Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU hosts Bert Lozada Swim School classes

By Jedd Bryant Boado

With the academic year winding down in May, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Pool took on a new role in May as a venue for swimming instruction through the Bert Lozada Swim School (BLSS). 

MMSU signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with BLSS on May 29 at the Center for Flexible Learning, to expand access to swimming education and maximize the use of its facilities. The collaboration aims to provide swimming lessons and other training programs for MMSU employees and their children, students, and other members of the wider community.

Representing MMSU in the signing were University President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., and Human Movement and Artistic Innovation Center Director Ryan Dean Sucgang. Meanwhile, representing BLSS was its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. Angelo Lozada. Witnesses to the signing included MMSU Strategic Business Development Director Angelina Abrojena and BLSS-Batac Operations Supervisor Ms. May Rose Rabang-Lamsen. The event was also attended by university officials, HMAIC staff, PE Department faculty members, MMSU Outdoor Pool staff, and representatives from BLSS.

In his message, Dr. Manzano shared his personal experiences in learning how to swim and noted that it is not only a leisure activity but also an important life skill. He assured BLSS that the university is committed to implementing the provisions of the MOA.

“Ever since I was young, I have known the importance of swimming. It is not only a leisure activity but also an important life skill for survival. For this reason, we commit to the implementation of the MOA we signed with BLSS, which will provide lessons that will keep us safe in the water, especially in emergencies,” Dr. Manzano said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lozada expressed optimism that the partnership would benefit both parties by maximizing the use of the university’s swimming pool and generating additional income. He also shared that they are open to working with the university on future programs that will benefit the MMSU community and beyond.

“When we decided to partner with MMSU, our goal has been to ensure that the university’s pool will be income-generating so that it will be self-regulating and serve more people. Aside from that, we are also excited about the possibility of expanding our agreement in the future by establishing programs such as triathlons and aquathlons in the university,” Mr. Lozada said.

Mr. Lozada also shared that all MMSU employees will receive free swimming lessons from BLSS as part of the partnership.

“We are also happy to announce that all MMSU employees will receive free swimming lessons from BLSS. This is part of our vision to build a community here in MMSU that is safe and confident in the water,” he added.

Following the signing of the MOA, BLSS will continue conducting its Bert Lozada Summer Swim Program, which provides lessons for kids, teens, and adults and focuses on basic swimming skills and water safety. Its Learn-To-Swim Program is conducted in batches, each consisting of 10 days of swimming lessons.