By Jesslyn Keith Valite

Mariano Marcos State University officially opened its Satellite Marketing Center and University Store on December 20, aiming to expand the reach of its products and innovations. Located next to the University Achievement Wall at Ferdinand E. Marcos Hall, the store offers a variety of MMSU-branded items, including research-based products, souvenirs, food, bamboo crafts, and exclusive merchandise.

MMSU OIC-President Prima Fe R. Franco led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a step in enhancing the marketing and promotion of the university’s products. She was joined by Vice President for Resource Management and Generation Bjorn Santos, Vice President for Planning and Strategic Foresight Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr., Vice President for Administration, Finance, and Business Oscar Agpaoa, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Development Nathaniel Alibuyog, and Auxiliary Services Director Erick Jay De la Cruz. University staff and faculty were also in attendance.

The Satellite Marketing Center serves as an extension of MMSU’s main marketing center along Batac-Paoay Road, showcasing products from the Food Processing Innovation Center (FPIC), such as brown crispies, pigmented rice krispies, black garlic products, bamboo crafts, meat products, and other items produced by the university community.

Dr. Franco expressed her excitement about this new milestone for the university, calling it “a dream come true.” She emphasized that the store is reflects Ilokano ingenuity and acknowledged the entrepreneurial spirit within the university community, providing opportunities to market and distribute their innovations.

Dr. Santos was keen on the positive impact of the new Satellite Marketing Center, noting that it will significantly enhance the visibility and reach of locally produced products, allowing them to reach a broader audience.

As MMSU continues to advance in various areas of higher education, the launch of the Satellite Marketing Center and University Store is expected to further strengthen the university’s efforts to promote local entrepreneurship, support sustainable production, and build valuable partnerships with both the university community and the public.