By Jareason Fabre

In their bid to become a Center of Excellence, a team of academic leaders from Cagayan State University (CSU) Andrews Campus - College of Teacher Education (CTE) visited MMSU on December 1-2 for a benchmarking activity. The delegation sought to gain insights into the best practices of MMSU-CTE, recognized as a Center of Excellence in Teacher Education since 1996.

Leading the delegation was CSU-CTE Dean Dr. Ian Roger Francisco, accompanied by faculty members Rudolf Vecaldo, Cynthia Julian, Ria Tamayo, Manuel Belango, Panfilo Canay, Conchita Tempora, and Apolinaria Andres. Their focus was on evaluating MMSU-CTE’s strengths in academic programs, teacher education, faculty development, and other academic services.

MMSU-CTE Dean Aris Reynold Cajigal, together with College Secretary Madeline Fernando, Secondary Education Department Chair Rosabel Acosta, Elementary Education Chair Lilybeth Agno, University Laboratory Schools Principal Philistia Mercuria Bagaya, and Center for Teaching Excellence Chief Romelyn Lagura, warmly welcomed the visitors.

The CSU team toured MMSU-CTE's facilities at the Laoag Campus, observed innovative instructional strategies, and gained valuable insights into the university’s curriculum, research, extension programs, and student support services. Engaging in productive dialogue, the delegation also learned about MMSU’s approaches to faculty development, student achievement, and administrative excellence.

During their courtesy visit at the FEM Hall today, December 2, MMSU OIC-President Prima Fe R. Franco stressed the importance of academic collaboration. "Your visit as our valued teacher education institution partner reflects our shared commitment to continuously improving the quality of education. We are delighted to share the best practices that have earned us the distinction of being a Center of Excellence in Teacher Education," she said.

CSU-CTE Dean Dr. Francisco expressed gratitude for the reception and meaningful exchanges, noting that the visit was invaluable in guiding CSU’s efforts to enhance its programs and practices. He emphasized that the benchmarking experience provided essential insights to help them achieve Center of Excellence status.

MMSU-CTE Dean Cajigal echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about future collaborations. "Sharing our best practices with other institutions strengthens our mission to develop exceptional educators, not only for Regions 1 and 2 but for the nation as a whole."