GUIDED by the theme “MMSU for Inclusive Growth,” the university celebrated its 36th Foundation Anniversary, Jan. 6-7, with a wide array of activities.

Ecumenical service

The celebration kicked off 8 a.m. on the first day with an ecumenical service at the Teatro Ilocandia. Pastor Joseph Daniel Eclarin of Dingras Bible Baptist Church shared a message on thanksgiving based on 1 Thessalonians 5:8 which says: “In everything, give thanks: For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Emphasizing gratitude as one of the keys to achieving good success, the preacher said there are four grateful areas, all of which are from God, that one must consider – truth, timing, testing, and trials.

“If these truths hurt you, then they are working in your life,” the preacher said, adding that difficulties come naturally in a person’s life. “Life is considered as the most difficult examination and, oftentimes, people fail in such examination.”

Launching of Bonsai School
After the thanksgiving service, the first Bonsai School in Southeast Asia was launched at the old Agrometeorological building, north of the MMSU Laboratory High School-Science Curriculum. During the launch, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos expressed support for the Bonsai School because of the bright prospects of bonsai plants in local and global markets. She said the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte also wants to help MMSU develop plant entrepreneurs who will showcase their creative products in national and global exhibits (See related story on page 8).

Convocation and awarding ceremonies

President Miriam E. Pascua delivered during the convocation program at 1 p.m. her ninth State-of-the-University Address, an “opportunity to share our victories, map our next steps, and look toward what is on the horizon for MMSU and the people we serve.” Also during the convocation program, the university, through its PRAISE committee, recognized deserving constituents who have brought honor and prestige in their respective careers (See related story on page 4).

Run and Bike for Fun, etc.

At daybreak the next day, Jan. 7, university employees joined the Run and Bike for Fun activity along the vicinity of the Batac campus. At 8 a.m., the Professional Journey Across Cultures Forum and Exhibit was opened at the Teatro Ilocandia. It showcased the experiences of MMSU faculty, staff, and students who went to six foreign destinations: Hongkong, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Hawaii, and Mexico. Also that morning, the 1st Raniag ti Agtutubo Film Festival organized by the University Student Council was held at CBEA. In the afternoon, the teaching and non-teaching staff competed in different sports disciplines and native games at the sports complex. Students flaunted their dancing skills in the “So You Can Dance” activity at the sprawling tracks of the oval at 5 p.m.

Agri-Trade, Book Fair

The foundation day celebration is incomplete without the famous Agri-Trade Fair in front of the College of Law and Infirmary buildings where students and employees can shop for products and souvenirs depicting the culture of the Ilocanos. The trade fair opening was graced by Governor Marcos and Prof. Amy Liang, president of the Bonsai Friendship Federation based in Taiwan. Simultaneous with this activity was the opening of a Book Fair arranged by the University Library System management where book sellers from Manila were invited to display their products.

The foundation anniversary celebration was jam-packed with activities and fun. As in the past years, it was a time when the academic community could play, dance, sing, and relax from their hectic schedules and enjoy the common atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie.

All were delighted for having been a part of this activity. With the university’s great accomplishments despite its humble beginnings 36 years ago, one can now imagine a world-class university which will celebrate grander and more remarkable achievements in the coming foundation anniversary celebrations.

Founded on Jan. 6, 1978 through Presidential Decree 1279 by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, MMSU continues to strengthen its vision and mission of providing high quality education in the country and remains steadfast in its commitment to conduct high caliber researches in various disciplines.

PD 1279 merged the Mariano Memorial College of Science and Technology (MMCST) in Batac, Ilocos Norte and the then Northern Luzon State College (NLSC) in Laoag City which is now the MMSU College of Teacher Education (CTE). The seminal law also transferred the college level courses of the Ilocos Norte Agricultural College in Pasuquin, and the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades in Laoag City. Since then, the university has provided quality advanced instruction in the arts, agricultural and natural sciences, as well as in technological and professional fields.