In her First 100 Days report as the Provincial Governor of Ilocos Norte delivered on October 10 at the Ilocandia Cultural Center, Batac City, Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos presented MMSU’s scholarship recipients and achievers, recognized for their outstanding academic performance and contributions to community development.

Highlighting the active partnership between MMSU and PGIN was Mr. Kenyon Vince Calag, a student of the College of Teacher Education (CTE) and a provincial academic scholar since senior high school. The governor commended him for his commitment to serving the community as student council member of CTE. In his video message, Mr. Calag expressed his gratitude to PGIN for continuously supporting students like him in their academic journey.

Moreover, Governor Araneta-Marcos also commended the outstanding students, including the winning participants from MMSU-Laboratory Elementary School, who brought honor to the province and the country in the International Mathematical Olympiad.

“You have shown the world the brilliance of Ilocano talent. 𝘕𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘬𝘢𝘺𝘰,” said Governor Araneta-Marcos to the winners of the competition.

The expansion of scholarship programs in both undergraduate and graduate levels were also among the priorities of Governor Araneta-Marcos. This year, she expanded the medical and law scholarships through the Sirib Provincial Learners Scholarship Program to support aspiring professionals who will soon serve the province. At present, a growing number of MMSU students benefit from Sirib scholarships, and last September, law students from the College of Law submitted their applications for the program.

Earlier this year, Dr. Manzano paid Governor Araneta-Marcos a courtesy visit to reaffirm the university’s willingness to collaborate with PGIN on community development initiatives. During this visit, the governor welcomed the ongoing partnership and suggested engaging MMSU students and graduates in feasibility studies often required by potential investors.

The partnership between MMSU and the Provincial Government involves collaboration for community development, agriculture and innovation, technology and internationalization, education and skills training, and cultural exchange, areas that align with MMSU’s SUCCEED Agenda.

Joining the president in the event were Vice President for Administration and Finance Fides Bernardo Bitanga and Office for Strategic Communication Director Herdy Yumul.

Governor Araneta-Marcos, a proud MMSU alumna, earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics in 2023 through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).