By Crisdeniele H. Clemente

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) College of Veterinary Medicine conducted its first-ever pinning ceremony at the MMSU Teatro Ilocandia yesterday, November 13, marking a significant milestone in the institution's commitment to excellence in veterinary education.

A total of 30 students from the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) participated in the ceremony.Each graduating student was presented with a distinctive pin during the ceremony, symbolizing their official induction into the veterinary profession.

Dr. Loida Valenzuela, the provincial veterinarian of Ilocos Norte, served as the guest speaker during the ceremony. She emphasized the crucial responsibilities and opportunities that lie ahead for future veterinarians in the province, stating, "We need more veterinary doctors in Ilocos Norte to strengthen our biosecurity."

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis commended CVM for achieving this important occasion. "Today marks an important occasion, and we will cheer you up as you head to the board exams," she said. Dr. Melvin Bagot, the college dean, expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of both faculty and students which led to this historic moment.

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program was offered by the university last year. It is a professional course that involves the diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and control of animal diseases in terrestrial and aquatic animals. Recently this year, MMSU forged a partnership with Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, a creditable creature science and technology school based in Jiangsu, China, to strengthen the university's veterinary program. (JVBT, StratCom)