The build-up to MMSU’s 39th foundation anniversary celebration began on January 6 in the morning with a thanksgiving service at the Teatro Ilocandia. The ecumenical activity acknowledged how God blessed this premier institution of higher learning in the Ilocos region. This year’s celebrations centered on the theme Bracing up for the university’s compelling future. The kick-off activity sparked a grand momentum to pursue other activities lined up for the month-long festivities.

After the thanksgiving service, the garden show and trade fair was opened at the lawn fronting the College of Law and became an instant #hashtag in almost all Facebook comments and uploads which only proved that the activity drew excitement amongs the members of the university community and visitors.

On January 18 in the morning, the anniversary convocation was held at the Teatro where Dr. Prima Fe Franco, officer in charge, delivered the State of the UniversityAddress that tackled the achievements of MMSU in the past years and the prospects and challenges that lie ahead.

Congressman Dennis Laogan of the Ang Kabuhayan Party List was guest of honor and speaker during the convocation. He realted his very strong ties with MMSU alumni and pledged scholarships for MMSU students. (Story on page 5). Also during the program, PRAISE and presidential awardees were recognized. These outstanding employees received plaques, certificates, and cash awards.

In the afternoon, a stakeholders’ forum was held at the afternoon at the MMSU Hostel while the academic booths and book fair were opened at the Laboratory Elementary School with all the colleges and units displaying their products and activities. On the 19th, MMSU faculty and students who travelled abroad shared their insights and experiences at the Professional Journey Across Cultures.

Activities on the 20th were very exciting because of the marathon competition among the staff and the much-awaited aero-zumba at the covered court at 5:00 am. Prior to that, there was a sumptuous breakfast that offered “eat all you can” pandesal courtesy of the university cafeteria.

At 8:00 am, the PASALIP, and Ilocano games and culture followed through with the ANTAP and faculty teams competing in various sports activities. That’s not all, because at 7:00 pm, the MMSU Teams Stallions celebrated its 14th year of sports supremacy in the annual SCUAA and cultural competitions.

The Balik Alumni Success Stories where MMSU graduates who became successful in their respective fields inspired students was held at the Teatro on Jan. 20. The fun-filled Students’ Day took place on jan. 25. It included the awarding ceremonies of student achievers and a string of competitions that lasted until the night.

Lastly, MMSU retirees had their day at the Teatro for the Retirees’ Consultation Forum on the 31st . Some 150 former MMSU employees attended the event.

Trade fair

Furniture collectors and plants enthusiasts enjoyed their shopping spree in the trade fair and garden show at the lawn fronting the College of Law.

Sold there were elegant wood carvings and furniture from the best sculptors in Baguio City and Benguet such as narra chairs and beds, and the famous Igorot figurines that has, over the years, become an instant favourite of local tourists visiting the campus.

Also a hit were ornamental items such as bonsai plants produced by the university, including the aesthetic duhat, tamarind, and bougainvilla that have prices ranging from P25,000 to P30,000 each. Tiny as they are, the duhat and tamarind bonsai plants are teeming with fruits and flowers, respectively.

During its opening program on January 6, Dr. Oscar Agpaoa, CBEA dean and the coordinator of the affair, said that the convergence of entrepreneurs in this venue has made the celebration of the university foundation anniversary much of fun.

Local consumers and buyers from the City of Batac and nearby towns patronize the trade fair because there they find items that are usually available only in far away locations.

This trade fair and garden show gave students a chance to taste foods that are not found in local canteens such as the all-time favourite shawarma and takoyake; and this is where they can buy accessories that are cheaper than those bought from other outlets in the city.

For furniture lovers, the trade fair saves them a lot in terms of delivery cost that usually become higher when transporting the product from its point of origin such as Baguio City and Nueva Viscaya.

“It is not only the entrepreneurs and exhibitors who may benefit from this trade fair. It may also trigger financing and lending activities as local cooperatives may accommodate their members in obtaining the goods at cash price, especially of high cost products such as furniture,” Dr. Agpaoa said.

For MMSU’s part, this trade fair is a way of showcasing its products in research, while disseminating and promoting them and the technologies that it developed for those who may want to adapt them for commercialization.