocols was observed for those who physically attend the forum with the assistance of Environment, Occupational Safety and Health (EOSH) headed by Prof. Dennis Gealone with Prof. Maychilou Fabellar who served as Overall Chair of the program.