Sen. Legarda to MMSU students: 'Learning never stops'
“We should not lose the passion for becoming lifelong learners because knowledge is power. Learning never stops.”
This is what Senator Loren Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, told the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) students during the forum hosted by the university on the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in nation-building on January 17 at Teatro Ilocandia.
“We must be unrelenting in our vision. Never say that you know enough,” Senator Legarda added, urging students to pursue continuous learning as they contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Themed “Our Collective Actions: The Role of HEIs in Building Resilient Communities,” the event gathered university administrators, faculty members, students, and representatives from partner institutions and agencies.
The forum emphasized the partnership between MMSU and Senator Legarda as a platform for uniting public and private HEIs, government leaders, and stakeholders toward advancing sustainable development. It further stressed the collective vision of MMSU and Senator Legarda to strengthen the role of HEIs as catalysts for social transformation by integrating climate action, cultural preservation, and community engagement into instruction, research, and extension services.
Known for her long-standing advocacy for climate action, environmental protection, and cultural heritage, Senator Legarda stressed that HEIs play a critical role in shaping informed, responsible, and proactive citizens. She underscored the responsibility of state universities and colleges to cultivate a community of learners who are inquisitive and committed to lifelong learning, while upholding the values of discipline, honesty, and loyalty that are traditionally associated with Ilocano identity. “Ang disiplina ng Ilokano ay kailangang tularan ng lahat,” she said.
The senator also lauded the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC) of Mariano Marcos State University, which was established through her support during the presidency of the University’s 7th President, now Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis. The MMSU-based national renewable energy center serves as a hub that fosters synergy among communities of interest and communities of practice in bioenergy research, development, extension, education, and technopreneurship, all geared toward sustainable development and energy self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, CHED Chairperson Agrupis expressed her gratitude to the senator for her continued support of MMSU and HEIs. She also noted that the senator has been instrumental in the transformation and breakthroughs of MMSU, particularly in the areas of research and innovation, which are essential to making Ilocos Norte a renewable energy province of the Philippines.
Also present during the forum were Senator Rodante Marcoleta and his wife, Mrs. Edna Magbitang Marcoleta. Senator Marcoleta likewise expressed his support for the pivotal role of HEIs as forerunners of academic excellence and responsible citizenship.
As a token of appreciation, Senator Legarda was given a copy of the book, 𝘛𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘬: 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘕𝘶𝘦𝘷𝘢 𝘌𝘳𝘢, 𝘐𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘴 𝘕𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦, authored by Dr. Zyrill Ianna Pauline Domingo Pe Benito. The book is a scholarly documentation of the traditional dances of the Tingguians of Nueva Era and has earned acclaim from both critics and cultural stakeholders.
Jan, 21, 2026 09:04:am
Written By:
STRATCOM
