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ROTORAS’ LEGACY FINDS NEW LIFE IN FOUNDATION FOR USTP
The legacy of the late Dr. Ricardo Rotoras, former president of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) system, is taking a new form as a foundation has been established to expand opportunities for the university community as its primary beneficiary.
The Dr. Ricardo E. Rotoras Memorial Foundation, Inc. (DRERMFI) introduced its mission and proposed programs during the World Teachers’ Day celebration at USTP Claveria on October 5, 2026, marking its first public promotional activity ahead of its formal launching on December 2, the anniversary of Rotoras’ death.
Led by Engr. Zarah Lynn Rotoras, the late university leader’s widow and the foundation’s chairperson and president, DRERMFI seeks to continue the work and ideals that defined Rotoras’ years in academe—particularly his commitment to student welfare, faculty development, research, innovation, university-industry collaboration, and community involvement.
The foundation’s mission is to mobilize resources and build partnerships in education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and community development, guided by the values of excellence, integrity, servant leadership and nation-building.
“It is the first foundation to partner with USTP, and we hope to partner with other organizations to address issues through our foundation,” Rotoras said.
TURNING A LEGACY INTO OPPORTUNITIES
While USTP students and faculty are expected to be among the foundation’s main beneficiaries, its envisioned programs extend to non-teaching staff and communities.
Among the initiatives being developed are programs that would support faculty members pursuing graduate studies, student leadership development, professional development for non-teaching personnel, and student innovation.
Another student-centered initiatives are scholarship programs and “Sustansya” Student Meals Initiative, which would provide meal assistance to students, initially envisioned on a first-come basis during examination periods.
Foundation organizers said these initiatives reflect areas that Rotoras himself had championed, particularly his concern for students and his belief in the role of education, science and technology in creating opportunities.
Beyond academic developments, the initiative aims to drive community-wide impact by forging partnerships that broaden market access and expand livelihood opportunities for local farmers and fisherfolk.
“We will be helping USTP on the side on the various programs and projects that we can augment…the foundation will raise funds for those initiatives,” DRERMFI Corporate Treasurer, Dr. Herbert Glenn Reyes, said.
A FOUNDATION BUILT FROM A LONG-HELD IDEA
For the people behind DRERMFI, establishing the foundation was not an idea that emerged overnight.
Organizers said the concept had been considered for some time, but putting it into operation required time for the family and supporters to process Rotoras’ death and determine how his advocacies could continue through an organized institution.
“It's not easy putting up a foundation. it’s a long process. Na shock ta sa pagkawala ni Dr. Rotoras and it took a while to stand up again and see pwede pa diay ma continue ang iyang legacy,” DRERMFI Corporate Secretary, Vanessa Ascaño, said.
The foundation is now seeking individuals and organizations willing to contribute not only financially, but also through mentoring, professional expertise, research collaboration, training, scholarships and community partnerships.
Organizers emphasized that fundraising will be crucial to turning the proposed programs into actual assistance for beneficiaries.
They are also looking for individuals who share the foundation’s commitment to continuing Rotoras’ work, and hope to eventually collaborate with local government units and other partners as it expands its programs.
“We are seeking more people who are wiling to join us and hopefully we can gather more partners and create more projects,” Rotoras added.
The foundation said those who want to support a program, share their expertise, or make a pledge may reach out to Ascaño or contact the foundation through 0917-152-0972.
According to the foundation, its message is clear: The work Rotoras started should not end with his passing—the dream continues. | by Alwen Saliring
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#MindanaoDailySource
The legacy of the late Dr. Ricardo Rotoras, former president of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) system, is taking a new form as a foundation has been established to expand opportunities for the university community as its primary beneficiary.
The Dr. Ricardo E. Rotoras Memorial Foundation, Inc. (DRERMFI) introduced its mission and proposed programs during the World Teachers’ Day celebration at USTP Claveria on October 5, 2026, marking its first public promotional activity ahead of its formal launching on December 2, the anniversary of Rotoras’ death.
Led by Engr. Zarah Lynn Rotoras, the late university leader’s widow and the foundation’s chairperson and president, DRERMFI seeks to continue the work and ideals that defined Rotoras’ years in academe—particularly his commitment to student welfare, faculty development, research, innovation, university-industry collaboration, and community involvement.
The foundation’s mission is to mobilize resources and build partnerships in education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and community development, guided by the values of excellence, integrity, servant leadership and nation-building.
“It is the first foundation to partner with USTP, and we hope to partner with other organizations to address issues through our foundation,” Rotoras said.
TURNING A LEGACY INTO OPPORTUNITIES
While USTP students and faculty are expected to be among the foundation’s main beneficiaries, its envisioned programs extend to non-teaching staff and communities.
Among the initiatives being developed are programs that would support faculty members pursuing graduate studies, student leadership development, professional development for non-teaching personnel, and student innovation.
Another student-centered initiatives are scholarship programs and “Sustansya” Student Meals Initiative, which would provide meal assistance to students, initially envisioned on a first-come basis during examination periods.
Foundation organizers said these initiatives reflect areas that Rotoras himself had championed, particularly his concern for students and his belief in the role of education, science and technology in creating opportunities.
Beyond academic developments, the initiative aims to drive community-wide impact by forging partnerships that broaden market access and expand livelihood opportunities for local farmers and fisherfolk.
“We will be helping USTP on the side on the various programs and projects that we can augment…the foundation will raise funds for those initiatives,” DRERMFI Corporate Treasurer, Dr. Herbert Glenn Reyes, said.
A FOUNDATION BUILT FROM A LONG-HELD IDEA
For the people behind DRERMFI, establishing the foundation was not an idea that emerged overnight.
Organizers said the concept had been considered for some time, but putting it into operation required time for the family and supporters to process Rotoras’ death and determine how his advocacies could continue through an organized institution.
“It's not easy putting up a foundation. it’s a long process. Na shock ta sa pagkawala ni Dr. Rotoras and it took a while to stand up again and see pwede pa diay ma continue ang iyang legacy,” DRERMFI Corporate Secretary, Vanessa Ascaño, said.
The foundation is now seeking individuals and organizations willing to contribute not only financially, but also through mentoring, professional expertise, research collaboration, training, scholarships and community partnerships.
Organizers emphasized that fundraising will be crucial to turning the proposed programs into actual assistance for beneficiaries.
They are also looking for individuals who share the foundation’s commitment to continuing Rotoras’ work, and hope to eventually collaborate with local government units and other partners as it expands its programs.
“We are seeking more people who are wiling to join us and hopefully we can gather more partners and create more projects,” Rotoras added.
The foundation said those who want to support a program, share their expertise, or make a pledge may reach out to Ascaño or contact the foundation through 0917-152-0972.
According to the foundation, its message is clear: The work Rotoras started should not end with his passing—the dream continues. | by Alwen Saliring
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#MindanaoDailySource
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