The San Diego County Metropolitan Lions Club (SDC-MLC) in San Diego, California headed by President Leo Sicat donated on Monday (June 8) a total of 364 books of various titles to the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) to be used by its students and those in the Department of Education (DepEd).

The books were received by the University Library System (ULS) through a shipment package sent by the SDC-MLC president, and Lion Tamer Norma Sicat.

The package consisted of 15 titles in Geometry, Algebra 1 and 2, Milestones, Milestone Workbook, Milestone Teacher Education, Great Expectations, George Washington, Tale of Two Cities, Eleanor Roosevelt, The Mutiny on Board HMS Bounty, The Three Musketeers, The Prince and the Pauper, Clara Barton, and the Man in the Iron Mask.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis said that while the university took custody of the hard-bound donations, it will also donate some of them to the Department of Education – Division Office in the City of Batac.

MMSU-ULS Director Eliza Villarin said that some of the books will be distributed to the MMSU main library and its satellite libraries in Laoag City, to various high school campus libraries, and college reading centers.

Villarin said that organizations and agencies that donate books to the university are considered as ‘library friends’, because they help the university strengthen its collection of information resources for its students. 

The book donation was the result of a tie-up between MMSU and the SDC-MLC on July 21, 2019 through a signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) which stipulates that the SDC-MLC will help augment the university’s learning resources and support its internationalization programs.

Also, Dr. Agrupis served as the Guest Speaker during the induction program of the club's new members and installation of officers on the same day. She also took her oath as one of the seven new members of the organization.

The MMSU and SDC-MLC also agreed to conduct humanitarian medical, dental and optical missions in various communities, and enhance the extension service competencies of MMSU faculty and staff. --by Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. (StratCom)