By Crisdeniele Clemente

To strengthen human resources and career development programs for graduating students and alumni, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and SM Supermalls have signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) today, June 28, at the University Review Center.

Signed by MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis and Ms. Irene Peralta, regional human resources manager of SM Supermalls, the new partnership will offer internship programs, recruitment and job placement activities, and learning sessions. SM Supermalls will also provide experts to lead learning sessions, offer a venue for MMSU academic exhibits during the career fair, invite industry experts for career talks, support the university’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, and enhance marketing partnerships for joint activities by involving MMSU students in media and collateral production under the guidance of the SM Marketing Operations Team.

To ensure the safety of students and alumni, MMSU will guarantee that all participating students are registered in PhilHealth or any equivalent medical insurance covering COVID-19 and other health conditions, while SM Supermalls will secure the data privacy of students and alumni’s personal information.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis expressed her enthusiasm towards the new partnership “This collaboration stands as a testament to your commitment to nurturing local talent and epitomizes excellence, as it is a cooperative between a premier university and a premier mall. she said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Peralta extended SM Supermalls’ commitment to the new collaboration with MMSU, affirming that the company is devoted to offering valuable resources and support to advance the professional development of students and alumni.

Also present at the event were Ms. Rona Vida Correa, SM Supermalls regional operations manager; Dr. Prima Fe Franco, vice president for academic affairs; Dr. Eva Jean Viernes, MMSU chief of the internship coordinating office; Ms. Krimary Sharmaine Yapo, MMSU chief of the alumni relations office; Hon. Gwyneth S. Quidang, president of MMSU Federated Alumni Association. Inc.; Ma. Cristina Sebastian, SM Supermalls assistant mall manager; Gian Carlo Quiaoit, SM Supermalls human resources officer; Ms. Lizel Raval, and other university officials and staff.