SIRMATA

14/04/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗠𝗠𝗦𝗨 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 ‘𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀’ 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗕𝗨𝗞𝗘𝗟 𝟲.𝟮 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽
𝘉𝘺 𝘙𝘺𝘢𝘯 𝘊𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘯

Student leaders from MMSU strengthened their teamwork, communication, and leadership skills through the Project Brave, Understanding, Knowledge, and Empowered Leaders (BUKEL) 6.2 leadership camp held at D coral Beach in Currimao, Ilocos Norte from April 11 to 12.

The two-day camp, organized by the University Student Council (USC), the highest governing student body of the university, brought together 111 participants composed of five representatives from College Student Councils (SC) and university-wide interest clubs. The event was designed to cultivate leadership beyond academic responsibilities through immersive and collaborative experiences.

Carl Aaron S. Ramos, College of Industrial Technology (CIT) SC Auditor and one of the participants, highlighted teamwork and communication skills as his takeaways from the camp.

Ramos described the experience as meaningful and transformative, noting how the event would shape his leadership approach moving forward.

“This experience would make me more reflective and an adaptable leader. I’d communicate better, stay calm under pressure, and be more open to feedbacks. It would also help me become more empathetic toward others and more confident in making decisions moving forward,” the third-year Computer Technology student said.

According to USC Executive Chairperson Gerby Maloom, the camp aimed to go beyond the usual scope of leadership training.

“The purpose and objective of the camp, aside from [giving] fun, is to enhance the qualities of leaders outside the scope of just making papers and conducting activities,” Maloom shared. “The camp aims to enhance the qualities of a good leader like pakikisama, decision-making, and many more.”

He added that the camp also served as a practical extension of the earlier phase of Project Bukel 6.0, held on September 16 last year, which focused primarily on seminars. This year's camp provided participants with the opportunity to apply what they had learned in real-life simulations and group dynamics.

The event featured a series of structured activities designed to challenge and engage participants. On day 1, student leaders took part in the project proposal development and pitching session, where they presented leadership-related projects that they may implement in the future, followed by team-building activities, and concluded with the Socialization night and the Flame of Leadership.

During the first day, Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Director Lawrence John Tagata also discussed the revised Student Handbook with the participants and gathered their insights on provisions that may be included.

On Day 2, participants engaged in a Mangrove tree planting activity, which aims to promote “environmental awareness and ecological responsibility among student leaders.” The event concluded with an awarding ceremony.

Project BUKEL is a university-wide training program organized by USC designed to “empower student leaders' leadership capabilities, foster collaboration among student organizations, and cultivate values, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective and responsible leadership.” Project BUKEL 6.2 iteration marked the program's first leadership camp format.

14/04/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | The City Government of Batac has announced that it will offer “Libreng Sakay” for residents traveling between Batac and Laoag, and vice versa, in response to the continuous increase in fuel prices.

According to the local government, the free ride service will be available from Monday to Friday, with designated pick-up points at 7:00 AM in front of the Imelda Cultural Center (Batac to Laoag) and 5:00 PM in front of the Provincial Capitol (Laoag to Batac).

Only Batac residents are eligible to avail of the service and must present a valid ID with address for verification. The LGU added that the service follows a first-come, first-served basis with a maximum capacity of 40 passengers. | 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘈𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘔. 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘢

𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 | 𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐘

In response to the continuous increase in fuel prices, the City Government of Batac is offering 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐲 for Batac residents traveling between Batac and Laoag, and vice versa. This initiative aims to help ease the burden of rising fuel costs on our constituents.

𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞: 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲

𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤-𝐮𝐩 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬:
• 7:00 AM – In front of Imelda Cultural Center (Batac to Laoag)
• 5:00 PM – In front of the Provincial Capitol (Laoag to Batac)

𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬:
• Open to Batac residents only
• Please present a valid ID with address for verification
• 40-passenger capacity, on a first-come, first-served basis

13/04/2026

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Following a three-day balloting period, the candidates of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) University Student Council Elections 2026 learned their fate during the formal proclamation held this afternoon, April 13, at the MMSU Student Center.

The leadership race, which officially took place from April 8 to 10, concluded with a 77.45% voter turnout recorded by the close of the polls. The winners of this election are designated to lead the student body for Academic Year 2026–2027.

While the transition date from the incumbent council has yet to be finalized, the administration and the student body await their formal assumption of office for the next academic year. | 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘙𝘦𝘫𝘦𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘪 𝘍𝘢𝘣𝘳𝘰

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𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘻 𝘑𝘦𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘫𝘢

13/04/2026

#𝗨𝗦𝗖𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗢𝗦𝗔𝗦-𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝗨𝗦𝗖 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀; 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆 𝟳.𝟯𝟵%
𝘉𝘺 𝘙𝘺𝘢𝘯 𝘓𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘯

After a two-day of online election for the University Student Council (USC), the Office of Student Affairs and Services-Commission on Elections (OSAS-COMELEC) proclaimed the new set of student leaders who will take various seats in the highest governing student body of the university through an official proclamation of winners today, April 13, at the MMSU Student Center.

With a voter turnout of 77.45% or 14, 589 out of 18, 837 students enrolled in the university, the election saw a 7.39% decrease in voter turnout from last year’s 84.84%.

For the highest executive post, ABRASA Partylist's Danniel James A. Corrales, a third-year BS Economics Major and the incumbent College of Business, Administration, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA) Student Council President, secured the Executive Chairperson seat after garnering 8, 437 votes or 45.05% out of 18, 837 voters.

Corrales faced two independent candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS): Jaylord Malabed and Thyrone Vinz Asuncion who garnered 15.21% or 2,866 and 9.21% or 1, 735 votes, respectively.

Meanwhile, John Wayne Dalere secured the second-highest post as Vice Executive Chairperson (11, 443 or 60.75%).

For the junior executive positions, Yzabela Colleen B. Alterado (11,539 or 61.26%) and Deonell L. Galang (11,489 or 60.99%) won the posts of Executive Secretary and Deputy Executive Secretary, respectively. Mike Jhedrick R. Dapa (11,570 or 61.42%) won Secretary for Finance, alongside Josephine Rose F. Peralta (11,432 or 60.69%) as Assistant Secretary for Finance.

In the logistics arm, Kurt Jheremy M. Salcedo (11,170 or 59.30%) and Aaron Jhen M. Garvida (11,675 or 61.98%) secured the Secretary for Logistics and Assistant Secretary for Logistics posts, respectively. Arvie Jussane D. Calaycay (12,144 or 64.47%), on the other hand, ran for Secretary for Communications, while Jannah Marice L. Alejandro (11,812 or 62.71%) won Assistant Secretary for Communications.

Under the ABRASA Partylist, the winning college councilors are: Ma. Christina Mae B. Canlog of CAFSD (1,165 or 61.84%), Dale Adrian M. Tayamen of CASAT (289 or 88.65%), Diether John M. Pumaras of CBEA (1,671 or 58.98%), Lynx Marcia A. Orig of COD (60 or 98.36%), Edel Jr. A. Mariano of CHS (861 or 52.98%), Mary Ysabelle A. Calaoagan of COE (1,526 or 62.21%), Ava Laureen Graciela M. Quillope of LHS-Laoag (277 or 86.29%), and Jillian Gwen B. Cajigal of LHS-Batac (191 or 74.03%).

Meanwhile, Jolante M. Gaces won the CAS council race against ABRASA Partylist’s Chaiser Andrei A. Diculen with 574 votes.

Several independent candidates also won the elections: Gian B. Cariaga won the CIT post with 1,841 votes (86.39%), Oscar John Mar C. Reyes of CCIS garnered 700 votes (78.83%), Julie Mae F. Tolentino amassed 2,068 votes (63.97%), and Scarlett Pink C. Nicolas of LES also secured a seat.

Meanwhile, college council elections for CVM, COM, COL, and GS will be held during their respective college student council elections.

In the weeks leading up to the elections, candidates participated in rallies where they presented their visions and plans to the student body, as well as a live interview on March 27 and a face-to-face debate on April 7, both spearheaded by SIRMATA.

𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘺 𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘻 𝘑𝘦𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘫𝘢

13/04/2026

𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡 | 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻
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As the 2026 University Student Council (USC) elections comes to a close, ABRASA Partylist's Danniel James A. Corrales, a third-year BS Economics Major and the incumbent College of Business, Administration, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA) Student Council President, won the Executive Chairperson post with a 45.05% or 8, 437 out of 18, 837 votes.
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‎Corrales competed against two independent candidates both from the College of Arts and Sciences, Jaylord Malabed and Thyrone Vinz Asuncion who garnered 15.21% or 2,866 and 9.21% or 1, 735 votes, respectively. | 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘙𝘺𝘢𝘯 𝘊𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘯

12/04/2026

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 | 𝗠𝗠𝗦𝗨 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀’ 𝗬𝟮𝗖𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗙𝗹𝗶𝘅
𝘉𝘺 𝘙𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘑𝘦𝘭 𝘔. 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘢 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘻

From their debut at Y2Cinema to a wider and more accessible online viewing, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) BA Communication students’ produced films are now available for streaming on JuanFlix, an online channel featuring a curated selection of local and international films, until April 16.

The featured films consist of four documentary and four narrative entries from this year’s Y2Cinema, a film festival staged and organized by the BAComm students held last February 16 and 19.

These include “Sulat Ba’to?”, “Dagiti Aweng Iti Puso”, “Closure”, “Maybe”, “About Us”, “Rangtay Ti Tiempo”, “Payaso”, “After It Runs Dry”, and “Rizal Street.,” all of which centered on the theme of valuable memories and nostalgia.

Under the streaming platform, the films may be conveniently viewed at any time within the streaming period. They may be accessed via the Juanflix Mobile application, available on Google Play Store and App Store, or through the official website at juanflix.com.ph.

Currently in its fifth edition of bringing Y2Cinema films to a larger audience, the JuanFlix showcase is supported through the BAComm program’s membership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Academic FIlm Society and the University’s Memorandum of Agreement with FDCP, the owner and operator of the streaming platform.

12/04/2026

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 | University President Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr. has approved the temporary suspension of the wearing of uniforms for students until further notice.

This comes after the University Student Council (USC), through the Office of the Student Regent, requested the Temporary Suspension of the Uniform Policy to help students cope with the rising heat index currently being experienced across the province.

According to the approved request, students are reminded to wear “appropriate, comfortable, and decent civilian attire in accordance with the University’s Dress Code policy while inside the university premises.”

Dr. Manzano, however, noted that the wearing of identification (ID) cards is still mandatory for all students. | 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘈𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘢

11/04/2026

| 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗼! 🏆

MMSU's Christian James Antonio Garcia, representing Region 1, emerged as the Champion in the Oratorio competition of the PASUC-National Culture and Arts Festival this April 11.

Garcia, a first-year BA Communication student, outperformed 15 contenders from different regions across the country.

With the guidance of Mr. Jerville Jake Cabansag, Garcia delivered a speech that etched Region I’s name in the event’s first-ever staging.

11/04/2026

| 𝗠𝗠𝗦𝗨’𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 🥉

Embodying the spirit of Darna, Maria Louise Eclarin of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) delivered a bronze-winning performance in the Dramatic Monologue category of the PASUC-National Culture and Arts Festival, April 11 at WVSU Center for Teaching Excellence.

In her eye-opening performance, Eclarin reimagined the heroine beyond a fighter of monsters, underscoring themes of corruption in the country.

Mentored by Dr. Alma A. Sierra, Eclarin brought Region I's talent into the national stage through her performance. | 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘙𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘢 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘻

11/04/2026

𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝘂𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲—𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿. 🌎🍃

This April, the Philippines observes the Month of the Planet Earth under Proclamation No. 1482, aiming to raise environmental awareness and mobilize nationwide action for the protection and conservation of our natural resources.

With this year’s theme: “Our Power, Our Planet,” Earth Month highlights the importance of shared responsibility across all sectors in addressing environmental challenges such as Climate Change, empowering us to maintain our planet for future generations.

Together, let us make meaningful steps towards sustainable practices to give back to Earth the nurturing care she has always given us. | 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘙𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘢 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘻

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𝘈𝘳𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘑𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘪 𝘉𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘰

11/04/2026

| 𝗠𝗠𝗦𝗨’𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗨𝗖-𝗡𝗖𝗔𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 🥈

Mariano Marcos State University’s Precious Elysha B. Tabangcura bagged the 2nd place finish in the Deklamasyon event during the 12th PASUC-National Culture and Arts Festival (NCAF) held at Iloilo City this April 11.

Under the coaching of Dr. Alma A. Sierra, Tabangcura represented MMSU and Region I with a performance that stood out among 14 other participants from across the country.

Both the university and the region celebrated another milestone as this silver medal was won during the debut of Deklamasyon at the national level. | 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘙𝘦𝘫𝘦𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘪 𝘍𝘢𝘣𝘳𝘰

11/04/2026

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 | 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗖𝗢𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
𝘉𝘺 𝘈𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘔. 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘢

As part of the Marketing Management Week, marketing students from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU and other partner institutions in the province immersed themselves in industry insights during the Marketing and Advertising Conference (2026) on April 10 at SM City Laoag.

Spearheaded by the Junior Marketing Advocates (JMA) of the MMSU College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA), the conference gathered students, educators, and industry professionals anchored with the theme, “Branding that Illuminates to Ignite Dreams.”

Aside from MMSU, marketing students from other institutions in the provinces such as Divine Word College of Laoag, Northern Christian College, and Data Center College of the Philippines also took part in the event.

In his message, CBEA Officer-in-charge (OIC) Dean Prof. Emil James Tanagon urged the participants to move beyond passive learning and actively engage in creating meaningful and strategic content. He emphasized the importance of developing campaigns that are data-driven, socially relevant, and impactful while maximizing their knowledge in marketing.

“Do not just consume digital content. Create meaningful and strategic content. I challenge you to produce campaigns that are data driven, socially relevant, and impactful. Use your skills in market segmentation, consumer behavior, and analytics to go beyond creativity,” Prof. Taganon bared.

“Huwag po tayong matakot na magshare ng ideas. Do not be passive learners. Move from being students of marketing management to practitioners of marketing. To all of you, this is a great opportunity for us to participate, ask questions, build friendships and meaningful connections, and truly enjoy the conference,” the OIC Dean added.

During the morning session, MADCON 2026 featured discussions from industry practitioners who shared their insights on influencer marketing, brand identity development, and the evolving role of storytelling in shaping brand perception to provide marketing students with practical knowledge that are grounded in industry experience.

Among the topics presented were “Brand Collaboration 101: What Influencers and Marketers Should Know” by content creator Charm Ramos Raquel, also known as Charmification TV; “Your Own Unique: Building a Brand Identity that Stands Out” by Bea Angeles, brand specialist of Y.O.U Beauty; and “The Future of Branding in the Era of Storytelling and Media Influence” by Archie G. Carrasco of AGC Power Holdings Corp.

In the afternoon, the Transformative Industry Mentorship on Entrepreneurial Knowledge (TIMEK) was conducted with the theme, “Igniting the Entrepreneur Within” to offer mentorship and industry-driven insights from accomplished professionals. Among the invited resourced speakers were Allan Fernandez Ancheta, owner and founder of ANX Food International; Denrell Nacnac, shareholder of ArteNac Corporation; and Karl Angelo Vicente, owner and founder of Moonlight Events.

𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘻 𝘑𝘦𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘫𝘢