Ramon Magsaysay Technological University

The Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, a merger of three public education institutions in the province of Zambales, was established under the Republic Act 8498 enacted on February 12, 1998, through the initiative of Congressman Antonio M. Diaz. The University Charter integrated the former Ramon Magsaysay Polytechnic College (RMPC) in Iba, the Western Luzon Agricultural College (WLAC) in San Marcelino, and the Candelaria School of Fisheries (CSF) in Candelaria. The strengths of its parent-institutions, which had existed since the early 1900s, served as RMTU's springboard for its accelerated growth and development.
The RMPC in 1998, which is now RMTU's Main Campus, was founded as a farm school in 1910. It was converted into a local trade school in 1919. Through the years, it metamorphosed into Zambales Trade School in 1933, Western Luzon School of Arts and Trades in 1953, Zambales School of Arts and Trades in 1957 Ramon Magsaysay Memorial School of Arts and Trades in 1961. It became a DECS-supervised College (RMPC) in 1993 and a chartered state college in 1995.
WLAC, now the San Marcelino Campus, started as a farm school in 1927. It became the Zambales Rural High School in 1933, the Zambales National Agricultural School in 1960, the Western Luzon Junior Agricultural College in 1977, and eventually evolved into a full-fledged state college in 1985. WLAC's integration into the university system also included its satellite campus in Botolan (1993) as well as its extension classes in the SBMA Compound (1996-2001) and Subic (1999-2003). The phase-out of SBMA and Subic campuses gave rise to RMTU-Castillejos Campus starting June 2003.
With its component faculty and physical facilities, the CSF-Post Secondary Department is known today as the RMTU-Candelaria Campus. Established in 1965, CSF started as a secondary vocational high school and eventually offered post-secondary, non-degree courses under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Dr. Feliciano S. Rosete served as University President effective February 12, 2001, upon RMTU's full operation as a multi-campus university system after a three-year transition period with integrated budgetary appropriations 2001 General Appropriations Act. With a viable organizational structure, the institution transformed dramatically as it accelerated its component campuses' full integration. Through a strong partnership with the Provincial Government, DepEd, and municipal governments, the University established LGU-subsidized satellite campuses in Masinloc, Castillejos, and Sta. Cruz, in the year 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively. Faculty development and infrastructure build-up were intensified. Degree programs increased from 12 to 65 in the last ten years. Enrolment expanded from 2,000 to more than 8,000 per semester over the same period. Massive scholarships from various stakeholders attracted more and more students. Graduates registered commendable performance in licensure examinations, especially in electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering and other flagship programs. In addition to its Php 93.0M annual budget from the National Government, incomes from revenue-generating projects and self-liquidating academic programs reached as high as Php 80.0M per year. Major curricular programs attained various accreditation levels, and the University achieved an unprecedented Level III-A status under the CHED-DBM-PASUC Leveling Scheme. The University was also included among the top 30 higher education institutions (HEIs) recognized by the People's Republic of China, South Korea, and other technology-oriented countries.
Moreover, RMTU has recently scored significant contributions in terms of its mandated function to generate new scientific knowledge and appropriate technology along with its fields of expertise. In 2008, it won the "Best Research Paper Award" in agriculture among 26 CLARRDEC-member agencies. In the same year, the University ranked second among hundreds of PCARRD-member agencies nationwide. In 2009, the DOST-CLIERRDEC adjudged RMTU as the topnotcher0 in environmental remediation research. And in September 2010, the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS-Central Luzon Chapter) awarded RMTU for having the best agricultural research paper in the region. Likewise, the University also takes pride in its productive mango orchards and processed products, especially mango wine. The University also serves as a major supplier of quality grafted mango seedlings (Sweet Elena Variety) to several mango entrepreneurs nationwide through its commercial nurseries.
Upon the expiration of the term of President Feliciano S. Rosete on February 13, 2013, Dr. Elizabeth N. Farin was designated by the Board of Regents as Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the RMTU President effective February 14, 2013. She held Office until March 20, 2013. Barely thirty-six days in Office, was Dr. Farin's legacy to ensure stability, efficiency, and effectiveness in the management of the University during the transition period while waiting for the Board of Regents to select and appoint the new RMTU President. She redirected her research expertise into good governance through responsive financial management, people-oriented leadership, and transparency.
On March 20, 2013, in its Special Meeting, the Board of Regents appointed Dr. Cornelio C. Garcia as President of the University from March 21, 2013, to March 20, 2017. President Garcia is setting the impetus of his Administration as he pursues his goals and objectives and framework of governance- ISERVEU, which stands for: I – Intensely Dedicated, Visionary and Strategic Leadership S – Synergistic Curricular Development and R and D Agenda E –Expansion of Income Generating Projects R – Reputable and Responsive Governance V – Vigorous Faculty/Staff Development Program and Values Reformation Through Transformational Leadership Training E – Extension Program for Comprehensive Rural Development, Job Creation, Livelihood Development, Poverty Alleviation, Health and Nutrition, Climate Change Mitigation, etc. U – Upgrading Program for Classrooms, Laboratory Rooms, Laboratory Equipment, Library, Purchase of Updated Textbooks, Journals and Other Reference Materials, Students' Dormitories, Sports and Recreational Facilities, Health Clinics and Canteens, Marketing Center and Other Facilities.
To date, RMTU stands proud with its high-performing seven (7) campuses, 32-degree programs, five non-degree programs, senior high school, and junior high school with more than 10,120 students, 811 strong faculty and staff, and viable international linkages and consortium agreements. A century of visionary zeal, hard work, dedication, and commitment of its founders, pioneering and contemporary administrators, benefactors, and other stakeholders has indeed paid off.