By Archie John Blas, STRATCOM Correspondent 

Committed to support the continuous professional development of its employees, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) joined the ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing and orientation for the 2025 Scholarships for Staff and Instructors’ Knowledge Advancement Program (SIKAP) Grant for Delivering Higher Institutions (DHEIs) on September 4 at the CHED Regional Office I, San Fernando, La Union.

The SIKAP grant, a prestigious scholarship initiative of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), enables teaching and non-teaching staff of state universities and colleges nationwide to pursue graduate-level studies. These opportunities cultivate professional excellence and contribute to the overall quality of higher education institutions.

Representing MMSU at the event were Dr. Winicel May C. Anheta, SIKAP Grant administrator, and Ms. Charl Lissa Ramiscal, representative from the Finance Unit, joining other designated SIKAP administrators and finance officers from participating institutions. 

The orientation detailed the program’s objectives, benefits, eligibility criteria, and application requirements. It also emphasized the roles and responsibilities of DHEIs in managing and supporting the scholars, reinforcing collaboration with CHED.

CHED has set the application deadline for the 2025 SIKAP Grant on September 8, urging qualified MMSU staff and instructors to seize the opportunity to develop their academic and professional qualifications.

Approved MMSU programs under the SIKAP Grant include: Doctor of Education (EdD) major in Educational Management, Master of Arts in Education (MAEd), Master of Arts in Public Administration (MAPA), Master of Science in Biology (MS Bio), Master of Science in Mathematics (MS Math), Master of Information Technology, Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN), Master of Science in Crop Science, Professional Science Masters – Renewable Energy Engineering, and Master in Health Care Management.

By engaging in the 2025 SIKAP Grant, MMSU reaffirms its commitment to capacity building and excellence in education, paving the way for transformative growth among its academic community and contributing to regional and national development.

📸 Dr. Winicel May C. Ancheta