Mariano Marcos
State University

ADB, DTI hold consultation visit in MMSU for ASCEND Project

By Benedict Jay Collado

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted a consultation and site visit at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) on August 7–8 in preparation for the implementation of the Advancing Skills, Competitiveness, and Enterprise Development (ASCEND) Project. 
 

Following the endorsement of the project by the Regional Development Council–1 (RDC-1) Full Council last June 17, MMSU is set to serve as one of the project’s implementing agencies and as the ASCEND hub for Northern Luzon, focusing on renewable energy, climate technology, and green transition. 

MMSU President Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr. reaffirmed the University’s commitment to the project and its support for initiatives that strengthen innovation, industry competitiveness, workforce development, and sustainable regional growth.

During the two-day engagement, ADB, DTI, and MMSU representatives discussed project implementation arrangements, financial management, advance procurement, gender and development mainstreaming, and infrastructure and equipment requirements. 
 

The delegation also inspected the proposed site for ASCEND-supported infrastructure near the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development. 

The visit concluded with a wrap-up session identifying key agreements and time-bound actions toward project readiness, further positioning MMSU as Northern Luzon’s hub for innovation and enterprise development in renewable energy, climate technology, and green transition.