Some P1.8 million from the budget allocation of the Ang Kabuhayan Party List (AKP) is expected to hit the MMSU coffers this year and it will be used to subsidize the tuition expenses of college students who come from the marginalized sectors of society.

Rep. Dennis Laogan of AKP made the assurance in his speech during the convocation program at the Teatro Ilocandia on Jan 18.

Laogan--who, at 25, is the youngest member of the 17th Congress--said that the money will go directly to the university’s treasury, assuring MMSU officials that Maynard Francis Bumanglag, Ang Kabuhayan provincial coordinator, and Regent Bismark Angelo Quidang are now working on this while anticipating that “we can obtain a list of qualified beneficiaries this coming semester.”

Laogan also assured that the requested infrastructure project for the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) has already been forwarded to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for funding.

“One of my staff is currently monitoring for its update,” he said adding that “Ma’am Prime (Dr. Prima Fe Franco) also personally requested me for an additional ambulance to be used at the Laoag City campus during her visit in Congress. My office and PAGCOR have already started to comply with the documentary requirements” so that this request will be granted.

On top of these, Laogan, too, expects that MMSU would become the stalwart of generating knowledge and would be in the forefront of research thrusts that are technically sound, ethically acceptable, and of global benefits in the lives of its stakeholders.

“This way, MMSU could be regarded as the solid research hub in this part of the country. Research is the future, thus, let us make MMSU the future of research,” Laogan said.

Laogan, who likened the unwavering service of MMSU to the Ilocanos, has labelled the university as the legendary Michael Jordan of the NBA who also turned 39 this year.

“Indeed, MMSU has been very instrumental in changing the landscape of Ilocandia by moulding the hearts and minds of the youth through excellent academic instructions and reformed social methodologies,” the lawmaker said.

He expressed awe on the efficiency and effectiveness of the programs and project being implemented by the University’s Extension Directorate (ED), saying that these are well-established and are serving well for the benefit of its clientele.

Laogan especially took notice on the university’s Enactus projects that won national and international awards last year, adding that these activities are very commendable “together with your other awards in other related fields.”

“(But) do not rest on your laurels (alone) because as along as the community is still endowed with a dynamic character, your job is never over (yet),” he said.

“Dahil po diyan, makakaasa kayo na tutulong kami sa pagpapaunlad ng komunidad at ng kanayunan through our livelihood programs,” he assured.

At the close of his speech, Laogan asked the MMSU community if he could be counted as a member of the MMSU family. The crowd roaringly expressed approval.

“Now I am making a stand. I, being the first nominee of Ang Kabuhayan Partylist, ay kapamilya na ng MMSU. I believe that, together, we could move onward as we brace up to MMSU’s compelling future,” he enthused.