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By Matthew C. Esmino & Jonie C. Luis (Correspondents)
City of Batac—As the
leading university in the Ilocos Region, the Mariano Marcos State University
(MMSU) has started taking bold steps to become a “University of the Future.”
In her state of the university address (SOUA) during MMSU’s
Convocation Program on Jan. 20, 2022, MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis bared
the university’s goal of being “crisis-proof” by fully embracing the “Fourth
Industrial Revolution (FIRe) or Industry 4.0”.
“FIRe shall be the new norm in all university operations in order
to stay relevant and responsive amid various crises,” Agrupis said.
Agrupis added that the “MMSU 4.0 Framework and Road Map” has
already gained the approval of the MMSU Board of Regents—ready to create
policies, programs and funds for said purpose. It is a system of education
designed for an automated data exchange system in manufacturing technologies
that include cyber-physical systems, cloud computing, and cognitive computing.
The framework presents Agrupis’ main objective to upgrade its
education strategies, systems and infrastructure to align with industry.
Specifically, it aims to equip its faculty and students with “IR 4.0” skills;
to increase interdisciplinary research, innovation, intellectual property,
publications and technology adoption; and, to improve efficiency and
productivity through the optimized utilization of resources.
Moreover, MMSU shall adopt new education tools and technologies,
enhance digital governance, develop digital technology and promote
industry-university collaboration.
Achieved much to achieve more
The acronym stands for: Academic Excellence; Creative, Relevant
and Innovative Research Programs; High Impact and Transformative Extension and
Outreach Programs; Improved Revenue Generation and Resource Management;
Expanded External Linkages and Partnerships; Vibrant and Engaging,
Culturally-Focused University Campus; and, Effective and Efficient Management
In her SOUA, Agrupis presented how MMSU persistently committed
itself to excellence and service to people despite the enormous toll of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
She presented how the university accomplished more in the areas
of instruction, research, extension, production, linkages and partnerships,
vibrant campus environment, and management.
In 2021, MMSU produced the biggest number of programs that
produced top passers and posted high passing rates in licensure examinations;
opened its Center for Flexible Learning and upgraded its Virtual Learning
Environment; and attained Level IV accreditation in its 11 programs. Also, the
faculty continued to toughen with the 42% increase in the number of doctorate
degree holders.
Also, with the efforts of its administrators and employees, MMSU
now houses two Niche Center in the Regions (NICERs) for research and
development; became a part of three international consortia; completed major
infrastructure projects; completed and submitted its Land Use Development and
Infrastructure Plan; reached a 99% vaccination rate among its employees and its
students; and, qualified for the bronze award for the Program to
Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management
(PRIME-HRM) of the Civil Service Commission.
[Full speech can be
accessed at https://mmsu.edu.ph/publication/2022_SOUA.pdf/view.]
“Here in MMSU, we seized every opportunity, explored more
possibilities, and committed ourselves to making positive change in the lives
of our people, always staying true to the vision of our founder, and constantly
committing ourselves to excellence,” she expressed in her fifth SOUA.
Environment Secretary lauds MMSU
“Your
accomplishments despite the pandemic are truly amazing and could have only been
made possible by clear vision coupled with strong resolve to achieve,” remarked
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, who served as the
guest speaker in the program.
Cimatu also looks forward to seeing MMSU “develop more systems
and national inputs for policy-making in support of the people-centered
strategies for environmental protection and sustainable development.”
The DENR secretary expressed his interest to collaborate with
MMSU through the enhanced National Greening Program focusing on nipa
propagation for ethanol production. In 2018, the agency forged a memorandum of
agreement with MMSU and other seven state universities for the establishment of
a 170-hectare nipa plantation in support of the program.
The convocation, which was held at the newly refurbished Teatro
Ilocandia and through online platforms, is the central event of the
University’s 44th Foundation Anniversary Celebration. (With
reports from John Vincent B. Toribio & Daniel Tapaoan, Jr.)
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