Mariano Marcos State University

04/06/2026

For nearly two decades now, Prof. Herdy Yumul has helped shape how our University tells its story, celebrating achievements, preserving memories,
and connecting MMSU with its many stakeholders.

As the leader of one of our country’s trailblazing university communications offices, a model that many higher education institutions have looked to for inspiration, he continues to raise the bar in public engagement, institutional branding, and reputation-building.

Today, we turn the spotlight on him.

Happy Birthday, Sir Herdy!

Greetings from MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. and the entire university community

04/06/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | CAFSD graduands grow native trees at MMSU forest reserve

By Daniel Tapaoan, Jr., 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳

In support of the university’s environmental sustainability program, the graduating class of the MMSU College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) conducted an enrichment planting activity at the MMSU Forest Reserve in Payao, City of Batac, on June 1.

The Student Council of the CAFSD Graduating Class of 2026 led the initiative. They were joined by Department of Environmental Science Chair Floramante Pastor, Department of Forestry Chair Jether Jorial, as well as faculty members from both departments. The activity aimed to enhance the MMSU Payao Forest Reserve, which was previously planted with native tree seedlings by CAFSD Batch 2025.

During the activity, 50 banaba, 30 yakal saplungan, and 20 guijo seedlings were planted. To ensure their survival, the seedlings were planted at the onset of the rainy season and were properly hardened in the MMSU Forest Tree Nursery. These species were chosen for the enrichment planting activity because they help improve soil quality, conserve biodiversity, absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and enhance the beauty of the forest reserve.

Representing University President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., Dr. Arlene Gonzales, director of the MMSU Sustainability and Futures Thinking office, commended the college for sustaining the initiative. She also thanked the graduands for contributing to the university’s environmental efforts.

CAFSD Dean Chalie Batin urged the graduating class to keep caring for the environment. He encouraged them to join greening efforts, like the planting activity in the MMSU Forest Reserve, to support the community's well-being.

“Let us all take action to ensure environmental sustainability for the next generation through tree-planting activities. At CAFSD, we promote the well-being of people by caring for the environment,” Dean Batin said.

The enrichment planting activity by the CAFSD Class of 2026 supports the university’s clean and green programs. It is also in line with Republic Act 10800, or the Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act, which requires students to plant trees before graduation.

04/06/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Seven MMSU automotive students earn Toyota PH scholarships

By Ian Paul Villanueva

Seven automotive technology students of the MMSU College of Industrial Technology (CIT) have secured scholarships from the Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation, Inc. (TMPF), following a rigorous selection process held on May 25.

The scholars are Marc John Lawrence Agustin (3rd year), Gian Cariaga (3rd year), Marc Neil Calventas (2nd year), Rolando III Eugenio (2nd year), Rensy Rose Beroña (1st year), Bernard Delos Santos (1st year), and Jefferson Fernandez (1st year). They were selected from an initial pool of 16 shortlisted applicants.

Each scholar will receive PhP7,000 in monthly living allowances and PhP2,500 in per-semester book allowances until they graduate.

Dr. Jayson Tebes, chair of the MMSU Department of Automotive Technology, said the scholars will also benefit from real-world, industry-based experiences when they participate in the corporate social responsibility activities of Toyota.

“Toyota is a valued partner. Besides the scholarship grants, they support us by providing equipment for our automotive program, serve as our OJT partner for our students, and have with us an ongoing extension program,” Dr. Tebes added.

For Gian Cariaga, an incoming fourth-year student, the scholarship means he can afford to worry less about the financial burdens of schooling and focus more on his studies.

“Being selected as one of Toyota’s scholars is life-changing for my family and me. Because of the scholarship, my parents are no longer burdened with my educational expenses,” he shared.

The selection panel was presided over by Mr. Nelson Manglo, Assistant Vice President and Operations Manager of TMPF. He was accompanied by other leaders of the foundation, Dr. Laennec Baquiran, Head of the Health Sector and Company Physician; Mr. Mark Marcelo, Environment Section Manager; Ms. Christine Faith Carriaga, Toyota Ilocos Norte Human Resources Manager; and Mr. Clinton Catenza, Toyota Ilocos Norte Service Manager.

The TMPF has been providing financial assistance through scholarship grants to CIT students since the academic year 2004-2005.

Besides the scholarships, CIT Research Coordinator Prof. Rudyrick Cayto explained that the foundation is an active partner of MMSU in its extension activities. At present, MMSU and TMPF, along with some other partners, maintain a coastal forest conservation project in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.

https://www.mmsu.edu.ph/article/news/3034/seven-mmsu-automotive-students-earn-toyota-ph-scholarships

04/06/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | PJM: The sunflower garden is our gift to the MMSU Class of 2026

Calling it a gift to the MMSU Class of 2026, University President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. led the launch of the university’s sunflower garden on June 4 at FEM Park.

“Sunflower has always been a symbol for the MMSU graduating class,” Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation Nathaniel Alibuyog said. However, the 2026 installation, dubbed by President Manzano as Sunflower Art 1.0, marks a major shift in the university’s annual landscape design. Traditionally used for rice paddy art during the wet season, the area is now transformed in the dry season into a vibrant field of sunflowers and zinnias arranged in artistic patterns.

From an aerial view, the flower art forms a sophisticated maze, with the center featuring the “SUCCEED” marker as its focal point, surrounded by carefully arranged sunflower patterns that complete the overall design. It also features the number “8” in a double infinity symbol, representing Dr. Manzano as the eighth president of the university, while also reflecting continuity, growth, and MMSU’s vision for sustained institutional progress.

The event was attended by Batac City Mayor Mark Christian Chua, partners from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National To***co Administration (NTA), and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA). Administrative council members, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members also joined the launch.

In his message, Extension Director Marlowe Aquino said the sunflower garden reflects the university’s mission of cultivating both knowledge and character. “The sunflower art and garden show is a fitting symbol for an institution with strong roots in agriculture, science, and nation-building,” he said.

Batac City Mayor Chua congratulated the university for continuously introducing creative installations for the people of Batac and the wider community. He said the sunflower represents resilience and hope. “This is a reminder that despite tragedies and broken dreams, we are reminded of how beautiful life is and how we should strive to be happy just like a sunflower,” he said.

City Tourism Officer Angelica Yumul said the living public art is expected to draw public interest and help boost ecotourism while encouraging appreciation for ornamental and agricultural plants in the city.

In an interview, General Services Division Director Bensen Pola thanked the farm workers and laborers who volunteered in planting the sunflowers and reminded the public not to pick the flowers. He said that while entrance is free, the garden is meant to be enjoyed by the MMSU Class of 2026 and the community.

President Manzano also shared that next year’s Sunflower Art is expected to feature the “ACHIEVE” symbol in support of the strategic framework of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) under Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, one of MMSU’s most distinguished alumnae and its seventh president. He also invited the public to visit MMSU and experience the sunflower garden while it is in bloom. (𝘓𝘓𝘝)

04/06/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | MMSU NBERIC director shares Philippine bioenergy innovations at South Korea research forum

By Jareason Fabre

Korean researchers, professors, and university leaders actively engaged in a talk on Philippine bioenergy research and innovations led by Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). Home to the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC), Director James Paul Madigal presented the center’s work on renewable energy at Kyungpook National University (KNU) from May 26 to 30.

In the talk “Bioenergy Technology in the Philippines: MMSU-NBERIC Experience,” Dr. Madigal shared how MMSU is translating local bioenergy research into practical solutions that promote cleaner, more sustainable energy use in the country.

The NBERIC directory was joined by MMSU Vice President for Resource Generation and Management Bjorn Santos, a renewable energy expert, for a five-day research visit and partnership meeting.
Professor Kim Woong Kim of KNU also took part in the exchange, helping open opportunities for future joint research and closer collaboration between Philippine and South Korean researchers in bioenergy and renewable energy systems.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on May 28 at the KNU Engineering Building Conference Room, formally establishing the MMSU–KNU partnership. The agreement covers student and faculty exchange, joint research projects, and shared academic programs and activities.

The MOU was signed by MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., and KNU College of Engineering Dean In Woo Cheong, with Dr. Bjorn S. Santos, Dr. Madigal, and Professor Hyungseok Nam serving as witnesses.

The partnership is expected to speed up collaborative research and open more opportunities for knowledge sharing in bioenergy and related fields.

The MMSU officials engaged in discussions with KNU counterparts, toured laboratories, and held planning sessions to strengthen cooperation in clean and renewable energy research. Their visit included exploring the Energy Conversion and Thermal System (ECTS) Laboratory and the Bioenergy Laboratory, where they explored possible research collaborations and student exchange programs.

The MMSU NBERIC continues to build stronger international partnerships in science and technology, with a focus on practical work in clean energy research.

📸 𝘋𝘳. 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘗𝘢𝘶𝘭 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘭

04/06/2026

𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗬𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗛

Polymath (noun): a person of wide-ranging knowledge, learning, and accomplishment across multiple fields.

The word fits Aian Raquel well.

A proud member of the MMSU Class of 2006, Aian earned his degree in AB English Studies, major in Communication. Since then, he has built a career defined by creativity, innovation, and an ability to excel in diverse disciplines.

Today, he serves as Tourism Officer of Ilocos Norte, helping shape the province's identity and visitor experience. He is also a fashion designer, visual storyteller, creative director, cultural advocate, and one of the most versatile creative minds to emerge from Mariano Marcos State University.

His latest achievement brought him to New York, where he graduated at the top of his class in the Master of Arts in Exhibition and Experience Design program, one of the world's leading programs in creating immersive experiences, exhibitions, and spaces that connect people with ideas.

In this latest installment of the MMSU Alumni Series, discover the journey of a creative who continues to redefine what is possible through talent, hard work, imagination, and an unending pursuit of excellence.

Watch "Polymath," the story of Aian Raquel.

Showing on June 5, 2026 (Friday).

Send a message to learn more

04/06/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | MMSU CVM brings vet services to Dumalneg

By Monaliz Nagrampa, 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘰𝘳

To promote animal health and welfare in underserved communities, the MMSU College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) partnered with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte, to provide veterinary services across the municipality on May 28.

CVM faculty veterinarians and student volunteers led the initiative. A total of 90 pet dogs and cats underwent health assessments, anti-rabies vaccination, deworming, and vitamin supplementation. Of these, 39 were spayed or neutered to help control the animal population in the community. The activity also provided hands-on learning opportunities for students in community outreach, preventive medicine, and animal population management.

In his message, Dumalneg Mayor Francis Espiritu described the activity as “a dream come true,” noting that keeping animals and pets healthy has long been one of the municipality’s priorities for the welfare of the community.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Atty. Fraincess Kwyn Espiritu thanked MMSU CVM for partnering with the municipality and helping make the veterinary mission possible. She also reminded the community of the importance of addressing rabies, especially given the continued threat of the disease in the community.

For his part, MMSU CVM Dean Melvin Bagot thanked LGU Dumalneg for its hospitality and cooperation during the activity. He expressed hope that the partnership would expand in the future to include veterinary services for livestock and poultry.

“The MMSU CVM is grateful to the Municipality of Dumalneg for their warm welcome to our faculty and students and for their proactive initiatives on rabies prevention and animal welfare. We are looking forward to future endeavors involving livestock and poultry,” Dr. Bagot said.

Through its extension program titled “ACHIEVE: Zero Rabies in Ilocos Norte,” MMSU CVM continues to work with local government units and community stakeholders in promoting rabies prevention, responsible pet ownership, and accessible veterinary care throughout the province.

📷 𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘔𝘚𝘜 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘝𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘔𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦

04/06/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | For three decades and counting: MMSU remains a Center of Excellence in Teacher Education, one of only 13 HEIs recognized with the distinction

By Jareason Fabre

For 30 years, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has remained a leader in teacher education in the Philippines, earning its distinction as a Teacher Education Center of Excellence (COE) anew and joining only 13 higher education institutions nationwide.

The recognition of MMSU College of Teacher Education in Laoag as a Regional Center of Excellence was announced online on June 3 by the Teacher Education Council (TEC), the national coordinating body mandated to strengthen and promote excellence in teacher education under Republic Act No. 11713, or the Excellence in Teacher Education Act of 2022.

According to TEC, the 13 designated Teacher Education Centers of Excellence represent the country's highest standards in teacher education and serve as exemplars of academic distinction, innovation, and institutional leadership. The designation carries not only recognition but also a mandate to help lead the continuous advancement of teacher education in the Philippines through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and leadership initiatives.

The designation was approved during the First Council Meeting for 2026 held on June 3 at the Professional Regulation Commission-NCR Office in Quezon City, upon the recommendation of the TEC Secretariat.

For MMSU, the recognition extends a legacy of excellence that began in 1996, when CTE first earned the distinction, making it the university's longest-standing Center of Excellence.

MMSU President Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. congratulated the College of Teacher Education for maintaining its distinction as a Center of Excellence for nearly three decades.

"The College of Teacher Education holds a special place in our university's history as the first Center of Excellence of MMSU. For almost 30 years, it has consistently upheld the highest standards in teacher education, and we are proud of what the college has achieved," Dr. Manzano said.

He added that the recognition should inspire the rest of the university community to strive for the same level of achievement.

"As we celebrate this milestone, I hope it encourages our other colleges to pursue excellence in their own fields. CTE has shown that with dedication, hard work, and commitment to quality, this distinction can be sustained through the years," he added.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Aris Reynold Cajigal, who previously served as dean of the College of Teacher Education and remains a faculty member of the college, described the recognition as a validation of the college as one of the country’s normal schools dedicated to providing quality education.

"Having served as dean of CTE and as a member of its faculty, this recognition is deeply meaningful. It validates the quality of education that we provide and shows the exceptional instruction and services that our faculty offer. It is nothing short of excellence," Dr. Cajigal said.

Meanwhile, CTE Dean Ronald Candy Lasaten said that the designation comes with greater responsibilities for the college and the region it serves.

"As a recognized Center of Excellence, we are expected to lead initiatives that strengthen teacher education throughout the region. We will continue working closely with schools, communities, and educational stakeholders to improve teacher preparation and educational outcomes," Dr. Lasaten said.

He added that the college will continue striving for even higher goals.

"We will not stop here. While we are proud of this recognition, we will continue pursuing greater heights and work toward becoming a nationally recognized model of excellence in teacher education," he said.

The latest recognition adds to a growing list of distinctions earned by MMSU-CTE. In April 2025, the college was honored by the Commission on Higher Education during the Excellence in Quality Assurance in Teacher Education (EQUATE) Awards for its sustained performance in teacher education and strong results in the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers.

Over the years, MMSU-CTE has consistently produced top-performing graduates in the licensure examination while maintaining strong programs in instruction, research, extension, and community engagement.

Under Republic Act No. 11713, Teacher Education Centers of Excellence are evaluated based on rigorous standards that include faculty qualifications, student and graduate attributes, instruction, research, facilities, student development, teacher preparation, and community engagement.

MMSU is one of just 13 institutions recognized for its role in training pre-service and in-service teachers and improving teacher education in the country. This achievement has been an important part of the university's mission for the community for nearly 30 years.

https://www.mmsu.edu.ph/article/news/3033/for-three-decades-and-counting-mmsu-remains-a-center-of-excellence-in-teacher-education-one-of-only-13-heis-recognized-with-the-distinction

03/06/2026

𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 | The Sunflower Garden is now officially in bloom!

Join us for the Launching of the Sunflower Garden, ready to brighten the journey and celebrate the achievements of the MMSU Class of 2026.

03/06/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | The MMSU Office of the University Registrar announces the number of graduates who will earn Latin Honors in the Class of 2026.

A total of 844 out of 3,905 graduands will receive their medals during the 2026 𝘼𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙨 on June 8. Among the awardees are 1 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘢 𝘊𝘶𝘮 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘦, 52 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘢 𝘊𝘶𝘮 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘦, and 791 𝘊𝘶𝘮 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘦.

𝗠𝗠𝗦𝗨 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗕𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀

Among the historic 3,905 candidates marching this year, Mariano Marcos State University proudly celebrates 𝟴𝟰𝟰 graduates earning Latin Honors — led by 1 Summa Cum Laude, 52 Magna Cum Laude, and 790 Cum Laude awardees. Your dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence have made this milestone truly remarkable.

The College of Teacher Education (CTE) leads the batch with 320 honor graduates, followed by CBEA with 214, CAS with 109, CHS with 61, CIT with 60, CCIS with 38, COE with 23, and CAFSD with 15. Completing the roster are CASAT with 2 honor graduates, alongside COL and COM with 1 each.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀!