Romblon State University’s Office of Media and Public Affairs (OMPA), together with the MARBLE Media Student Organization, conducted a benchmarking visit to Aklan State University in Banga on August 15, 2025. The activity aimed to strengthen RSU’s institutional communication strategies and student-led media initiatives by learning from ASU’s established practices and systems.

The RSU delegation was warmly welcomed by ASU Information Office and students from Radio101 News and Eamigas Publication. The visit began with exploratory meetings and a series of presentations facilitated by the ASU Information Office. Central to the engagement was the formal presentation of ASU’s Communication Manual and Branding and Style Guide, which outline the university’s standards for official messaging, visual identity, and public engagement. These documents reflect ASU’s commitment to consistency, clarity, and professionalism in all its communication efforts.

The Information Office also showcased its best practices in crafting press releases, managing institutional branding, and promoting university milestones across various platforms. The session provided RSU with valuable insights into ASU’s methodical approach to public affairs and its role in shaping the university’s image and reputation.

Complementing the institutional presentations, student representatives from ASU’s official publications shared their editorial workflows, content development strategies, and experiences in campus journalism. Their discussion emphasized the importance of student media in fostering transparency, creativity, and community engagement.

The RSU team was also given a guided tour of ASU’s media facilities, including DYMT 100.9 FM Community Radio, a platform for grassroots broadcasting and public service communication, and the BA Communication Multi-media Laboratory, which serves as a hands-on training space for media and communication students. These facilities demonstrated ASU’s investment in experiential learning and its support for student-led content creation.

Throughout the visit, RSU participants engaged in meaningful exchanges with their ASU counterparts, discussing topics such as visual design, digital media production, and strategic communication. The benchmarking activity not only provided RSU with practical models to enhance its own systems but also fostered a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose between the two institutions.

The visit marked not just the conclusion of a successful engagement—but the beginning of a promising partnership. Both universities expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations in media development, student training, and institutional communication. With shared values and a commitment to excellence, ASU and RSU look forward to building stronger ties that will continue to uplift higher education across the region.