A grand celebration on Jan. 6 marked the observance of MMSU’s 31st Foundation Day with the theme, \"Filipino/Chinese virtues for entrepreneurial success\".

University officials, faculty members, students, non-teaching personnel, and guests trooped to the Teatro Ilocandia at 8 a.m. for a thanksgiving mass officiated by Re. Fr. Ericson M. Josue, parochial vicar of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Batac.

After the mass, the University Convocation followed which highlighted President Miriam E. Pascua’s State-of-the-University Address and guest speaker John Y. Chua Jr.’s message. Chua is the president of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ilocos Norte-Laoag City Chapter. In his message, he advocated the creation of jobs instead of seeking them. He said entrepreneurship would boost the country’s economy. \"We should depend on ourselves and not on foreign countries,\" he said. He related his family’s experiences in doing business and shared some points that he has learned in his almost 50 years in business. These were: satisfying customers to make a quick way to expand customer base, maintaining good credit standing with suppliers, and being patient.

Former university officials, a faculty member, and a watchman were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the university. They were: Dr. Saturnino M. Ocampo Jr., fifth MMSU president; Dr. Nancy GB. Balantac, former vice president for academic affairs; Prof. Jeanette G. Dials, Metrobank Foundation outstanding teacher; and watchman Orlando C. Tulali, who risked his life in line of duty to protect and save university properties.