By Niña Christelle Sumintac, StratCom Correspondent

The MMSU College of Teacher Education (CTE) educational innovation project has been selected for the USAID-funded U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) Transformation Accelerator Program. The team, led by MMSU OIC-President Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, presented their project at the program’s ceremonial launch on November 8 at Mapúa Cardinal Cinema, Mapúa University, Metro Manila.

The project, “From Design to Impact: Last Mile Educational Innovation in the Northern Philippines,” aims to improve educational access and quality in remote areas, aligning with USAID’s mission to strengthen higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines through innovative, community-centered solutions. MMSU’s proposal is one of 12 accepted nationwide.

The MMSU team includes CTE Dean Aris Reynold Cajigal, Center for Teaching Excellence Chief Romelyn Lagura, and digital media facilitators Michael Sacramed, Christian Jeffrey Balintec, Enrik Kristoffer Paulino, and Dariel Justin Daquioag. They participated in workshops designed to assist in the ideation, design, and prototyping of projects addressing critical challenges in higher education, with mentorship from Dr. Esther Ogena.

“It’s an honor for us to contribute to advancing education, especially in underserved areas,” said Dean Cajigal.

Dr. Franco also expressed her gratitude: “We are proud to be part of this transformative program. This partnership with USAID brings us closer to our vision of providing accessible and quality education for all, especially those in remote communities.”

Funded by USAID Philippines and implemented by RTI International through the University Design Institute of Arizona State University, the UPSKILL program provides MMSU with a valuable opportunity to collaborate with global leaders in educational design. This collaboration will empower MMSU to develop practical and innovative solutions tailored to bridge educational gaps in Northern Luzon, with potential access to a Transformation Accelerator Grant for project implementation.

Through the UPSKILL program, MMSU is poised to pioneer innovative educational models that align with USAID’s goals of enhancing the quality, accessibility, and relevance of education across the Philippines. This recognition not only strengthens MMSU’s commitment to improving access to quality education but also reinforces its mission to promote sustainable and inclusive development in the Northern Philippines, delivering long-lasting benefits to underserved communities and setting a new standard for educational impact.