By Stephanie Camille Ilar

Rhea Jane Ammasi, an environmental science senior and member of the Tinguian tribe, along with her fellow Indigenous Peoples (IPs), has found a home at MMSU through its dormitory dedicated to IP learners.
At Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), education extends beyond facilities, seasoned faculty, and high academic standards. It is also about providing a caring, inclusive, and diverse community where each student feels they belong.

For Rhea and the many students who identify as Indigenous Peoples (IPs), especially those from the far-flung areas of Ilocos Norte, MMSU is not only a place to learn but also a place they can call their second home.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆

Students living in the rural areas of the province, like Nueva Era and other provinces with IP groups, would wake up before sunrise, cook breakfast, do chores, and prepare for school. Before they even start their actual commute, they must first travel to reach the town proper, either using their own transportation, hitching a ride with others, or getting a tricycle.

From there, they need to ride a bus or a jeep and may even need to transfer to another bus, depending on the town they are coming from.

The trip will not only be expensive but also time-consuming and exhausting for students. Indeed, a dormitory is not merely a convenience for them, but a necessity.

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆

MMSU is home to 435 students who identify as IPs across its different colleges, including Medicine, Law, and Graduate School. Around 300 of them study on the Batac campus. They come from various indigenous groups such as Igorot, Ibanag, Yapayao, Kankanaey, Isnag, Itneg-Tinguian, Tinguians, and more.

Because of the IP dormitory, Rhea Jane of the Tinguian tribe from Nueva Era feels grateful and honored that MMSU recognizes the needs of Indigenous People students like her. 

“It makes us feel welcomed, respected, and supported in our academic journey,” she said.

𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

Back in 2021, led by then-University President Shirley C. Agrupis, MMSU agreed with the National Housing Authority, the City Government of Batac, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to pool resources for the construction of the MMSU Indigenous Peoples Dormitory.

Completed in 2022, still under the administration of Dr. Agrupis, the IP dorm is situated within the Co-education Dormitory, known popularly as “Coeds,” at the Batac campus.

However, with the installation of alarms and fire sprinklers to ensure the safety of students, the date was pushed, and the dorm officially opened for occupancy this 2025. 

Under the leadership of Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., whose administration is defined by the principle of 𝘢𝘬𝘴𝘺𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘥 or “act fast,” the university has ensured that all campus facilities are maximized to their full potential, extending vital services to marginalized sectors.

“I understand the hardships our students face, and I want them to know that we care,” Dr. Manzano said, emphasizing his commitment to making university resources accessible to those who need them most.
While a few years have passed, the dormitory now finally provides a space for up to 66 students, giving them a safe, welcoming space to focus on their studies while staying connected to their culture.

𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

The two-storey dormitory offers a comfortable and functional living space. It has 14 semi-furnished rooms, each accommodating between three to eight students, depending on size. Rooms come equipped with bunk beds and cabinets, perfect for their daily needs, while still allowing flexibility for students to personalize their space. Each room also has its own bathroom, offering a level of comfort and privacy uncommon in traditional dormitories. For students, this is a small luxury that makes dorm life more enjoyable.

The dormitory features a kitchen area wide enough for multiple cooking setups and kitchenware storage. From simple snacks to full meals, students have access to facilities that enable them to prepare food conveniently. Adjacent to the kitchen is a spacious dining area where students can gather to enjoy meals and each other’s company after a long day of classes. This communal space fosters a sense of belonging, especially since residents share the same cultural background.

A designated laundry area allows students to manage their washing and drying schedules without leaving the campus.

Of course, no college dorm would be complete without a study area. The IP dorm has three well-lit, ventilated, and open study lounges spread across both floors. These spaces are ideal for individual or group work and also safe when they pull off all-nighters.

For Ryza Kaye Marcos, a first-year economics student and member of the Tinguian tribe, living in the dorm feels like ‘securing a limited offer’ since everything they need is complete, and the dorm feels like a luxury for them.

“This really helps because, as first-time on-campus residents, we are guided by our seniors in this place, which we can call home. We are like a family here. We even get help from our seniors when we have study sessions and share that with others as well,” she said.

Meanwhile, second-year chemical engineering student Florlyn Umayas shared that the dorm is a big help for her and her family.

“I'm saving time and money on transportation fares, and I don't have to worry about renting a dorm elsewhere. Plus, it's a safer place to stay, especially since it's far from my hometown.”
For Angeline Curammeng, a third-year civil engineering student, the partnership between MMSU and the local government of Nueva Era, which earlier requested accommodation for IP students to provide the dormitory, is a ‘heartwarming gesture.’

“The IP Dormitory has helped me in many ways. It provides a safe and affordable place to stay, and it also deepens our relationship with our fellow katutubo because I live with people who understand my culture and experiences,” she said.

Additionally, Rhea Jane expressed her gratitude for the accommodation. “As a graduating student of MMSU, staying in the IP dorm helps me focus more on my studies because I don't have to worry much about daily travel expenses or finding a safe place to stay.”

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

Indeed, MMSU truly cares. The Indigenous Peoples Dormitory serves as a monument of inclusivity, as the community continues to support the welfare of different indigenous communities in the province, especially those who work hard to pursue their education.

As MMSU continues to grow, so does its commitment to diversity, unity, and shared success. And for students like Rhea Jane, Ryza, Florlyn, and Angeline, that makes all the difference.