By Jemimah Keziah Vea and Adrianne Lorenzo Corpuz

Our student organizations have remained proactive and flexible in the changing times. In recognition of their crisis-responsive projects, they received awards during the culminating program of the Students’ Day 2022, held March 7 at the Teatro Ilocandia. This is part of the university’s 44th foundation anniversary celebration. 

Among the awardees are the Animal Science Students' Association (ASSA) for their project “Sibol: Ang Bagong Pag-ASSA Community Pantry.” The pantry provided essential goods to more than 200 recipients at the height of quarantine restrictions. Similarly, the Junior People Management Association of the Philippines - MMSU Chapter of CBEA was also awarded for providing goods to victims of several natural calamities from Cagayan and Isabela through their “Sagip Kailian.” 

Also, the university recognized College of Industrial Technology’s Oplan Sakloload, an initiative of the Association of Social Science Students (ASSENT). This project provided students with load allowances for their online classes. Around 1,000 students benefited from this initiative. 

The Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) also awarded Movement of Ilocos Norte Department of Science and Technology Scholars (MINDS) for their PailaJuan, an electrification project which provided solar-powered lamps to 41 families in Bacarra, Batac, Dingras, and Sarrat. 

Other awardees include CASAT’s Marine Biology Students Society for its MBioSEAris: Sailing into the New Normal Marine, CAS’ English Language Society for its Literacy Pantry, CTE’s Golden Z Club for its Usapang Babae Radio Program and ACASHA with its Sinhayog project. 

Best acad, interest orgs also recognized

In the same ceremony, the best student organizations, academic and interest clubs across all levels also received awards.

In the elementary level, the General Laboratory Elementary School (LES) Club in Laoag Campus was cited as the best student organization. 

Recognized as the first, second, and third best academic clubs are the Junior Scientists’ Club, Communication Arts Club, and Araling Panlipunan Club, respectively; while the best interest clubs are the ABC English (1st), Girl Scout of the Philippines (2nd), and Boy Scout of the Philippines (3rd). 

In the secondary level, the Student Body Organization in Laoag campus emerged as the best student organization. 

Awarded as first, second, and third best academic clubs are the Arts and Expressions Club, Young Explorers’ Club, and Physical Education, Health, and Music Club; while the best interest clubs are the Girl Scout of the Philippines Planning Board, Marianiate Debate Society, and Youth Christian Legion. 

In tertiary level, the first, second, and third best student councils come from the College of Teacher Education, College of Industrial Technology, and the College of Health Sciences, respectively.

Honored as the best academic organizations are the Biological Circle and Young Communicators’ Circle of the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers of the College of Engineering. Awarded as best interest clubs are the Timpuyog Dagiti Mannurat nga Ilokano iti MMSU-CIT, Association of Social Science Students, and Red Cross Youth Council. 

Also, 42 student-achievers were hailed for bannering the university in various national and international competitions. 

Aside from the awarding, a forum with MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis was conducted. Tackled student concerns include the offering of the BS Psychology and the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programs next semester, face-to-face classes, tricycle fare, and faculty issues. 

Organized by the University Student Council and the Office of Student Affairs and Services, this year’s Student Day coincided with the 44th University Foundation Anniversary Celebration with the theme “MMSU at 44; ACHIEVEing More.” (HLY/JVBT/DPTJ, StratCom)