Mariano Marcos
State University

PJM pays courtesy visit to Ilocos Norte gov

By Angelique Javier, Contributor

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. paid a courtesy visit to the newly elected Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos today, July 11, at the Provincial Capitol.

The purpose of the visit was to express MMSU’s willingness to collaborate with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte for community development. As part of his visit, he presented the university’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, which is currently being revised to fit his administration’s agenda.

Governor Cecilia welcomed the ongoing partnership and suggested involving MMSU students and graduates in feasibility studies, which are often required by potential investors.

Expressing her support, the governor said she looks forward to PJM’s term. PJM, in response, acknowledged that he is still adjusting to his new role and working closely with his five vice presidents.

MMSU Vice President for Planning and Strategic Foresight Mee Jay Domingo accompanied the university president during the visit, in which he also presented some internationalization initiatives for the university and the province.

Looking ahead, Dr. Manzano outlined plans for the next four years, including partnerships with the Municipality of Pinili on good governance and leadership training, as well as ongoing local government unit (LGU)-linked projects like the one in Burgos.

Dr. Manzano emphasized that MMSU will align with provincial development plans and plans to include LGU representatives in upcoming planning workshops, ensuring a consultative and collaborative governance approach.

Governor Cecilia graduated from MMSU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program.