By Sheikha Fatima Domingo, Contributor

Mariano Marcos State University, in partnership with alumni from the College of Teacher Education (CTE) Batch 1984, launched the Teacher Bright Scholarship Grant on November 4 at Balay ti Alumni, MMSU Laoag Campus.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by CTE Dean Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal, representing MMSU OIC University President Dr. Prima Fe Franco, alongside Dr. Eliza Samson, former CTE Dean and Batch '84 representative. Prof. Emil James Tanagon, director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), joined department chairs, faculty members, students, and scholarship recipients to show strong support for this initiative.

The event recognized nine scholarship recipients: John Macalipis (BCAEd), Jasmine Antonio (BSEd Mathematics), April Joy Gabon (BECEd), Patriz Dane Coloma (BEEd), Precious Meliza A. Lorenzo (BSEd ValEd), Rayjane Labor (BSEd Filipino), Lindsey Jamaia Laforteza (BSEd English), Benedict Ebol (BTLEd), and Christian Roz Corpuz (BTVTEd).

The grant will provide ₱5,000 each semester to one deserving student from each CTE academic program.

Dr. Samson and Mr. Hector Balaan, representatives of Batch '84, expressed their commitment to supporting future teachers. Dr. Samson shared that the scholarship began as a small idea and grew with contributions from fellow alumni. “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we feel grateful and proud to support CTE students. Our goal is to help them achieve their dreams and encourage them to give back,” she said.

Dr. Cajigal thanked Batch '84 for their generosity, noting the financial challenges students face despite free tuition. He stated that the scholarship would ease everyday expenses and help students focus on their studies. “We hope this scholarship motivates our students to complete their studies on time and inspires them to give back to the community, just like Batch '84,” he added.

Beneficiary April Joy Gabon expressed gratitude, saying, “This scholarship eases our financial pressure and allows me to focus on my studies. I am very thankful to Batch '84 for their support, and I promise to work hard to honor their kindness and become the teacher they believe I can be.”

The MMSU-CTE Batch '84 Teacher Bright Scholarship Grant, established for the 2024–2025 academic year, aims to relieve financial burdens and create a culture of giving back. With continued support from Batch '84 alumni and collaboration with others, the program seeks to expand its impact and help more CTE students achieve their academic and professional goals.

This partnership reflects the commitment of MMSU and Batch '84 to promote academic excellence and empower future educators with the necessary support to thrive.