“MMSU took the less travelled road. This makes it distinct from other SUCs in the region.”

This was how Dr. Cherrie Melanie A. Diego, chief education program specialist of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd)-Region I, described what the university is doing to respond to the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by tying up with the City Government of Batac through the program “Developing Underserved Rural Areas through Services (DUR-AS): MMSU’s Mechanism of Fulfilling the MDG through Convergence and Volunteerism.”

The program launching and memorandum of agreement signing happened July 20 at the University Training Center. Barangay Camandingan has been chosen as beneficiary based on ecological zone, being a “hot spot” (majority of the residents are impoverished), accessibility, receptiveness of the barangay, support of political leaders, and potential for development.

The three-year program will operate on a P1.5-M fund from CHEd-I.

Diego said that CHED is pleased at how MMSU is responding to the realization of MDG aside from “doing an extra excellence in instruction, research, extension, and production.” She expressed belief that the program would radiate from empowered individual households to the community, to the whole city, and to the entire region.

On the other hand, Dr. Epifania O. Agustin, vice president for research and extension who was present during the program launching, said that DUR-AS answers the need for an effective and efficient program implementation through consolidating all available resources in the university “that will give impact on the lives of the less fortunate members of society.” This is also a response, she said, to the challenge of “Adopt-a-Barangay” projects where the university’s impact can be observed in its clientele and in turn radiate to other neighboring communities.

DUR-AS generally aims to develop a progressive barangay that will serve as a model for holistic development reflective of self-help and cooperativism. It seeks specifically to develop a community that is: 1) technologically knowledgeable and skillful on the various MMSU technologies to improve their living condition; 2)  economically improved as reflected in the households’ enhanced financial status;  3) politically empowered as shown by the residents’ active participation in organizations and actions;  4) health conscious and aware as indicated by increased knowledge on health issues and concerns; 5) socially aware imbibed with the value of volunteerism, partnership, and social responsibility; and 6) environmentally conscious practicing  conservation, preservation, and protection of their natural resources.

President Miriam E. Pascua expressed hope that with the convergence of the different colleges and units of the university as well as of various agencies like CHEd and the City Government of Batac, the program will uplift the quality of lives of Camandingan residents.

Batac City councilors Florencio Laud and Avelard Ibarra Crisostomo signified their full support to the program and expressed hope it will be sustainable.