Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges

Type	Private
Established	1957-present (1957-present) (67 years)
Founders	Atty. Eugenio Millado Doña Aurora Millado Hon. Florante Millado
Accreditation	PACUCOA
Affiliation	ISO
President	Dr. Kristoffer Franz Mari Millado, M.A.
Colors
Sporting affiliations	PRISAA

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

History

Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, Mindanao was home to advanced indigenous societies and sultanates, such as the Sultanate of Sulu and the Sultanate of Maguindanao. Spanish efforts to control Mindanao were met with fierce resistance, resulting in a complex relationship between the colonial administration and local communities.

During the American colonial period in the late 19th century, significant reforms were introduced in the Philippines, including advancements in infrastructure and education. However, following World War II, the country faced substantial challenges in rebuilding its infrastructure and educational systems. In Mindanao, there was a particular need for vocational and technical education to support economic recovery and growth.

Addressing this critical need, Atty. Eugenio Millado and his wife, Doña Aurora, founded the Mindanao Vocational School (MVS) in 1957, as a non-sectarian educational institution that upholds respect for religious freedom. The success and increasing demand for MVS's educational services led to a major transformation in 1960. The school achieved college status and was renamed Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (MMC) in honor of President Ramon Magsaysay, renowned for his commitment to public service and leadership. This period was marked by significant socio-political instability in the Philippines, including the Moro conflict and the imposition of Martial Law under President Ferdinand Marcos. Despite these challenges, MMC further extended its reach by establishing several branches across the region, though later consolidation focused on the main campus in General Santos City.

Following the death of Atty. Eugenio Millado in 1978, leadership of MMC transitioned to his son, Hon. Florante 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. During the People Power Revolution of 1986, RMMC’s influence grew with the 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 Millado in 1993, leadership of RMMC was passed to his wife, Elda, and their four children. The Millado family has continued to uphold the institution’s mission and values, ensuring its ongoing development and commitment to high-quality education.

Recent Developments

In 2008, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (RMMC) expanded strategically by establishing Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges - Marbel (RMMC-MI) in Koronadal City, the provincial capital of South Cotabato. This expansion was part of the Millado Foundation’s broader initiative to enhance educational access and impact within the SOCCSKSARGEN region.

In 2015, the institution’s basic education division, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges - Integrated School (RMMC-IS), relocated to a newly constructed campus, to foster a more holistic educational experience by integrating physical, intellectual, and social development.

In 2023, RMMC began constructing the College of Engineering and Sciences Campus, an extension of the main campus. The extension campus is expected to offer advanced facilities and resources that will support the growing demand for technical education and research in fields such as engineering and applied sciences.

Academics

Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges academic programs are accredited by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) and are regulated by the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Student Experience

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

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

The RMMC Bluefins and the RMMC Blue Phoenix, actively participate in inter-collegiate competitions 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.

Initiatives

Academic Collaborations

The institution actively engages in international collaborations to enrich its academic environment. The institution has established partnerships within the ASEAN region, and the GCC region. These partnerships focus on fostering faculty and student exchanges, and undertaking joint research projects.

Access to Quality Education

The institution has implemented several initiatives to improve access to education, including a scholarship program in collaboration with Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Regional Director of SOCCKSARGEN Region Police Office (PRO-12), aimed at supporting families from Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

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)