LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – Highlighting the institution’s legacy of excellence and greatness, the state-run Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) presented its recent achievements in a State of the University Address (SOUA) held Wednesday, Jan. 24 at the Teatro Ilocandia.

MMSU President Dr. Shirley Agrupis reported on the university’s international recognition and rankings. MMSU emerged top 1 in the country and earned a global standing between 201st and 300th for Sustainable Development Goal 8, which focuses on economic growth.

As a testament to this great mark in global scene, MMSU is the only university in Region 1 and the only higher education institution in the Philippines featured in the list.

It also became the top-ranked Philippine State University College in the 2023 UI Greenmetric World University Rankings, as it ranked 251st compared to its 356th ranked in 2022.

Meanwhile, the university has also been recognized in the World University Rankings with Real Impact. It landed No. 3 in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Category, 48th in Entrepreneurial Spirit, and 50th in Ethical Value. This feat placed MMSU among the Top 101-200 innovative universities in the world.

Moreover, the university is also known for its excellence as it continues to dominate various licensure examinations, which they dubbed “green and gold harvest.”

“In 2023, we did not only sustain but even surpassed our feats in academics in the prior years. It was a year of green and gold harvest in the licensure examinations,” said Agrupis.

In 2023, MMSU was able to produce two Top 1 in board exams, namely Dr. Aira Cassandra Castro for the Physician Licensure Examination and Engr. Alexis Alegado in the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination. Agrupis also acknowledged other topnotchers in various fields.

The university also excelled in its research agenda, community engagement, infrastructure expansion, arts, and international education.

Recently, various buildings and facilities were completed and inaugurated namely the College of Medicine building, High School administration building, and auxiliary buildings. Agrupis looks forward for the refurbishment and completion of other buildings which include the gymnatorium.

“Our achievements and enhanced reputation have made MMSU more attractive to international institutions, enabling us to expand our network. We are slowly realizing our dream for international universities to offer partnerships with us even as we also endeavor to partner with them,” said Agrupis. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)