Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020 MMSU produces alcohol vs. COVID-19

By REYNALDO E. ANDRES

he “Asukal Mo, Alcohol Mo” program of the TNational Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU-NBERIC) is gaining headway in producing ethanol in response to the limited supply of ethyl alcohol in the province as a precautionary measure to fight Covid-19. MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, leader of the NBERIC program, said on March 18 through the MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis (sitting) leads the NBERIC team in producing alcohol bio-ethanol technology project of out of nipa sap. This is the university’s way of helping the province mitigate the spread MMSU-NBERIC, the university system of COVID-19 “is trying to help mitigate the spread of distillers which are all operational and uses the market was one of the problems Covid-19 in Ilocos Norte by partnering firewood for its furnace. These distillers raised by the provincial officials. with all local government units (LGUs). have a capacity of 850, 200, and 150 liters. Dr. Agrupis positively responded by “In this partnership, when the Further, MMSU also developed a showcasing the current facility of MMSU LGUs supply us with molasses for the semi-automatic lab-scale distiller with a that can produce ethanol from any form production of ethanol, we can also capacity of 10 liters intended for of sugar. teach them to produce the product optimizing and testing of formulated using our technology,” she added. One of the facilities is a fully electric protocols. distiller powered by a Hybrid Solar Dr. Agrupis said since the day when “But while we want to meet the Technology, which primarily utilizes solar ethyl alcohol started to dwindle in the alcohol supply of the whole province, we power. market due to panic buying by some only produce and ration the people as sectors, she, too, started to tap the The distiller can process 150 liters of much volume as we can,” she said. expertise of the NBERIC staff and fermented sugar solution and can produce On March 20, two representatives some former medical students of the 12 liters of 95 percent ethanol within four from each of the 23 towns and two cities MMSU College of Medicine to help to six hours of operation. The 95 percent of the province came and get their first produce ethanol. ethanol will undergo blending to produce ration of 20 liters of ethyl alcohol and, as a 70 percent concentration of alcohol. During the multi-sectoral meeting at they get their ration, they will be taught the Ilocos Norte Capitol on March 16, Aside from the fully electric distiller, how to prepare the molasses and ferment the non-availability of alcohol supply in MMSU has also three sets of village-scale these into ethanol. (See story on page 3)

2 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020

She and Ilocos Norte Governor Ilocos Norte LGUs, churches Matthew Marcos Manotoc led the staff of the NBERIC in distributing get alcohol ration from MMSU the product in one of the center’s offices, which was witnessed by personnel of the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in this city. Manotoc said he was happy because through this, “we can help our front-liners in the province who do their job to mitigate the spread of the deadly virus.” “So far, we want to maximize the production of alcohol at NBERIC trying to look further how we can support this effort in terms of the raw material it needs, especially molasses,” he said. epresentatives of the 21 Some 1,400 liters of 70- Agrupis is confident the university municipalities, two cities, percent ethyl alcohol from nipa sap would continue its more than 10 years and 30 churches in Ilocos were given to various sectors in of research and development activity R of producing bio-ethanol from Norte each received their first 20 Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, liters of alcohol ration, courtesy of and Kalinga, from the start of the different sugar sources, such as sweet the MMSU-NBERIC on March 20 government-imposed enhanced sorghum, sugarcane, sap and, and 23. community quarantine throughout most recently, nipa. This is to help their front-liners on March 16. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the contain the spread of the coronavirus “We may not supply the university has been redirecting its disease (Covid-19). alcohol needs of all sectors in the efforts to help address the dwindling supply of 70-percent ethyl alcohol in The volume would be distributed province, but at least this development effort will augment Ilocos Norte, which is being used as a to personnel who deliver basic services disinfectant and antiseptic to help stop to their constituents, MMSU President the dwindling supply of the product,” Agrupis said. the spread of the disease. -- (by R.E. Shirley C. Agrupis said. Andres)

Experts belie reports nipa and coconut sap as raw material for fuel grade ethanol. The truth is that of lambanog as disinfectant lambanog has only ethanol concentration disappeared from store shelves as a ranging from 35- 45 percent, which is xperts from the National result of public panic over COVID-19, equivalent to 70-90 proof,” she said, as Bio-Energy Research and some health authorities in she challenged the Inquirer to conduct Innovation Center (NBERIC) E province are convinced that the local Google research on the difference in MMSU expressed disgust on a news coconut-based , lambanog, could between proof and purity, or the report that lambanog can be an very well suffice.” It even quoted Dr. percentage concentration “to verify its alternate disinfectant in the wake of Grace Santiago, Quezon health officer, report.” the nationwide COVID-19 scare, who apparently told town officials in saying that such report is confusing. “Commercial rubbing alcohol is 70 Lucena City in an emergency meeting percent ethanol, so the lambanog can never MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis with barangay and local health workers be classified as disinfectant,” Agrupis said. particularly assailed the a news from on March 12. At NBERIC, MMSU experts have Inquirer, saying that it will “further confuse “For scientific clarification, alcohol already developed a technology to distill the general public and would definitely proof and alcohol concentration are lambanog and other fermented sugar to 95 complicate the COVID 19 pandemic.” two different concepts,” Agrupis said, percent ethanol concentration and are clarifying that 90 proof is only equivalent The Inquirer report that carried the reconstituting it to 70 percent ethanol to to 45 percent ethanol concentration. headline on March 14 , “No more rubbing equate its efficacy (with scientific data) alcohol? ‘Lambanog’ to the rescue,” “My team at MMSU-NBERIC with commercial 70 percent ethyl alcohol. reported that with “rubbing alcohol having have been working on lambanog from -- (by R.E. Andres) Office for Strategic Communication 3 Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020 MMSU extends alcohol ration MMSU Bioethanol to neighboring provinces tech aids brgy in Pamplona town By JOHN VINCENT B. TORIBIO By RYAN ROI B. DOMINGO

longside the University’s efforts to combat the A COVID-19 pandemic, the first technology recipients of the MMSU Bioethanol technology are also on the move in producing alternative disinfectants out of bioethanol from nipa sap. The Barangay Council of Cabaggan in Pamplona and the Cabaggan Women’s Association in Pamplona, Cagayan have recently distributed the locally-produced alternative disinfectants to around 189 households in their locality. Barangay Captain Crisante Leaño said that, to address the current MSU continues to Bumanglag, MMSU high school shortage of alcohol supply in the provide rations of 70% alumnus and PGH resident doctor. locality, they decided to apply the MMSU Bioethanol technology utilizing M ethyl alcohol to help Also, the province of Cagayan, nipa sap in producing a disinfectant. communities in northern Luzon source of the nipa sap used as fight against COVID-19. feedstock in the production of 70% Leaño, however, shared that their In addition to the continuous Nipahol, also received 340 liters of current production is limited due to the ration of alcohol to the various alcohol. scant supply of nipa as many plants died due to the recent flooding in LGUs, banks, hospitals, and other Meanwhile, the university also agencies in Ilocos Norte, MMSU has Cagayan. Thus, they were only able to rations alcohol and face masks to make use of their existing nipa sap also expanded its distribution to Ilocos barangay checkpoints in the cities and Sur, Kalinga, and Apayao. Each of reserve, only enough to supply the municipalities where its campuses are households in their barangay. these provinces received 100 liters each located. Distribution has started in on March 30. Batac and Laoag, and the university She also thanked MMSU President Due to the ‘total lockdown’ hopes to duplicate this activity in Shirley C. Agrupis, the MMSU imposed in Ilocos Norte, staff of the Paoay, Dingras, and Currimao. Bioethanol team, and their staff. NBERIC turned over the alcohol to To systematize alcohol rationing, The MMSU Bioethanol Team the recipients at the province’s Engr. Thomas Ubiña, NBERIC shared said technology to the barangay boundaries. chief, has initiated the development through a funding from US Agency for “Our fight against COVID-19 of an online system that would also International Development - Science, knows no borders,” MMSU President minimize physical contact between Technology, Research, and Innovation and NBERIC Program Leader, Dr. the production staff and the for Development (USAID-STRIDE), Shirley Agrupis said. “As a public recipients. Department of Energy (DOE), Philippine Rice Research Institute service university, we are in solidarity The 70% alcohol is produced by with the rest of the country, especially (PhilRice), and Sugar Regulatory NBERIC using MMSU’s proprietary Administration (SRA) through Ethanol our fellow Ilokanos, as we stand fermentation and against the disease,” she added. Producers Association of the technologies, while the masks are an - Bioethanol Research, On the same day, 100 liters of output of the Garments Project Development and Extension (EPAP- based at the College of Industrial alcohol was given to the Philippine BRDE) in 2014. General Hospital through Dr. Cy Technology. 4 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020 MMSU launches food rationing program

By REYNALDO E. ANDRES

he Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Tlaunched on March 26 its food rationing program to help its students and front-liners to cope with their basic demands in the light of the coronavirus crisis. The activity, which is in line with its ‘bayanihan’ program, is focusing more of its 107 students who are stranded in nearby boarding houses and dormitories when the government imposed the Luzonwide lockdown and dubbed Oplan SAWAR (Student better internet connectivity for the enhanced community quarantine last Affairs, Whereabouts and Recourse) to announced online mode of instruction. March 16. determine the pressing needs of MMSU “But when the online instruction ‘Bayanihan,’ or the hale and hearty students locked in various apartments and boarding houses in the province. were suspended, they got stuck in their system of reciprocity program of the apartments and there was no public university, also intends to expand its “We found out that they badly need transportation available,” Gagni said, coverage to health workers and other food, water and alcohol. That is why we adding that she tapped the services of front-liners in Ilocos Norte. immediately responded to meet their the University Student Council (USC) to basic needs,” said Dr. Elizabeth Marfel provide fund for the basic survival kit The students who became the first Gagni, MMSU’s director for Student (BSK), which contains rice, batch beneficiaries of the program are Affairs and Services, noting that the antimicrobial soap, potable drinking those who come from Cagayan, Ilocos different colleges verified the result of water, assorted vegetables, canned Sur, Apayao, Isabela, La Union, the survey by calling the students goods, and noodles. , Baguio City, Bulacan, through their cellphone numbers Visayas, and Mindanao. registered in the university. The amount per kit, was P500 and is good for one week, but the USC is The activity was the result of recent Gagni said the students were determined to shoulder the BSK of the online survey conducted by the stranded in their dormitories because 107 students for two weeks. university’s Office of Student Affairs they decided to stay in order to have Univ creates improvised face masks

By DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR. council approved this initiative on March 16. Since then, the university ue to the dearth of officials have started to pitch in their commercial face masks in contributions for the production of face Dthe market amid the masks. coronavirus crisis, the MMSU “This is also our way of helping College of Industrial Technology MMSU mitigate the current crisis that (CIT) takes lead in producing we are in, and we commit to do this improvised face masks using table while supply lasts,” said Dr. Cesario Y. napkins and garter. Pacis, CIT dean. Professors Floribelle Javier and The CIT already submitted 400 face Gloria Torres of the CIT-Department masks to the Office of the University of Garments Technology have started President for centralized distribution to producing face masks last March 17 the university frontline workers and after the university administrative other constituents. Office for Strategic Communication 5 Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020

Work from home scheme for gov’t Secretary by order of President Rodrigo Duterte which provides for the enhanced workers until quarantine is lifted community quarantine over Luzon and further guidelines for the management of he Civil Service limited to work from home…as part of the implementation of the strict home the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Commission (CSC) on throughout the country. T March 16 said government quarantine policy.” agencies should adopt a work-from- Those exempted from the work-from- The CSC said the work-from-home home arrangement until the Luzon- home arrangement include personnel of the arrangement should be effective from wide enhanced community quarantine Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces March 17 to April 13, 2020 or “until such due to the coronavirus disease 2019 of the Philippine, the Philippine Coast Guard, time the Enhanced Community Quarantine (COVID-19) is lifted. health and emergency frontline services, over Luzon has been lifted.”“Report on the work from home arrangement adopted by Under Announcement No. 13, s. border control and other critical services that need to ensure a skeleton workforce. government agencies shall be submitted to 2020 signed by CSC chairperson Alicia the Civil Service Commission Regional dela Rosa-Bala, government agencies, CSC issued the announcement following Offices for records purposes,” the CSC’s except those agencies required to provide the Memorandum Circular issued on announcement further read. (PR) a skeleton workforce, “shall now be Monday and was signed by the Executive 6 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020 Australian envoy vows to support more scholars from Ilocos Norte

By REYNALDO E. ANDRES screened, trained, and mentored to step private and public schools, but are up as the best and the brightest teachers distinguished leaders in the field of ustralian Ambassador to the in the country.” education, some even becoming Philippines Steven J. regional supervisors and district ARobinson promised to “I personally came here to see you superintendents of the Department of continue supporting the Scholarship at MMSU and listen to your successes,” Education around the country. for Teacher Education Programs to Robinson said, emphasizing that “what Upgrade Teacher Quality in the you have done as scholars of PBEd, Dr. Agrupis said she hopes that Philippines (STEP UP), saying that with the help of the Australian MMSU can continue to nurture a such commitment will produce Embassy here in the Philippines, was strong relationship with the Australian quality teachers in the country. impressive.” Embassy by sending faculty and students to Australia on exchange STEP UP is a scholarship campaign “It is especially important that we programs, and by hosting Australian by the Philippine Business for Education continue to produce quality teachers, scholars as well. (PBEd), funded by the Australian given the challenges we face on Government, under the Basic Education education,” he added. Since 2015, there have been STEP Sector Transformation (BEST) program. UP scholars from MMSU. Twenty-five It seeks to attract good-performing For her part, MMSU President have completed the scholarship college graduates and professionals into Shirley C. Agrupis thanked the program, while four are completing the teaching profession by offering them Australian ambassador and his party it. competitive scholarship packages. for extending the support of the Australian government to the university. Of this number, 19 are already During the meeting at the MMSU She assured that MMSU “values the employed as teachers while others have Hostel on March 2, H.E. Robinson said trust and support of the Australian taken or are preparing for the licensure that Australia has been working with the government.” examinations. Philippines on education reform. Dr. Agrupis also presented the These scholars personally thanked The Australian ambassador claimed teacher education program of the the Australian ambassador and his party that the STEP UP scholars already have university, saying that through the years, for the profound impact that STEP UP significant advantage over the non- “we have produced graduates who has made in their academic and scholars “because they were vigorously have not only become teachers in the professional lives. -- (with a report from DP Tapaoan, Jr.)

Office for Strategic Communication 7 Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020 MMSU to tie-up with Texas consortium on PSM program

By DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR.

he Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) seeks to Tenhance its Professional Science Master’s in Renewable Energy Engineering (PSM-REE) through its partnership with the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC) in Texas, United States. In an online meeting on March 11, University President Shirley C. Agrupis and other university officials discussed with TIEC key personnel about the enhancement of the PSM-REE program. “We really want to strengthen this program, and we are open to a joint degree offering with the universities in educational psychology, early childhood the United States that have strong A first in the country, the PSM-REE is a two-year program of advanced and special needs education, mental programs in renewable energy,” Dr. health, indigenous studies and cultural Agrupis stressed. professional training and managerial capability building in developing education. alternative energy for national self- While MMSU has the experts to These were also welcomed by Dr. sufficiency, self-reliance, and self- handle the program, Dr. Agrupis Weeks highlighting that TIEC desires to sustainability. believes that experts from other be as responsive as possible as the prestigious schools can help the group ultimately desires the consortium university to teach the course better. Aside from the enhancement of PSM-REE program, the MMSU team to be fruitful and meaningful among all In response, Dr. D’andrea Weeks, also expressed interest to collaborate its members. with the TIEC in other areas, such as, TIEC’s director of business In July 2019, MMSU and TIEC the online Test of English as a Foreign development, promised to reach out to signed an MOU which stipulates that Language (TOEFL), precision smart the consortium’s member-universities the two institutions shall collaborate in and food systems, disaster risk regarding the enhancement of MMSU’s five areas: joint conferences and research management, education and humanities, PSM-REE program. activities; exchange of academic materials and academic publications; exchange of faculty members for research lectures; exchange of students, faculty and staff for research study; and, development of capacity building programs. The TIEC is a private non-profit organization that advances international partnerships, collaboration, and exchanges for 31 public universities across the state of Texas. Among the consortium’s programs include Intensive English, Online Courses, Professional Development, and Educational Capacity Building. 8 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020 Peace Corps to partner with MMSU on response program By DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR.

n official of the Peace Corps Philippines visited the Auniversity on March 4 to discuss possible areas of collaboration in which the former could provide technical assistance. In a meeting held at the university’s FEM Hall conference room, Mr. Milosil E. Cruz, PC’s response program coordinator, said the agency’s response program aims to assist government institutions, state universities and colleges, and other local organizations on education, environment, and disaster partnerships with the appropriate consulting the university administrative risk reduction and management. institutions.” He further affirmed that council. MMSU can open two project areas for He added that the PC has skilled its main campus, and one each for the The PC is an international volunteer volunteers and experts who can be other campuses where the PC service organization that promotes deployed in certain areas in the volunteers can assist. socio-economic progress and Philippines for seven months, which are Philippine-American friendship. At different from its regular volunteers In response, Dr. Carmelo J. present, 180 volunteers work alongside whose placements are in a two-year Esteban, MMSU vice president for Filipino counterparts to teach students period. planning and development, welcomed and train teachers, to strengthen the PC’s response program. He also organizations working with children, The PC official also stressed that assured that the university will propose youth, and families at risk, and to assist the university’s support “is a key in potential areas to the agency after communities in the management and forming relevant and significant conservation of coastal resources.

This program, according to USAID-STRIDE to put up Taguinod, is one of the ways by which STRIDE supports collaborative career center in MMSU activities in the academe by providing the students efficient guidance and he Science, Technology, “A career center basically supports counseling throughout their studies and Research, and Innovation for student-career guidance to help them upon graduation. TDevelopment (STRIDE) develop and sharpen their career plans, Project Team of the United States helps them to gain professionally Meanwhile, not only in the Agency for International relevant career experiences and, academe, STRIDE also supports policy Development (USAID) plans to ultimately, helps them to get jobs,” improvements of the government to launch a career center in the MMSU Taguinod said, emphasizing that one make research more effective, while main campus. activity under this program is to invite providing mechanisms to improve industry partners (all over the country) strengthened industry-academe- In a meeting held at the university’s so that there will be more job government dialogue. It also supports Student Affairs and Services (SAS) opportunities for upcoming graduates strengthening university capacity in office on March 3, Mr. Jacob Maximin (this June). research management. Thaddeus B. Taguinod, STRIDE’s “Since our proposal was already institutionalization specialist, said the “The first step to be considered is approved by MMSU President Shirley STRIDE is supporting the creation of a to hold series of job fairs during which C. Agrupis, we expect to inaugurate an career center in MMSU, which aims to employers visit the campus to recruit office for the CSC and we shall be in help and guide college students get job students who are about to graduate,” he full swing helping undergraduate after graduation. added students,” Taguinod said. Office for Strategic Communication 9 Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020 SCA presents univ milestones in nat’l forum By JOHN VINCENT B. TORIBIO institutions: the NIST (Maryland, US Department of Commerce), Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC), International Language Academy (ILA) and Kansas State University. They also met with key personnel of the University of Maryland, Arizona State University and the US Department of Education. She also featured about the endeavors of MMSU faculty with Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Shizuoka University and Ashikaga University in Japan.

More so, she recognized the relentless efforts of the university’s Office for External Linkages and Partnerships, led by its director, Dr. Mee Jay A. Domingo, in making all these possible. Washington, D.C. last May 26 – 31, MSU President Shirley C. Additionally, she presented MMSU’s 2019. Agrupis presented the Framework in Strengthening Global M university’s milestones on Presence and Sustained Partnership to She presented that during the internationalization during a forum provide motivation to other SUCs who attended by other SUC presidents NAFSA 2018, they have met with then- potential partner institutions, signed struggle to achieve similar goals– that, last March 4-5 in Raddison Blu, obstacles may be overcome with a Cebu City. memorandum of understanding with California State University and attended sound and well-crafted university plan. sessions and meetings arranged by the The Commission on Higher Lastly, she emphasized MMSU’s US Embassy and the Commission on Education (CHED) – International vision to be a premier institution in a Higher Education (CHED). The US Affairs Section invited Dr. Agrupis to borderless society which fuels her desire academic trip also allowed the president speak during the Capacity to expand MMSU’s global presence. Development Workshop on Corporate to discuss possibilities for further Etiquette and International Protocol for research exchange programs, The workshop aimed to enable the SUC Presidents. Here, she shared cooperation on bioprocessing, SUC Presidents to build credibility and MMSU’s accomplishments in partnering veterinary science and scholarships with relationships with international partners, with schools and agencies abroad to various institutions. observe rules of international etiquette inspire other university presidents. and cultural protocols, and enhance Dr. Agrupis also stressed that even professionalism networking skills. Particularly, she highlighted the after the event, MMSU continued to success stories of the university in link with its partners. She took pride in The workshop is a part of the participating in the conferences and relaying the MOU forged with the program dubbed as Pathways to expos of the NAFSA: Association of University of California, Los Angeles Opportunity: EducationUSA-CHED International Educators. (NAFSA which happened in MMSU. She also Speaker Series on Internationalization. originally meant National Association presented about the university’s ventures of Foreign Student Advisers.) with Kansas State University and the Present during the event were the initial activities with National Institute of officials of the CHED led by The president narrated her Standards and Technology (NIST – Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III, experiences, together with her teams, USA). Commissioners Lilian A. De Las Llagas, during the NAFSA 2018 and NAFSA Ronald L. Adamat, Perfecto A. Alibin, 2019 Annual Conferences and Expos Meanwhile, she shared that during Aldrin A. Darilag, and Public Affairs held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last the NAFSA 2019, she led her team in Counselor- US Embassy in the May 28 – June 1, 2018 and in various MOU signing with other Philippines Philip Roskamp. 10 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020 CAS prof conducts DOST taps research in US 2 mentors for nat’l training In 2019, a mission trip to the US by the CHED and the US Embassy in the By NIÑA CHRISTELLE M. Philippines EducationUSA office was SUMINTAC designed to develop links between US CTE Correspondent and Philippine higher education institutions. This mission trip resulted in he Department of Science the said research scholarship. and Technology - Science Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, MMSU TEducation Institute president and a Fulbright alumna and an (DOST-SEI) invited Prof. Aleli R. EducationUSA Philippines advisor, met Martin and Dr. Estrella R. Pacis with NIST representatives last year to of the College of Teacher discuss collaborations in advancing Education (CTE) to serve as innovation in the biological sciences trainers in the nationwide through technology. Training of Trainers Design Thinking for K-3 Science and Dr. Agrupis said aside from Mathematics Teaching held at offering the highest standards of The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases education, US universities and agencies in Davao City last March 11-13. promote quality cultural experiences, as well, which are vital in the holistic Through its Project Science development of the students. Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR), Dr. Prof Martin and Dr. graduate student and Meanwhile, the recently signed joint Pacis were joined by other trainers faculty member of the statement on US-Philippine Higher from Philippine Normal University, A MMSU College of Arts and Education Cooperation has resulted in West Visayas State University, St. Sciences has been chosen to the intensified efforts of CHEd and Louis University, Bicol University and conduct research as a short-term EducationUSA to support academic the Science Education Institute. and cultural exchanges, capacity scholar at the National Institute of Dr. Pacis, college secretary, Standards and Technology (NIST) development of university officials and university collaborations. discussed the basics of Design in Gaithersburg, Maryland in the Thinking and led the workshop for United States. According to the US Embassy, the stage Ideate. Meanwhile, the chief The US Embassy in Manila said recent successful collaborations between of Center for Teaching Excellence in Jessica Asuncion would carry out Philippine and US universities included the University, Prof. Martin headed research in the Biomolecular the New York Film Academy’s master the workshop on the stages Prototype Measurement Division at NIST class on directing at the Ateneo de and Test. Manila University; a lecture at MMSU alongside Dr. Concepcion Remoroza, DOST-SEI selected seasoned a Filipina research chemist. on ethanol expansion and climate change by Dr. Marcellus Caldas, professors around the country as A federal agency within the US assistant provost of international faculty trainers for other STAR trainers in Department of Commerce, NIST collaboration at Kansas State University; preparation for the cascading of promotes innovation and industrial and University of California Los design thinking to K-3 teachers in all competitiveness by advancing Angeles graduate student-led training on regions of the country. measurement science and standards to anthropology at MMSU. The training aimed to introduce enhance citizens’ quality of life and the design thinking as a problem-solving bioeconomy. Also included were the Texas approach which focuses on the user “After my short-term research A&M University’s visiting professor as the ultimate beneficiary and training at the National Institute of collaboration with MMSU on employing a five-stage process: Standards and Technology, my goal is to renewable energy engineering and the Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and go back home to the Philippines and Polytechnic University of the Test. Philippines’ international conference on share the knowledge and skills I have The event was participated in by peace education and indigenous learned with my colleagues, students and 40 STAR trainers from the different local agencies through seminars and people’s studies in partnership with workshops,” Asuncion said. Central Washington University. (PR) regions of Mindanao. Office for Strategic Communication 11 Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020 Faculty, students continue to enjoy US-sponsored progs By JOHN VINCENT B. TORIBIO he faculty and students of the university continue to Tenjoy the programs of the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the U.S. Department of State. RELO provides programs and materials on English language teaching and learning to countries such as the Philippines. Other countries to which their services are offered are Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Island countries. Mr. Jerville Jake M. Cabansag (left), completed his AE E-Teacher Program during the Fall The said Office’s American English Term 2019. With him in the photo are Mr. Matthew Gleason, English Language Fellow E-Teacher Program facilitates certified (center), and Ms. Connie Chico, Cultural Affairs Specialist from the US Embassy (right). online courses offered by various universities in the United States. Two of for non-native English speaking teachers. Teacher Program during the Fall Term these are the Massive Open Online It aims to equip the participants with the 2019. Courses (MOOCs) and professional current methodologies in English Nominated by the US Embassy, development courses for teachers. instruction in various learning contexts. Mr. Jerville Jake Cabansag, completed Recently, 38 education students, 31 Ms. Karla Auria Galeon, a teacher- his course on “Using Educational English language students, a PhD participant from the College of Arts and Technology in the English Language Linguistics student and three faculty Sciences (CAS), said that they “learned Classroom,” offered by the Iowa State members of the university completed ways on how to create an effective and University. their course on Teaching English to communicative language classroom by The eight-week course is geared to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) exploring the use of modern technologies enhance the technological skills of Methodology. in teaching English in the 21st century.” English language teachers across the This course which ran from January The American English E-Teacher world through hands-on learning. 27 – March 3 was provided by the program also provides Self-Paced Teacher The course was administered by University of Maryland, Baltimore Training MOOCs and Self-Paced English FHI 360, a non-profit human County. Language Acquisition MOOCs. development Organization based in The TESOL methodology course Meanwhile, a graduate student of the North Carolina. is a facilitated training which is designed university has also completed his AE E- “ The course enabled me to improve English language instruction in my classes as I learned how to apply my learning on lesson planning, materials development, feedback and assessment,” Cabansag said. He is the second accepted nominee to the said program. The first is Dr. Mee Jay A. Domingo, a CAS faculty, who completed another course last 2015. The MOOC participants and Mr. Cabansag received their digital badges and certificates for their successful participation Ms Karla Auria Galeon, a teacher-participant of the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), took the in their respective courses. course on Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) methodology. 12 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020 DOST, MMSU host PSM-NL Chapter nat’l research confab holds regional By ARIS REYNOLD V. CAJIGAL Contributor convention ore than 200 teachers, professors, and students Mfrom various schools in Region I participated in the 20th Regional Convention and Scientific Meeting conducted by the Philippine Society for Microbiology Inc. – North Luzon (PSM-NL) Chapter held in MMSU last March 5-6.

In cooperation with the MMSU- Department of Biological Sciences, this year’s regional convention aimed to inform the community with the latest scientific information and findings in microbiology. It involved he Department of Science research papers in mathematics paper and poster presentations, and Technology - Science education. product demonstration, research TEducation Institute DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela competition, quiz show and career (DOST-SEI) and the Mariano Peña inspired the scholars to maintain awareness. Marcos State University co-hosted their interest in research to address the the 6th National Research gaps in science and mathematics With the theme, Conference in Science and education. He further urged the “Pannagkikinnayyamet 2020: PSM-NL Mathematics Education on March scholars to focus on transdisciplinary on the March toward Sustainable 5-6 at the Fort Ilocandia Resort teaching to prepare students for real- World thru Microbiology,” the Hotel, Laoag City. world challenges. activity aimed to engage government More than 360 graduate scholars, Meanwhile, Dr. Erwin F. and non-government organizations faculty and staff from the 16 Cadorna, president of the University to attain the Sustainable member-universities of the National of Northern Philippines, keynoted Development Goals 2030. (The Consortium in Graduate Science and the event highlighting the Ilokano term “Panagkikinnayyamet” Mathematics Education (NCGSME) interconnectedness of means oneness or collaboration.) participated in the conference. Of this transdisciplinary research and socio- number, 53 were from MMSU. economic prosperity. The event was sponsored by the ESCO Philippines Inc., 3M This activity under the Capacity Plenary speakers were Dr. Josette Company, Procter and Gamble Co., Building Program in Science and T. Biyo, director of DOST-SEI, and Yakult Phil. Inc., ITS Science Phil., Mathematics Education was themed, Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr., dean of the and Blue Sky Trading Co. Inc. “Transdisciplinary STEM Education for University of the Philippines – Los Sustainable Development.” Baños Graduate School. Dr. Biyo The activity showcased 124 stressed the need to focus on teaching technical oral and poster presentations critical STEM fields urgently needed of the graduate scholars. The topics in the country, while, Dr. Camacho were on science and mathematics discussed the policies, standards and pedagogy, ICT-based teaching and guidelines in graduate education. learning, community-oriented learning, professional development initiatives, MMSU is one of the 16 and assessment. consortium member-universities since 2014. As a member, MMSU Two of the MMSU scholars, continues to work with DOST-SEI in James Verdadero and Clarence the implementation of the graduate Castillo, both from the MAEd – scholarship program for science and Mathematics program, presented their mathematics teachers. Office for Strategic Communication 13 Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020

t least six barangays and one 6 brgys, 1 org get relief goods, civil organization in Cagayan A who were victims of financial assistance landslide received relief goods and financial assistance from the MMSU community. Last March 4, two sacks of rice, 149 boxes of grocery items, 19 boxes of various clothes, and Php 42,000 cash were delivered to the affected families of Barangays Cabaggan and Sta. Cruz in Pamplona; Barangays Bisagu, Lanao, Navaggan, and Bangag in Aparri West; and, the 3K (Kalalakihan Kababaihan Kaakibat), a civic organization, in Brgy. Bangag. The MMSU Office for Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) expedited nipa bio-ethanol community in Aparri joined by Jomari D. Mateo, executive and Pamplona, which were affected by secretary of the University Student the delivery of the goods based on th President Shirley C. Agrupis’ landslide on November 18, 2019. Council and a 5 year BS Chemical Memorandum No. 20-087 to make the The members of the nipa bio- Engineering student. university’s post-disaster response timely ethanol team from the MMSU - “This gesture (of the MMSU and relevant. National Bio-Energy Research and academic community) makes the OSAS Director Elizabeth Marfel F. Innovation Center (NBERIC) headed recipients feel that they are one with us Gagni said the collected cash and goods by Engr. Thomas Ubiña, led the in spirit in times of crisis,” Dr. Gagni were immediately given to the identified distribution of the goods. He was said. (by RE Andres)

27th, Carasi National High School was Univ reaches IP communities involved in the program. respective careers in the future), and Lastly, in the 28th, students from he university Registrar’s to provide them relevant information Catagtaguen National High School office, in coordination with about the government’s programs for (Banna), Caribquib National High Tthe OSAS, conducted quality education. The team went to School (Banna), Caestebanan National outreach and career orientation seven different municipalities in the High School (Banna) and Banna activities among indigenous people province to meet with Grade 10 and Academy joined in the event held in communities in Ilocos Norte. Grade 11 students. Banna National High School. Also, in The activity aimed to introduce the Last February 21, the team that day, Nueva Era National High programs of the university to students, conducted the event in Adams School and Agripino P. Arzadon to help them determine their degree National High School, Dumalneg National High School (Nueva Era) programs when they enter college National High School and Lanao were catered. (which could lead them to their National High School (Bangui). In the More than 600 students and teachers joined in the activities. A plenty of this number come from the IP communities. Prof. Henedine A. Aguinaldo, the director of the registrar’s office, stated that the endeavor intended to contribute to MMSU’s mission in making quality tertiary education accessible to all, particularly to the Ilokanos. She added that these kinds of work are in line with the implementation of the government’s Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 (Republic Act 10931). (by JVB Toribio) 14 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020 he creator of the graphics MMSU’s pickled egg ‘Solid MMSU: Tulong- TTulong Tayo’ (frontpage) is is Best Ulam in expo Ms. Maria Iesa Kristina A. Verzosa. A second year BS Biology student, By KIMBERLY S. MIGUEL According to the judges, the Ieza was born with genetic illness Extension Correspondent university’s pickled egg is the most called muscular dystrophy. Despite innovative among the 15 entries for her condition, she is a consistent the Best Ulam category, giving a new academic scholar and a talented light to the usually boiled or fried egg. visual artist - does painting, Its enhanced taste, nutritional value sketches, graphic designs, among and new way of presentation others. She dreams to be a future crystallized the products’ geneticist, too. innovativeness. “Simple but innovative,” one of the commentators One with the world, she said. celebrates Women’s Month with It was prepared by the College of the optimism that change would Industrial Technology headed by Dr. work for women fighting different Cesario Pacis. It was along with other battles. pickled products such as garlic, onion, and buatsina which were presented in the booth. The product was prepared by the college’s Food Technology Department. Presenters of the product were Dr. Teresita N. Pablo and Ms. Bella C. Gervacio, exhibitors MSU’s Pickled Native of the MMSU booth. CSC Chairperson Chicken Egg Alicia was Mdela Rosa-Bala adjudged as the Best “This award is a challenge for the Ulam during the first SUC Expo of university to produce and market new the CHED held at the Activity products that reflect our creativity and Center of the Trinoma, Ayala Mall innovativeness as Ilokanos,” Dr. Pablo, from March 9-11. a CIT faculty said.

LES broadcasters win in NSPC and Jacob Miguel L. Flor, grades six and five pupils. Mr. Mark Ian C. Tagami By MARK IAN C. TAGAMI Queen C. Reyes, a Grade 6 pupil, was served as the coach and trainer of the LES Correspondent adjudged as 2nd place Best News team. th Presenter and 6 place Best News Also, the LES Filipino radio even student broadcasters Anchor. On the other hand, Kaixin broadcasting team composed of Thrixie from the MMSU Jervey A. Ventura, also a Grade 6 Margret Reyes, Amiel Kyle Ancheta, th SLaboratory Elementary pupil, won 4 place in the Best Katrice Maye Ansagay, Florianne Felix, School – Laoag City emerged Technical Application contest. Rane Dion Mabuti, Sarah Grace victorious in the recently “It is really a great milestone for Borromeo and Ava Laureen Quillope concluded National Schools Press th all of us that we were able to land a garnered 7 place in Best Script. Mr. Jay Conference (NSPC) held in place in the biggest competition of Mark A. Pornela was their coach. Tuguegarao City, Cagayan on campus journalists in the country,” March 9-13. “These achievements are a proof that happily expressed by Salvador in an th we are one of the best in the country. I The team bagged overall 4 place interview. look forward for more opportunities for in Best Radio Production in the Radio Meanwhile, the team was also our pupils to further optimize their talents Script Writing and Broadcasting event recognized as 4th place awardee in and potentials,” said by Dr. Bert A. (English category). Best Infomercial. Gamiao, LES principal. He further said Leading off their recognition is that, along quality instruction, talent Other members of the team are Jamhyla Eunice B. Salvador, a Grade 4 development workshop will be Jelienne May A. Arante, Jhairem Jade pupil, who was hailed as the 1st place developed to boost the skills of the T. Vidad, Almira Faith A. Borromeo Best News Presenter. Also, Macy learners. Office for Strategic Communication 15 Vol. 4 No. 3, March 2020

16 Office for Strategic Communication