By Kathrina Antonio

Living by the mantra ‘Region 1 is number 1,’ students of Mariano Marcos State University clinched top awards at the 2024 State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Fair held July 9 to 11 in Zamboanga City.

MMSU, together with Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, University of Northern Philippines, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, and Pangasinan State University, represented Region 1 at the three-day SUC Fair commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education and the 4th National Higher Education Day, a well-anticipated event pioneered by the CHED Chairperson, Sec. J. Prospero "Popoy​" E. De Vera III.

Neil Bryant Domingo, a third-year Secondary Education student outshined competitors from other SUCs nationwide to win the title of Mr. SUC Fair 2024. Meanwhile, Ms. Shania Cazandra Paredes, a second-year Psychology student, won the Best in Terno award. Dr. Bert Gamiao was their coach, while Mr. Benjo Edrozo served as their trainer and makeup artist.

In the Innovation, Variation, Acceleration through Research (INNOVAR) Research Pitching Competition, Mr. Ryand Angelo Ugalde, a third-year Communication student, bagged first place in the student category for the “Pinakbet Paste” presentation. Ms. Lei Frances Ribac and Mr. Jerson Coloma served as his coaches. Furthermore, Ms. Fairie Anne Domingo and Prof. Jodelyn Mandac are the technology generators of the Pinakbet Paste.

In the same event edit competition, Mr. Ugalde, together with Mr. Jirah Dean Failano, a second-year Communication student, and Mr. Abijah McGuiller Barruga, a third-year Information Technology student ranked first as they showcased their videography skills.

MMSU also won third place in the Quintet Vocal Competition out of 11 SUCs. The team is comprised of Ms. Decerhey Tumaneng, Ms. Jana Smith, Mr. Riden Verdadero, Ms. Cassie Medina, and Ms. Erika Miguel. Mr. Marz Taylan was their coach, while Mr. Marlon Mamala was their choreographer.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis commended the students and coaches for their remarkable achievements. “Your dedication, perseverance, and hard work have brought immense pride to the university and the region,” she said. She likewise thanked Secretary De Vera, who chairs the MMSU Board of Regents, for his sterling leadership that has resulted in SUCs across the country leveling up their game.

Among the highlights of the 2024 SUC Fair were the regional booths showcasing research-based technologies and products. Visiting the Region 1 booth, Secretary De Vera expressed delight at the probiotics products. “Para lumusog ang inyong katawan, probiotics mula sa Mariano Marcos State University,” he urged the public through a video posted on social media.

Other MMSU products exhibited were Black Garlic, Furikake with Black Garlic, Black Garlic Cookies, Mango Sinigang Mix, Mango Cookies, and Garlic Powder, and those from its assisted beneficiaries such as Rice Coffee, Chichacorn, and Mixed Nuts. Various inabel-based products were also showcased in the booth.

Other activities at the SUC fair include the cultural show, COPC awards night, poster-making competition, TikTok, and photography competitions.

With the theme, “Weaving Culture and Innovations for a Transformative, Resilient, and Globally-Recognized Philippine Higher Education," the SUC fair celebrated the various milestones of SUCs in the country by showcasing a rich culture of research and innovation. The SUC fair was organized by CHED in partnership with Western Mindanao State University.