By Niña Christelle Sumintac, StratCom Correspondent

In its fourth year, the MMSU College of Teacher Education (CTE) Alumni Association marked its Grand Alumni Reunion and Homecoming on February 11 at the CTE Outdoor Stage and Balay ti Alumni.

With the theme "Normalite: Pagwadan, Pagtamdan, Pagnamnamaan!", the reunion commenced with a thanksgiving mass presided by Msgr. Joel Bruno C. Barut, Vicar General and Moderator of St. William’s Cathedral Diocese of Laoag.

Dr. Alegria Tan-Visaya, the president of the MMSU CTE Alumni Association, led the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni 2024, which comprises of Felix Josue (Class '69), Ligaya Ricafrente (Class ‘68), Godofredo Rabara (Class '68), Louisa Afalla Tagudin (Class '66), Rafael Pacifico Guerrero Velasco (Class '84), Florence Ancheta Peralta (Class '68), and the Special Award for Normalites of Hawaii (NOH). These alumni were also awarded during the Pammigbig ken Pammadayaw 2024 held last February 7 at the Teatro Ilocandia. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis expressed her profound gratitude to the alumni community for their commitment to achieving academic excellence and service to society. 

“Each one of you represents the pillars. Pillars that embody achievement and symbolizes the realization of dreams that are nurtured here. Pillars that stood the test of time, no matter what and no matter how,” she said.

Alumni batches from 1959 to 2023 were also presented, and certificates of recognition were awarded to Balay ti Alumni Wall donors and room sponsors. Ms. Fausta Buted Marcos, Batch '59, is the oldest alumna to attend the reunion. She is 88 years old.

Through the efforts of the alumni community, the Balay ti Alumni donors wall and sponsored rooms were unveiled as a symbol of the alumni’s continuous support of MMSU’s vision and mission.  Dr. Anabelle C. Felipe also introduced a book launch on CTE’s century-long history. 

Generous donations of P100,000 by Retired B.Gen Godofredo Rabara from  NLTC Class of 1968 and P50,000 by  Mr. Federico Acob from NLTC Class 1970 were also given during the event. 

Also present at the event were former MMSU President Dr. Santiago Obien, Hon. Gwyneth S. Quidang, President of the MMSU Federated Alumni Association Incorporated and other distinguished guests and alumni. (MKA_StratCom)