By Bryan R. Realgo, StratCom Correspondent

Having witnessed how the Mariano Marcos State University is staying true to its excellence and stakeholder-orientedness, various constituents lauded the university led by President Shirley C. Agrupis. Representatives from national, regional and local agencies extended commendations to MMSU this morning, January 20, during this year’s Stakeholders’ Forum. They also shared how the institution can further help various sectors.

Mr. Noel Clarence Ducusin, the head of the Youth Credit Program of the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Credit Policy Council, reacted positively to MMSU’s achievements. He added, “the institution has to continue focusing on impact, ensuring students become self-sustaining individuals.”

Also, Ms. Rachel Atawe, division chief of Policy Formulation and Planning, NEDA – La Union suggested the university can focus more on aiding Ilocos Norte towns, saying, “With the current healthy MMSU landscape, the plans could really align with development goals with the basic concept that no one is left behind.”

Ducusin and Atawe are among several officials from national, regional, and local agencies that served as reactors. Dr. Rex L. Navarro, senior technical adviser for DA- Bureau of Agricultural Research and MMSU; Ms. Rachel Atawe, division chief for Policy Formulation and Planning, NEDA – La Union; and, Dr. Richard Nixon Gomez, President of Bauertek Corporation. Rogelio C. Evangelista, center director, DA - Agricultural Training Institute - I; Dr. Ronaleigh C. Bueno, head of Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Promotions of Ilocos Norte, PGIN; and Engr. Noralyn I. Manahan, head of the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator, Batac City, were also tapped as reactors.

The Stakeholders’ Forum is an annual event that aims to strategically map out the university’s programs and plans responsive to the needs of various public and private industries, convening all MMSU multi-sectoral stakeholders.

In today’s forum, President Agrupis did not only highlight university accomplishments in instruction, research, and extension, but also laid out her next goals for MMSU. “This year, the university will focus on rejuvenating the institutional landscape by building a dynamic environmental landscape not only for us but to become a tourism hub.”

“In 2024, MMSU aims to intensify a culture of excellence and innovativeness as a way of life. By 2025, internal protocols and systems will be strengthened to improve linkages, partnerships, and operations. By 2026, the university will ensure continuous institutional capacity and competency building. 2027 and 2028 will be years of reaping awards and celebrations for accomplishing the university's strategic plans,” President Agrupis enthused.

She further acknowledged MMSU stakeholders as valuable partners in the attainment of these goals, expressing that "this is not only the plan of MMSU because MMSU does not only cater to our students and our employees, but to the community in the province, the region, and the Philippines."

The reactors concluded the forum unanimously lauding and describing MMSU's strategic plans as attainable and valuable to community development.

Ms. Doris Joy C. Garcia. Chief Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division of DA RFP-I, Engr. Teresa Bacnat, OIC Agriculturist of Ilocos Norte; Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, Vice President of Academic Affairs; Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog, Vice President for Research and Extension, and Dr. Saturnina F. Nisperos, Director of Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight of MMSU served as presenters. (HYL/JVBT/SCO/StratCom)

• LGU Burgos partners with MMSU-CIT for teacher training

  JAN 28, 2025

  By Jerylvin RabagoThe local government unit (LGU) of Burgos signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with MMSU on January 20 to enhance the skills and teaching capabilities of local educators through the College of Industrial Technology’s (CIT) banner extension program.Under the CIT’s Upgr... [view more]
• Vintar farm grows MMSU hybrid tomatoes off-season

  DEC 19, 2024

  By Jesslyn Keith ValiteDespite the wet season and back-to-back typhoons this year, MMSU hybrid off-season tomatoes proved resilient. This was showcased during a technology demonstration at Pastor Wilmar Miguel's farm in Brgy. Saricao, Vintar, Ilocos Norte, proving that fresh tomatoes can be enj... [view more]
• LGU Burgos, MMSU to modernize Radyo Karruba 91.1 FM

  DEC 12, 2024

  By Karen de la Cruz, STRATCOM CorrespondentThe local radio station Radyo KArruba 91.1 fm is set for modernization as MMSU, through its Electronics Engineering (ECE) Department, and the LGU of Burgos launched the ProCEDEE Program: Technical Assistance on December 11 through a Memorandum of Agreement... [view more]
• 11 Onion Farmers Attend Training on WINS

  JAN 30, 2025

  by Joycel LagrioTo help smallholder farmers improve their productivity and reduce significant loss on weather-related risks and costs in onion production, a training on Jollibee Group Foundation's Weather Information Notification System (WINS) was conducted today, Nov. 19, 2024, at the Municipa... [view more]
• MMSU joins the 2024-Wet Season Lakbay Palay sa DA-PhilRice

  OCT 21, 2024

  by Joyce LagrioTo promote the various information and technology services of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), the University through its Extension Directorate office once again joined the Lakbay Palay organized by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Batac branch.  This... [view more]