By Norman Isaiah Rubio, STRATCOM Intern

The MMSU College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) hosted four students and one faculty member from the University of Hawaii (UH) Mānoa for an Ilokano Immersion Program on March 20.
The UH Mānoa delegation, led by faculty member Dean Domingo, included students with Ilokano roots: Benzelle Bersamira, Checed Moses Domingcil, Lindsey Llantero, and Julie Jane Remigio.

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., CAS Dean Marlina Lino, Department of Languages and Literature (DLL) Chairperson Dexter Adriatico, and communication faculty members warmly welcomed the delegation during their courtesy visit at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Hall.

Dr. Manzano Jr. supported UH Mānoa's visit to the university and reconnecting with their roots. He explained the value of the immersion program in helping the delegation better understand Ilokano culture and hoped the experience would enrich their return to Hawaii.

“I also hope that more UH Mānoa students will have the opportunity to participate in similar immersion programs at our university and in the region. Likewise, I look forward to sending our students and faculty members to Hawaii for similar undertakings,” he added.

The delegation participated in a welcome program at the American Corner in the University Library. There, they watched “Tawid,” an award-winning Ilokano documentary about a young Inabel weaver, and discussed the film with its director, Ryand Angelo Ugalde.

Following the welcome program, they toured the university, visiting the museum in the University Library, the Crop Research Laboratory, and the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center.

The delegation also took part in a community immersion in Paoay, where they experienced panagdapil—the traditional method of extracting and preparing sugarcane juice. Additionally, they sampled local delicacies at Kusina Valentin. They were accompanied by DLL faculty members Dr. Dexter Adriatico, Mr. Brett Rikkee Bungcayao, and Dr. Richard Agbayani.

Before visiting MMSU, the delegation immersed themselves in the culture of Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, on March 18. They explored a traditional weaving community, the National Museum, and red clay makers, and also visited Gov. Jeremias Singson at the Provincial Capitol. DLL faculty members Sherwin Duran and Joyce I Castillo accompanied them throughout the trip.

The Ilokano Immersion Program is an international, non-credit exchange initiative designed to provide students with insights into Ilokano heritage, language, and traditions. 

The visit stems from the academic collaboration between the two institutions, formalized in a memorandum of understanding signed in 2024 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Under this partnership, both institutions aim to enhance research and educational processes through cross-cultural learning experiences, including faculty and student exchanges. (With reports from Edmar Delos Santos and immersion photos by Mr. Jhon Sherwin Duran)