By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr.

In line with its participatory and inclusive approach to development, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) convened its multi-sectoral stakeholders in a virtual forum today, January 24. 

A part of the 44th MMSU Foundation Anniversary Celebration, the forum served as avenue to improve the university’s programs and strategic plans through exchange of insights about the University’s current programs with its public and private partner institutions. 

In the activity, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis presented the university’s accomplishments and strategic plans in academic excellence, research, extension, resource generation, internationalization and linkages, virtual environment, and effective and efficient management. 

Emphasizing that MMSU is a multisectoral community, she expressed hope to strengthen, expand, and leverage partnerships to achieve more in “developing industry-ready graduates, innovations for nation-building and global development, and rendering public service.” 

Keynoting the forum, Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla, undersecretary for regional development of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), presented the role of the academe in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs). 

Focusing on SDG 4 (Quality Education), Sombilla stressed that academic institutions like MMSU should provide avenue for integrating specialized skills into degree and non-degree programs, strengthen hub for scientific research and innovation, and upgrading of technological capabilities of industrial sectors. 

Another role of MMSU in the SDGs is to align its researches with the region’s Harmonized Regional Research and Development Agenda, particularly those related to agriculture and fisheries modernization, engineering, and industrial technology, she added. 

She further recommended that MMSU should build on specialization and expand niches in various fields, increase investments in information technology and artificial intelligence, and contribute in policy formulation and advocacy through cross-sectional dialogues and participation in Regional Development Council. 

Meanwhile, breakout sessions were conducted to specifically tackle the University’s strategies and accomplishments in governance, planning and development; academic affairs; and research and extension.  

Presenters were the university’s vice presidents: Engr. Ami Ruth R. Cocson (planning and development); Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco (academic affairs); and Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog (research and extension). 

Officials from various national and regional agencies were also tapped as reactors in the sessions. Reactors for Session A (planning and development) were Dr. Irinea B. Ubungen, NEDA-I assistant regional director; Atty. Rex R. Ami, director of Civil Service Commission – Ilocos Norte; Ms. Monette S. Santos, resource person of the Philippine Commission on Women – National Gender and Development Resource Pool; and Mr. Neilbert Jacky G. Gajudo, chairman of Special Economic Zone Institute. 

For Session B (academic affairs), reactors were Dr. Danilo B. Bose, OIC-director of Commission on Higher Education in Region I; Dir. June Arvin C. Gudoy of the Department of Education – Public Affairs Service; Ms. Cynthia T. Gayya, officer-in-charge of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Science Education Institute, Science Education and Innovations Division; Dr. Rona Leigh C. Bueno of the Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions Center; and Engr. Julius C. Orpia, project construction manager of Vena Energy in Japan. 

Reactors for Session C (research and extension) were Dr. Nestor D. Domenden, regional executive director of Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I; Dr. Armando Q. Ganal, DOST-I regional director; Dr. Pedcris M. Orencio, program head for Research and Thought Leadership, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research and Agriculture; Asec. Napoleon K. Juanillo, Jr., assistant secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Competitiveness and Innovation Group; and Dr. Rex L. Navarro, member of the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines, Inc. 

The activity was attended by more than 500 participants via Zoom. It was also livestreamed through the University’s Facebook page (@MMSUofficial) with more than 13,000 views, 2,100 reactions and comments, and 240 shares as of this writing. (StratCom)