Multisectoral representatives in Ilocos Norte convened in a forum at the MMSU Function Hall last January 19 to consolidate inputs that would improve the university’s strategic plans and to strengthen their partnership with the university.

     The forum, one of the activities aligned with the 40th Foundation Anniversary celebration, also served as venue for the participants to become oriented on the university’s sevent-point agenda, which serves as compass in achieving its new vision and mission, and provided opportunities for MMSU to establish closer links among the stakeholders and other government agencies.

     Among those who represented the panel of reactors were Ilocos Norte Provicial Agriculturist Norma B. Lagmay; Engr. Jeremiah V. Ancheta, chief operating officer of Venvi Agro Industrial Ventures; Dr. Joann A. Corpuz, assistant schools division superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the City of Batac; James Cesar Ventura, commissioner-at-large of the National Youth Commission (NYC); and other government agencies in the province.

     During the forum, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis thanked the participants as she presented the university’s seven-point agenda, dubbed as ACHIEVE.

     “Your presence in this important event affirms your unwavering support to the new MMSU administration and your inputs are very valuable,” Dr. Agrupis said.

     After the university’s strategic plans were presented, the multisectoral representatives took turns in giving comments and presenting their programs in line with the university’s seven-point agenda. For instance, Lagmay reiterated her agency’s commitment to research and extension which are also one of the development arms of MMSU in delivering mature technology to the grassroots. 

     “The seven-point agenda of MMSU was excellently presented and it has the same direction with our strategic plans from 2018 to 2022,” Lagmay said, adding that with this direction, MMSU and the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) shall have a stronger joint venture of attaining farm productivity in the province in the next few years.

     For her part, Corpuz expressed appreciation of the MMSU’s seven-point agenda that will surely open a wider leeway for inclusive growth and global competitiveness. She assured that DepEd will continue to support the academic programs of the University towards producing quality graduates.

    Underscoring the importance of higher education, Dr. Corpuz said high school students in the province should pursue tertiary education in MMSU because the university offers career opportunities. She said a lot of jobs require at least a high school diploma, but most careers require some type of higher education courses such as those offered in MMSU that contain knowledge and experiences in various fields.

     Also,  Ancheta suggested that MMSU students should be exposed to advanced technologies and be enticed to have interest in agriculture. He, too, outlined the importance of studying agriculture, which is one of the key sectors of an economy that provides the basic needs of people, which is food.

     Meanwhile, NYC Commissioner Ventura shared the NYC’s goals and activities in relation to youth development and how these align with MMSU’s mission and vision. .

     He urged MMSU to start opening its door and engage its students in more activities, considering them as partners in delivering instruction, research, extension, and production .