PJM: The sunflower garden is our gift to the MMSU Class of 2026
Calling it a gift to the MMSU Class of 2026, University President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. led the launch of the university’s sunflower garden on June 4 at FEM Park.
“Sunflower has always been a symbol for the MMSU graduating class,” Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation Nathaniel Alibuyog said. However, the 2026 installation, dubbed by President Manzano as Sunflower Art 1.0, marks a major shift in the university’s annual landscape design. Traditionally used for rice paddy art during the wet season, the area is now transformed in the dry season into a vibrant field of sunflowers and zinnias arranged in artistic patterns.
From an aerial view, the flower art forms a sophisticated maze, with the center featuring the “SUCCEED” marker as its focal point, surrounded by carefully arranged sunflower patterns that complete the overall design. It also features the number “8” in a double infinity symbol, representing Dr. Manzano as the eighth president of the university, while also reflecting continuity, growth, and MMSU’s vision for sustained institutional progress.
The event was attended by Batac City Mayor Mark Christian Chua, partners from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Tobacco Administration (NTA), and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA). Administrative council members, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members also joined the launch.
In his message, Extension Director Marlowe Aquino said the sunflower garden reflects the university’s mission of cultivating both knowledge and character. “The sunflower art and garden show is a fitting symbol for an institution with strong roots in agriculture, science, and nation-building,” he said.
Batac City Mayor Chua congratulated the university for continuously introducing creative installations for the people of Batac and the wider community. He said the sunflower represents resilience and hope. “This is a reminder that despite tragedies and broken dreams, we are reminded of how beautiful life is and how we should strive to be happy just like a sunflower,” he said.
City Tourism Officer Angelica Yumul said the living public art is expected to draw public interest and help boost ecotourism while encouraging appreciation for ornamental and agricultural plants in the city.
In an interview, General Services Division Director Bensen Pola thanked the farm workers and laborers who volunteered in planting the sunflowers and reminded the public not to pick the flowers. He said that while entrance is free, the garden is meant to be enjoyed by the MMSU Class of 2026 and the community.
President Manzano also shared that next year’s Sunflower Art is expected to feature the “ACHIEVE” symbol in support of the strategic framework of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) under Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, one of MMSU’s most distinguished alumnae and its seventh president. He also invited the public to visit MMSU and experience the sunflower garden while it is in bloom.
Jun, 05, 2026 10:20:am
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