By Edmar Delos Santos, StratCom Correspondent 

Ms. Marcy Carrell, regional public engagement specialist, and Mr. Kevin Punzalan, American Spaces specialist of the U.S. Embassy, visited MMSU American Corner (AC) Batac yesterday, October 10.

The US Embassy officials paid a courtesy visit to MMSU OIC President Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco. Dr. Franco thanked the US Embassy and American Spaces Philippines for their continuous support of AC Batac for nearly 40 years. She emphasized that the AC is an important resource for Ilokano students and faculty, providing access to a wealth of information about the United States, including scholarship opportunities and teaching fellowships. Ms. Maria Cristeta Llacuna, OIC director of the University Library System, and Ms. Charie Faye Colar, AC program coordinator, joined the courtesy visit.

As part of the strong partnership between the US Embassy and MMSU, the officials celebrated Filipino American History Month at the University Library. Two former Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) scholars, Mr. Jareason Fabre, University Press chief, and Prof. Ryan Roi Domingo, Language Center chief, served as speakers.

Mr. Fabre shared his insights on Filipino heritage language learning and its significance for language education in the Philippines. He also reflected on his experiences as a Fulbright FLTA visiting faculty at Gonzaga University in Washington.  

Prof. Domingo, on the other hand, talked about his experiences at Skyline College, California, and the opportunities offered by the US Fulbright Program, especially the FLTA program. He also discussed key parts of Filipino-American history, focusing on the struggles, resistance, and solidarity of Filipino immigrants in the US.

The Filipino American History Month celebration was organized by the University Library System and AC Batac. It was attended by library staff, faculty, and students from the English Language and Sociology programs.

MMSU American Corner, formerly the American Studies Resource Center, has provided reference books, periodicals, tapes, and information resources at the university since 1985. Spanning 325 square meters in the university library, it is the premier American Corner in Northern Luzon. Recognized for its innovative programs, AC Batac was awarded at the 2024 American Corners Conference, organized by American Spaces Philippines.