By Stephanie Camille Ilar

With vibrant cheers and lively chants, first-year students from the different colleges of Mariano Marcos State University officially marked the start of their university journey as they joined the Stallions Stride’s Saddle Up - The First Gallop, today, August 29.

Dubbed as MMSU’s version of the freshie walk, “The First Gallop” instilled a sense of belongingness and camaraderie among the new students, giving them a warm welcome to the university.
The day began with drumbeats as the freshies marched along the library path to the FEM Hall, passing in front of the College of Agriculture, Food, Sustainability, and Development, before gathering at the university oval.

University staff and officials, including MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., joined the festivity, setting the tone for a united and successful academic year ahead.

Witnessing the enthusiasm of the students, Dr. Manzano expressed his delight, saying, “We are excited to see our first-year students begin their journey with MMSU. When you succeed, we all succeed.”

The First Gallop is part of the three-day Stallion Stride, organized by the University Student Council, which also features more activities like the Stride and Play (Laro ng Lahi), Org Avenue (Stallion Stalls), Buy Stallion (The Student Entrepreneurs), Gallop Grounds (Pop-up Fair), and the Gallop of Talents (Stallion Performances).