By Karen de la Cruz

Recognized for their sustainable projects, two student academic organizations of Mariano Marcos State University were proclaimed winners in the search of Ilocos Norte Top Accomplished Youth and Organizations (INTAYON) 2024. 

The Association of Tourism Management Students (ATOMS) of the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy was named champion in the tertiary school organization category for its notable initiative, Project KARITON (Knowledge and Capacity Building to Advance Northen Luzon Pupils’ Reading, Communication, Interpersonal Skills to Transform the Overall Capacity and Nurture their Abilities). 

Project KARITON, a comprehensive early childhood development program, highlighted the importance of high-quality education in the early stages of development. Before its implementation, ATOMS, through their advisers Mr. Quincy Savellano and Ms. Princess Pearly Pedro, received a $6,319.60 or over P360,00 grant from the US Department of State’s Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative–Seeds for the Future Grants Competition 2024.

The Marine Biology Students Society of the College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology also claimed the first runner-up award in the same category for their Blue Horizons Project. Their initiative was recognized for shedding light on marine conservation and sustainability through community-based programs, education, and habitat restoration.

Organized by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, through the Ilocos Norte Youth Development Office, INTAYON gathered youth organizations, volunteers, and leaders who implemented outstanding initiatives from October 2023 to October 2024.