By Adrianne Lorenzo Corpuz, StratCom Correspondent

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Region 1 (NICA RO-I) signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on March 25, to strengthen safe spaces on the campus.

With the theme, “Fostering Dialogue, and Linking Partnership for Equitable and Inclusive Safe Spaces in MMSU," the agreement is anchored on Executive Order No. 608, which entails the establishment of a national security clearance system, and Executive Order No. 70, which promotes the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace. The agreement also focused on the university’s anti-sexual harassment guidelines. '

In her message, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis emphasized the importance of nurturing safe spaces for students to have a learner-conducive community. “Safe spaces redefine the state of health of relationships within the campus and across our stakeholders”, she said.
With the new partnership, NICA RO-01 and MMSU will implement various programs, projects, and activities that promote the security and well-being of stakeholders and local youth leaders.

Present in the signing ceremony were Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr., vice president for planning and strategic foresight; Ms. Mildred Abordo, regional director of NICA RO-I; Mr. Romeo Toribio, deputy director of NICA RO-I; officials of the Philippine National Police and the City Government of Batac; representatives of the tricycle drivers association and private dormitory owners; MMSU officials and students.

The event was organized by the MMSU Gender and Development Focal Point System headed by Ms. Nataliza Llapitan.