Mariano Marcos
State University

CHED-supported iPath-Pro of MMSU takes center stage at trifocal education meeting

By Ian Paul Villanueva

The Industry-Based Microcredential Pathways Toward Graduate Programs in Probiotics and Functional Foods for Sustainable Health and Nutrition (iPath-Pro) program of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) was put on the national spotlight as Dr. Rhian Jaymar Ramil presented the program at the 4th Joint Education Trifocal Management Committee (JETMC) meeting.

Held on October 8-10 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, the high-level JETMC meeting brought together key leaders from the education tri-agencies: Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Kiko B. Benitez, as well as Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Chairperson Charito A. Zamora.

Dr. Ramil, who concurrently serves as project staff of iPath-Pro, program leader of the IFP-Probiotics Research Program, and chief of the Functional Foods and Nutraceutical Research Center (FNRC), presented iPath-Pro as a model for a ladderized education system that bridges industry-based competencies with advanced academic graduate programs.

The presentation gained national-level recognition as TESDA identified iPath-Pro for possible adaptation into its ladderized education programs. This development highlights the potential of MMSU's innovative microcredential framework to contribute to national education reforms by integrating research-based competencies, industry-relevant training, and advanced academic qualifications.

Designed to respond to industry needs while advancing research-based learning, iPath-Pro encompasses three specialization domains: Applied Biology; Pharmaceutical Technology; and Food Innovation, Nutrition, and Health. Each offers three stackable microcredential courses that provide flexible learning opportunities and progressive pathways toward advanced graduate education.

The program, in its current form, builds on the vision of Dr. Agrupis, who served as MMSU President and program leader of the IFP-Probiotics Research Program.

Aside from the presentation, Dr. Ramil participated in technical discussions on ladderized education-to-employment pathways and the Philippine Credit Transfer System, which aims to facilitate learner progression and credit transfer across institutions and levels of the Philippine Qualifications Framework, particularly between CHED and TESDA.

Anchored on the One Education Agenda, the meeting sought to strengthen coordination across basic, higher, and technical-vocational education and establish seamless pathways connecting learning, skills development, and employment.

Other officials present at the meeting included Asst. Sec. Delfin Stephen Villafuerte of DepEd’s Education and Workforce Development Group (EWDG) and Executive Director Jennie Jocson of the Teacher Education Council (TEC), among others.

Beyond the recognition it has received, MMSU’s initiative gives weight to the university’s growing relevance in transforming research excellence into accessible educational opportunities and sustainable workforce development at the national scale.