Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU honors 43 distinguished alumni in 2025 Pammigbig ken Pammadayaw

By Brett Andrew Rikke Bungcayao, STRATCOM Correspondent

Mariano Marcos State University, through the Federated Alumni Association Inc. (FAAI), recognized 43 distinguished alumni during the 6th Pammigbig ken Pammdayaw on January 25 at the Teatro Ilocandia.

Leading this year’s honorees was Mr. June Arvin Gudoy, recipient of the Raniag Award. A graduate of the Bachelor of Arts in English Studies major in Communication Arts from the College of Arts and Sciences in 2006, he is currently the Vice President for Corporate Concerns at the Development Academy of the Philippines.

In his acceptance speech, Raniag Awardee Mr. Gudoy reflected on his life journey, sharing how his failures motivated him to succeed. “Sometimes, the universe gives you hindrances along the way which you might perceive as annoying or uncomfortable, but they are detours that will lead you to where you’re really meant to be.”

Eight alumni were also awarded the MMSU Pagwadan, a recognition for graduates who excelled in various fields. These honorees include Defense Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans, and Reserve Affairs Pablo Lorenzo (Laboratory High School (LHS) Laoag, ‘81), Commo. Marcos Imperio (BS in Electrical Engineering, ‘98), Mrs. Maria Cecilia Castillo (University High School (UHS) Batac, ‘94), Mr. Glen Apostol (BS in Chemistry, ‘02), Dr. Merlina Cruz (BS in Elementary Education, ‘98), Mr. Jehmar Tabili (BS in Accountancy, ‘01), Dr. Reynalda Bangunan (BS in Elementary Education, ‘69), and Mr. Gudoy.

The Graduate School also celebrated the success of its distinguished alumni, such as Dr. Matina Agullana (‘07), Engr. Orlan Binala (‘15), Mrs. Bernie Gamiao ‘07), and Dr. Rajah Reyes (‘19).

From the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), their honorees included Dr. Glenn Ilar (BS Biology, ‘95) and Mr. Dennis Sam Lim (BS Mathematics ‘11).  Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, formerly under CAS and now at the College of Computing and Information Sciences, were also celebrated: Prof. James Patrick Acang (‘09), Mr. Donald Antonion (‘11), Mr. Randy Canonizado (‘05), Ms. Ma. Rosario Tonio (‘01), and Mr. Dominick Job Tunac (‘19).

Representing the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development were Ms. Cythia Cacatin (BS Foresty, ‘86), Mrs. Cheryly Suarez (BS Development Communication, ‘90), and Ms. Cristifel Baltazar (Dingras Campus, Bachelor of Agricultural Technology, ‘12).

The College of Teacher Education also has honorees, namely Mr. Trifona Andres (BS Elementary Education (Ilocos Norte Normal School, ‘57), Dr. Merlina Cruz (BS Elementary Education, ‘98), Mr. Arlene John Peralta (BS Education major in Physical Education and minor in English, ‘89), and Ms. Corazon Suos (BS Elementary Education (North Luzon Teacher’s College, ‘66).

Mr. Chris Cantor (BS Marine Biology, '10) from the College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology also earned recognition in the awarding ceremony.

Representing the College of Engineering, the awarded alumni were Engr. Florendo Calamaan (BS Ceramic Enginerring, ‘96), Engr. Nolan Concha (BS Civil Engineering, ‘06), and Engr. Francis Dancel (BS Electronics and Communications Engineering, ‘01).

The College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy also produced outstanding alumni: Dr. Eric Parilla (BSBA Management Accounting, ‘01), Mr. Rolly Rosales (BS Accountancy, ‘97), and Mr. Marlon Tagorda (BS Economics, ‘01). 

Meanwhile, the College of Health Sciences distinguished alumni were Mr. Richard Madariaga (BS Physical Therapy, ‘01), Mr. Jollybird Gusto (BS Nursing, ‘94),  Mr. Rey Chrisitina Reyno (BS Pharmacy, ‘10), and Mrs. Mindaline Tanpiengco (BS Nursing, ‘85).

Completing the list were Laboratory and Science High School alumni, including Mr. Everlasting Arroyo (UHS Batac, ‘94), Dr. Edmund Edison Esteban (UHS Batac, ‘80), Dr. Boreen Mayubay (UHS Batac, ‘97), Mr. Jurgen Rushell Racapon (LHS Laoag, ‘81), and Atty. Franklin Dante Respicio (LHS Laoag ‘84). 

Alumni Regent Gwyneth Quidang highlighted in her opening remarks that the FAAI continues to enhance the guidelines and selection procedures for the annual event. She added that this is to inspire students and showcase the quality of education that the university delivers.

Moreover, MMSU OIC-President Prima Fe R. Franco expressed pride in the awardees for continuously making the university proud of their milestones. “This event is a testament that MMSU is satisfying its mandate in developing virtuous human capital not only in the local but also in the international arena.”

Commission on Higher Education Commissioner Shirley Agrupis, former university president, also emphasized the role of alumni in the university’s progress. “MMSU has not only become a home of destined leaders in their respective fields of specialization but a home with care towards dedicated strategic and passionate leaders because of the nurturing and quality education we get from our beloved institution.”

Since its inception in 2018, the annual Pammigbig ken Pammadayaw has been recognizing accomplished university alumni as part of the MMSU founding anniversary celebration. This year, graduates who recently topped board examinations were also given commendations for their achievements.