6 MMSU CTE students in Hawaii for cultural and language immersion
By Abril Ryan Dacanay, STRATCOM Correspondent
Six students of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) College of Teacher Education (CTE) are currently in Hawaii for a Cultural and Language Immersion Program in partnership with the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.
Led by Prof. Janeth Luis, CTE faculty and program coordinator, the delegation is engaged in intercultural activities, community collaborations, and educational exchanges until November 28, 2025.
As part of the immersion’s goal of strengthening ties with Filipino communities in Hawaii, the delegates joined the 2025 Nakem International Conference, a gathering of Ilocano scholars, educators, and cultural advocates. Moreover, they paid a visit to the Philippine Consulate, donating Ilocano books to Consul General Arman Talbo for the Consulate Library’s Ilocano collection. They also visited the Filipino Community Center (FilCom Center), one of the largest Filipino community centers outside the Philippines.
The group also served as guests on a program of KDIN Radio Hawaii, with a discussion on Ilocano youth identity, and MMSU’s growing global footprint with host Gladys Menor and broadcaster Bernard Ver of IFM Laoag. Joining them was Dr. Alegria Visaya, retired MMSU Board Secretary and President of Nakem Philippines.
In addition, the students are scheduled to serve as panelists in the session “I Am a Global Ilocano Youth” on November 21, where they will share insights on identity, language, and their experiences growing up as young Ilocanos in a rapidly globalizing world. Moreso, the students are set to stage a cultural presentation during the Nakem Gala Night on November 22 at the Ala Moana Hotel.
Prof. Luis emphasized that the program not only enhances students’ linguistic and cultural competencies but also deepens MMSU’s connections with Filipino communities abroad and its partner institutions in Hawaii. She noted that the immersion experience enables CTE students to participate in authentic multicultural learning while building global networks for future academic and professional pathways.
The immersion program supports the university’s vision of developing globally competitive, community-responsive educators who serve as ambassadors of the university and the Ilocano culture.
Prof. Jeanette Dials
Nov, 20, 2025 04:10:pm
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STRATCOM
