By Daniel Tapaoan, Jr. 

To strengthen engagement with its alumni abroad, the Mariano Marcos State University has formed the MMSU Global Alumni Network with a pioneering chapter in Canada launched at the Islas Filipino Restaurant in Toronto on April 2.

Led by University President Shirley C. Agrupis, the soft launching of the alumni network was attended by 88 MMSU graduate-professionals in Canada via in-person and online.

The alumni chapter aims to create a fortified network that will help bring the university’s name in the global setting; and to conduct programs and projects that foster the welfare of the members, their families, and the academic community.

“I hope we can start working together and building on each other’s achievements to advance the university’s functions such as instruction, research, and community engagement,” urged Pres. Agrupis.

Ms. Gwyneth S. Quidang, president of the MMSU Federated Alumni Association Incorporated, hopes the network will provide sustainable and lifelong collaboration between the university and its alumni, in support of the institution’s thrusts and strategic goals.

MMSU graduates in Canada welcomed the university’s move to establish the alumni network. They expressed their excitement to explore and share their ideas, technical expertise, and innovative inputs with the university in the soonest time.

Ms. Krismary Sharmaine D. Yapo, alumni relations chief, thanked the alumni who participated in the event, saying “this milestone will surely encourage all MMSU alumni around the world to be part of other chapters to be organized in the future.”

After the launch, a consultative forum with Consul General Orontes V. Castro of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto was conducted. During the meeting, the alumni raised concerns on foreign undergraduate degree credential recognition, one of the most pressing issues among workers abroad.

Consul General Castro assured the Filipino community that the consulate will continue to take courses of action to address their concern. He lauded MMSU for reaching out to its alumni around the world, with Canada as the starting point.