MMSU holds investiture for President Manzano
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. was formally installed as the 8th President of MMSU. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Shirley Agrupis, presided over the investiture rites on January 19 at Teatro Ilocandia.
President Manzano was elected University President by the Board of Regents (BOR) on February 11 and formally assumed office after taking his oath on February 25. He initially served the unexpired term of the 7th MMSU President Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis. On July 11, Dr. Manzano was sworn in as President of MMSU for a full four-year term before Dr. Agrupis.
In his first State of the University Address, Dr. Manzano outlined a comprehensive roadmap for the university’s future through his seven-point agenda, SUCCEED. His SUCCEED vision includes Strategic Access and Equity; Universal Quality Education; Catalytic and Impact-driven Research and Innovation; Comprehensive Community Service; Exemplary Governance; Effective and Efficient Resource Generation and Management; and Dynamic and Holistic Workforce.
“We shall operationalize the ACHIEVE to SUCCEED framework to deliver measurable results and strengthen MMSU's value in the region,” Dr. Manzano said. He then stressed that SUCCEED builds upon the previous ACHIEVE vision of Dr. Agrupis. “Having attained almost all targets under ACHIEVE, we now move more confidently and decisively to SUCCEED,” he added.
Under the Strategic Access and Equity agenda, the university expanded access to quality higher education through the establishment of new academic degree and non-degree programs, flexible and open learning modalities, expanded scholarships, and improved student facilities. These initiatives were complemented by strong licensure examination performance and an increased number of accredited programs under Universal Quality Education, as well as expanded research capacity through the establishment of new centers, the filing of patents, and the funding of projects under Catalytic and Impact-Driven Research.
Across governance and institutional support systems, the university strengthened transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness through policy reforms, digital transformation, and infrastructure development under Exemplary Governance. Impact-driven community initiatives were delivered through strengthened partnerships in Effective and Efficient Resource Generation and Management, supported by a Dynamic and Holistic Workforce program that promotes employee development, wellness, and work-life integration.
Present during the event were CHED Commissioners Dr. Desiderio R. Apag III, Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari, and Dr. Ricmar Aquino; Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos; former MMSU President Dr. Santiago Obien; Dr. Tirso Ronquillo of Batangas State University (BatSU), President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC). Also, presidents of higher education institutions (HEIs), heads of international and national partner institutions and agencies, former members of the MMSU Board of Regents, and other stakeholders also witnessed the historic occasion.
The investiture rites was likewise attended by MMSU alumni, faculty members, students, and other members of the University community. It also signified the beginning of a new chapter in the university’s pursuit of academic excellence, innovation, and responsible governance.
Since its founding in 1978, MMSU has been led by the following presidents: Dr. Consuelo S. Blanco (1978–1985), Dr. Santiago R. Obien (1985–1987), Dr. Felipe B. Cachola (1987–1993), Dr. Elias Calacal (1993–1999), Dr. Saturnino M. Ocampo (1999–2004), Dr. Miriam E. Pascua (2005–2015), and Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis (2017–2024), including Dr. Nancy GB. Balantac (2004-2005), and Dr. Prima Fe Franco (2015-2017; 2024-2025) who served as Officers-in-Charge. (𝘔𝘔𝘝/𝘞𝘉𝘉)
Jan, 21, 2026 09:06:am
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STRATCOM
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