Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU American Corner marks 40th anniversary

By Chessa Fae Faustino, STRATCOM Correspondent

The MMSU American Corner-Batac (AC-Batac) celebrated its 40th Anniversary on January 14, 2025,  with a look back to its services and achievements, debate session, seminar, and discussion, at the University Library.

With the theme “Celebrating 40 years of Connection: Embracing Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Access for All,” AC-Batac presented its services and achievements to stakeholders during the opening program. 

The ruby anniversary celebration was graced by United States Embassy in the Philippines representatives, led by Ms. Janice Freytag, Grants Manager of the Public Affairs Section; Ms. Jennifer Ann Pascua, American Spaces Program Coordinator of the American Center; and Mr. Ikenna Egbo, Information Support Non-Commissioned Officer. 

During the opening program, MMSU OIC-President Prima Fe R. Franco reflected on the beginning of MMSU’s partnership with the American Corner four decades ago. She expressed gratitude to the US Embassy for enriching learning and instruction, providing resources, and granting scholarships that transformed the university. She also emphasized how the partnership has significantly enhanced the teaching-learning environment, with scholars returning to contribute their experiences. 

Ms. Freytag of the US Embassy’s Public Affairs Section also thanked MMSU for its partnership with the Regional English Language Office and its excellent management of the American Corner, recognized as one of the best in the Philippines. She expressed hope for continued collaboration in building bridges of learning and strengthening community bonds through the corner.

Following the opening program, innovative ideas between the Philippines and the United States  sparked as the Bakbakan: A Debate in the Asian Parliamentary Format was held, featuring members of the Stallion Debaters League. Participants included students from English language, sociology, marketing management, psychology, and nursing programs, with their adviser, Mr. Brent Wyn Guillermo, facilitating the activity.

Enriching the depth of US-Philippines relations, Mr. Guillermo, Prof. Rex-Belli Alejandro, and Dr. Rommel Dascil, faculty members of the Department of Sociology at the College of Arts and Sciences, engaged in a discussion on The American Promise and the Contemporary Time. Dr. Dascil also shared his experiences as a Fulbright Scholarship grantee after the panel discussion.

Additionally, breakout sessions featuring discussions spearheaded by the Philippine League of Sociology Students – MMSU Chapter officers added depth to the program. Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Massive Open Online Course campers from the university also shared their learnings and experiences.

For four decades, AC Batac, formerly the American Studies Resource Center, has provided reference books, periodicals, tapes, and information resources to the university. It serves as the premier hub in Northern Luzon and is one of the 14 ACs established in the Philippines.