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Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, also known by its acronym RMMC, is a private, non-profit, co-educational, and non-sectarian educational institution. It is situated in General Santos City and Koronadal City, serving the community of the SOCCSKSARGEN region in southern Mindanao, Philippines.

RMMC is one of the oldest and most respected educational institutions in the region. Managed by the Millado Foundation, it serves as a key educational and cultural hub, contributing to the academic, social, and economic development.

History

Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, Mindanao was home to advanced indigenous societies and sultanates, with a rich history of trade, culture, and governance. The Spanish efforts to control Mindanao were met with fierce resistance, resulting in a complex and often contentious relationship between the colonial administration and local communities.

During the American colonial period in the late 19th century, the Philippines underwent significant reforms, including improvements in infrastructure and education. However, following World War II, the country faced considerable challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure and educational systems. In the case of Mindanao, the need for vocational and technical education became particularly pressing to support economic recovery and growth in the post-war era. In 1946, a year after the Philippines regained its full sovereignity from the United States, General Santos, previously known as the Municipality of Buayan, was designated as a 4th-class regular municipality and was later renamed in 1954. In 1954, the municipality was renamed General Santos, signaling the beginning of its transformation into a bustling town and later a city.

Amid this period of rapid change and growth, there was a growing demand for accessible and quality education to meet the needs of the region. Recognizing this, Atty. Eugenio M. Millado and his wife, Doña Aurora Garcia Millado, established the Mindanao Vocational School (MVS) in 1957. The founding of MVS marked a critical moment in the development of educational infrastructure in General Santos and surrounding areas, providing local residents with opportunities for vocational and technical training. As MVS gained recognition for its quality programs and experienced growing demand for its services, the school underwent a significant transformation. In 1960, it achieved government recognition and was granted college status. To honor the legacy of President Ramon Magsaysay, whose leadership was marked by a commitment to public service, integrity, and social reform, the institution was renamed Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (MMC).

In 1968, the Municipality of General Santos was converted into a city. By this time, General Santos City had already established itself as a major economic and educational hub in the region. Notably, three of the oldest educational institutions in the city — Notre Dame Dadiangas University (NDDU) founded in 1948, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (RMMC) founded in 1957, and Mindanao State University (MSU) founded in 1961 — were established prior to the city’s official founding.

Following the death of Atty. Millado in 1978, leadership of MMC transitioned to his son, Hon. Florante G. Millado. Under his stewardship, he sought and received permission from Mrs. Luz Magsaysay, the wife of President Ramon Magsaysay, to incorporate the name of the late President into the institution, leading the rebranding as Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (RMMC), aligning it with the values of integrity, leadership, and public service exemplified by President Magsaysay. RMMC’s influence grew with the mergers and acquisition of Southern Island Colleges (SIC) and the Bernabe Coliseum. Although the Coliseum was later sold, the acquisition of SIC significantly enhanced RMMC’s growth and regional impact.

Upon the demise of Hon. Florante G. Millado in 1993, leadership of RMMC was passed to his wife, Elda Regner Millado, and their four children. The Millado family has continued to uphold the institution’s mission and values, ensuring its ongoing development and adherence to its core values.

Academic Programs and Accreditation

Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges programs are accredited by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA).

The institution is also governed by the standards set by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Cultural and Student Life

Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges is committed to cultural enrichment and student development through a broad spectrum of programs and activities.

Sina-b'lay (Teng Mangansa-kan)

Sina-b'lay, an innovative academic garb of Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, represents the tri-people heritage of the SOCCSKSARGEN region. Its design is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of the Maguindanaon and Blaan communities, incorporating both tangible and intangible cultural elements. Beyond symbolizing academic achievement, the Sina-b'lay celebrates a harmonious blend of indigenous heritage and contemporary Filipino identity.

Performing Arts

RMMC is renowned for its thriving performing arts programs, which include Teatro Ambahanon, Sinig-laya Folkoric and Rondalla Dance Troupe, Himig Chorale. The institution is a regional partner of the Kaisa Sa Sining (KSS) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and a member of the Arts Education Network of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, underscoring its commitment to the arts and cultural education.

Arts Festival

Pasigarbo, is an annual event organized by Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, showcasing diverse forms of artistic expressions through workshops and performances. The festival is part of the broader celebrations organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), reflecting the institution’s active role in promoting regional and national artistic heritage.

Athletics

RMMC is home to the RMMC Bluefins and the RMMC Blue Phoenix, the college’s athletic teams that compete in intercollegiate sports events through the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA). These teams provide students with opportunities for competitive sports and physical development, fostering athletic excellence and teamwork across various disciplines.

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

Kalilangan Festival

Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges has long been a vital participant in the cultural and social life of General Santos City. The institution's involvement in the Kalilangan Festival underscores its commitment not only to education but also to the preservation and celebration of local traditions and community values.

The Kalilangan Festival is an annual event that marks the founding anniversary of General Santos City. The term Kalilangan, derived from the Maguindanaon word kalilang, meaning "festivity," is a vibrant celebration of the region’s diverse cultural heritage, involving the city’s various indigenous groups, including the Maguindanaon, Blaan, and others. The festival is a key cultural event in General Santos, reflecting the city’s rich history, community spirit, and cultural diversity.

In 2015, RMMC played a central role in launching the 26th Kalilangan Festival, with the theme "Ano Ang K Mo?" — a tagline designed to encourage reflection on the key values that have shaped the development and identity of General Santos. The letter "K" in the theme stands for Kapayapaan (peace), Kasaganaan (prosperity), and Kagandahan (beauty), values that resonate deeply with the city’s cultural ethos and aspirations.

Access to Quality Education

To improve access to education, RMMC has implemented a scholarship program in collaboration with Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Regional Director of the SOCCSKSARGEN Police Office (PRO-12). This initiative aims to support students from Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), helping underprivileged families pursue higher education.

Partnerships and Initiatives

Global Collaborations

The institution has established partnerships across Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). These collaborations enhance the academic experience for both students and faculty through international exchanges, research projects, and joint programs.

Healthcare Partnerships

Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges forged a partnership with St. Elizabeth Hospital (SEHI) to offer students in healthcare-related fields hands-on learning opportunities. This collaboration enables students to gain practical insights into patient care and medical practices while serving the healthcare needs of the community.

See Also

• Education in the Philippines
• Higher Education in the Philippines
• List of Colleges and Universities in the Philippines

External Links

• Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (RMMC)
• Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges - Integrated School (RMMC-IS)
• Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges - Marbel (RMMC-MI)

References

1. "List of Accredited Programs and Institutions". Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA).
2. "Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges". Commission on Higher Education (CHED), a government agency under the Office of the President of the Philippines.
3. "Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges Teatro Ambahanon". The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Online Performing Arts Directory.
4. "RMMC Teatro Ambahanon, 2024 CCP Summit of Arts and Culture". The Manila Times, the oldest extant English-language newspaper in the Philippines.
5. "Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges Sinig-laya Folkoric and Rondalla Dance Troupe". The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Online Performing Arts Directory.
6. "Embassy in Kuala Lumpur features Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges Himig Chorale". Department of Foreign Affairs Philippines (DFA), Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia, Charles C. Jose.
7. "Kaisa Sa Sining Regional Arts Centers". The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is a government-owned and controlled corporation established to preserve, develop and promote arts and culture in the Philippines.
8. "Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges launched the 26th Kalilangan Festival with the theme "Ano Ang K Mo?"". SunStar Davao Publishing, Inc. part of the SunStar news network in the Philippines.
9. "A groundbreaking full scholarship initiative aims to provide educational opportunities to members of unified force multipliers and their underprivileged dependents". Philippine News Agency (PNA) is a web-based newswire service of the Philippine government under the supervision of the News and Information Bureau (NIB) of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
10. "Indonesian Higher Education: A Beacon of Educational Diplomacy in Southern Philippines". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemlu), Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Davao City, Dr. Achmad Djatmiko, MA.
11. "Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges signs with Dubai and Northern Emirates Institutions". Department of Foreign Affairs Philippines (DFA), Consulate General of Dubai and Northern Emirates, Paul Raymund Cortes.
12. "RMMCxSEHI Partnership". St. Elizabeth Hospital Inc. is a private and an ISO-accredited tertiary hospital located in General Santos City.

• Organizations established in 1957
• Organizations established in 2008
• Educational institutions established in 1957
• Educational institutions established in 2008
• Private universities and colleges in the Philippines
• Private schools in the Philippines
• Universities and colleges in General Santos
• Education in Koronadal