Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU virtual tour lets global participants experience Ilocos culture and cuisine

By Jeremy Pascual

International students and partners of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) recently joined a guided virtual journey across Region 1 through the Innovative Learning Development (InLeaD) program held from May 18 to 23. The week-long activity brought Ilokano culture into the homes of global participants through interactive sessions on language, food, heritage, and tourism delivered in an accessible online format.

MMSU Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnerships Director Jeanette Dials welcomed the participants and expressed appreciation for their interest in Ilokano culture and their continued engagement with the university’s international learning initiatives. She encouraged sustained participation in cross-cultural exchanges, noting their role in strengthening global understanding and academic collaboration.

Participants engaged in language immersion sessions introducing basic Ilokano and Filipino expressions used in everyday interactions. Center for Language and Culture Chief Maria Eliza Lopez led the Learning the Filipino Language session, guiding participants through common greetings, practical phrases, and the cultural meanings embedded in local communication patterns.

Ilokano culinary traditions were featured by Asst. Prof. Buena Creselda Taloza, who presented regional dishes such as poqui-poqui, Ilocos empanada, warek-warek or dinakdakan, and sinigang na bangus. The session gave participants a closer look at how these dishes are prepared and enjoyed in local households, along with the stories and traditions that continue to shape Ilokano food culture.

Participants also explored Ilocos destinations through a virtual tour showcasing historical landmarks and natural sites via guided narratives and visual materials. The session discussed how tourism can support cultural preservation while promoting responsible and forward-looking development in local communities.

The six-day program concluded with a discussion on Understanding Ilocano Culture, giving participants a deeper appreciation of local customs, traditions, arts, history, and values. The session reflected the resilience, creativity, and strong sense of community that define Ilokano identity.