Officials of the local government units (LGUs) of Dingras and Currimao, Ilocos Norte have affirmed the Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) for the MMSU campuses in these towns. 

The affirmation was sought after the separate public consultations on the MMSU-LUDIP at the municipal halls of Dingras and Currimao last March 12 and 25, respectively. 

The meetings were attended by Dingras Vice Mayor Erdio Valenzuela, Currimao Mayor Edward Quilala, municipal councilors, planning and development officers, and the concerned barangay captains. 

Both LGUs have agreed to the plans for the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) in Dingras and the College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (CASAT) in Currimao. They also committed financial support to realize some of the proposed infrastructure. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis thanked the LGUs for their support, adding that these plans will also benefit said communities.  

The activity is considered vital in finalizing the MMSU-LUDIP and to conform with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of LGUs. 

The public consultation was facilitated by an MMSU team headed by Dr. Carmelo J. Esteban, vice president for research, extension and business. 

Located in between barangays Madamba and Puruganan in Dingras, the 16-hectare CAFSD satellite campus is envisioned to become a kalachuchi campus and to strengthen its agro-industrial programs. 

Meanwhile, the 9-hectare CASAT located in between barangays Pias Norte and Sur, Currimao is being developed as palm campus and is sought to enhance its aqua marine-based programs and activities. 

Aside from these campuses, the MMSU-LUDIP also covers the Batac and Laoag campuses, and the university’s reserve areas in Nagbacsan, Payao, Lubbot, and Sarnap in Batac. 

Dubbed Sirmata 2040, the LUDIP will serve as the University’s blueprint in setting and mobilizing its land resources and infrastructure projects for the next 20 years. 

Republic Act No. 11396 requires all state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the country to submit their LUDIP to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and to follow their respective development plans for all their future infrastructure projects. – Sherlyn B. Nicolas (contributor)