By Adrianne Lorenzo C. Corpuz

StratCom Intern

In times of dire need, Mariano Marcos State University personnel have sustained exemplary service to all its stakeholders. Recognizing their remarkable work performance, MMSU awarded its various employees and units during the PRAISE Awards held at Teatro Ilocandia on March 22. 

PRAISE or the Program on Awards and Incentive for Service Excellence was a major event of the University’s 44th Foundation Anniversary Celebration.

Hailed as outstanding employees are Ms. Noralyn B. Legaspi, researcher; Ms. Bella C. Gervacio, extension worker; Mr. Benito B. Balneg and Maria Aurora C. Aurellano, support staff; and Ms. Corazon Diana A. Pastor, auxiliary service worker. Each of them received plaques of recognition and Php 10,000 cash. 

Engrs. Lemuel Joshua P. Bagayas and Philip D. Padre of the Physical Plant and Development Office were also cited for their commendable display of integrity, boldness and honesty. Along with them is Mr. Lord Ian R. Galano of Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARDEC) for his commitment far beyond expectations. 

Special awards were conferred to Dr. Agrupis for having been cited as Outstanding Science Administrator by the National Academy of Science and Technology; Dr. Alibuyog for being a member of the National Panel of Technical Experts; Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. for being an ASEAN Engineer; Jorge D. Escalona, Associate ASEAN Engineer; Marlon T. Acoba and Charles A. Mateo, Associate Structural Engineers. 

Other presidential awardees are the proponents of programs/project proposals that were granted funding support from external sources, which further enable the University to attain its vision to be a premier Philippine University: Dr. Joselito I. Rosario and team; Ms. Legaspi and team; Dr. Marivic M. Alimbuyugen and team; Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao and team; Mr. Arman A. Barruga and team; Prof. Wilben R. Pagtaconan and team; Dr. Alibuyog, Engr. Vasco Vic G. Valdez and team; Dr. Agrupis and team; Engr. Michael N. Duldulao and team; and Ms. Sheena Marie Joy P. Lidora and team.

The most sought-after 2021 Timpuyog Award was given to the Extension Directorate for its unity to deliver quality extension services and programs to MMSU stakeholders. The unit received a plaque of recognition and Php 20,000 cash. 

Other Presidential awards were conferred to exemplary units and groups, each receiving certificates and Php 5,000 cash. For the degree programs with licensure examination rates higher than the target of 77.55%, awardees are the College of Medicine, College of Health Sciences-Department of Pharmacy, College of Teacher Education, and College of Engineering-Department of Electronics Engineering. 

The Department of Pharmacy also got another presidential award for bringing MMSU in the list of top performing pharmacy schools in two licensure exams last year. 

Degree programs that attained Level IV accreditation status were also given the same award. 

Other recipients of presidential awards are the groups or units with significant contributions: the team that crafted the University’s Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan dubbed SIRMATA 2040; the team that applied the University to international standards ranking systems, like WURI and THE; and, the External Linkages and Partnerships for its continued internationalization efforts. 

More so, the university  Resbakuna team was recognized for rolling out vaccination campaigns to achieve herd immunity, enabling the university to successfully implement the conduct of limited face-to-face classes; the Food Services Unit for its untiring services in providing food for the university frontliners and personnel during the pandemic; Records Office for preparing the MMSU Records Disposition Schedule approved by the of the Philippines; and the human resources management office-led team for its dedication in garnering bronze award for the university’s performance management under the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management of the Civil Service Commission. 

Same award was also given to the ILAARDEC for finishing second runner-up in the 2021 National Science and Technology Week Vlog Making Contest; and to the MMSU Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund team for implementing the US Department of State-funded Community Training to Produce Organize Soap. Moreover, research publication awards were also given. 

Furthermore, 128 personnel received loyalty awards for rendering 10,15,20,25,30,35, and 40 years of service in MMSU; while 94 obtained length of service awards for working in the government for 15, 20, 25,30,35,40,41,42,43, and 44 years. 

MMSU also gave employees who pursued their graduate studies using their personal resources with career and self-development incentives. 

PRAISE is a formal and well-structured way of recognizing government employees for their extraordinary services. It was established in accordance with the Civil Service Resolution No. 010112 and Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2001. (JVBT/DPTJ, StratCom)