By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

Signifying an undying Stallion spirit, the alumni of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) turned over a newly-constructed villa located in one of its campuses to generate funds supportive of graduates and graduating students.

The Federated Alumni Association, Inc. (FAAI) and the Alumni Relations Office formally turned over a Php 1.1 million-worth alumni villa at the MMSU College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (CASAT) in Currimao last February 15. 

“The cottage-type building will be used to accommodate alumni-visitors and tourists for rest and recreation,” said FAAI President Gwyneth Quidang.  She added the proceeds will be used to support the FAAI Alumni Financial Assistance Program (AFAP), particularly for graduates undergoing review classes and undergraduate students conducting their theses.

“This villa is not only an income-generating activity, but also a legacy of the alumni association,” expressed former ARO chief and alumni villa project leader, Prof Ryan Dean T. Sucgang. 

The project commenced in 2017 through the leadership of Prof. Sucgang and former FAAI president Bismark Angelo Quidang. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis congratulated the FAAI and ARO and encouraged them to sustain the initiative to transform Currimao campus into an eco-fishery tourist destination. 

Chief Krismary Sharmaine D. Yapo said the villa also contributes to realizing one of the university’s seven-point agenda to create a vibrant and nurturing university campus.

The turn-over ceremony of the alumni villa was part of the celebration of the 44th University Foundation Anniversary with the theme, “MMSU at 44: ACHIEVEing more.” (JVBT, StratCom)