Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020 MMSU posts 73.33% passing rate in bar exams

By DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR.

roving itself as one of the best law schools in the Pcountry, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) posted an sterling performance anew in the 2019 bar examination. Eleven out of 15 takers hurdled the test, yielding an institutional passing rate of 73.33 percent, higher than the national average at only 27.36%. The successful examinees were among the 2,103 new lawyers in the country, out of the 7,685 examinees who took the bar exams in November 2019. Administered by the Supreme Court (SC), results were released on the court’s website last April 29 because of the ban on mass gathering amid the May Encarnina P. Gaoiran, Philip Victor Last year, MMSU was ranked as current health crisis. This time, the SC en G. Garvida, Myko F. Mendoza, John the 10th best law school in the country banc lowered the passing mark from 75 Nico R. Lucero, Von G. Pastor, and based on the statistical data obtained in to 74 percent. Jerry C. Villegas, Jr. the 2018 bar examinations. Released by The bar passers are Joeshua Kaye MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis the Legal Education Board, school Q. Agcaoili, Aprille S. Alviarne, Michael attributed this feat to the COL rankings were based on the new Justin T. Baldugo, Marvinson Mark B. professors saying that based on the examinees’ passing rates. Dalayap, Claudette Abigail B. De Lara, result, “you are all champions!” Flexible learning involves Univ holds online fora combination of instructional strategies – online and offline, synchronous and asynchronous – which teachers can use with faculty, students to make sure that students still gain By JOHN VINCENT B. TORIBIO knowledge and develop competencies levels have been suspended in the despite the inability of formal s one MMSU, let us university since March 13. Online classes classroom settings. This includes recalibrate our attitudes, were initially conducted to cope with the accessing websites with interactive “A values, mindset, teaching instructional mandate of the university content, use of chat rooms and strategies and study habits so we (MMSU COVID-19 Advisory No. 2), discussion boards, teleconferencing or can altogether address the but were suspended on March 17 by videoconferencing, videos, reading challenges in the ‘New Normal’ COVID-19 Advisory 4. knowledge resources (e-books) and environment.” audio-resources, among others. However, with the latest guidelines This was MMSU President Shirley released by the World Health With the drafted plan on the C. Agrupis said during the separate fora Organization, Inter-Agency Task Force, learning format, Dr. Agrupis decided she conducted with the faculty and the Commission on Higher Education, to consult with the MMSU academic students of the university last April 27 and other advisories of the local community to concretize the said and 28. government, the University is set to target. The two fora, thus, served as Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resume with instruction using flexible means to finalize the university’s Post- face-to-face classes in all educational learning. (See online fora...page 17) 2 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020 MMSU, US school to apply micro-campus model complete the courses. Their program will also allow students to transfer to their main campus in Tucson, Arizona or to another US university. Meanwhile, MMSU would provide UA the following: faculty to serve as UA’s global lecturers in teaching in-person courses; students’ access to the campus and its facilities; high-speed internet connection; exam proctors and tutors; marketing and recruitment efforts; and housing facilities for the students. A possibility for offering a double degree program was also discussed during the meeting. In this offering, students can take courses from both MMSU and UA, simultaneously, during their course of study. Further, this collaboration will enable the faculty from both Through this, freshmen will be institutions to collaborate joint By JOHN VINCENT B. TORIBIO given an opportunity to earn up to research and grant proposals. two years of direct undergraduate Dr. Agrupis said that “this is a he University of Arizona in credits from UA. Aspiring students great cooperation between MMSU the United States shall take UA’s admission procedures and a reputable American university Thas started to explore the with these requirements: which allows us to continually possible application of the ‘micro- demonstration of English proficiency globalize our faculty and students.” campus’ model in MMSU. and a general weighted average of 2.5 She crystallized that this, through the in high school. External Linkages and Partnerships In an online meeting between the office led by Dr. Mee Jay A. two universities on April 2, MMSU During the meeting, White Domingo, will further elevate the officials, led by University President stressed that this partnership “will global presence of the University. Shirley C. Agrupis, and Mr. Brent White, allow Filipino students to access low- UA’s provost of international education, cost online course from UA while Joining her in the meeting were agreed to work out a joint venture of having a feel of an on-campus Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, vice president offering UA’s credit online courses with community in MMSU.” for academic affairs; Engr. Ami Ruth an MMSU on-campus experience. In this partnership, UA will R. Cocson, vice president for administration and finance; Dr. Mee With UA’s American Degree provide MMSU the following: a Jay A. Domingo, director for external Pathway Program, MMSU would serve discounted course pricing accessible linkages and partnerships; and, Dr. as a micro-campus of UA where to Filipino students; 26 top-ranked Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, dean of students would be in ‘flipped Arizona online degree programs, such graduate school. classrooms’ where they would watch as accounting, engineering, social UA faculty delivering lectures online, sciences, hard sciences; professors to UA currently has two operational then, would apply their learning in in- teach the online courses; academic micro-campuses and 11 are still being person classes to be facilitated by advising and support; MMSU faculty’s arranged with other partner MMSU faculty. access to their Center for English as a universities. Second Language (CESL) When materialized, MMSU will Endorsement Pathway; and, Official In this set-up, students maintain their be the only micro-campus of UA in University of Arizona transcript to full student status at MMSU while the . enrolled in for-credit UA courses. students who will successfully Office for Strategic Communication 3 Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020 MMSU opens doors for medical frontliners

As of today, only one MMMH-MC worker is already staying at the Mansion. However, the university assures that it will remain open for the medical workers until it is needed.

MMSU and MMMH-MC have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last March 27 for this purpose to provide a “half-way house” for hospital personnel until the Enhanced Community Quarantine is lifted, subject to extension if necessary.

Eighteen beds in four rooms have been pledged by the university.

By JOHN VINCENT B. TORIBIO Consequently, the MMMH-MC Since the start of this month, 19 guarantees that thorough disinfection of mid the COVID-19 threat, have already stayed in the University the area is being done while its the Mariano Marcos State Hostel and Mansion. employees stay in the university A University has opened its premises. doors to front-line health service The University Hostel providers. accommodated 10 officials from the MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis World Health Organization (WHO), said, “the university will continue to As a part of the Saranay against Department of Health and Research stretch its resources and be flexible in its COVID-19, the university’s program Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) response against the COVID-19 crisis.” responding to the emerging needs of last April 3. The team visited the frontliners began to accommodate health facilities of the MMMH-MC. She added that the administration service providers who report to or visit will continue to find ways to serve the the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital Also, nine health care providers people through its “humble yet and Medical Center (MMMH-MC) in the from MMMH-MC also stayed at the vigorous effort against the pandemic - City of . Mansion from April 1 to 14. in the name of MMSU Saranay.” Med students give aid to healthcare workers

By DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR. goggles, packed meals, and disposable waterproof face masks to the MMMH- gowns. MC. Some of the medical students “This is for the protection of have also pledged an amount for this tudents of the MMSU initiative. College of Medicine (COM) those who protect us from the Slaunched its ‘Oplan Saranay’ dreaded plague that relentlessly The MSA is still accepting project, a donation drive which aims challenge both our health and donations. Donors may contact the to provide assistance to the humanity,” he said. COM student organization at personnel of the Mariano Marcos As of press time, the MSA has 09178613731 or thru its Facebook Memorial Hospital and Medical already donated 100 pieces of page: @mmsuCoMMSA. Center (MMMH-MC). Bryan Budol, president of the college’s Medical Students’ Association (MSA), said they are accepting donations, monetary or in kind, that can help the healthcare workers. He added that the association intends to give the front-liners face masks, alcohol, gloves, face shields, 4 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020

Office for Strategic Communication 5 Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020 MMSU distributes vegetable seeds to IN families By DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR. he Mariano Marcos State University has started Tdistributing rice and vegetable seeds to 1,000 families in who are affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) amid the current pandemic crisis.

This initiative is the Science-based Emergency Assistance Project in response to COVID-19 crisis in Ilocos Norte being implemented by the MMSU’s research and extension directorates.

The project is funded by the families in Brgy. Bommitog in Banna, “As we provide rice and seeds to Philippine Council for Agriculture, and to 100 families in Brgys. Daquioag, the communities, we also encourage Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Imelda, and Mabuti in Marcos. them to establish their own vegetable and Development of the Department gardens so that in times of crisis like of Science and Technology (DOST- According to Gaño, the whole this, they will have a source of food,” PCAARRD). project aims to give 3,000 kilos of rice Gaño said. and 3,000 packs of assorted vegetable On April 27, Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao, seeds to communities in Solsona, This project is an offshoot of the chief of the university’s Garlic Research Marcos, Banna, Piddig, Vintar, Sarrat, completed project of MMSU and Center, and Ms. Mercy R. Gaño, chief Paoay, Pasuquin, Burgos, and the City DOST-PCAARRD on Sustaining Crop for Applied Communication Unit of of Batac, hoping that all the recipients Productivity in Climate Vulnerable the extension directorate, led the will get their shares on June 5. Areas in Ilocos Norte through Science distribution of three kilos of rice and and Technology Community-based three packs of vegetable seeds in the “The local government units and Farms (STCBF) on Climate-Resilient five barangays of Solsona — Bubuos, municipal agriculturists in these towns Production Technologies. Bagbago, Bagbag, Barcelona, and assisted them in the distribution,” Gaño Maananteng. said, adding that other families from the A significant amount of City of Batac, Paoay, Burgos, and PhP363,444 was left when the project Last April 29, the MMSU team Pasuquin will receive their shares this was completed in December 2019. gave the same agricultural inputs to 130 May. Thus, the MMSU, through the approval of DOST-PCAARRD, has used the amount to buy milled rice and the seeds.

The milled rice are bought from the farmer-cooperators or Zanjera organizations in the selected towns of Ilocos Norte as a way of helping the farmers and cooperatives. This project supports the government’s commitment to improve food access (adequate supply and affordable food), improve nutrition, and increase the number of Dr. Aris Reynold V. Cajigal, director of Extension Directorate (in blue polo-shirt), and Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao, chief of Garlic Research Center (in gray jacket), give rice and communities engaged in vegetable vegetable seeds to the community members. gardening. 6 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020 MMSU meets alcohol needs of COVID-19 centers in north Luzon alcohol each were given to Abra Provincial Hospital, Apayao Provincial Hospital, Cagayan Valley Medical Center, Isabela Provincial Hospital, Kalinga Provincial Hospital, Regional Veteran’s Hospital, Baguio General Hospital, Benguet Provincial Hospital, Don Amadeo Perez Memorial Hospital, Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital, Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital (Gabriela Silang, Magsingal and Narvacan), Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, and Region I Medical Center. By REYNALDO E. ANDRES MMSU President Shirley C. “Aside from this volume, we also Agrupis said these alcohol rations were he Mariano Marcos State gave four liters to the Department of turned over to the office of Senator University is trying to Agriculture – Regional Office I, and and they will be meet the alcohol needs of eight liters to Mayor Nieri Flores of T distributed to the designated areas hospitals in northern Luzon, which Naguilian, ,” Agrupis said. along with other hospital items to be have been designated by the used by their front-liners. The MMSU-NBERIC produces Department of Health (DOH) as 200-300 liters of this product per centers to handle COVID-19 cases. “We are so happy that the week. university, in its little way, can extend its On April 18, the National Bioenergy helping hand to hospitals in northern The Nipahol production and Research and Innovation Center Luzon to help flatten the curve of the distribution, which is part of the (NBERIC) of MMSU has released 320 COVID-19 pandemic crisis with our MMSU’s “Saranay Against COVID-19” liters of 70 percent ethyl alcohol to 16 Nipahol ,” Agrupis said. program, is the university’s response to COVID-19 centers strategically located the low supply of alcohol in the market in Regions 1, 2, and the Cordillera Dr. Agrupis said that through its due to panic buying by some sectors at Administrative Region. “Saranay” program, 20 liters of the start of the pandemic crisis. Asingan, Pangasinan and a separate Univ extends alcohol samples for confirmatory analysis by the rationing to La Union DOST 1. “This is one way of extending our fter fulfilling its The product was received by the “Saranay Program” to our partner- commitment to Region 1 Office of the Civil Defense agencies so that there would be enough provide alcohol rationing to A (OCD) through the Philippine Navy on supply of alcohol to their frontliners Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Kalinga and Thursday and was given to the who are manning check points and Apayao, the Mariano Marcos State Commission on Higher Education those who compose the skeleton forces University (MMSU) here on (CHED), Commission on Audit (COA), of their respective agencies,” Agrupis Thursday (April 9) turned its eye National Economic and Development said. and extended its “Saranay” program Authority (NEDA), Department of “We are happy because this is one to various government offices in La Science and Technology (DOST), way of responding to the low supply Union and Pangasinan to help Government Service Insurance System of alcohol in the market amid the frontliners cope with the COVID-19 (GSS), Civil Service Commission (CSC), COVID-19 crisis,” Agrupis said, noting crisis. Department of Agriculture (DA), that sinnce the start of the Luzon-wide The university, through its National Department of Trade and Industry Enhanced Community Quarantine Bio-Energy Research and Innovation (DTI), and Pagibig. (ECQ) the product eked its way to local Center (NBERIC) has provided an MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis government units, hospitals, churches, initial ration of 180 liters of 70 percent said that aside from this volume, 20 liters banks, and community checkpoints, ethyl alcohol to 10 government were also sent to the local government of among others. -- (by RE Andres) agencies in La Union. Office for Strategic Communication 7 Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020 MMSU shows unending support to stranded students By JOHN VINCENT TORIBIO and DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR.

he MMSU family continues to support the 139 students Twho are stranded in their boarding houses due to the prolonged lockdown imposed by the provincial government of Ilocos Norte. The MMSU Saranay against COVID-19, the university’s multi- faceted program to address the emerging needs of the community, includes the Oplan SAWAR (Students’ Activities, Whereabouts, and Recourse) of the Office for Student Affairs and Prof. Ryan Dean T. Sucgang, ARO chief (right) distributes the food packs to stranded Services. students. The initiative started with an online distribution in the city of Batac, while survey that determined the students Dr. Robert A. Salvador, chairperson of Also, the College of Business, who were stuck in their dormitories or the BS Industrial Technology program, Economics and Accountancy has apartments. Later on, OSAS launched a distributed the goods to those stranded already raised funds from its faculty, food rationing program to them. A in City. staff, student council, and academic basic survival kit which contained rice, organizations. The collection was used anti-microbial soap, potable water, Stranded students receive cash to serve its 15 stranded students. assorted vegetables, canned goods and At present, the CBEA is still seeking noodles were given to each student. 114 students also received P500 for more donors and is planning to After this, various groups in the each on the second week of April. shed out some funds to other students university have also began helping the The total amount of P57,000 came of the university. students who struggle on their daily from the donations of the faculty from Meanwhile, the College of basic needs (food and water) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Agriculture, Food and Sustainable emotional distress due to their being and College of Engineering (COE). Development has already collected away from their families. According to Dr. Gagni, OSAS some P17,000 from its faculty members resorted to provide the students with and used this to buy basic needs for its OSAS continues food rationing cash allowance on the said week as the nine stranded students. Distribution of university’s supplier of goods had no the goods was done by Dr. Joselito I. The university, through the Office available stocks. Rosario, CAFSD dean; Dr. Florecita Q. of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Cortero, chairperson of the has distributed the second batch of Colleges raise funds for stranded development communication relief goods to stranded students. students department; and Mr. Reynold Guiang, a OSAS Director Elizabeth Marfel faculty member of the agricultural Various colleges in the university sciences department. Gagni said that each of the 121 took part in helping stranded students students received food packs that to cope with their basic needs amid the Moreover, the College of contained rice, antimicrobial soap, Enhanced Community Quarantine Engineering will also collect voluntary canned goods, eggs, and bottled water. (ECQ). contributions from its faculty and staff Each pack is worth Php500. to help its 52 stranded students and two For instance, the College of Arts The University Student Council frontliners. Initiated by its dean, Dr. and Sciences has contributed Php Nathaniel Alibuyog, the college also initiated to shoulder the said ration, 25,500 to purchase the basic needs of charging the amount from the Student plans to extend the aid to other front- the stranded students, while another liners of the university. Body Organization Fund. Php 20,000 was also pledged by a Mr. Jan Francis Javier, the director department in the college for the same (See stranded students...page 9) for security and monitoring, led the purpose. 8 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020

(Stranded students...from page 10) Francis Lumang, personally monitored 5,000 to the OSAS last April 24. The Alumni Office also rations food the repacking of relief goods at the amount was used to also provide relief packs Relief Operations Center, KALIPI goods to the stranded students. Building. The cash donation drive was done At least 117 MMSU students who by virtue of the alumni group’s are stranded received food packs from College alumni groups raise funds Resolution No. 2, s. 2020 which was the university’s Alumni Relations Office for stranded students unanimously voted for by its members (ARO) and Federated Alumni last April 22. The organization is led by Association, Inc. (FAAI) last April 17. Two alumni groups of the university have also raised funds to help its President, Ms. Jevyh Mirasol. In cooperation with the city the stranded students. Meanwhile, the Alumni Relations government of Batac, the distribution Office (ARO) and Federated Alumni was led by Prof. Ryan Dean T. Sucgang, First, the College of Arts and Association Inc. (FAAI) are constantly ARO chief, and Mr. Jan Francis Javier, Sciences’ Alumni Association (CASAA) calling for cash donations to augment SMS director. recently launched its donation drive dubbed “Tayo MagCASAAma Laban the living conditions of stranded The ARO and FAAI allotted PhP sa Covid-19” to raise financial support students. 60,000 from their Alumni ID Card to students. Posted in its official Prof. Sucgang said some MMSU program to purchase the food packs. Facebook page last April 4, the graduates already gave their donations Prof. Sucgang said the students association said it will also help the via wire transfer and personal received three kilos of rice, two cans of front-liners of the Mariano Marcos remittances. He also encouraged other corned beef, three canned tuna, four Memorial Hospital and Medical Center MMSU alumni to take part in this instant noodles, six sachets of shampoo, in case of overwhelming donation. initiative. one bath soap, and one loaf of bread. The CASAA added that the donors Cash donations may be deposited Of the 117 stranded students, 90 may send their pledges through the in the Philippine National Bank account are staying in dormitories in the City of following accounts: PNB number 22870001855 of MMSU Batac, while the rest are in Currimao, (546870600018), BDO Federated Alumni Association. – (with Paoay and Laoag City. (005490129906), BPI (3449043439), reports from Sharon A. Bactat, Karla GCash (09178450042), and PayMaya City of Batac Mayor Albert D. Auria S. Galeon, Karen Joyce A. and Landbank (through QR codes). Chua, together with FAAI President Santiago, Athen Lee D. Delos Bismark Angelo A. Quidang, Prof. Second, the College of Health Santos, and Love Grace DC. Sucgang, and CDRRMO Chief Arvin Sciences Alumni Association gave PhP Campano). PE prof initiates donation for stranded students oncerted efforts continue for The initiative was made possible by stranded students. the contributions of his friends from C USA, Canada, Spain and Australia. Mr. A professor from the Department Oliver Parbo, one of his friends who stay of Physical Education (DPE) of the in Chicago, USA, also helped Tagatac in MMSU College of Arts and Sciences the collection of amounts. (CAS) initiated another donation drive for His friends in Ilocos Norte and in students of the university who have been Cagayan have also generously contributed staying in their boarding houses due to the for the donation drive. prolonged lockdown imposed in the province. Tagatac said that upon contacting them, the purchase and repacking of Professor Rowell C. Tagatac, also the goods immediately followed so as to chief for cultural development of the instantly respond to the students’ weekly University, led the distribution of relief need of basic survival supplies. goods to 113 stranded students last April 20 and 21. Each student received a face This relief operation is part of the mask, soap, toothpaste, dishwashing weekly distribution of goods to the said PE Professor Rowell Tagatac gives the relief liquid, laundry detergent and a tray of egg. students being facilitated by the OSAS pack to Mitch Isip, one of the stranded MMSU students. Each pack costs PhP 370. through its Oplan SAWAR. Tagatac said that he initiated the Mitch Isip, a first year BS Education, means, that they have to deliver the goods donation to make the students feel that major in Social Sciences student, expressed door-to-door just to make sure that we they are not alone in this pandemic, her gratitude to the university saying, are doing okay – this is family.” -- (by despite of being away from their homes. “MMSU and other groups help us by all JVB Toribio) Office for Strategic Communication 9 Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020

10 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020

Office for Strategic Communication 11 Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020 MMSU Students’ FAQs on the ‘New Normal’ Academic Environment 1. Is the semester finished? No. There is a wide range of Get in touch with your instructor activities that may be given by your through any available means. Your Not yet. The second semester, AY instructors, such as self-directed learning instructor should be able to provide 2019-2020 is extended for one month. activities, simulations, and case-based you with advice or assistance in coping Teaching and learning activities shall scenarios. However, a lot of flexible with academic requirements. resume on May 4, 2020. Please refer to learning activities can happen online, the academic calendar for the schedule such as: 8. How can I complete my of specific activities. OJT / Internship / Clerkship •Accessing websites with interactive hours? 2. Are we required to report to content class during the remainder of the •Interacting with teachers and •Undergraduate students who were 2nd semester? What about fellow students, or participate in chat pulled out from OJT / internship / during and the Midyear Term? rooms / discussion boards (including clerkship duties are given flexible common social media applications, e.g. arrangements to finish the required No. There shall be no face-to-face Facebook, Messenger); number of hours. classes starting May 4. Teaching and •Teleconferencing or learning activities will be done through videoconferencing (e.g. Zoom, Google •Medical clerks shall resume duties flexible learning modes. meeting) on May 20. •Watching videos / presentations Specific guidelines will be released (e.g., Youtube videos, teacher-made •OJT / internship coordinators for the Midyear Term. As a general rule, videos) shall inform you of specific there will be no face-to-face classes, •Reading knowledge resources (E- arrangements in your respective degree except for highly technical subjects at books, websites) programs. the Graduate School and College of •Listening to audio resources (e.g., Medicine. podcasts, audio lectures) and 9. How will I be graded this •Creating, downloading, and semester? 3. What do we mean by uploading content “flexible learning”? Students who shall be able to 5. Do I need to go to the complete or submit requirements on “Flexible learning” means that campus for the duration of the time shall be given a numeric grade (1.0 learning can occur through various semester to study or work on my to 3.0), with due consideration to their ways. It involves a combination of requirements? performance before and after ECQ. strategies - online and offline, Otherwise, they shall be given a grade synchronous and asynchronous – that No, except if you are a graduating of “In Progress.” teachers can use to reach out to students student whose thesis requires you to and make sure that they gain knowledge conduct laboratory experiments or field 10. Due to poor connectivity, I and develop competencies despite not work on campus. (You need to be 21- might not be able to finish the physically coming to school. 64 years old to be given permission to activities / requirements for my do so). course on time. Will I fail the *synchronous – happens in real course? time; instantaneous feedback is possible, 6. I am a graduating student e.g., Instant messaging, teleconferencing and need to work on my thesis. No. If, for any reason (e.g., lack of What should I do? connectivity / resources, COVID- *asynchronous - coursework is related stress, etc), you shall not be able delivered by web, e-mail or mail, or Get in touch with your adviser. to complete the activities / message boards; students can work on With your advisory committee, carefully requirements, you shall be given one activities at their own pace while review the progress of your thesis. They year to complete them. Your grade for observing set deadlines shall advise you on how to proceed. the term shall be “In Progress.” 4. Is attending online lectures 7. I have no or intermittent the only option in the ‘new connection at home. What should (See FAQs...page 13) normal’? I do? 12 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020

(FAQs...from page 12) Yes, for undergraduate researches. 16. I need help to cope with 11. Is ‘In Progress’ a failing However, the advisory committee shall my academic requirements and grade? ensure that ethical concerns are the COVID-19 situation. How can adequately addressed. I get help? No; an ‘In Progress’ grade means that you are still working on the course. No, for graduate students. •For concerns related to the You are given up to a year (i.e., up to implementation of the post-ECQ the end of the second semester, AY 15. I was stranded in my guidelines, you can contact the OSAS 2020-2021) to complete coursework; dormitory due to the ECQ. Can I FB Page or numbers 0905-3107169 thereupon, the ‘In Progress’ will be go home anytime from now? (Globe)/0935-8486068(TM) or converted to a numeric grade (1.0 to 09472009593 (Smart). 3.0) reflective of your performance. Should you wish to go home, get in touch with OSAS to arrange for •You can also contact the same 12. What if I have exceeded transportation to your home page / numbers if you need counselling the maximum number of municipality / city. or assistance with transportation, in- unexcused absences before the campus accommodation, and financial ECQ? For non-Ilocos Norte residents, assistance shall. please coordinate with your home If, before the ECQ, you have LGU for pickup at the provincial •Concerns related to coursework already exceeded the limit of unexcused borders and for the current situation in should be directed to the instructor. absences and have been adequately your municipality / city / province. notified of your standing, you will be considered dropped from the course.

13. I need to complete / remove grades that are due this semester. What should I do?

•If you are graduating this semester, you can complete / remove your grades online until June 3. (The completion/ removal fee is waived.) Please get in touch with your instructor on how you can submit your deficiencies.

•If you are not graduating this semester, you can complete / remove your grade until the end of the first semester, AY 2020- 2021. The completion / removal fee is waived.

14. Is the ethics review requirement waived for theses / dissertations?

Office for Strategic Communication 13 Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020 MMSU intensifies medical services Also, the Unit By JOHN VINCENT B. TORIBIO has provided multivitamins to the ealth, above all. 136 personnel of various H administrative The Mariano Marcos State offices such as the University’s medical services unit National Bioenergy intensifies its efforts to serve the Research and skeleton workforce and stranded Innovation Center students during the imposed lockdown (NBERIC) and the in the province. Food Services. The university’s Health and Wellness Another batch unit, headed by Dr. Leonisa A. Silvestre, of ascorbic acid said “it is during crises like the COVID- tablets was also 19 pandemic that medical services are distributed among most needed, thus, the unit aims to 303 skeleton staff ensure that the members of the MMSU and stranded Dr. Leonisa A. Silverstre, director of MMSU Health and Wellness community are healthy and safe.” students last April Services (in yellow t-shirt), checks the blood pressure of one of the 16. security guards of the university. Silvestre emphasized that the She further said that the University university spent Php 90,000 to purchase “Our beloved colleagues and Infirmary staff members are on on-call 12 units of thermal scanners last April students are encouraged to boost their duty and that they have a close 1. These are being used by the security immune system to help them combat coordination with the frontliners and guards at the entry points of the the coronavirus,” Silvestre stressed. stranded students. They also conduct University campuses to make sure that More than Php 40,000 has been regular check-ups temperature, blood no threat is posed among the spent for multivitamins and other pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate) employees who report for work. medicines. to the MMSU frontliners. MMSU launches e-SALUN-AT Additionally, another chat-group for stranded students was created which includes all the e-SALUN-AT aims to assure the stranded students, the OSAS director mid the Covid-19 crisis, the relatives of the students that their and MMSU President Shirley C. university launched the mental well-being is boosted and their Agrupis. A e-SALUN-AT, an initiative productivity is still encouraged even in to promote the mental health of its the midst of the crisis. Meanwhile, OSAS highlighted that 125 stranded students. In this psychological intervention, students who are not confident to broadcast their concerns in the chat- As part of the MMSU Saranay, the college guidance counselors constantly groups are encouraged to send a university’s multi-faceted program reach out to their respective students personal message to their respective against Covid-19, the Office of through electronic and online platforms. counselors for a one-on-one Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) is The counselors seek to know the counseling. implementing the ‘Electronic Space for students’ current state and needs, thus, Assistance thru Listening, enabling them to immediately address “The office, particularly the Understanding, Nurturing, Affirmation their concerns. Student Welfare unit, will work 24/7 and Trust’ (e-SALUN-AT) to provide Facebook Messenger chat-groups for the e-SALUN-AT to effectively psychosocial support and online were created for each college. Each assist our students’ problems,” Gagni counseling among the students. group includes the stranded students, emphasized. This intervention is along their respective deans, guidance with other university initiatives for the Dr. Elizabeth Marfel Gagni, OSAS counselors and the OSAS director. stranded students. OSAS also weekly director, stressed that “crisis situations Here, the students are given a safe space provides food rations and cash could elicit various emotions such as to air their issues and challenges. Also, allowances to the students through the anxiety, confusion, stress, isolation, grief the counselors facilitate online activities, donations from various colleges. -- (by and sadness caused by the students’ give pieces of advice, and share JVB Toribio) disrupted routines.” With this, the encouraging words to the students. 14 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020 Chinese Consulate donates MMSU gives face masks to MMSU daily food Chen hoped that the face masks packs, PPEs could help the skeleton workforce in MMSU to stay protected saying that with the anticipated re-opening of to skeleton classes once the Luzon-wide lockdown is lifted, the face masks could be used workforce for precautionary measures. By DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR. MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis extended her gratitude to the consulate. side from helping the “This shows that our partnership goes community in fighting beyond academic opportunities like A COVID-19, the Mariano faculty and student exchanges, it is all Marcos State University also about promoting humanity,” Agrupis provides daily food packs and said. Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to its skeleton workforce With the low supply of face masks who render selfless service during in the market, MMSU is producing the pandemic crisis. improvised face masks out of napkins and garter which are being distributed The skeleton workforce of the to MMSU and community frontliners. university are the staff of the National Bioenergy Research and MMSU and the Chinese Consulate Innovation Center (NBERIC), By JOHN VINCENT B. TORIBIO in Laoag City started the partnership security guards, utility workers, and he Consulate of People’s years ago which opened for academic other personnel assigned by heads of Republic of China in Laoag opportunities to the University in China. units and colleges. T City gave 1,000 pieces of Also, MMSU has started to participate medical face masks to the Mariano in various events of the Consulate and Ms. Lenie Bayangos, director of Marcos State University last April 16. the People’s Republic of China, in the university’s business directorate, general, as a showcase of camaraderie said the university is serving lunch Consul Chen Jing turned over the and friendship. packs to more than 100 skeleton surgical and disposable masks to Dr. staff since March 23. Additionally, Mee Jay A. Domingo, director for the “We hope to further uphold the NBERIC staff who are in-charge of university’s external linkages and healthy partnership, with or without the daily alcohol production and partnerships. crisis,” Domingo said. members of the security force also receive snacks and dinner.

MMSU distributes Nipahol, face Bayangos revealed that, as of April 30, a total of 2 695 food packs masks to Laoag City frontliners were already served to the CIT professors Robert Salvador and workforce, amounting to more than ome 40 liters of nipahol Ferdinand Huenda, chairpersons of the PhP 300,000. She added that a total and 250 pieces of face department of Industrial Technology of Php 1,000,000 was allotted for S masks were given to the and Automotive Technology, this purpose. frontliners in Laoag City through respectively. the MMSU COVID-19 Task Force. Aside from providing food The continued distribution of Nipahol ration, the university also gives face Recipients of the items are those and face masks is a part of the MMSU masks (paper and cloth) and stationed in 30 barangay checkpoints, six Saranay against COVID-19, the university’s laboratory gowns to the MMSU major route checkpoints, and those at multi-faceted program that utilizes its front-liners. These were produced by the city hall. current technologies to help combat the the College of Industrial Technology Dr. Cesario Pacis, the dean of the spread of the coronavirus. – (with through Prof. Elia Ubaldo, project College of Industrial Technology (CIT), reports from Athen Lee D. Delos leader of the Garments Production. led the distribution of the items with Santos, CIT Correspondent) Office for Strategic Communication 15 Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020

Dr. Virgilio Julius P. Manzano Jr., Professor VI and Dean of the MMSU Graduate School, was awarded with the Regional Professorial Chair Grant from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). Dr. Manzano holds a doctoral degree in Agricultural Engineering and is a SEARCA alumnus. He is one among the six awardees in Southeast Asia who Accelerate Transformation through Agricultural Innovation (ATTAIN). He was awarded the grant in the field of Precision Agriculture/Smart Farming and will lecture on “Mainstreaming and harnessing precision agriculture for sustainable and resilient Philippine agriculture.”

For her efforts in helping flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fulbright Philippines recognizes MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis as she leads in research initiatives to address the need for alcohol and sanitizers in the country. Dr. Agrupis was awarded a Fulbright research grant in 2011 and conducted her studies at Kansas State University, particularly at the Bio-processing and Fermentation Laboratory. LHS gives relief goods to households, frontliners Items include soap, alcohol, toothpaste, The LHS Batch 1997 gave one sack brush, face towel, and tissue. of rice, tray of egg, kilos of meat, facemasks, and other basic needs to According to Ms. Mignon Cecilia S. each of the 169 households from the Diego, Grade 12 adviser and guidance selected barangays in Laoag City and counselor, the initiative is part of their Paoay. community service conducted every year. Among the beneficiaries of their The recipients were 70 households project were the affected communities from Brgy. Suba in Paoay last April 25; of the Taal Volcano eruption in January 32 households from Brgy. Talingaan in 2020. Laoag City last April 27; 67 households from Brgys. #13 and La Paz in the Ms. Diego said that the items given same city, and frontliners from Gawad to the frontliners were the remaining Kalinga and MMSU Laoag campus last donations for the Taal eruption victims. A household receives tray of egg and bread April 28. Since these were not sent because of the loaf from the MMSU LHS Batac 1997. lockdown, the LHS students decided to The relief distribution in these areas donate these to the frontliners of the he alumni and students of was led by Ms. Ma. Esvimin Garo- university. the MMSU Laboratory High Felipe, Ms. Mylene Rabe, and Mr. Erwin The LHS alumni and students are School (LHS) distributed Suguitan. T among the various groups and units food packs and grocery items to the Also, the Grade 12 STEM Class of from MMSU which are helping the households and frontliners as a the LHS Batac campus distributed communities cope with the pandemic. support to them amid the health hygiene items to the MMSU frontliners. -- (by DP Tapaoan, Jr.) crisis. 16 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 4, April 2020 (Online fora...from page 2) MMSU to partner Enhanced Community Quarantine Guidelines for University Operations, with top Malaysia school particularly on the ‘New Normal’ academic environment. Three hundred twenty eight out of 435 faculty members participated in the first forum, and the live video gained more than 200 likes, love reactions, and 630 comments on Facebook. Meanwhile, 3,500 students joined the president during the second forum. The live feed gained around 950 reactions, and 950 comments. All the participants have raised their concerns during the forum. One of the primary concerns of the teachers and students was the inaccessibility of internet connection for online classes. In response, Dr. By DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR. students are allowed to enrol at any of Agrupis said that this issue shall be its nine departments: Faculty of given due consideration in the final new international Applied Sciences; Faculty of Business guidelines of the University. She partnership looms as the and Information Science; Faculty of assured that the administration will A Mariano Marcos State Engineering, Technology and Built uphold compassion in handling this University and the UCSI University, Environment; Faculty of Hospitality problem. the top private university in and Tourism Management; Faculty of Another concern raised by the Malaysia, collaborate on exchange Medicine and Health Sciences; Faculty students, was the sustainability of their programs. of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Faculty of mental health. The President said the Social Sciences and Liberal Arts; De Office for Student Affairs and MMSU President Shirley C. Institute of Creative Arts and Design; Services (OSAS) is offering online Agrupis said that during the online and Institute of Music. The exchange psychosocial support. She said that the meeting last April 2, the two program runs from one to two guidance counselors of the University universities have agreed to explore semesters yearly. common areas of studies for could efficiently cater to the inbound/outbound and customizable To reciprocate this, Dr. Agrupis psychological and emotional needs of short-term program for staff and said MMSU will also share more on its the students (see related story on page 14). flagship programs to the UCSI students. Other matters discussed were on the University to explore how both transportation, accommodation and institutions can collaborate. Once the current health crisis financial support the University offers to diminishes, key officials from MMSU “Both institutions can work on the its students and faculty to help them and UCSI University will also conduct general memorandum of survive the effects of the pandemic on campus visits in order to share the best understanding for this purpose while their work or studies. practices of their respective schools. we are seeking advice from the Employees were also told that the Commission on Higher Education on work-from-home scheme, with the Aside from the short-term the requirements regarding G2G skeleton workforce reporting on program, Dr. Agrupis shared that both (Government-to-Government) rotational schedules, will be continually universities also discussed the possibility matters,” she said. of conducting joint research activities followed. and scholarship grants for MMSU When materialized, this partnership “The University will continue to lecturers intending to pursue graduate will help both universities improve their implement DOH protocols, such as studies at the UCSI University via Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) through social distancing, hand hygiene, exchange program. the leverage on each other’s experiences. respiratory hygiene (wearing of face masks and cough etiquette), thermal MMSU already obtained three QS Under the UCSI University’s scanning, and disinfection footbath to stars and entered the list of QS top student exchange program, inbound ensure the safety of those who enter universities this year. 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