Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU among 8 Philippine universities recognized as Teacher Education Centers of Excellence

By Jareason Fabre

In celebration of National Teachers’ Month 2026, the Teacher Education Council (TEC) recognized Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) – Laoag Campus as one of only eight Regional Teacher Education Centers of Excellence (COE) nationwide during an awarding ceremony on September 30 at The Manila Hotel.

The award given during the National Teachers’ Month 2026 Celebration formally establishes the Laoag Campus, home of the MMSU College of Teacher Education (CTE), as a regional center under Republic Act No. 11713, or the Excellence in Teacher Education Act. Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who chairs the TEC, signed the plaque of recognition. Along with the designation, CTE received a ₱5-million grant to fund center operations over a three-year renewable term.

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. accepted the award alongside Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal, CTE Dean Ronald Candy Lasaten, and CTE Secretary Gerry Abad. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, serving as ex officio Vice Chairperson of the TEC and seventh MMSU president, presented the honor.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended the designated institutions and acknowledged the important role of educators in nation-building, assuring them of continuous government support to advance teacher education across the country.

"This recognition is proof of the quality of MMSU teacher educators and the teacher education program we offer," President Manzano said. "As we celebrate our teachers this month, we commit to continuously nurture the best educators for our communities."

Vice President Cajigal, who previously served as CTE Dean, noted that the COE designation serves as evidence of MMSU’s long-standing reputation for rigorous teacher preparation. Outlining the college’s next steps, Dean Lasaten emphasized that the recognition is both an honor and a responsibility.

"As a Center of Excellence, we do not just celebrate what we have achieved, we commit to doing more," Dr. Lasaten said. "We stand ready to lead, to serve, and to lift others. Together, we will continue to shape teachers who are compassionate, dedicated, and true nation-builders."

The MMSU College of Teacher Education has proudly upheld its Center of Excellence status for 30 years."