“GREEN IS GOLD,” this theme set the tone of the 37th MMSU Foundation Anniversary celebration held on Jan. 6-12.

On the first day, Jan. 6, religious leaders from different churches led an ecumenical thanksgiving service at the Teatro Ilocandia. It was followed by the inauguration of a new building at CBEA, and the opening of the garden show, trade fair, and book fair at the College of Law Grounds. A new activity this year is the Academic Fair where booths were set up by the various colleges and units of the university.

SOUA
The Anniversary Convocation, considered as the heart of the festivities, was held in the afternoon. Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, officer in charge, delivered the State of the University Address where she presented MMSU’s feats and future prospects along the areas of instruction, research, extension, administration, and infrastructure development.

“Like the stallion, let us gallop together to the max this year,” urged Dr. Franco. “All university constituents should have a concerted effort to achieve our MFOs this 2016.”

She stressed that while MMSU looks outwardly to be at par with the other SUCs in the country and the neighbouring universities in the World, everyone in the university should “look inwardly, level up, and start re-engineering our operations and systems to raise the bar of excellence.” The officer-in-charge also took the opportunity to thank everyone for their support to her leadership.

The event was made special by the presence of Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, NEDA director-general and socioeconomic planning secretary, who served as guest of honor and speaker. In his speech, Secretary Balisacan underscored the importance of investing on human capital to keep an organization competitive and resilient. He also tackled a topic of which he is considered to be one of the foremost experts in Southeast Asia: sustainable development.

MMSU merchandise launch

In order to strengthen MMSU’s corporate branding, various merchandise and souvenir items were unveiled by Dr. Franco, together with administration vice president Ramon Leaño, and research and extension vice president Nathaniel Alibuyog. The first set of items, which include: umbrella, planner, mug, ballpen, and eco-bag were demonstrated by Dr. Rhoda Beth Santos of the Center for Human Movement Studies. These items were presented to Dr. Balisacan.

MMSU souvenir items, and more, will soon be sold by the Business Directorate.

PRAISE Awardees

On the second day, Jan. 7, MMSU recognized its outstanding personnel through the PRAISE Awards (Program on Rewards, Awards, and Incentives for Service Excellence) held at Teatro Ilocandia. This year’s awardees are: Dr. Doreen D. Domingo, outstanding teacher; Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis outstanding researcher; Prof. Charlie B. Batin, outstanding extension worker; Celedonio D. Agron, outstanding support staff; and CBEA, Timpuyog Awardee.

Presidential awards were also given to the following individuals and units for meritorious accomplishments: College of Teacher Education, for its graduates’ excellent performance in licensure examinations; CHS Department of Pharmacy, for being the Top 2 performing school of pharmacy in the January 2015; CAS Departments of Biology and Computer Science, and CAFSD’s Departments of Agriculture and Forestry for being recognized by CHED as Centers of Development. Also, the Center for Human Movement and Studies (CHuMS) was honored for the many laurels it has brought home from sports and culture and the arts competitions.

Also recognized were three MMSU graduates who topped licensure examinations. They were Carlo Magno C. Vistro, 8th placer in the 2014 Nurse Licensure Examination; and Richard Pungtilan and Ashley Pajas, both 10th placers in the 2015 Master Electrician Licensure Examinations.

Academic journey across cultures

After the PRAISE Awards, MMSU personnel who travelled to foreign destinations shared their experiences in the annual forum “Academic Journey through Cultures”. The presenters were: Prof. Johnson Modesto Blanco (Australia), Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano (United States), Engr. Roselle Mamuad (Taiwan), Atty. Ramon Leano (Singapore), and Ria Yate (Thailand). Dr. Rolando Maghirang of Kansas State University was guest speaker. In his speech, Dr. Maghirang shared his experiences from which he drew nuggets of wisdom for professional success. An exhibit was also staged during the forum.
Ay-ayam ti Kailokuan
Day 2 was capped by the Ay-ayam ti Kailokuan featuring games – both indigenous games (abong-abong, tugaw ti prinsesa, palumba ti sako, gaygayaman, panagtiliw ti burias) and conventional sports events (basketball, volleyball, lawn tennis, table tennis, and track events). The next morning, students participated in the Wealth, Wellness, and Environment Walk.

Alumni, Stakeholders, Students

In the Balik Alumni program held on Jan. 8 at the Teatro Ilocandia, outstanding graduates from various fields came home to MMSU to share their success stories to students.

On Jan. 12, the last day of the anniversary celebrations, various student activities were staged, including games, a talent show, and the awarding of student achievers. On the same day, MMSU clientele from various local government units and agencies gathered at the Teatro Iloandia for the Stakeholders’ Day. (By Herdy La. Yumul)