In celebration of the University's exemplary ACHIEVEments, MMSU honored successful alumni who have made a social, economic, and cultural impact in the country and abroad.

These alumni shared how their MMSU journey helped them overcome challenges, adapt to industry and technological changes, and triumph in their respective fields. 

BGen. Godofredo D. Rabara, a Retired General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), looked back at his life as a student and his 34-year military career. “My four years in college were not so easy. To me, it was something I climbed very high, a rough trail uphill with so many obstacles along the way,” he said. He also shared how he needed to delay his schooling in high school due to poverty.

The young Rabara dreamed of becoming a lawyer. However, due to the unfortunate events lawyers experienced in the 1960s, he pursued being a soldier instead. “If I have to stay in the army, I have to prepare myself,” he said as he reflected on his early days there.

He also highlighted his experiences working for former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, especially during the Martial Law era. As a soldier, he had unforgettable near-death experiences. One was during a sky-diving incident in Zamboanga City, and the other was during an ambush in Sultan Kudarat. “Through faith and the power of prayer, I was able to surpass these challenges,” he said.

As an alumnus of the BS Education Class of 1968, he commended the University for organizing events for its alumni. BGen. Rabara donated Php 100,000 to MMSU as a means of support and gratitude to the University. “I’m thrilled and overwhelmed to give back to my alma mater,” he added.

Passionate about entrepreneurship and traveling, Mr. Clarie P. Balagso, Chief Financial Officer of Luxury Holidays Inc., has taken on many roles to success. He pondered on his experiences as the son of a farmer in Nueva Era. He said that “financial scarcity is not a hindrance to success.”

As a BSBA Tourism Management graduate of Class 2005, he has traveled to more than 50 countries. “I was so determined that by 2008, at the age of 23, I was able to earn my first million pesos,” he said. 

Furthermore, Mr. Balagso received numerous awards in Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, and France. “The vibrant kaleidoscope of the life experiences I had taught me to value integrity and the enduring power of faith,” he added.

In 2018, one of Mr. Balagso’s companies partnered with MMSU’s BSBA Tourism Management Internship Program.

Engr. Dennis Clyde Acantilado, Senior Engineer and Lead Technical Specialist of Jacobs Projects Philippines, belongs to the class of 2003 of the BS Mechanical Engineering Program. He focused on how MMSU significantly impacted his professional success. 

“I can describe MMSU’s impact on my life with a single word: VICTOR, which stands for Visionary Thinking, Initiative, Competence, Tenacity, Optimism, and Resilience,” he said.

Engr. Acandilado pursued a career as a Mechanical Engineer like his father. As a student, he found ways to improve his capabilities and skills. After graduation, he worked in several companies in South Korea and Malaysia. 

“As a professional engineer, I have encountered many challenges. But being inspired by the University's core values, I was able to conquer them,” he added.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis conveyed that every successful story manifests how MMSU played a pivotal role in various workforces worldwide. “We hope that through this event, we can encourage more of our alumni to share their precious stories and build a more cohesive alumni family across the globe,” she said.

Hon. Gwyneth S. Quidang, President of the MMSU Federated Alumni Association. Inc., described that these distinguished alumni embody the spirit of resilience and achievement. 

Meanwhile, Prof. Krismary Sharmaine D. Yapo, MMSU Chief of Alumni Relations, said that University is not just a place of education but a lifelong community where individuals are nurtured, supported, and celebrated throughout their academic and professional journeys.

Engr. Albert D. Chua, Mayor of the City of Batac, urged the graduating students to continue building a narrative of excellence as they hold the banner of green and gold even after graduation.

Also present at the event are Commodore Marcos Imperio, the Commander for Communications, Electronics and Information Systems Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CEISSAFP); Hon. Bismarck A. Quidang, Sangguniang Panglungsod Member of the City of Batac; Dr. Mee Jay A. Domingo, Director, Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnerships; Hon. Karylle Ann Acosta, MMSU Student Regent; MMSU officials, alumni and students. (MKA_StratCom)