BATAC, ILOCOS NORTE – National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan served as the guest of honor and speaker during the opening ceremony of the Mariano Marcos State University’s (MMSU’s) 46th Foundation Anniversary at the MMSU’s Teatro Ilocandia on January 8, 2024. As an esteemed alumnus of the University, Balisacan both challenged and inspired his alma mater to keep pursuing a culture of excellence and achievement. Having graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture in 1979, proud MMSU graduate Arsenio Balisacan was among the early generation of students to earn their degree from the University after it was established in 1978.
“For 46 years, this esteemed University has been a symbol of excellence for the Ilocos Region. Grateful not only for its role as a beacon of hope and progress for ambitious, spirited, and intellectually curious youth (such as myself, back in the day), I take immense pride in calling this globally-recognized and influential academic institution my home and alma mater,” said Balisacan.
The NEDA Secretary further lauded the University for its vision of becoming a premier Philippine university by 2028, and commended its mission to develop virtuous human capital and sustainable innovations in a knowledge-driven economy, noting how this aligned well with the goals of the Marcos Administration’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2023-2028.
“The critical task of implementing the strategies fleshed out in the PDP falls, in part, on our state universities and colleges (SUCs) and higher education institutions (HEIs). As one of the country’s leading institutions with an increasingly recognized impact on the local and global stages, the MMSU, I hope, will take this task to heart,” said the NEDA Secretary.
Apart from marking its journey towards transformative education, MMSU’s month-long 46th Anniversary celebration will also highlight the University’s reaffirmed commitment to nurture globally-competitive graduates and drive sustainable and inclusive development in Northern Luzon. Balisacan further underscored MMSU’s critical role as an institute of learning, with the university serving as a vehicle of inclusion by opening up many opportunities for eager students to learn and access the broader world around them.
As he closed, Balisacan noted that from its humble beginnings as a regional university for the Ilokano youth, MMSU’s impact has indeed come far, extending beyond its campus walls.
“Since its inception, MMSU has consistently led the charge in providing transformative education for the youth of Northern Luzon, equipping them with the skills and instilling in them the values that will prepare them for life after University… [Now], we bear witness to the realization of the MMSU’s commitment to contributing further to national development goals and expanding the scope of its positive impact and influence,” stated Balisacan.
The NEDA Secretary also led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the MMSU’s famous Trade Fair and Garden Show at the University’s Science and Technology Park. The Fair, known for featuring college booths from the MMSU alongside exhibits from local business establishments and concessionaires, aims to create awareness and serve as a marketing platform for Ilocos Norte’s innovative products.
The event was attended by MMSU’s key officials, llocos Norte’s local chief executives, and other key stakeholders.
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