Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU–CTE prof selected in US Embassy’s OPEN Program

Asst. Prof. Abril Ryan Dacanay, a faculty member at MMSU College of Teacher Education (CTE), will be joining the Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program of the U.S. Embassy from July to August 2025.

One of the few Filipino educators in the program, Asst. Prof. Dacanay was chosen via a thorough nomination and screening process conducted by the Regional English Language Office of the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

During the program, CTE faculty member Mr. Dacanay will participate in Professional Development for Teacher Trainers, an eight-week online course provided by Arizona State University (ASU) and managed by the global nonprofit organization FHI 360.

The program aims to provide both new and experienced educators with advanced methods for designing, delivering, and evaluating impactful teacher training workshops—skills that will directly benefit Mr. Dacanay’s work mentoring future teachers at MMSU CTE.

“I am deeply grateful to the U.S. Embassy for this fantastic opportunity,” Mr. Dacanay shared. “Being trained by such a prestigious university will not only improve my practice but also enrich our College of Teacher Education.”

In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, ASU was placed 173rd globally. Since 2020, it has held the number one position in the U.S. and among the top 10 worldwide for global impact in research and outreach, according to Times Higher Education.

Among MMSU’s English faculty members from CTE and the College of Arts and Sciences who are alumni of the program are Dr. Jeanette Dials, Dr. Mee Jay Domingo, Prof. Ryan Roi Domingo, Ms. Clariza Joy Tumenes,

 Dr. Gina Sylvia Gaoat, Dr. Jahnese Asuncion, Prof. Danica Hanna Pastor, Prof. John Vincent Toribio, and Mr. Jerville Jake Cabansag.