Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, also known by its acronym RMMC, is a private, non-profit, co-educational, and non-sectarian educational institution in the Philippines, with multiple campuses located in General Santos City and Koronadal City, serving as a key academic and cultural hub in the SOCCSKSARGEN region.
Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges originated as the Mindanao Vocational School (MVS), established in 1957 by Atty. Eugenio M. Millado and Doña Aurora Garcia-Millado. 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.
MMC underwent substantial expansion and regional integration. Satellite campuses were launched in Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. These efforts reflected the institution's commitment to enhancing access to education in underserved communities.
In 1978, following the death of Atty. Millado, leadership of the institution passed to his son, Hon. Florante G. Millado. Seeking to further strengthen the institution’s identity and values, he obtained formal consent from Mrs. Luz Magsaysay, widow of President Ramon Magsaysay, to formally adopt the name Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (RMMC). The renaming symbolized a renewed dedication to the ideals of public service, integrity, and nation-building.
Under Hon. Millado’s administration, RMMC undertook a number of strategic initiatives aimed at expanding its academic offerings and infrastructure. A major milestone during this period was the acquisition and eventual merger of Southern Island Colleges (SIC). Following the integration, SIC ceased to operate as a separate institution and is now defunct, with its programs and resources absorbed into the RMMC system. The institution also acquired the Bernabe Coliseum, which briefly served as a cultural and athletic venue before being divested in a later phase of strategic realignment.
Following the passing of Hon. Millado in 1992, the institution’s leadership transitioned to his wife, Mrs. Elda Regner-Millado, along with their four children. Under their stewardship, RMMC continued to expand its academic scope, modernize operations, and enhance its reputation for educational excellence.
Recent Developments
In 2008, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges expanded its institutional presence with the establishment of a second campus in Koronadal City, the capital of South Cotabato. The new campus, officially named Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges – Marbel (RMMC-MI).
In 2018, RMMC further enhanced its academic infrastructure with the completion of a dedicated campus for its basic education division, the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges – Integrated School (RMMC-IS).
Academics and Accreditation
Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including basic education, senior high school, undergraduate, and graduate degrees. Its curricular offerings span diverse fields such as business, education, technology, hospitality, tourism, healthcare, criminology, and the arts. Many of these programs are accredited by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA).[1]
Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges is renowned for its strong performing arts tradition, with several student-led cultural and artistic groups contributing to a vibrant and dynamic campus culture. These include Teatro Ambahanon[4] (theater), Indak (contemporary and cultural dance), the Sinig-laya Folkloric and Rondalla Dance Troupe[5], Bughaw Folkloric Dance Troupe, Himig Chorale[6], Lingen Chorale, and the Helobung Scholars, a group dedicated to preserving and promoting indigenous culture and traditional arts.
The institution is a regional partner of the Kaisa Sa Sining (KSS)[7] program of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and a member of the CCP Arts Education Network, underscoring its active role in national cultural development and arts-based education initiatives.
Arts Festival
RMMC annually hosts Pasigarbo, a campus-wide arts festival that features workshops, performances, exhibitions, and interdisciplinary collaborations in the creative arts. The festival serves as a platform for students, faculty, and regional artists to showcase a diverse range of 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
Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges supports a comprehensive and inclusive athletics program designed to foster holistic student development through sports. Its official varsity teams, the Bluefins (General Santos City campus) and the Blue Phoenix (Koronadal City campus), 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).
Institutional Partnerships
Academic Linkages
Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (RMMC) has established international academic collaborations with institutions across several countries, including Indonesia[8], Japan, the United Arab Emirates[9], France, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. These partnerships facilitate faculty and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and the adoption of global teaching and learning standards.
Healthcare Affiliations
To bolster hands-on training for students in allied health disciplines, RMMC has developed strategic relationships with regional healthcare institutions. Notably, St. Elizabeth Hospital (SEHI)[10] and Mindanao Medical Center (MMC) serve as clinical partners, offering critical practical training and observational placements for RMMC students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Sports Development
RMMC is affiliated with the Bahia Del Sur Football Academy, grassroots and elite football development institutions based in Mindanao.
Community Engagement and Social Responsibility
Kalilangan Festival
The Kalilangan Festival is an annual celebration marking the founding anniversary of General Santos City. In 2015, RMMC played a pivotal role in launching the 26th Kalilangan Festival, themed "Ano Ang K Mo?"[11]. This 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 rooted in the cultural ethos of General Santos.
Access to Quality Education
RMMC is committed to expanding educational opportunities through its scholarship program, established in partnership with Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Regional Director of the SOCCSKSARGEN Police Office (PRO-12). This initiative supports students from Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), providing financial assistance to help underprivileged families access higher education[12].
Diplomatic Relations
In April 2025, Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Alfonso A. Ver[13], conducted an official visit to Rabdan Academy in Abu Dhabi as 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, along with senior academic officials. He was joined by a delegation of Philippine educators representing Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (RMMC) and Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges – Marbel (RMMC-MI).
Global Recognition and Rankings
In 2025, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (RMMC) gained international recognition by debuting in the World Universities Ranking for Innovation (WURI), 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[14], marking a significant milestone as a new entrant on the list. The institution also achieved top 100 placements in several WURI innovation categories, including: Ethics and Integrity (Rank 69), Cultures and Values (Rank 92).
↑ "Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges". Commission on Higher Education (CHED), a government agency under the Office of the President of the Philippines. Archived from the original on 2021-09-04. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
↑ "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.
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