Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU-CCIS marks 3rd foundation anniversary

By Jedd Bryant Boado

After being elevated to an independent college in 2023, the MMSU College of Computing and Information Sciences (CCIS) commenced its 3rd foundation anniversary celebration with a Thanksgiving Mass and Opening Program held at Teatro Ilocandia on March 23.

The event was graced by university officials, led by Vice President for Administration and Finance Fides Bernardo Bitanga, representing MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. Joining him were College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Marlino Lino, standing in for Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Aris Reynold Cajigal, CCIS Dean Saturnina Nisperos, Very Rev. Fr. Noel Ian Rabago, as well as faculty, students, and staff.

In his message, Dr. Bitanga commended the college's impressive growth over the past three years, particularly the quality of its graduates and its faculty. He expressed confidence that the college will achieve its goals for the future.

“You have exhibited greatness before in your first, second, and now, third year as a newly-formed college. I do not doubt that you will do it again in the succeeding years, because for us at MMSU, there is no other way than greatness,” Dr. Bitanga said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lino also delivered a message stating CAS, CCIS’s mother college,  is committed to helping the college in all of its undertakings, embodying the Stallion spirit of camaraderie.

“The doors of the College of Arts and Sciences are always open for assistance to the College of Computing and Information Sciences’ undertakings. Because our college and the Office of the VPAA know that CCIS has been instrumental to the university’s technological innovations and achievements,” Dr. Lino said.

In addition, CCIS Dean Saturnina Nisperos discussed the achievements of the college in its third year, particularly in enrollment of students and the employability of graduates, external partnerships, and the college’s infrastructure roadmap, among others.

Similarly, the Office of Student Affairs and Services Director Lawrence John Tagata recognized the successes of the college, with achievements such as producing a co-valedictorian in the person of Ms. Xamantha Ruiz in 2025 and the recognition of Prof. Wilben Pagtaconan as the Most Outstanding Teacher of the 2025 PRAISE awards.

With the theme, “Accelerate: Scaling Impact and Future-Proofing the Digital Innovation,” CCIS moves forward with the aim of producing more competent graduates in the fields of computer science and information technology, and developing meaningful innovations in the future.