By Kathrina Antonio

To formalize its ongoing support for teacher education students, MMSU and the Normalites of Hawaii (NOH) signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) today, October 29, at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Hall.

The NOH Scholarship Program provides financial aid to one student beneficiary fone student in each of the eight academic programs within the College of Teacher Education (CTE), totaling eight scholars. Selected through a rigorous evaluation process, each recipient will receive USD 100 per semester to help cover essential expenses such as transportation, housing, school materials, and teaching practicum costs.

MMSU OIC President Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco emphasized the program’s role in nurturing skilled and compassionate educators. “This scholarship encourages our pre-service teachers to excel in their studies and become future educational leaders. We are grateful to the Normalites of Hawaii for their continuous support of their alma mater,” she expressed.

Meanwhile, NOH President Mr. Arlene John Peralta shared this sentiment, stating, “We believe in the potential of MMSU students to inspire the next generation. Through this scholarship, we hope to contribute meaningfully to their success.” Mr. Peralta, an MMSU Education class of 1989 alumnus, also mentioned NOH’s previous contributions to the college, including the CTE Balay ti Alumni, and shared success stories of graduates who have benefited from NOH’s support.

Eligible applicants for the scholarship must be regular fourth-year CTE students who have maintained a general weighted average of no less than 2.0 over the past two semesters and have a clean academic record with no incomplete grades. The selection process will be managed by a scholarship screening committee comprising representatives from the MMSU Alumni Relations Office, Scholarships and Financial Assistance Unit, the CTE Scholarship Focal Person, and the CTE Alumni Coordinator to ensure fair and transparent selection.

Present at the signing ceremony were CTE Dean Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal; CTE Scholarship Coordinator Dr. Madeline Fernando; Student Affairs and Services Director Prof. Emil James Tanagon; Alumni Relations Chief Prof. Krismary Sharmaine Yapo; Scholarship and Financial Assistance Chief Dr. Jahnese Asuncion; and Admission Office for Local Undergraduate Students Chief Dr. Annjeannette Alain Galang.

Founded on April 30, 2011, in Oahu, Hawaii, the Normalites of Hawaii, is dedicated to uplifting the educational experience of future teachers by alleviating financial burdens. The organization was established by Thelma Dulig-Ortal, Mrs. Dolores Mangati Ortal, Dr. Estrella Pada Taong, Dr. Rosabel Acosta, Mr. Arlene John Peralta, Ms. Ligaya Ricafrente, Ms. Florence Peralta, and Mr. Rafael “Maestro Pike” Velasco.

This partnership reinforces the shared commitment of both MMSU and NOH to sustaining high-quality education and student success. NOH will maintain engagement with MMSU through regular updates on scholarship disbursements and close monitoring of recipients’ academic progress to ensure the program achieves its goals.