By Archelyn Sumampong

Congressman Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Araneta Marcos III, Representative of the First District of Ilocos Norte, led the stipend distribution to one thousand two-hundred twelve (1,212) MMSU student beneficiaries of the CHED Tulong-Dunong Program (TDP) for the second semester of SY 2023-2024. 

In the program held on March 21 at the MMSU College of Teacher Education (CTE), Congressman Marcos expressed his continued support for the student beneficiaries. He acknowledged the invaluable support of CHED and local government officials.

Representing MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr., vice president for planning and strategic foresight, expressed gratitude to the congressman for his continuous support of MMSU students. He also thanked the legislator for the construction of academic buildings and a covered court at the Laoag campus.

The event was also graced by Dr. Ronald Adamat, CHED Commissioner, who shared how scholarships helped him in his own academic journey. “Education is not the sole determinant of one's destiny, but the greatest predictor of success.” Dr. Danilo Bose, Chief Education Program Specialist of CHED Region-I accompanied the commissioner.

Local officials in attendance were Laoag City councilors James Bryan Alcid, Handy Lao, Enrico Ang, and Jaybee Baquiran; and Ilocos Norte provincial board members Donald Nicolas and Franklin Respicio.

Prof. Emil James Tanagon, director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services; Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal, CTE dean; Dr. Gina Sylvia Gaoat, CTE student affairs and services coordinator; and Dr. Estrella Pacis, CTE secretary led MMSU employees in the program.
The CHED TDP provides financial assistance to qualified tertiary students every semester. Dr. Jahnese Asuncion, MMSU chief of institutional student programs and services, serves as the university focal person.