Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, also known by its acronym RMMC, is a private, non-stock, non-profit, co-educational, and non-sectarian educational institution in the Philippines. It operates multiple campuses located in General Santos City and Koronadal City (also known as Marbel), serving as a key academic and cultural center in the SOCCSKSARGEN region of Mindanao.
Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges traces its origins to the establishment of the Mindanao Vocational School (MVS) in 1957 by Atty. Eugenio M. Millado and his wife, Doña Aurora Garcia-Millado, in General Santos City.
In 1960, the institution received official recognition from the Philippine government and was granted college status. It was subsequently renamed Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (MMC) in honor of the late President Ramon Magsaysay. During its early years, MMC expanded regionally by establishing satellite campuses in Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, demonstrating a commitment to increasing educational access in underserved communities.
Following the death of Atty. Millado in 1978, leadership passed to his son, Hon. Florante G. Millado. To further solidify the institution’s identity and values, he secured formal consent from Mrs. Luz Magsaysay, widow of President Ramon Magsaysay, to adopt the name Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (RMMC). This renaming reflected a renewed dedication to the ideals of public service, integrity, and nation-building. Under his tenure, RMMC implemented strategic initiatives to broaden its academic programs and develop its infrastructure. A significant development during this period was the acquisition and merger of Southern Island Colleges (SIC), which ceased operations as an independent entity and was fully integrated into the RMMC system. Additionally, the institution acquired the Bernabe Coliseum, which functioned as a cultural and institutional venue before being divested during a subsequent strategic realignment.
After Hon. Millado’s passing in 1992, leadership transitioned to his wife, Mrs. Elda Regner-Millado, and their four children. Under their guidance, RMMC continued to expand its academic offerings, modernize operations, and strengthen its reputation for educational excellence.
Recent Developments
In 2008, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges expanded its institutional presence by establishing a second campus in Koronadal City, the capital of South Cotabato. This campus was officially named Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges – Marbel (RMMC-MI). A decade later, in 2018, RMMC further enhanced its academic infrastructure with the completion of a dedicated campus for its basic education and secondary education, known as the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges – Integrated School (RMMC-IS).
In July 2025, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges gained international recognition by debuting in the World Universities Ranking for Innovation (WURI)[4], an influential global platform that evaluates higher education institutions based on their innovative approaches, real-world impact, and community engagement.
RMMC was ranked 234th among the Global Top 400 Most Innovative Universities[5], marking a significant milestone as a new entrant on the list. Additionally, the institution secured top 100 placements in several WURI innovation categories, including Ethics and Integrity (Rank 69), and Cultures and Values (Rank 92).
RMMC has forged strategic relationships with leading regional healthcare institutions, notably St. Elizabeth Hospital (SEHI)[8] and Mindanao Medical Center (MMC).
Diplomatic Engagements
In April 2025, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges joined in an official visit to Rabdan Academy in Abu Dhabi, led by Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Alfonso A. Ver[9]. The visit was part of a broader initiative to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of safety, security, defence, emergency preparedness, and crisis management (SSDEC). Ambassador Ver was welcomed by H.E. Salem Saeed Al Saeedi, Vice President of Rabdan Academy, alongside senior academic officials.
Student Life
Performing Arts
Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges is renowned for its vibrant performing arts tradition, with several student-led cultural and artistic groups contributing to a vibrant and dynamic campus culture. These include Teatro Ambahanon[10], Indak which specializes in contemporary and cultural dance, the Sinig-laya Folkloric and Rondalla Dance Troupe[11], the Bughaw Folkloric Dance Troupe. Vocal ensembles such as the Himig Chorale[12] and the Lingen Chorale also contribute to the institution's dynamic arts scene. Additionally, the Helobung Scholars focus on preserving and promoting indigenous culture and traditional arts.
The institution serves as a regional partner of the Kaisa Sa Sining (KSS)[13] program of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and is a member of the CCP Arts Education Network, underscoring its active participation in national cultural development and arts-based education initiatives.
Pasigarbo Festival
RMMC annually hosts Pasigarbo, a campus-wide arts festival featuring workshops, performances, exhibitions, and interdisciplinary collaborations in the creative arts. The festival provides a platform for students, faculty, and regional artists to showcase diverse artistic expressions. It is part of the broader celebration of Philippine arts and culture, supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Athletics
Its official varsity teams, the Bluefins (General Santos City) and the Blue Phoenix (Koronadal City), compete in a variety of intercollegiate sports events. The college regularly participates in regional and national competitions organized by the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA). RMMC is also affiliated with the Bahia Del Sur Football Academy, providing structured football training and grassroots development programs for young student-athletes.
Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
Kalilangan Festival
The Kalilangan Festival is an annual celebration commemorating the founding anniversary of General Santos City. In 2015, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges played a key role in launching the 26th Kalilangan Festival, which carried the themed "Ano Ang K Mo?"[14]. The tagline encouraged reflection on the core values shaping the city’s identity, with the letter "K" representing Kapayapaan (peace), Kasaganaan (prosperity), and Kagandahan (beauty)—values deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of General Santos.
Access to Quality Education
RMMC is committed to expanding educational opportunities through its scholarship programs. One notable initiative is a partnership with Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Regional Director of the SOCCSKSARGEN Police Office (PRO-12). This collaboration provides financial assistance to students from Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), helping underprivileged families access higher education.[15]
↑ "Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges". Commission on Higher Education (CHED), a government agency under the Office of the President of the Philippines.
↑ "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.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
