GIVEN ITS importance and urgency, “On to ASEAN Integration” was the theme of the 37th MMSU Foundation Anniversary celebration marked by various events held Jan. 6-7.

On the first day, Jan. 6, religious leaders from different churches led an ecumenical thanksgiving service at the Teatro Ilocandia. It was followed by the opening of the anniversary fair dubbed “Pagdadanggayan” where various exhibitors sold their products – including food, plants, clothes, fashion accessories, household ware, and furniture – at the College of Law grounds. The annual book exhibit was also held.

The Anniversary Convocation, considered as the heart of the festivities, was held in the afternoon. President Miriam E. Pascua delivered her 10th State of the University Address where she presented MMSU’s feats during her term and also the newly formulated Institutional Strategic Direction dubbed as “ACRE”. “We have credibly shown – through our past efforts and achievements, our current strategic direction, and through our upcoming initiatives – a strong sense of imagination, a powerful determination to succeed, a huge capacity for hard work, and the boldness and ability to adapt and transform ourselves to excel,” the president said. The event was made special by the presence of CHED Chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan who served as guest of honor and speaker. In her speech, Secretary Licuanan presented the challenges faced by Philippine SUCs as they gear up for ASEAN integration.

S&T Park opens

Right after the Convocation Program, Dr. Pascua and Sec. Licuanan led other important personalities in the soft launch of the MMSU S&T Park Expo Center, a project sponsored by CHED and DOST. Also present were DOST Asec. Ma. Lourdes Orijola, who supervises the project, DOST Regional Director Armand Ganal, and representatives of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos. Various technologies and products developed by MMSU were showcased in the exhibit (See related story on page 5.).

PRAISE Awardees

On the second day, MMSU recognized its globally competitive personnel through the PRAISE Awards (Program on Rewards, Awards, and Incentives for Service Excellence) held at Teatro Ilocandia. This year’s awardees are: Dr. Ronald Candy S. Lasaten, outstanding teacher; Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao, outstanding researcher; Kathryn F. Apalisoc, outstanding support staff for general administration; and Mary Ann B. Gorospe, outstanding support staff for research. The College of Teacher Education received the Timpuyog Award. Each of the awardees received a plaque and cash prize.

The College of Engineering and the College of Teacher Education received special awards for their “extraordinarily high passing rates in government licensure examinations.” Prof. Facundo Asia was also recognized for winning the Best Presentation Award in an international conference.

Academic journey across cultures

After the PRAISE Awards, MMSU personnel who travelled to foreign destinations shared their experiences in a presentation dubbed “Academic Journey through Cultures”. Seven countries – all in Asia, except the United States, were featured in the program that was originally set for three hours but which lasted for over five hours. Dr. Sergio C. Capareda, a DOST balik scientist from Texas A&M University, was guest speaker.

‘Balubal’

The two-day festivity was capped by the Ay-ayam ti Kailokuan featuring games – all traditional Ilokano funfare, except basketball and volleyball – joined in by both personnel and students. The balubal (contests) included pinnatitan, tinnarayan, gaygayaman, lumba iti sako, tugaw ti reyna, mapan sumakdo ni Maria, palosebo, and kadangkadang.