Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021

Let’s ACHIEVE! By SHIRLEY C. AGRUPIS “We continue to improve and move forward.”

MSU has proven its to note our conformances to the resilience in this time of international standards as well as our best M COVID-19 pandemic as practices in meeting the needs of our evidenced by its continued efforts to stakeholders. implement a Quality Management —o0o— May we continue to lead the way System that is customer-focused and forward and make a lasting impact excellence-driven. Indeed, we have I am pleased to greet you as we join on everyone. gone through a lot of learning the celebration of Women’s History experiences in 2020 that application Month in the United States, and National —o0o— of these in our own Quality Women’s Month here in the Philippines. Management System is a continuous These month-long celebrations testify to In this time of the pandemic, and ongoing process. This month, the crucial role and contribution of where media has played a key role in we continue learning and women in the history of both nations, keeping us informed and guided of reconstructing our collective and indeed, around the world. We what is happening in the various areas experiences in relation to our QMS celebrate the innate strength and power of the country and the world, we all through the Surveillance audit by of women as they make significant saw the importance of information Socotec Auditors, virtually this time impact and change in their own dissemination to aid us in developing due to the current situation. I am communities, even as we advocate gender rules and regulations, protocols, and sure that this exercise will provide an equality, women empowerment, and policies to safeguard our constituents. avenue for us to improve our inclusivity in all fronts. processes and address the identified The training on news and feature gaps of the existing QMS. On behalf of Mariano Marcos State writing is a start to your bigger role University, let me express our gratitude of making known the researches, While our collective efforts for the for this opportunity to help amplify the programs, projects, and activities you successful implementation of our QMS voices and experiences of women in breed in your respective are undeniable, we still need to have an order to inspire others. I am proud that organizations. assessment by third-party auditors who today, MMSU have produced will provide us insights and feedback homegrown women who continue to Moreover, this is also the start of needed for continual improvement. Just shine their light amid the pandemic – they your active role of bringing like in program and institutional who are women of strength, resilience information and technologies closer accreditations by AACCUP and CHED, and hope. to the people, not only as an we recognize the importance of “peer announcement of an activity we evaluation” to help us examine closer the Now, the challenge is to develop conducted, but a pathway by which implementation of the QMS in our more women leaders who are passionate we reach more of our community respective offices and colleges. This is about their causes, and who are willing to people, and we make the noise we another milestone in our history as part share their talents and insights to want to ring to engage other of our university-wide ISO QMS empower others, in the hope of uniting institutions and organizations toward journey which started last March 2019 everyone – men and women alike – in inclusive and sustainable with the kind assistance of the our collective action to protect the development. Development Academy of the environment. Philippines. It is the time to continue In these challenging times where without let-up, continually implement, Let me share to you a quotation by communication is of utmost evaluate, and improve our QMS and Richard Rogers: “The only way forward, importance to keep on track the satisfy the needs and expectations of our if we are going to improve the quality of decisions from the government to stakeholders. the environment, is to get everybody the contexts of our grassroot involved.” That means that if we want to fellows, so is this training a relevant We at MMSU know that Socotec’s change our environment, we need to tool for you to help in nation- objective evaluation will result to the include everyone; if we want our society building through innovation, identification of our gaps so that we to prosper, we need to be united, and we knowledge-sharing, as well as may devise strategies to address them need a partner to help us do so; and if policy-development and the soonest possible time. At the same we want our society to prosper, we need recommendations. time, we also hope that we may be able a united people. 2 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021 Back-to-back stellar performance MMSU posts 100% rating anew in physician exam

By DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR.

he lone medical school in and a graduate of St. Luke’s Medical as the consultants of the Mariano Ilocos Norte is indeed on a Center COM - William H. Quasha Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Troll. Memorial, emerged Top 7 in the said Center and the Baguio City General exam. Hospital and Medical Center for their For the second time, MMSU overwhelming support to the graduates. College of Medicine (COM) has The Professional Regulation achieved another 100 percent passing Commission (PRC) released the test Expressing its heartfelt rate in the March 2021 Physician results last March 19 in various testing commendations, the MMSU-COM Licensure Examination, with one of its center in the country. A total of 1,234 Medical Students Association posted on pioneer graduates landing as a passed the exam out of 1,927 Facebook, “Your triumph and success is topnotcher. examinees, posting a 64.03 percent most definitely not a sole function of national passing rate. baseline intelligence. It’s putting your Dr. Jaymee B. Quindara, who was untiring efforts and unending also the COM’s Class 2019 MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis perseverance in getting that elusive Valedictorian, landed ninth in the lauded this another achievement of the license.” examination with a passing rate of College, saying that the whole university 86.92 percent. Other passers were Dr. community “celebrates with your In November 2020, all seven Aileen Concepcion M. Agustin, Dr. success and is very proud of you.” pioneer graduates of MMSU-COM Charis Vina E. Keith, Dr. Elma Flor also passed the examination. “We wish you all the best, our new O. Delos Santos-Lucero, and Dr. medical doctors, as you join the roster Jonathan C. Lim. Established in 2015, the COM is the of dignified practitioners,” she added. youngest college in the University and Also, Dr. Dane Mikhael S. Calica, COM Dean Ricardo S. Guanzon medical school in northern Luzon. an MMSU alumnus (BS Biology ’13) thanked the MMSU community, as well Office for Strategic Communication 3 Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021 One of the few SUCs in PH MMSU earns IA Level III

MSU is truly levelling up Top 4 in the Highest Percentage of and constituents for “doing their part and moving forward in terms Accredited Programs over the total committedly.” She added, “These M of quality and excellence in accreditable programs from 1992- milestones would not have been higher education. 2019; Top 3 in the Highest Number achieved without your full support and of Level III Accredited Programs in love for MMSU.” The Mariano Marcos State University 2019; Top 3 in the Most Improved (MMSU) obtained the Level III Internal Quality Assurance Unit in Last December 2020, the University Institutional Accreditation (IA) granted by 2019; and Top 5 in the Highest faced the online IA through evaluation the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Number of Level III Accredited on nine areas: governance and Colleges and Universities in the Programs in 2020. management; teaching, learning and Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) this year. evaluation; faculty and staff; research; The awarding ceremony was held extension, consultancy, and linkages; With this, MMSU earned the online last March 12, which support to students; library; distinction as one of the few state culminated the 34th Virtual AACCUP infrastructure and other learning universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Annual Conference which started last resources; and quality assurance culture. country with the highest accreditation March 10. IA is considered a big boost to SUCs in status so far. terms of SUC levelling, normative “All to God’s glory,” exclaimed financing, and forging international Apart from this, the AACCUP also MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis linkages. – DP Tapaoan awarded four major awards to MMSU: as she thanked the University officials MMSU gains headway to PRIME-HRM accreditation enchmarking with the best CSC Ilocos Norte Director Rex officials and the rank-and-file practices in human resource R. said the recognition only shows that employees in fulfilling the institution’s Bmanagement, the Mariano MMSU is beaitng COVID-19, and it vision. Marcos State University (MMSU) is has proven that “no pandemic can gaining headway to obtain the Civil stop us for accomplishing great things Anent this, the university has Service Commission’s (CSC) in the name of public service.” institutionalized its inclusive individual Program to Institutionalize manpower development plan, revised Meritocracy and Excellence in MMSU President Shirley C. the personnel scholarship guidelines, Human Resource Management Agrupis said the awards signify the aggressively pursued partnerships with (PRIME-HRM) Maturity Level II. university’s commitment to strive to international universities to expand excellence in human resource avenues for advanced studies and The Civil Service Commission - management. training, institutionalized its equal Regional Office I (CSC-RO1) cited opportunity policy and revised its merit MMSU for meeting the standards of Dr. Agrupis said MMSU system for faculty and non-teaching the three core systems of PRIME- embarked on the PRIME-HRM personnel to align them with the recent HRM: recruitment, selection, and accreditation to ensure that its issuances from the CSC. – DP placement; learning and development; processes reflect the healthy and Tapaoan and rewards and recognition. proactive engagement of university

4 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021 CHED allows MMSU to conduct limited F2F classes

he Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has Tallowed the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) to conduct limited face-to-face classes for its allied health-related degree programs this Second Semester, Academic Year 2020-2021. This means that MMSU can now conduct limited F2F hands-on training and laboratory classes among its third- and fourth-year students at the College of Health Sciences (CHS). MMSU is among the 24 higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country which “passed the stringent retrofitting and health standards imposed by CHED, the Department of Health (DOH), and the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).”

Aside from this, the CHED has granted Certificate of Authority to MMSU last March 10, allowing the university to send its medical students to hospitals and medical centers to undergo clinical clerkship this semester. – DP Tapaoan

MMSU faces ISO audit

onfirming its compliance education, in conducting research and In their report, the auditors with international quality extension, and its support functions in its commended the top management’s standards, Mariano Marcos Batac, Laoag, and Currimao campuses. involvement and leadership, C stakeholders’ confidence and support, State University (MMSU) submitted its quality management Ella Riza N. Ajero, Kim Winston resilience against challenges and system (QMS) to the surveillance Pajares, and Melvin Gruesco of industry demand, faculty-student audit conducted by the SOCOTEC served as the system interaction, readily available records, SOCOTEC Certification auditors for the MMSU’s QMS. online library, teamwork among Philippines, Inc. on March 1-3. faculty members, data trend for health The three-day surveillance audit and wellness and efficient updating of The surveillance audit aimed to involved virtual interview sessions with risks, online learning delivery, and determine if the certified the MMSU top management and web-based system for procurement. management system continues to fulfil process owners; evaluation of the requirements after SOCOTEC documented information, management To improve MMSU’s delivery of awarded MMSU with the ISO review and responsibilities for MMSU’s quality service, the auditors suggested 9001:2015 certification in 2019. policies, and reports of all non- that the university should improve conformities. level of communication related to The ISO certification includes the performance evaluation of suppliers; University services in providing The auditors presented the audit and may update online faculty line-up. advanced, professional, and higher results in a closing meeting on March 3. – DP Tapaoan Office for Strategic Communication 5 Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021 Univ researchers win awards in regional R&D symposium

By LEA C. AGBIGAY Correspondent

esearchers of the Mariano Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry first place on its topic, “Enhancing Marcos State University in the Philippines (SARAI) – Phase 2.” Glutinous Corn Production through (MMSU) bagged awards in Innovative Extension Delivery System in R For the development paper oral and poster presentations during Ilocos Region.” the 32nd Regional Symposium on category, the group of Dionisio Research and Development (R&D) Bucao, Alecsis Villarin, Mishael Joy The winning entries were among the Highlights virtually conducted by Barrera, Christian Butch Andrew MMSU’s seven papers and five posters the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Balbas, Catalino Barroga, and presented in the regional symposium. Natural Resources Research and Christian Mark Aganus obtained the top spot in the development category The R&D symposium is an annual Development Consortium activity of ILAARRDEC wherein (ILAARRDEC) on March 16-17. for its topic on “Strengthening and Sustaining Intellectual Property and research findings and technologies Technology Business Management developed by its 18 member-agencies In the research paper category, the are presented and reviewed, with the aim team of Menisa Antonio, Epifania (IP-TBM) of Mariano Marcos State University.” of selecting the region’s entries to Agustin, Noralyn Legaspi, Maria national award-giving bodies. This year’s Concepcion Birginias, Rodel Utrera, Similarly, the team of Leticia consortium was hosted by MMSU, the Dionisio Jamias, Araceli Badar, Lutap, Alecsis Villarin and Jonathan base agency of the consortium. Maingeline Vivit, Zenaida Agngarayngay, Ramos landed second place in the Evangeline Galacgac, Lea Agbigay, same category for their paper on With the theme, “Kapatagan at Vinamay Cabugon, Christine Quiapo, “Promotion and Commercialization Karagatan ay Pangalagaan para sa Mataas na Lagrimas Flojo, and Josefa Pugat got of Developed Biopesticides Ani at Kita sa Gitna ng Pandemya,” first place for its topic, “Sustainable (Biofungicides and Biopinsecticides) participants were from the Consortium Conservation, Utilization, and for Selected Vegetables in Ilocos.” Member Institutions (CMI) of Promotion of Plant Genetic Resources: ILAARRDEC who presented their The Case of Ilocandia’s Indigenous For the research poster category, research outputs and innovations along Food Plants.” the team of Mario Remolacio and Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Constante Julian obtained first place Resources (ANNR). Likewise, the group of Nathaniel for its topic, “New Promising Corn Alibuyog, Virgilio Julius Manzano, Jr., Varieties: Recommended for The event’s first placers will be the Rodel Utrera, Julius Jimenez, Jommel Commercial Release.” entries of Region I to the national Agreda, Hazel Agngarayngay, research symposium to be conducted by Evangeline Galacgac, Alecsis Villarin, In the development poster the Philippine Council for Agriculture, and Josefa Pugat won third place in its category, the group of Hazel Aquatic and Natural Resources Research research about “Smarter Approaches to Agngarayngay and Joana Crosby won and Development (PCAARRD).

6 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021 MMSU to offer master’s program in ecozone administration

By SHERLYN B. NICOLAS resources needed to offer the course at SEZI is envisioned to be a center Contributor the MMSU Graduate School. of leadership excellence and management innovation in the fields of he Mariano Marcos State Yet, the proposal still needs to be research, instruction, production and University (MMSU), in evaluated by the University Curriculum extension towards the institutionalization Tcollaboration with the Committee, then it will proceed to the of the instruments of promotion for Philippine Economic Zone University Academic Council, and to export-based investments, Authority (PEZA) and its partner the MMSU Board of Regents. professionalization of the personnel of state universities and colleges economic zones administration and the (SUCs), is stepping up to offer Gajudo said the MEZA is proliferation of export-literate Master in Economic Zone programmed by the consortium to workforce in the country. Administration (MEZA) this year. enable the SEZI to hone leaders and managers who can lead and guide the Since the establishment of the SEZI The MEZA is being eyed to region towards economic growth. He at MMSU, various activities are develop industry-competitive and added that prospective enrollees of the implemented such as consultation- professional leaders who can guide course are those working with workshops on special ecozone various regions toward achieving economic development sectors in the establishments with the local economic growth. region. government units in Region I. A planning and consultation workshop for this purpose was conducted by the MMSU-Special Economic Zone Institute (SEZI) last March 10-11. It was participated in by the SEZI representatives from Isabela State University, Central Philippines State University, and Cebu Technological University, along with PEZA Executive Assistant Neilbert G. Gajudo. In the event, the participants reviewed the MEZA curriculum and its proposed syllabus, and identified Univ, faculty association renew CNA By JOHN VINCENT B. TORIBIO The two representatives renewed he University and the Faculty MMSU President Shirley C. the CNA to grant all MMSU academic Association, Inc. (FAI) Agrupis and FAI President Marlina L. rank and file employees the mandated Trenewed their Collective Lino, signed the 7th CNA at the Teatro and other benefits provided for in the Negotiation Agreement (CNA) this Ilocandia last January 12. 6th CNA set to expire on February 12 year. this year. Some of the benefits include the CNA incentive, share in royalties (sale from inventions, publications, course wares, broadcasts materials, technologies generated), scholarships, housing privileges, and first aid and regular medical & dental checkup and services. The agreement also upholds that the faculty members be given workload CNA RENEWAL/P14 Office for Strategic Communication 7 Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021 CTE prof qualifies for Kaisipan fellowship

By NIÑA CHRISTELLE M. SUMINTAC Correspondent

n associate professor of the Selection Board. Her proposal is MMSU College of Teacher about curating instructional materials A Education (CTE) has in the university using digital qualified to take an online technologies. fellowship program from a reputable non-government organization She expressed joy and gratitude involved in transformative education for the scholarship, and she assured to and digital literacy in the finish her grant and help the education Philippines. community in Ilocos Norte. She also hopes that more teachers in the The Kaisipan, Inc. selected Prof. province will become recipients of Jeanette G. Dials, the chief of the fellowship program in the future. University’s international faculty and student mobility, to take the Open The OER Fellowship program is Dials Educational Resource (OER) Fellowship a course made up of modules about program through the International cognitive, technical, and humanizing Society for Technology in Education learning and teaching foundations. engagement of stakeholders for support (ISTE) this year. and collaboration, hoping that she would As a Kaisipan fellow, Prof. Dials is help the university improve its learning One of the only 26 participants, expected to complete the course on environment and combat the challenges Prof. Dials was accepted in the program April 4, 2021. After this, she shall of digital education. because of her “impressive credentials curate OER in the grade level or in and program plans suitable to our [KI] her field of specialization and re-echo A nonprofit corporation registered in plans for advocating digital literacy, the workshops in the university Florida, United States, Kaisipan aims to citizenship, and capabilities to Filipino before July 2021. Her commitment transform learning and teaching through students.” with the agency is until February 7, enhancing digital capabilities of educators. 2022. Prof. Dials said she submitted a Prof. Dials was also hailed as Most project plan proposal to the Prof. Dials considers the Outstanding Teacher by the Metrobank organization and was evaluated by the fellowship program as a good Foundation in 2008. Stallions shine in regional Pisay contests

By JOHN LORENZ O. ADRIATICO and MARK IAN C. TAGAMI Correspondents earners of the MMSU Challenge, respectively. Jacob winners from LHS Laoag campus Laboratory Schools bagged Miguel Flor and Angel Mark Antin were Christian Jerick Badua (second L awards in the 2021 Regional Plata of LES Laoag were second place, Impromptu Speaking), Lizzie Pisay Academic and Literacy placers in Stem Wizards and Art Wayne R. Ventura (second place, Contests and STEM (Science, Appropriation. Innovative Design Challenge), and Technology, Engineering and Jelienne May Arante (3rd place, Mathematics) Wizards held last Representing LES Batac, Pannakasukisok dagiti Filipino kenni February 9, 11 and 20. Alaina Rose A. Galapon finished Magellan). second in the Digital Modulo Art Ava Laureen Graciela Quillope, contest while Jamaica B. Sacopaso LHS Batac campus representatives Jamhyla Eunice Salvador, Shan Andrei landed third in the Poetry Out Apple Jesshielle Galano and Abijah Inocente, Amiel Kyle Ancheta, and Loud. McGuiller Barruga emerged first place Harris Vince Austin Gaoat of in Impromptu Speaking (SHS Laboratory Elementary School (LES) Meanwhile, Adrian Maion category) and Pisikart: Digital Poster Laoag Campus emerged first place in Ulep and Hera Krishna Rahon of Making, respectively, while Christian L. Poster and Slogan Making Contest, the Laboratory High School (LHS) Timbreza got second place in Poetry Out Loud, Science and Laoag campus won first place in Impromptu Speaking (JHS category). Technology Writing (Filipino), Digital STEM Wizards and Digital Modulo Art, and Innovative Design Modulo Art, respectively. Other STALLIONS.../P9 8 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021 MMSU sets high performance in CHRA exam

By SHARON A. BACTAT of 93.75 percent, higher than the Erica M. Pascua, Hannah Lei O. Pascual, Correspondent national average which stood at 93.13 Cecilia Angel G. Ramos, Rosemarie P. percent. Raymundo, Star Ivy Hannah P. Sugui, he MMSU College of Jeneliza D. Tolentino and John Lesley R. Business, Economics and Jhomelyn Jane J. Tolentino emerged Ugot. Accountancy (CBEA) has fifth place in the exam with a rating of T 88 percent while Paul Gerald C. They are among the 95 passers for exhibited another sterling performance in the March 2021 Tumamao hailed seventh place with a the CHRA’s ninth batch this year. The Certified Human Resource rating of 87.25 percent. exam was administered online by the Assessment (CHRA) Examination, Human Resource Educators’ Association with two of its graduates landing as Other passers from the College of the Philippines (HREAP). topnotchers. were Angelica M. Clemente, Anabelle A. Dela Cruz, Mac Daniel C. Domingo, Last February, six MMSU graduates Of the 16 examinees, 15 passed, Nickson M. Macalma, Maykee Krishia passed the exam, and one of them giving MMSU an overall passing rate B. Nolasco, Myla Nikka D. Paino Trisha ranked ninth.

STALLIONS.../from P8

For the STEM Wizards contest, John Manuel Sanchez (G12), Pearl Jhomarayne Ruiz (G8), John Louis Aquino (G9), and Maximus De Los Reyes (G7) correspondingly bagged second, third, fourth, and fifth places.

“I was so happy that our pupils and students have proven again their talents and skills in the different contested events,” expressed Dr. Bert A. Gamiao, principal of Laboratory Schools. Events were done through synchronous (via google meet) and asynchronous sessions. The different contested events were part of the Philippine Science High School – Ilocos Region Campus 19th Foundation Anniversary Celebration.

Office for Strategic Communication 9 Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021 MMSU, Chinese university to boost agri programs MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis assured that the University will give its share for the success of the collaboration with the China university. SAAS President Wan Shubo said he believes that the R&D center will ensure food security in the countryside. “This is a great opportunity for us to boost more comprehensive cooperation on deeper levels” Shubo expressed. By DANIEL P. TAPAOAN, JR. Science and Technology Research and Development Center in Ilocos Norte which is being eyed to boost the maize Sun Yebao, Director of Shandong xpanding partnerships in (corn) industry in the region. Through the Foreign Affairs Office, vowed that his China, the Mariano Marcos facility, they will jointly conduct research office will support the partnership of EState University (MMSU) and development projects on corn the two schools by providing needed has partnered with the Shandong breeding and cultivation capacity. services for their cooperation. Academic of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS) to implement agricultural Also, the universities agreed to Consul Zhou Youbin, Head of Post science and technology programs strengthen bilateral visits and exchanges of the Chinese Consulate in Laoag City, this year. which shall be done yearly. said that the partnership will surely become successful since Shandong and The two schools formalized this Once the activities are met, the MRI- Ilocos Norte have impressive pact through a Memorandum of SAAS will help promote the capabilities in the field of maize Understanding (MOU) signed by development of maize industry with industry. MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis Philippine partners and recommend and SAAS President Wan Shubo Chinese agricultural companies to invest The partnership between MMSU during a virtual ceremony held on in maize commercialization. and SAAS started when the two March 9. universities convened in an online Further, they shall endeavor to meeting to discuss operational Under the agreement, MMSU and integrate their cooperation into China’s opportunities in maize breeding, in SAAS-Maize Research Institute (MRI) Belt and Road Initiative and Philippines’ education and cooperation last year. have committed to build Agricultural national strategies. MMSU joins ASEAN-Russia project he Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) is the only Philippine university thatT joined the international telecommunication network among the universities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Russia this year.

Dubbed ASEAN-Russia project, this network serves as an avenue for the participating universities to analyze, adapt, and implement innovative agricultural technologies in their respective communities. Through the unified telecommunication platform, the ASEAN/P15

10 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021 MMSU receives grant to train Ilokano women on organic soap-making

By JOHN VINCENT B. TORIBIO

he Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) received Ta grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund to run a training program in organic soap- making using locally available materials. With the continued threat of COVID-19 to people’s health and livelihood, MMSU welcomes the grant to complement its program to activate resiliency among Ilokano communities. With the $10,000 grant, an MMSU team led by US Exchange Program The World Health Organization utilized. “Except for NaOH (caustic soda alumni is set to train Ilocos Norte and the Philippine Department of or lye), raw materials, such as coconut oil, women using simple technology vital in Health recommend washing hands salt, and fragrant flowers like ylang-ylang combatting today’s health crisis, and one with soap frequently to prevent the and jasmines are readily found in kitchens with promising entrepreneurial benefits. spread of Coronavirus. Soap making or backyards. is an easy enterprise that families can Led by Dr. Fiorello Abenes, get into. “This ensures that all participants will Former US Senior Fulbright fellow, be able to apply their learning even when Professor Emeritus at California State “In addition to making enough they go back to their families and create Polytechnic University (CalPoly)- soap for their own family use, the low-cost but effective soap that they can Pomona, former MMSU Balik- knowledge and skills gained by use for washing and bathing,” he added. Scientist, and a consultant to the participants from this training could National Bio-Energy Research and very well become a source of Dr. Roque Ulep, USAID-STRIDE Innovation Center (NBERIC), and Dr. additional income for the post-doctoral fellow, chemical engineer Jan Rich A. Guira, Fulbright Foreign participants. With the “Starting an and lead trainer, assured that, “we will Language Teaching Assistant Program Organic Soap” business component, make sure that the quality of the soaps (FLTA) and MMSU’s chief for student they could start a small business in produced during the training are on a par development, the group is set to train at their communities,” Dr. Abenes said. with commercial soaps, with the same least 50 women in a training program anti-microbial and cleansing effect.” using the facilities of the National Meanwhile, Dr. Guira said that Bioenergy Research and Innovation for the training, only readily available “We will motivate our trainees to be Center (NBERIC). materials in Ilokano homes will be guerilla scientists in their own communities to produce a rippling effect,” Roque added. Sustainability of the project will be achieved through enabling the participants to cascade their training in their own towns or barangays.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Fellowship alumnus, and project administrator, said that “the overall goal of the project is to empower rural women to protect their families and to alleviate poverty in Ilocos Norte.” Aside from soap production, the project will also encourage entrepreneurship among the trainees, coaching them to establish small-scale soap ORGANIC SOAP/P13 Office for Strategic Communication 11 Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021 DTI turns over garlic processing facility to MMSU he Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) turned Tover a Shared Service Facility on Garlic Processing (SSF-GC) to Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) last March 12. Located at the MMSU Food Processing and Innovation Center (FPIC), the SSF seeks to reinforce the production and commercialization of garlic in Ilocos Norte. The SSF-GC is a support initiative of the DTI to increase the application of processing technology with appropriate equipment for value-adding products such as garlic flakes, powder chips, pickles, and black garlic.

A Usufruct Agreement for the academe plays a big role in making as the ‘Garlic Capital’ of the Philippines. project was also entered into by MMSU development efforts sustainable.” She Ilocos Norte has remained as the top President Shirley C. Agrupis, DTI also expressed hope the project will producer of garlic in the country with Region I Director Grace F. Baluyan, and benefit the garlic producers and an average production of 55.7 percent DTI Ilocos Norte OIC-Director communities in the future. or 4,161 metric tons annually, a report Rosario Q. Quodola. from the Department of Agriculture Dr. Marlowe U. Aquino, S&T showed. Dr. Agrupis thanked DTI for the director, said the project intends to continued support to MMSU, assuring benefit the communities and the micro, Aside from the facility, the that the SSF will surely help the small, and medium enterprises University also houses the black garlic University’s research and development (MSMEs) involved in garlic processing machine donated by (R&D) initiatives to boost the garlic production, processing and trading. He Japanese company Takara Inc. and is industry in the province. The project is added the FPIC will open the SSF to taking the lead in producing black garlic in support to the Technology all interested communities engaged in in international and local markets, in Application and Livelihood and the garlic industry. partnership with the Japan International Outreach Network Program of MMSU Cooperation Agency and Ilocos Norte through the Science and Technology The SSF project at MMSU is also government. (S&T) Park. in support to House Bill 8109 filed by Ilocos Norte 2nd District The university currently establishes Ms. Baluyan explained the DTI puts Representative Angelo M. Barba. The the Php 35.5 million-worth National up SSF to provinces, particularly proposal seeks to declare the province Garlic and Other Agri-Food academic institutions, because “the Condiments R&D Center this year, funded by the Department of Science and Technology.

Last year, the DTI also turned over the Php 50 million-worth SSF to MMSU’s National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC). It is a sophisticated one-stop technology hub for utilization by various stakeholders especially the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Over the years, the DTI has put up SSF in various towns and provinces to upgrade the production of local products to meet the standards of the global market. – DP Tapaoan 12 Office for Strategic Communication Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021 Education (MTB-MLE).” Here, she Univ employees join int’l explained the use of burburtia (riddles) in surfacing practical Ilokano mother languages confab philosophy that can be used for more engaging teaching of MTB-MLE. “Pakabaliksan ken Purok ti Isip: Meanwhile, Ms. Jacquelyn Lejano Emansipatorio a and Ms. Niña Christelle M. Sumintac of Teoretikal a Balabala iti CTE talked about “The Panagabel: The Panagtao ken Panagsasao Story of the Ilokano Textile through dagiti Ilokano Manlilikha ng Bayan Magdalena (Pakabaliksan ken Gamayo.” In this study, they used the Purok ti Isip: An three Ps (Pannakisarsarita, Panangamiris Emancipatory and Panagmatmat) of doing an Theoretical ethnographic research to come up with Framework in the narratives that defines the Ilokano Understanding trademark of the Inabel. Ilokano Peopling and Languaging).” In his Moreover, Ms. May Flor C. Rivera our faculty of the MMSU presentation, Tejano expounded his of MMSU Laboratory Elementary College of Teacher critical reading of Paoay toponym and School presented her study titled, Education (CTE) and one highlighted the need to indigenize “Mathematics Workbook in Ilokano for personnelF from the University theoretical frameworks and research Grade Two” which she highlighted Extension Directorate presented methodologies. how local language facilitates learning their research studies on Ilokano of students. language and culture during the Also, Ms. Kimberly S. Miguel, International Mother Languages information officer of MMSU These MMSU representatives were Conference and Festival (IMLCF) extension directorate and a graduate of among the 158 researchers, innovators, last March 15. Master of Arts in Education major in academicians, and language and culture Ilokano studies, discussed “Riddles as enthusiasts who participated in the Mr. Leonardo D. Tejano, the chief Agent of Engagement and Inclusion in month-long conference from February of MMSU Iloko and Amianan Studies Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual 21 to March 20. – NCM Sumintac (CIAS), tackled his research on

ORGANIC SOAP/P11 Manzano (NBERIC researcher) for Action Fund (CDAF) which provides manufacturing enterprises. To achieve soap-making, and Ms. Lenie Bayangos funding for US citizen-alumni led this, the participants will be trained on (MMSU business director) for busines public service projects that address the how to prepare a business plan and plan preparation. Other members of themes of media literacy education, will be introduced to microfinance the training team are: Engr. Thomas building community resilience, and sources from the government and Ubina (NBERIC chief), Mr. Jayson fostering alumni network banking industry. Cariaga and Ms. Maria Concepcion development. Other projects also Given the restrictions during the Birginias (NBERIC researchers), Ms. include supporting early education in COVID-19 pandemic, all participants Regine Bernadette Alibuyog (NBERIC Burundi, podcasting for media literacy will be provided with personal Staff), Ms. Magdalena Valencia in Mongolia, and food literacy in protective equipment (PPPE), and (Chemistry staff) and Ms. Jenny Indiana. Padulip, (Administrative Aide). physical distancing will be strictly Matthew Lussenhop, Acting implemented. Participants will be MMSU Extension Director Aris Assistant Secretary of State for subjected to daily temperature checks Reynold V. Cajigal (Fulbright Graduate Educational and Cultural Affairs at the before they enter the training room Student Program), serves as the local U.S. Department of State and will be required to undergo government focal point and trainee congratulated “our exchange alumni disinfection procedures. They will also selection and recruitment lead. who have received awards from the be provided with a 100 ml bottle of Meanwhile, the publication and CDAF to lead public service projects 70% alcohol developed at the documentation committee is in their communities.” NBERIC for their use throughout the composed of Prof. Luvee Hazel C. duration of the training. Aquino, acting director for strategic The CDAF is sponsored by the communication (FLTA), and Mr. Ryan U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Participants who opt to stay in the Educational and Cultural Affairs and University during their 4-day training Roi Domingo and Mr. John Vincent Toribio, digital media and information implemented in partnership with the will be accommodated in University Partners of the Americas. For more housing facilities, especially those who services chief, respectively, both of whom are alumni of the Online information, visit https:// reside from towns far from Batac alumni.state.gov. For questions on City. Professional English Network (OPEN) Program. ECA exchange programs, contact Aside from Dr. Roque, other [email protected]. trainers include: Engr. Loreli Faye The project is one of 38 winners of the Fall 2020 Citizen Diplomacy Office for Strategic Communication 13 Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021 MMSU, childhood care council train social workers

he Mariano Marcos State and November 23 to December 5, implement their action plans of University (MMSU) and 2020 (third phase). transforming their respective CDCs, the Early Childhood Care according to Dr. Manzano. T In the first phase, the trainees were Development (ECCD) Council implemented a training program for taught on five modules: Understanding He added that social workers social welfare and development the Broader ECCD Work Context; need to be prepared, resourceful, officers (SWDOs) in the country. ECCD Quality Standards and collaborative and resilient in leading Guidelines; Successful Practices in and managing CDCs amidst a Dubbed Leading and Managing Delivering Integrated ECCD Services; challenging operating landscape. and Integrated ECCD Program Stakeholders’ Analysis for Sustainable (LMIEP), the training course aims to Partnerships for ECCD Programs; Republic Act 10410 mandates enhance the competencies of SWDOs and Re-entry Strategic Action Planning the institutionalization of a National to effectively lead and manage their (RSAP). System for ECCD that is respective Child Development Centers comprehensive, integrative and (CDCs) and Day Care Centers (DCCs). Under the second phase, the sustainable which involves multi- trainees implemented and documented sectoral and inter-agency MMSU Graduate School (GS) major activities identified in their collaboration. – DP Tapaoan Dean Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr., the RSAPs. Monitoring of trainees and LMIEP project leader, said a total of focus group discussions via social 131 social workers from various towns media platforms were also conducted and cities in Region I have completed to facilitate the implementation of the training course this year. action plans. Dr. Manzano said the participants In the third phase, the trainees took the course through distance were taught how to become an learning delivery mode. Selected faculty integrative leader and to deliver from the MMSU-GS and College of good ECCD practices. Their Teacher Education (CTE) were tapped strengths and areas for as flexible learning tutors while ECCD improvement were determined, personnel served as lecturers. and they were equipped with necessary tools for their continuous The participants took the training professional growth and on August 17 to September 11, 2020 development. (first phase), September 14 to November 21, 2020 (second phase), After the three phases, the participants continued to

CNA RENEWAL/from P7 equivalent units for non-teaching equipment (PPE), hygiene kits, materials, sharing of resources among assignments, and be paid of teaching vaccines and work-related mandatory employees, patronizing University overload services. tests; and the natural calamities resources and facilities, implementing assistance in cash or in kind. The of the 5S program and imbibing the Moreover, the faculty will enjoy agreement reiterates that the faculty Bayanihan spirit in performing extra subsidized services and incentives shall receive these benefits subject to work. This agreement covers all from the Welfare Fund (20% of the the certification of the availability of academic rank and file employees of total collected tuition fees), 50% funds by the University Accountant MMSU regardless of the nature or discount for shuttle services, and and the usual accounting budgeting status of appointment. anniversary bonus (to be given for and auditing rules and regulations. every milestone anniversary of the The CNA is in line with Section University and every five year Meanwhile, the members of the 73 of the General Provisions of thereafter during the University MMSU-FAI shall actively participate in Republic Act No. 10964 (the 2018 Foundation Celebration). New to the the austerity measures and system General Appropriations Act) entitled CNA is the inclusion of the improvement implemented by the “Rules in the Grant of the Collective Pandemic/Epidemic Assistance in the University: economy on the use of Negotiation Agreement Incentive.” form of personal protective electricity, water, fuel, supplies and

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online classes in the past grading Lab schools hold seminar, periods this school year. The activity started through a destressing activities Zumba session among the teachers. Then, a seminar and orientation on school events and activities followed where Prof. Mignon Diego, Prof. Romelyn Lagura and Prof. Elsie Marcelino discussed the following topics, respectively: Anchoring DepEd Updates on Laboratory Schools’ List of Events and Activities, E-Portfolio Presentation, and Ethics for Teachers.

Moreover, the teachers attended a reflection and spiritual activity with Rev. Florentino Reyes of Church of Christ Disciple. Lastly, they participated in the booth and destressing activity spearheaded by Mr. Marlon Mamala, Student Affairs and Services Coordinator of Laboratory High School in Laoag. “Through the activities, we were able to regain our strengths we need to start the next grading period and eigniting self-care among The program highlighted various recreational activities focused on two continue deliver the best education to teachers, the MMSU aspects: the 3Ks ( our dear pupils,” expressed Rica Jane P. Laboratory Schools in Kapihan, Kumustahan at R Kwentuhan) and 4Ps (Pause, Pray, Paint and Natividad, a faculty of Laboratory Laoag and Batac campuses Elementary School in Laoag. conducted a seminar and Pose). destressing activities dubbed Dr. Bert Gamiao, school principal, This program is anchored on the “Kammayet: The LS Way” last mental health advocacy of the March 10. said they came up with the program to rejuvenate themselves after the tedious University. – MC Tagami ASEAN/P10 member-universities will conduct The MMSU team had already that “we will do our best for the teleconferences and training-seminars project and we will collaborate with to discuss innovative technologies gathered preliminary data for their project that involves the Paoay Lake. other participating universities as part with specialists from scientific and of our internationalization program.” business communities. The sessions “The team will identify its water body and gather secondary data related to soil, will later be packaged into manuals Other members of the network and films to be used in cascading surrounding vegetations, water quality and resources,” Batin shared. are the Moscow State University innovations to their respective (MSU) in Russia; Udanaya University stakeholders. Based on the data they collected, they (UNUD) in Bali, Indonesia; Savannakhet University (SKU) in Prof. Charles B. Batin, MMSU are now set to identify the wastewater treatments for Paoay Lake. Laos, Vietnam National University of coordinator from the College of Forestry (VNUF) in Hanoi, Vietnam; Agriculture, Food and Sustainable The MMSU team is composed of and the Asian Institute of Technology Development (CAFSD), said that (AIT) in Bangkok, Thailand. the project is a product of the the following students: Mr. Julius Pablico University’s long-time partnership (BS Agriculture), Ms. Amabel Achuela (BSA), Ms. Karen Joy Bonuen (BS Proponents of the project are the with the Thai Nguyen University of Ministry of Agriculture of the Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF) Forestry), Ms. Justine Rose Teneza (BS Environmental Science), and Mr. Jacob Russian Federation and the Ministry and Vietnam National University in of Agriculture and Rural Vietnam. Altair Agtarap (BS Chemical Engineering). Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, while the MSU In sustaining the partnership, Batin said the MMSU team was cited is the main proponent, along with the Batin said he regularly participates in Vietnam National University of the virtual meetings of the group as the best presenter during the welcome meeting last February. He also assured Science in Hanoi, Vietnam. – DP leaders from member-universities Tapaoan every Friday. Office for Strategic Communication 15 Vol. 5 No. 3, March 2021

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