MMSU poised to offer BS Agroforestry after successful RQAT evaluation
By Ian Paul Villanueva
Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) is a step closer to offering a Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry program after having complied with all the requirements of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). An on-site validation and evaluation by CHED Region 1 of the university’s proposal to offer the program was held on July 1 at the MMSU Center for Flexible Learning.
The CHED Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT), which conducted the evaluation, was led by Prof. Jay Mark Cortado, who was joined by Dr. Lilia Sampaga. Together, they looked into the university’s readiness in facilities, expertise of personnel, and administration, among other areas.
During the opening program, MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., warmly welcomed the evaluators and expressed the university administration’s support and commitment for the program offering.
“One of the biggest challenges for many Ilocos Norte youths remains to be access to education. With the offering of the BS in Agroforestry at the university, we ensure that we live up to what ‘S’ in the SUCCEED agenda stands for, which is strategic access and equity,” Dr. Manzano remarked.
Speaking on behalf of Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal, College of Engineering Dean Sharona Barroga noted the university’s quality assurance culture as a sign of its openness to accept the evaluation’s results.
“At MMSU, we view quality assurance not only as a requirement but as an opportunity for continuous improvement. So, we welcome our evaluators with openness and appreciate your valuable insights and recommendations as we strive to ensure that this program meets the highest standards of quality and relevance,” she said.
Dean Charlie Batin of the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD), where the program is to be offered, expressed the college’s readiness and capacity to offer the program.
“We are very ready because two of our related programs are Level IV-accredited by the AACCUP, the BS in Agriculture and BS in Forestry. BS in Agroforestry is a combination of the two programs. At the same time, we are recognized as a Center of Development in agriculture and forestry by CHED, so we are more than ready,” Dr. Batin remarked.
Poised to be the 7th degree program offering in CAFSD, BS Agroforestry is a degree program focused on the sustainable management of integrated land-use systems involving trees, crops, livestock, and people. As a distinct discipline, it applies ecological, agricultural, economic, and social sciences to develop resilient production systems.
Jul, 06, 2026 10:26:am
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