RSU welcomed Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) MIMAROPA Regional Director Emmy Lou Verzosa-Delfin on March 17, 2026, for a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening collaboration on emerging technology initiatives. The meeting was held at the Office of the University President at the RSU Main Campus.
The visit brought together key university officials, including Dr. Tomas T. Faminial, Vice President for Administration and Finance and Officer-in-Charge; Dr. Eddie G. Fetalvero, Vice President for Research, Extension, Development and Innovation; and Engr. Julie F. Fallaria, Information and Communication Technology Services Director. RD Delfin was accompanied by members of her regional staff and representatives from the DICT provincial office.
Discussions focused on potential partnerships in capability-building programs for students and faculty, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain technology and financial technology. A major component of the proposed collaboration is the rollout of DICT’s Learning Experience Platform (LXP), a learning management system that offers certification opportunities. Around 11,000 slots have been allocated for participants across the MIMAROPA region.
University officials and DICT representatives also explored aligning these initiatives with the agenda of the RSU Center for Research for AI and Information Technology (CRAIITECH). The collaboration aims to ensure that training programs and certification courses respond to both academic priorities and regional development needs.
Dr. Faminial said the engagement reflects RSU’s commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships that support digital transformation and workforce development. He noted that collaboration with national agencies such as DICT enables the university to expand access to relevant and future-oriented learning opportunities for its students and personnel.
For her part, Dr. Delfin underscored the importance of equipping higher education institutions with the tools and competencies needed to navigate rapid technological change. She emphasized that initiatives like DICT's LXP can help bridge skills gaps and prepare learners for evolving industry demands.
The proposed partnership is expected to increase awareness and adoption of emerging technologies within the university community. It also seeks to enhance the quality and productivity of the future workforce in Romblon and the broader MIMAROPA region.
As a next step, both parties agreed to prepare a memorandum of understanding to formalize the collaboration. The agreement will outline joint activities, including training programs, certification courses and other capacity-building initiatives aligned with CRAIITECH’s strategic direction. The engagement forms part of RSU’s broader efforts to advance research, innovation and extension programs that respond to regional and national priorities in digital transformation.
Discussions focused on potential partnerships in capability-building programs for students and faculty, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain technology and financial technology. A major component of the proposed collaboration is the rollout of DICT’s Learning Experience Platform (LXP), a learning management system that offers certification opportunities. Around 11,000 slots have been allocated for participants across the MIMAROPA region.
University officials and DICT representatives also explored aligning these initiatives with the agenda of the RSU Center for Research for AI and Information Technology (CRAIITECH). The collaboration aims to ensure that training programs and certification courses respond to both academic priorities and regional development needs.
Dr. Faminial said the engagement reflects RSU’s commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships that support digital transformation and workforce development. He noted that collaboration with national agencies such as DICT enables the university to expand access to relevant and future-oriented learning opportunities for its students and personnel.
For her part, Dr. Delfin underscored the importance of equipping higher education institutions with the tools and competencies needed to navigate rapid technological change. She emphasized that initiatives like DICT's LXP can help bridge skills gaps and prepare learners for evolving industry demands.
The proposed partnership is expected to increase awareness and adoption of emerging technologies within the university community. It also seeks to enhance the quality and productivity of the future workforce in Romblon and the broader MIMAROPA region.
As a next step, both parties agreed to prepare a memorandum of understanding to formalize the collaboration. The agreement will outline joint activities, including training programs, certification courses and other capacity-building initiatives aligned with CRAIITECH’s strategic direction. The engagement forms part of RSU’s broader efforts to advance research, innovation and extension programs that respond to regional and national priorities in digital transformation.
