By Crisdeniele H. Clemente

Following tradition, the month-long celebration of the 46th Foundation Anniversary of Mariano Marcos State University officially opened today, January 8, with a thanksgiving service and opening program at the Teatro Ilocandia. This was followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony of the trade fair and garden show at the MMSU S&T Park. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis expressed her gratitude for the blessings received by MMSU over the years. “Young as we are as a university, we have already made the name of MMSU synonymous to the culture of achievement. But as we look forward to celebrating MMSU’s Golden Year in a few years, we remain committed to sustaining this very culture”, she added.

National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, an MMSU alumnus, served as guest speaker. 

 "As we celebrate MMSU's 46th Foundation Anniversary, I express my steadfast support as we become a premier university by 2028," he said. He further recalls how the university has shaped his goals and aspirations as a young student. Furthermore, he emphasized the crucial role of state universities and colleges in providing technological advancement for the youth. 

Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Hon. Cecilia Araneta Marcos and Batac City Mayor Albert D. Chua also conveyed their greetings and support in the said celebration. 

Meanwhile, the Trade Fair and Garden Show displays horticultural exhibitions and research-based technologies of MMSU researchers and assisted entrepreneurs, the pomology and floriculture nurseries, and other products of private and government agencies. This year’s trade fair and garden show is joined by over 97 exhibitors.

Ms. Marra Angelique Agdigos, a registered marketing professional and owner of Imarie Food and Beverage House in Batac City, shared the joys, challenges, and fulfillment of being an entrepreneur.

Established in 1978, MMSU has earned notable accolades over the years. Among these achievements is its recognition in the Times Higher Education World Impact Rankings where it secured the first spot nationally and ranked between 601st and 800th globally. Furthermore, MMSU emerged number one in the Philippines and 201st-300th in the world for SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The University also achieved prominence in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023, claiming the first position for state universities and colleges (SUCs), second position for higher education institutions in the country, and the 251st position globally.

Consistent with the 7-point agenda dubbed as ACHIEVE, MMSU has further excelled in the overall rankings of AppliedHE Public University Ranking: ASEAN, securing the 43rd position in Southeast Asia and 2nd position among Philippine SUCs. Notably, the University has also made its mark in the Internationalization Champions of Nations Building and Sustainability, bagging the Global Citizenship Award under the SUCs and local universities and colleges category. These accomplishments underscore MMSU's commitment to excellence and its significant contributions in various spheres of impact on a global scale. (MKYAA_StratCom)