CHED Chair Agrupis conferred Raniag Award, highest honor for MMSU alum
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis was conferred the Raniag Award, the highest distinction bestowed by Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) on its alumni, during the 7th Pammigbig ken Pammadayaw on January 27 at Teatro Ilocandia.
A BS Biology graduate (Class of 1985), Dr. Agrupis led the roster of 40 distinguished alumni recognized for exemplary professional achievement and service, marking another milestone as the first MMSU alumna to serve as University President.
In her acceptance message, the Chair recalled her early years as MMSU president, particularly the launching of her ACHIEVE framework in 2017. She recognized the people who walked with her in her journey, the faculty, staff, and students, leading to her award received.”To the faculty and staff present tonight: you are the ones who turned plans into outcomes. I humbly share this award with you, for proving that when a community is aligned, ‘impossible’ is just a starting point,” Dr. Agrupis said.
The recognition ceremony, organized by the Federated Alumni Association, Inc. (FAAI), honored MMSU graduates whose professional achievements and community involvement reflect the University’s core values of excellence, service, and honor.
Hon. Maynard Francis Bumanglag, Vice President and Acting President of the MMSU FAAI, said the event strongly testified to the perseverance of MMSU graduates in shaping lives and uplifting communities. He encouraged the awardees to remain united in spirit in helping others and leaving a lasting MMSU impact. “You prove today that the MMSU spirit is alive around the world. Let us continue to define the true spirit of excellence, service, and honor,” he said.
7th PKP Event Chair Hon. Bismark Angelo Quidang emphasized that the awards manifest the University’s enduring legacy to its graduates and the community, noting that the event continues to evolve and progress despite challenges.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal, representing MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., conveyed the President’s congratulations to the honorees and highlighted that their accomplishments show the quality of education and values instilled by MMSU. He recognized the indispensable part of MMSU alumni in introducing the kind of excellence that the university offers to the world.
“We do not only recognize the heights that our alumni reached, but also the values that they carry with them wherever life has taken them. Their stories tell us that true education is measured by the positive impact one makes on people and communities”, he added.
Among the awardees were Paoay Mayor Hon. Shiella Galano of University High School–Paoay (1994) and Judith Quilala of University High School-Currimao (1988). Other honorees from the University High School-Batac included Abigail Patricia dela Cruz (Science High School, 1994), Amelia Jacang (Batac Rural High School, 1956), and Cheryll Didi Nellie Obra (Science High School, 1992).
From the Laboratory High School–Laoag, the awardees were Czarina Juliana Alcaraz (1993), Jomelyn Bolompo (1989), Venus de Grano (1978), Julius Leano (1996), and Karlo Pedro (2004).
From the Graduate School, Maria Teresa Benas (PhD in Rural Development, 2007) and Gervy James Gumarit (MAEd–Physics, 2024) were recognized.
Awardees from the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development–Batac were Irvin Cadavona (BS Environmental Science, 2009), Melinda Calumpit (BS Agriculture, 1997), Charisma Love Gado-Gonzales (Bachelor of Development Communication, 2004), and Releah Valdez (BS Forestry, 2008), while Jocelyn Bernabe (BS Agriculture, 1981) was recognized from CAFSD–Dingras.
Elaine Ramos (BS Biology, 1994) joined Dr. Agrupis among the honorees from the College of Arts and Sciences.
The College of Teacher Education awardees were Rosabel Acosta (BS Secondary Education, 1986), Gregoria Agbayani (BS Elementary Education, 1966), Norma Fernando (BS Elementary Education, 1965), and Hilarion Ramiro (BS Elementary Education, 1971). Additionally, recognized from the College of Medicine were Addielou Fidelio Abad (Doctor of Medicine, 2021) and Rachelle Bocoboc (Doctor of Medicine, 2020).
Moreover, the College of Engineering honorees were John Cabulisan (BS Civil Engineering, 2000) and Rigor Gabur (BS Electrical Engineering, 2000). Veronica Grande (BS Fisheries, 1986) received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology. The College of Health Sciences honorees were Charlene Florina Laurel (BS Pharmacy, 2002), Ina Felize Ramajo (BS Pharmacy, 2010), and Amie Ragasa–Santa Maria (BS Nursing, 1991).
Completing the list were awardees from the College of Business Education and Accountancy, Amerson Aguinaldo (BSBA Marketing Management, 2015), Armi Barbara Cabulisan (BS Accountancy, 2001), Christopher Corpuz (BS Accountancy, 2000), and Lawrence Patricio (BSBA Accounting, 1993)—and from the College of Computing and Information Science: Jay-arr Ballesteros (BS Computer Science, 2007), Richard Kennedy Domingo (BS Computer Science, 2012), Jayvee John Maoirat (BS Computer Science, 2012), Paul Benedict Parado (BS Computer Science, 2001), and Darwin Paul Tuliao (BS Computer Science, 2014).
The Pammigbig ken Pammadayaw continues to serve as MMSU’s platform for honoring alumni whose achievements inspire future generations, strengthen alumni engagement, and reaffirm the University’s enduring thrust to excellence and service. (𝘔𝘔𝘝)
Jan, 29, 2026 03:07:pm
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STRATCOM
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