Romblon State University officially welcomed freshmen and continuing students through RSU Launchpad 2026: Rooted. Ready. Rising., the University's three-day student orientation program held from July 20 to 22, 2026 at the University Quadrangle.
Designed to prepare students for the new academic year, the orientation gathered all enrolled students across the University's colleges and provided them with essential information on academic policies, student services, University procedures, campus resources, and opportunities for student engagement.
The orientation was conducted in batches, with students from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) attending on July 20, the College of Education (CED) and the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) on July 21, and the College of Computing, Multimedia Arts, and Digital Innovation (CCMADI) on July 22.
In her welcome message, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Dr. Gianinna Elaine M. Labicane underscored the vital role of students in shaping the University's identity and purpose, emphasizing that “when there are no students, a university is just a collection of buildings, classrooms, and offices—but your presence, your energy, and your dreams are what make this place truly a university.”
The program also featured a special message from Commission on Higher Education Regional Office IV-B Regional Director Edna Imelda F. Legazpi, who encouraged students to remain focused and purposeful throughout their academic journey.
“Ang pagiging college student ay hindi madali, pero ito ay isang challenging na bahagi ng inyong buhay after senior high school. That's why you need to think critically to make sure that you are able to perform well. Make sure to focus on your studies, and have that particular line of thinking that you want to finish your college life in the shortest possible time,” Director Legazpi reminded the students.
Meanwhile, Governor Trina Alejandra Q. Firmalo-Fabic highlighted the significance of the college experience in shaping students' futures and personal growth.
“Sana maging masaya ang inyong karanasan sa kolehiyo. Usually, ito ang isa sa mga pinaka-makabuluhang panahon sa buhay ng isang tao. Dito mo matatagpuan kung ano talaga ang purpose mo sa iyong buhay o kung ano ang gusto mong gawin para sa iyong pangkabuhayan. And this is also the time when you can make lifelong friends and learn more about yourself,” Governor Firmalo-Fabic shared.
A highlight of the orientation was the Conversation with the University President, where University President Prof. Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani engaged directly with students, answered their questions, welcomed suggestions, and shared words of encouragement.
“You can make RSU beautiful, and in the process of striving for perfection, if you love this institution and help build it. That is the responsibility of students, as well as the faculty and support staff. Para maging mapayapa at maayos ang ating academic institution, magtutulungan tayo—mga estudyante, guro, at administrasyon.”
The orientation proper included an audio-visual presentation featuring the University's overview, introduction of key officials and administrators, a visual tour of RSU campuses and facilities, student services, and the Student Portal. An Academic Policy Orientation was likewise presented to familiarize students with institutional policies, academic regulations, and University expectations.
Students were also guided through the features and functionalities of the RSU Student Portal through a walkthrough conducted by Mr. Ricky Michael Oliva, MYRSU App Developer and CCMADI faculty member, together with Mr. Bryan Fruelda of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services.
Further discussions included the Student Guidelines and Conduct and Uniform Policy presented by Engr. Kenreid Nuel F. Dela Vega, Director of the Student Development and Services Office, as well as the policies and important reminders from the Admission, Registration, and Scholarships and Grants Office discussed by its Director, Ms. Marie Tony C. Mantes.
An open forum followed, providing students the opportunity to raise questions and seek clarifications from University officials and directors of various student support service offices, fostering meaningful dialogue and engagement between students and the University administration.
In her closing remarks, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Emelyn F. Montoya encouraged students to embrace the opportunities ahead, remain committed to excellence, and make the most of their university experience.
Anchored on the theme “Rooted. Ready. Rising.”, RSU Launchpad 2026 served as a platform for students to gain a deeper understanding of University life, strengthen their connection with the RSU community, and begin the academic year informed, empowered, and inspired to succeed.
The three-day orientation was spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Admission, Registration, and Scholarships and Grants Office, reaffirming the University's commitment to ensuring that every RSUvian is equipped with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive throughout their academic journey.
The orientation was conducted in batches, with students from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) attending on July 20, the College of Education (CED) and the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) on July 21, and the College of Computing, Multimedia Arts, and Digital Innovation (CCMADI) on July 22.
In her welcome message, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Dr. Gianinna Elaine M. Labicane underscored the vital role of students in shaping the University's identity and purpose, emphasizing that “when there are no students, a university is just a collection of buildings, classrooms, and offices—but your presence, your energy, and your dreams are what make this place truly a university.”
The program also featured a special message from Commission on Higher Education Regional Office IV-B Regional Director Edna Imelda F. Legazpi, who encouraged students to remain focused and purposeful throughout their academic journey.
“Ang pagiging college student ay hindi madali, pero ito ay isang challenging na bahagi ng inyong buhay after senior high school. That's why you need to think critically to make sure that you are able to perform well. Make sure to focus on your studies, and have that particular line of thinking that you want to finish your college life in the shortest possible time,” Director Legazpi reminded the students.
Meanwhile, Governor Trina Alejandra Q. Firmalo-Fabic highlighted the significance of the college experience in shaping students' futures and personal growth.
“Sana maging masaya ang inyong karanasan sa kolehiyo. Usually, ito ang isa sa mga pinaka-makabuluhang panahon sa buhay ng isang tao. Dito mo matatagpuan kung ano talaga ang purpose mo sa iyong buhay o kung ano ang gusto mong gawin para sa iyong pangkabuhayan. And this is also the time when you can make lifelong friends and learn more about yourself,” Governor Firmalo-Fabic shared.
A highlight of the orientation was the Conversation with the University President, where University President Prof. Dr. Merian P. Catajay-Mani engaged directly with students, answered their questions, welcomed suggestions, and shared words of encouragement.
“You can make RSU beautiful, and in the process of striving for perfection, if you love this institution and help build it. That is the responsibility of students, as well as the faculty and support staff. Para maging mapayapa at maayos ang ating academic institution, magtutulungan tayo—mga estudyante, guro, at administrasyon.”
The orientation proper included an audio-visual presentation featuring the University's overview, introduction of key officials and administrators, a visual tour of RSU campuses and facilities, student services, and the Student Portal. An Academic Policy Orientation was likewise presented to familiarize students with institutional policies, academic regulations, and University expectations.
Students were also guided through the features and functionalities of the RSU Student Portal through a walkthrough conducted by Mr. Ricky Michael Oliva, MYRSU App Developer and CCMADI faculty member, together with Mr. Bryan Fruelda of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services.
Further discussions included the Student Guidelines and Conduct and Uniform Policy presented by Engr. Kenreid Nuel F. Dela Vega, Director of the Student Development and Services Office, as well as the policies and important reminders from the Admission, Registration, and Scholarships and Grants Office discussed by its Director, Ms. Marie Tony C. Mantes.
An open forum followed, providing students the opportunity to raise questions and seek clarifications from University officials and directors of various student support service offices, fostering meaningful dialogue and engagement between students and the University administration.
In her closing remarks, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Emelyn F. Montoya encouraged students to embrace the opportunities ahead, remain committed to excellence, and make the most of their university experience.
Anchored on the theme “Rooted. Ready. Rising.”, RSU Launchpad 2026 served as a platform for students to gain a deeper understanding of University life, strengthen their connection with the RSU community, and begin the academic year informed, empowered, and inspired to succeed.
The three-day orientation was spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Admission, Registration, and Scholarships and Grants Office, reaffirming the University's commitment to ensuring that every RSUvian is equipped with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive throughout their academic journey.
