In a strategic move to elevate its media and public relations capabilities, the Office of Media and Public Affairs (OMPA) of Romblon State University (RSU) embarked on a benchmarking initiative with the Public Information and Communications Office (PICO) of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) on August 14, 2025.

The benchmarking activity started with a short “meet and greet” with Dr. Nemia H. Mabaquiao, Vice President for External Affairs, who was also the Officer-in charge of the day. The team was then given a guided tour of ISAT U’s Communication Center—a hub equipped with modern tools for public address system, and audio control for university advisories, and most of all university activities and events. They were then led to the main office of PICO which provided a firsthand look at how ISAT U manages its public information and media operations.

What followed was a dynamic exchange of ideas between the two institutions. Both teams shared insights, challenges, and best practices. Some of the important factors that were discussed were the organizational structure, core functions, university branding and effective ways on how to capture students’ attention and enhance their interaction with the university’s social media content. The dialogue not only highlighted ISAT U’s strengths but also sparked new possibilities for RSU’s media development roadmap.

Heading the RSU team was their OMPA Director Ms. Charevel F. Ferranco. With her were Mr. Andrei Rafael V. Fabellon, Head, Public Relations and Communications Unit; Mr. Roi James M. Duran, Head, Digital Media and Content Creation Unit; Mr. Jerryjay G. Formal, Head, Multimedia and Technical Productions Unit; their staff and officers of the MARBLE Media Student Organization. They were welcomed by PICO Information Officer 3, Ms. Lucille P. Jaspe, who represented their Director Dr. Heinz B. Gumaquil, and Information Officers, Ms. Jovette Aimee B. Arceta, Rommel Griffith P. Habaradas, Mr. Jephthah C. Sustituido and Mr. Gregorio Onday, Jr., Communication Center in charge. Mr. Francis Fritz B. Esportono, ILDO Director and Adviser of Partum Multimedia League, and Jullia Marie N. Raylos were also present to discuss the role of the student organization in the publicity and documentation of university events.