A microcredential program on probiotics and functional foods was launched at Mariano Marcos State University on October 15, funded under the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Higher Education Upskilling and Study for the Advancement of Staff and Faculty (HUSAY) Program.

The Industry-Based Microcredential Pathways Toward Graduate Programs in Probiotics and Functional Foods for Sustainable Health and Nutrition (iPath-Pro), launched during the 2nd Probiotics and Functional Foods Asian Summit, aims to address the evolving demands in microbial biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and food innovation sectors.

According to Dr. Doreen Domingo, iPath-Pro Project Leader, the program offers flexible learning modalities through modular and industry-based microcredentials designed to enhance advanced faculty competency while progressively earning credits toward graduate programs.

This initiative is organized around three domains of specialization, which are Applied Biology, focusing on microbial genomics and bioanalytics; Pharmaceutical Technology, centered on natural product discovery and formulation; and Food Innovation, Nutrition, and Health, highlighting sustainable food systems and quality standards.

Each microcredential course combines online learning with hands-on training, allowing participants to acquire theoretical understanding and practical expertise aligned with current industry standards. Through these stackable credentials, learners may earn certificates, diplomas, and eventually, a master’s or doctoral degree.

Leading the ceremonial MOA signing were CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and MMSU President Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. Joining them were officials from MMSU, government agencies, and partner institutions who attended the 12th PhilProFF Biennial Convention.

Serving as key personnel for the implementation of the iPath-Pro project are Dr. Dionisio Bucao, Dr. Peter James Gann, with staff Prof. Rhian Jaymar Ramil, Ms. Jimmbeth Zenila Fabia, and Dr. Winicel May Ancheta.

Resource persons for the program are faculty members from various MMSU colleges, particularly the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development, College of Health Sciences, and the College of Industrial Technology. The project collaborates with higher education institutions and industry partners, including the University of the Philippines Manila, BauerTek Corporation, and the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand.

The iPath-Pro project is a major initiative under MMSU’s flagship program on IFP-Probiotics Research, which aims to position the university as a national leader in probiotics and functional food innovation. Supported by CHED, the project also emphasizes MMSU’s thrusts in lifelong learning, workforce development, and academic innovation.