CHED Chair Agrupis urges MMSU Class of 2026: Use knowledge and skills to serve others
By Jareason Fabre
Addressing the 2,308 graduates of Mariano Marcos State University's (MMSU) Class of 2026 today, June 11, CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis challenged them to use their education to serve others and the nation.
On the second day of the university's 48th Commencement Exercises, which included 460 Latin honor recipients, Chair Agrupis emphasized that public service begins not with a government position but with a commitment to use one's knowledge, skills, and voice for the common good.
"Public service does not begin with a title or appointment. It is about our responsibility as educated Filipinos — to use our knowledge, understanding, voice, and abilities not only for personal success but for the welfare of the greater majority," she said.
Dr. Agrupis, an MMSU alumna and the 7th MMSU President, said graduates are entering fields identified by EDCOM II and the country's development agenda as priority disciplines, including agriculture, healthcare, science, finance, digital technology, and engineering.
Citing national workforce gaps, she noted that the Philippines currently has only 21.2 healthcare workers for every 10,000 people, less than half of the World Health Organization's recommended ratio of 44.5. The country also faces a shortage of around 127,000 nurses and more than 27,000 pharmacists.
She added that the Philippines has only about 270 researchers per million people, far below countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan, while industries continue to face shortages of engineers, scientists, and technology professionals.
"The country needs more Filipinos who are willing to apply their knowledge and expertise to address real challenges, solve real problems, and create real opportunities for our people," Dr. Agrupis said.
Given MMSU's growing presence in national leadership, the Chairperson noted that the university is now represented among the country's top decision-makers.
"For decades, many of our country's most influential leaders came from a relatively small number of universities concentrated in and around Metro Manila or from prestigious institutions abroad. And rightly so," she said.
"And I am proud because Mariano Marcos State University is no longer simply observing that history; we are part of it, and we are helping shape it."
Dr. Agrupis cited that both the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and herself are MMSU alumni currently leading key national agencies.
She reminded graduates that they come from a university recognized for excellence in research, innovation, internationalization, and academic quality.
"Remember, you studied at Mariano Marcos State University," she said, citing the university's Level IV status, Centers of Excellence and Development recognitions, international rankings, board examination achievements, and advanced research and innovation facilities.
"MMSU has not merely prepared you to earn a living. It has prepared you to become the next generation of leaders, experts, innovators, and public servants whose work will help shape the future of the Philippines."
Drawing from her own experience, the CHED Chair shared how she grew up as the youngest of nine children in a farming family in Aparri, Cagayan, and became the only sibling to finish college.
“I had no connections. I had no backer. All I had was hard work, discipline, and the courage to dream bigger than what other people thought was possible for me,” she recalled.
She said education transformed not only her life but also the future of her family, allowing her to help send one child from each of her siblings to school.
Closing her address, Dr. Agrupis urged graduates to remember the sacrifices of their parents and families and to use their success to uplift others.
“So when the time comes that you become successful, I hope you won’t let the biggest upgrades in your life be just the latest iPhone, titles, salary, or material things alone. I hope one of the most meaningful things you can give is the chance to make your parents’ and family’s lives a little easier,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chalzea Johanna Raval, BS Biology summa cum laude and valedictorian, delivered the valediction on behalf of the graduating class. She said that their journey as MMSU students was shaped not only by academic rigor but also by perseverance, discipline, and the shared sacrifices of families and mentors who supported their success.
Echoing the sentiments of the CHED Chair, , MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. said that the graduates embody the best of the university and carry with them its mission beyond the campus.
“As you begin a new chapter in life, always remember that MMSU will remain proud of you and will continue to believe in your potential to make a difference in your community and in the country. May the values and lessons you gained from the university guide you in every decision, every challenge, and every success that lies ahead,” he said.
The first batch of the MMSU 48th Commencement Exercises yesterday, June 10, gathered 1,597 graduates from six colleges: the Graduate School with 182, College of Law with 16, College of Medicine with 44, College of Teacher Education with 790, College of Industrial Technology with 498, and the College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology with 67.
Today’s second batch brought together 2,308 graduates from the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (353), College of Arts and Sciences (321), College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (708), College of Computing and Information Sciences (179), College of Health Sciences (371), and College of Engineering (376), bringing the total number of MMSU Class of 2026 graduates to 3,905 stallions who officially completed their academic journey.
Jun, 15, 2026 11:37:am
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