By Rommel Q. Pascua, StratCom Correspondent

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) recognized the exceptional achievements of its esteemed faculty and staff in this year’s Program on Awards and Incentive for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Awards.

Over 200 awardees across individual and group categories, the PRAISE Awards acknowledged and rewarded government officials and employees as CSC Resolution No. 010112 mandated.

Among the Most Outstanding Awardees are Dr. Madeline T. Fernando (Most Outstanding Teacher), Prof. Rhian Jaymar D. Ramil (Most Outstanding Faculty Researcher), Dr. Gerry D. Abad (Most Outstanding Faculty Education Worker), Mr. Mario I. Remolacio (Most Outstanding Full-Time Researcher), Ms. Ruby Rose S. Tamayo (Most Outstanding Support Staff for Research), Mr. Richard F. Guinsatao (Most Outstanding Full-Time Extension Worker), Mr. Roque T. Mangoma (Most Outstanding General Administrative Support Staff), and Ms. Maybelle R. Perinion (Most Outstanding Academic Support Staff). They received a plaque of recognition and a Php 10,000 cash prize.

The Timpuyog Award was bestowed on the College of Teacher Education (CTE), which received a plaque of recognition and a Php 20,000 cash prize, while the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) received the Best Gender and Development Program Implementor award.

Moreover, the Presidential ACHIEVE Awards were honored to various colleges for their unwavering dedication to licensure examinations and for producing exceptional professionals across diverse disciplines. These are the College of Law (COL) for securing 3rd Place in the September 2023 BAR Examination, the College of Health Sciences (CHS) Department of Pharmacy for attaining 3rd Place in the April 2023 Pharmacist Licensure Examination, and the College of Teacher Education (CTE) for excelling in both elementary and secondary levels with 4th and 6th Places in the September 2023 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), along with a commendable 9th Place in the March 2023 LEPT.

MMSU also commended the contributions of units that have significantly enriched the MMSU community, such as the Center for Human Movement Studies (CHuMS), Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnership Office (ILP), Human Resources Management Office (HRMO), and the Office of the Strategic Communication. Additionally, individual awards were honored to Dr. Shiela Baquiran, Dr. Peter James Icala, and the university filmmakers, Dr. James Zandro Ventura III, Mr. Melver Ritz Gomez, Dr. Romel Pascua, Mr. Ryand Angelo Ugalde, and Mr. John Gabriel Gantala.

The Research and Extension Excellence Award and Research Publication Award signify the invaluable contributions of faculty researchers and full-time researchers at international, national, and regional levels, where each recipient received plaques of recognition.

On the other hand, the Professional Development Award was awarded to faculty members and staff who completed their graduate studies in 2023.

Additionally, the ceremony paid tribute to the continuous commitment and loyalty of MMSU employees. Loyalty awards were conferred for those who rendered 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis emphasized the importance of hard work and the steadfast commitment of MMSU employees to overcoming workplace challenges. She also urged MMSU employees to always strive for excellence, walk with honor, act in service, rise above challenges, and commit to continuous improvement. "As we celebrate the 46th birthday of our beloved MMSU, the most valuable gift we can offer is our unwavering dedication to exceptional work. Let us love our work passionately and be the guiding light within our respective departments,” she added.

Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, MMSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, highlighted that the event not only praises achievements but also celebrates the dignity of labor and the integrity of civil service, setting the stage for continued dedication and improvement within the MMSU workforce. "This inspires us as government workers to do our best in performing assigned tasks and even to go a mile further in performing our role,” she said.

Atty. Brian Jay Corpuz, the committee chair of the PRAISE awards, shared the enlightening Parable of the Master and Servant from the bible, focusing on the profound truth that public office is a public trust. He advised the audience with the poignant Ilocano saying, "Agan anus kayo a kanayon", emphasizing the pivotal values of humility and equality in public service.

The PRAISE Awards is among the major events of the 46th Foundation Anniversary Celebration. (MKA_StratCom)

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