Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU administrators assess midyear gains, set course for SUCCEED agenda

By Jareason Fabre

Administrators of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) gathered on August 13–14 in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte, for the 2026 Midyear Performance Review, taking stock of the university’s accomplishments in the first half of the year and charting the course toward its targets under the 7-point SUCCEED agenda.

Led by MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., the two-day review involved college deans, directors, and presidents of the Faculty Association, Inc., the Association of Non-Teaching and Administrative Personnel, and the University Student Council to assess performance, identify gaps, and align priorities for the remainder of 2026 and the coming years.

Vice President for Planning and Strategic Foresight Mee Jay Domingo described the review in his opening remarks as an opportunity for university leaders to turn performance data into decisions.

“A midyear review allows us to pause, look at where we are, recognize what is working, and confront what needs to improve. More importantly, it allows every unit to translate its accomplishments and challenges into concrete actions that will move MMSU closer to its strategic goals,” Domingo said.

Monitoring and Evaluation Chief Suzeth Nicole Rugian presented the 2026 Midyear Accomplishment Report, underscoring the performance of university units against their Annual Implementation Plans (AIPs).

Meanwhile, Program Planning Services Chief Sabina Pariñas reported the university’s FY 2026 midyear accomplishments based on the Program Expenditure Classification (PREXC), providing an overview of program implementation and expenditure performance.

Financial Management Services Director Christine Mae Piza presented the university’s midyear financial accomplishments, while Quality Assurance Director Lawrence Eclarin discussed updates on quality assurance and accreditation initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional performance and continuous improvement.

Throughout the event, administrators presented their units’ accomplishments, emerging challenges, and plans for the second half of the year. The presentations provided a comprehensive picture of MMSU’s progress while identifying areas requiring closer attention and stronger execution.

Lead organizer and Planning Director Sherlyn Nicolas synthesized the discussions and laid out ways forward, emphasizing the need to convert plans and accomplishments into measurable results.

“Our accomplishments should not simply mark what we have done; they should tell us what we are capable of doing next. The challenge now is to close the gaps, sustain what works, and make every succeeding action more strategic, measurable, and responsive to the university’s goals,” Nicolas said.

President Manzano, meanwhile, challenged administrators to take ownership of their respective units’ performance and to lead with clarity and purpose.

“Every leader must have his or her own stance on what has been accomplished, what has been delivered, and what still needs to be done. Leadership means knowing where you stand, taking responsibility for the results, and having the resolve to move your unit forward,” Manzano said.

He urged administrators to build on the university’s gains while remaining focused on delivering results that contribute to MMSU’s broader institutional aspirations.

The President’s marching orders centered on accountability, execution, and sustained momentum, calling on university leaders to translate strategies into action, address gaps decisively, and ensure that every unit contributes meaningfully to MMSU’s transformation.

“We cannot be satisfied with accomplishments alone. What matters is the impact they create and how consistently we deliver. Let us use what we have learned from this review to act with greater urgency, discipline, and unity,” Dr. Manzano said.

The 2026 Midyear Performance Review reflected the resolve of the administrators in realizing MMSU’s vision as a premier university in Southeast Asia.

Closing the activity, Vice President for Administration and Finance Fides Bernardo Bitanga drew inspiration from the pebbled beach setting of the event.

“Each of us may be like a single pebble, small on its own, but when brought together, we become part of something beautiful and meaningful. The strength of MMSU lies in how we come together, contribute our part, and build something greater than ourselves,” Bitanga said.

As MMSU moves into the second half of 2026, its administrators now carry a clearer set of priorities: sustain the gains, address the gaps, strengthen accountability, and turn strategic plans into tangible results.

The midyear review thus served as a renewed call for collective action toward an MMSU that is more ready for the demands of the future.