Leading Change with Integrity

A VISIONARY, AN ADVOCATE OF CHANGE, AND A MOTHER FIGURE TO A GROWING ACADEMIC COMMUNITY. UNDER DR. MA. EUGENIA “OGIE” M. YANGCO'S LEADERSHIP, RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY HAS EMERGED AS A POWERHOUSE OF INNOVATION AND INTEGRITY—RAISING THE BAR NOT ONLY IN EDUCATION BUT IN HOW LEADERSHIP IS PRACTICED.

I begin each day with prayer; I lock my door for at least an hour and do walking back and forth while doing my daily devotion,” says Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, president of Rizal Technological University (RTU), as she reflects on a typical morning for her at the office. For the woman who has served RTU for nearly four decades, leadership is not simply about policies or plans—it is about being grounded in faith and unwavering in service. Yangco’s story is one of steady perseverance and principled leadership. Rising through the ranks from faculty member to president, she has become a symbol of progress not just for RTU but for public higher education in the Philippines.

WE WANT GRADUATES WHO ARE NOT ONLY ACADEMICALLY EXCELLENT BUT ALSO MORALLY UPRIGHT AND SOCIALLY ENGAGED.

GUIDED BY FAITH, GROUNDED IN DISCIPLINE From her modest roots in a family that valued education above all, Yangco pursued chemical engineering at the University of Manila, inspired by her aptitude for mathematics and the chance to break into a field that was still predominantly male. “During our time, schools offered scholarships just to encourage women to enter engineering. Chemical engineering was more welcoming to females, so I chose that path,” she recalls. While waiting for her board exam results, she was urged by her father to study information technology (IT)—a decision that would later shape her teaching career. Learning the then-newly launched COBOL programming, she found herself uniquely qualified to teach both engineering and IT subjects, which opened the door to a faculty post at RTU in 1986.

“I taught everything—from algebra and calculus to computer programming. Eventually, I was moved full-time into IT, where I was given the chance to pursue further studies in MVS COBOL with a scholarship from Philippine Computer Society at De La Salle University,” she shares. Over the years, she steadily moved up the academic ranks: from instructor to professor, director, dean, regent, and finally, president. Now in the final year of her second and last term, she reflects on her journey. “Crab mentality exists— even in universities, but with the support of my family and my faith, I kept going. My presidency will end soon, and next year I will be informing the board so they can begin the search for the next president.” Asked about her leadership style, Yangco says it is defined by structure and precision. “Being an engineer I am supposed to be creative, innovative, attentive to details and able to adapt to existing realities. I pay attention to every detail. If a request lacks key information, like the number of attendees for an event, I won’t approve it. Everything must be clear and justified,” she stresses. Her methodical approach reflects her engineering background— disciplined, analytical, and rooted in systems thinking. And yet, this orderliness does not come at the expense of empathy. “I always remind my staff to balance work and life. Don’t wait for the deadline—work ahead so you can enjoy your weekends  with family.” She makes it a point to spend quality time with her children and grandchildren, often organizing family reunions complete with home cooked meals, raffles, and games. “I love cooking and baking when I have time. Family is my joy,” she relates.

CHAMPIONING RTU’S TRANSFORMATION

Yangco’s presidency introduced Pandayang Rizalia, a guiding philosophy inspired by the values of Dr. Jose Rizal— patriotism, intellectual pursuit, social justice, and moral integrity. “We want graduates who are not only academically excellent but also morally upright and socially engaged,” she says. This mindset is evident in RTU’s programs and outreach initiatives. Under her leadership, the university has become a model of innovation and sustainability. The patented vertical farming system developed by RTU was adopted by various LGUs to promote homegrown produce during the pandemic. “I even have them at home. It’s fulfilling to harvest and eat what you grow,” she beams.

Equally impressive is RTU’s Mushroom Biotechnology program, offering a sustainable alternative to meat and providing communities with new livelihood opportunities. “We’ve created recipes and methods for growing and cooking mushrooms—it’s both practical and healthy,” she stresses. RTU’s collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development through the Kalahi-CIDSS Cash-for-Work Program gives financially challenged students and unemployed alumni a chance to earn while serving their communities. “It’s training, service, and income all in one.”

A strong advocate for the responsible use of technology, Yangco acknowledges the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in engineering and academia and the importance of a committee crafting policies on the right way of using it. “I believe engineers will be moving away from manual processes and will be able to utilize advanced algorithms and simulations. Productivity will be enhanced at a very minimal cost” she notes.

However, she also warns about the issues that may possibly govern Al usage. “We need to teach students about AI biases—cultural, gender, and data related—and ensure they understand its limitations.” She has noticed a growing dependency on AI in academic submissions. “I keep reminding my graduate students: don’t just copy from AI tools. Critical thinking and creativity are being lost. That’s what worries me most.” Still, she believes engineers must embrace AI and automation. She believes the future of engineering lies in innovation—producing high-impact  solutions at minimal cost. For her, Al can help them do that by using it responsibly.

In today’s competitive academic landscape, internationalization is key. Yangco has prioritized global partnerships to boost RTU’s visibility and academic stature. “Last year alone, we sent nearly 200 students abroad for exchange programs, along with 50 faculty members and 20 staff,” she notes. “Even short visits to countries like Vietnam can make a lasting impact.” But just like in other universities, there are challenges that need to be addressed in order to be recognized globally. “To be included in global university rankings, we need to publish at least 100 research papers a year. It’s tough—and it's a struggle on our part to even reach 50 per year. That’s why we’ve partnered with universities in Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Paris, and the United States,” Yangco reveals. These collaborations have strengthened research and innovation initiatives across disciplines, from engineering to community development.

LEADERSHIP IN MOTION

Yangco’s approach culminated publicly in RTU’s first-ever State of the University Address (SOUA), delivered in 2024. The event wasn’t just a formality; it was a model for institutional transparency. “We presented the numbers as they were—achievements, weaknesses, and goals—backed by data,” she says. “No sugarcoating.” The SOUA also celebrated key partnerships with government agencies, business groups, and local communities, highlighting RTU’s growing collaborative ecosystem. As a leader, she doesn’t micromanage but instead empowers her team. “I don’t interfere in the internal operations of colleges. If deans and directors need me, I’m here, but they have autonomy,” she says. This style of empowerment is codified in the mantra she lives and leads by: CHANGE—a six-point philosophy that stands for Consistency, Honesty, Accountability, Notability, Good Governance, and Empowerment and Excellence.

The above values guide how Yangco governs RTU. “I have zero tolerance for under-the-table dealings,” she says f irmly. “Whether it’s procurement or promotions, everything has to be transparent and consistent.” Her firm belief in structure and fairness has fostered a culture of discipline and meritocracy, qualities that have made RTU one of the most respected state universities in the country. But integrity, she notes, isn’t enough without heart, especially being in the government. She often reminds her officials to not be consumed by the system.

THE CULTURE SHE HELPED CREATE—GROUNDED IN FAIRNESS, TRANSPARENCY, AND EMPOWERMENT— CONTINUES TO RESONATE THROUGHOUT THE UNIVERSITY. SHE HAS CULTIVATED NOT JUST GRADUATES, BUT FUTURE LEADERS WHO UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF INTEGRITY, CRITICAL THINKING, AND SERVICE.

A LASTING LEGACY FOR A NEW GENERATION

Having spent her career in what was once a male-dominated field, Yangco sees signs of progress. “Gender is no longer a barrier, at least not like before,” she says. “But women in engineering still need support—especially from their spouses." As the only woman currently serving as president among the PASCU NCR member institutions, Yangco is well aware not only of the responsibilities of leadership but also the weight of representation. She believes that a supportive partner is key to sustaining a successful and fulfilling career. “My husband has always respected what I do. That made all the difference.”

Yangco also urges today’s students to take responsibility for their education. “Poverty should not hinder themselves to be successful,” she says. To parents, her message is equally clear: “Encourage your children. Don’t let them waste this opportunity.”  As her presidency nears its final chapter, she reflects not on titles or awards, but on transformation. “If there’s one thing I’ll be proud of, it’s that I brought real, lasting change to RTU,” she underscores. “It wasn’t just growth—it was purposeful, values-driven, and inclusive.” The culture she helped create—being grounded in fairness, transparency, and empowerment—continues to resonate throughout the community. She has cultivated not just graduates, but future leaders who understand the value of integrity, critical thinking, and service.

And in the stillness of her office, before the bustle of meetings and other official activities, she never forgets who made all her achievements possible: God, her constant source of wisdom and strength. Because for Dr. Ma. Eugenia M. Yangco, leading a university is not just a job—it is a calling, lived with discipline, compassion, and the unwavering belief that change, when led with purpose, can elevate not just institutions, but generations.