Rev. Fr. Patricio Hiwatig OP along with students, faculty, and staff of the Colegio led the blessing of the newly inaugurated Research, Innovation, and Creatives Hub (RICH) under the Colegio’s Research and Publication Department (RPD). Photo by Augusto Urbano II /The LANCE
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran–Manila formally opened its new Research, Innovation, and Creative Hub (RICH) under the Research, Publication, and Development Center (RPDC) on Thursday, Nov. 14.
The blessing and inauguration, led by Rev. Fr. Patricio P. Hiwatig, marked the official launch of the facility to the entire Letran community. Although RICH has been in use since the beginning of Academic Year 2025–2026, the ceremony symbolized its formal opening.
Formerly the Research and Publication Department (RPD) Extension Office, the space was renovated into a multifunctional hub equipped with three computer workstations, a Wi-Fi router (currently accessible to laptops), four collaborative tables, a television, whiteboard, sofa, and beanbags. The area can accommodate an entire class for group work or meetings.
In line with the institution’s goals of internationalization, sustainability, and innovation, RICH serves as a dedicated venue for students and employees to engage in research, innovation, and creative projects.
“Any discussion about anything is research,” said Asst. Prof. Louie Ian B. Mariano, RChe, MEN, director of the RPD. He emphasized that the facility is open to all students, regardless of program or strand.
“RICH is open to everyone,” Mariano said in an interview with The LANCE. “Sabi ko nga sa staff ko, bawal ang hindi accommodating. We make sure that all inquiries from students and employees are entertained, including requests to use the facilities.”
RICH is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The hub is also expected to host a major event next year, tentatively titled the “Letran Pitching Contest,” which will be open to all members of the Letran community.