The University of Santo Tomas (UST) hosted the ceremonial launch of the Research Initiatives in Teacher Education (RITE) Year 2 and the Teacher Education Roadmap 2035 on 16 October 2025, at the George Ty Hall, Blessed Buenaventura Paredes, OP Building, UST Campus in Sampaloc, Manila. The occasion marked a significant milestone in advancing research-based collaboration among teacher education institutions across the country.

RITE Year 2 consolidates multiple research and consortium efforts that collectively respond to the Teacher Education Council’s (TEC) legislative mandate under Republic Act No 11713, or the “Excellence in Teacher Education Act.” The initiative seeks to generate data-driven insights that will inform national policy directions for teacher education, professional development, and institutional capacity-building.

Representing Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan’s School of Education (SOE), Dr Charity Rose A Pagara, Graduate School Coordinator and IDEA Director, attended the event on behalf of Dr Edralin C Manla, Dean of the SOE. Xavier University proudly joins RITE Year 2 as a partner institution of the City College of Cagayan de Oro, led by Dr Jestoni Babia. Together, these Mindanao-based institutions collaborate under the leadership of the University of Santo Tomas, the project’s lead and managing partner.

Through  this  partnership,  Xavier University  reaffirms  its  commitment to research-driven innovation in teacher education and its support for national efforts to reshape the future of Philippine teaching and learning. The RITE project serves as a platform for shared inquiry and collaboration among teacher education institutions seeking to align with the TEC’s long-term strategic goals.

As RITE Year 2 unfolds, participating institutions will continue to contribute to a collective vision of strengthening teacher preparation, ensuring quality education, and cultivating a new generation of educators equipped to meet the evolving needs of learners nationwide.