DOUS Oracle

12/05/2026

Warm congratulations are extended to Atty. Jonald F. Carrera as the 8th Executive Director of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – Open University System. The DOUS students, faculty, and staff warmly welcomes your leadership. With a vision anchored on inclusivity and institutional advancement, your term is poised to bring meaningful progress.

18/02/2026

𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝗗𝗠𝗠𝗠𝗦𝗨-𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽
𝗕𝘆: 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗹𝗲𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮

Demonstrating its commitment to student well-being, DMMMSU Open University System conducted a Mental Health Seminar-Workshop titled “Transformative Healing: A Healing from Within” on February 14, 2026, at the DMMMSU-OUS Alumni Building. The initiative brought 19 participants from Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) program to explore holistic approaches to mental health and emotional resilience.
In his message, Dr. Meljo Z. Apilado, Student Affairs and Services Head, emphasized the growing importance of mental health conversations within academic institutions.
Prof. Claudia Denise P. Barbadillo, Guidance Counselor, gave the rationale of the seminar and facilitated its flow, outlining the objectives of the workshop. She underscored the significance of cultivating safe spaces where individuals can better understand their emotions and experiences without stigma.
Serving as resource speaker was Ms. Aivie Estigoy, RPm, a wellness coach specializing in dance therapy. Beginning her session with her favorite line, “I am a dancer,” she highlighted the transformative nature of healing and the importance of emotion regulation. She explained that healing can occur through various means, including counseling, medication, and embodied practices such as movement.
The seminar incorporated experiential learning activities, including the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method. Participants were guided to close their eyes, place their hands on the floor, observe their breathing, assess shoulder tension, identify where stress resides in their bodies, relax, and consciously manage their stress. Students were encouraged to “move your stress” and “move as strength,” transforming tension into empowered movement.
In a subsequent activity, participants expressed distress through six movements that reflected their emotional states. The exercise demonstrated how dance and rhythm can function as practical tools for emotional regulation and self-awareness.
Through reflective discussion and active participation, the seminar reinforced the importance of transformative healing, equipping future educators with practical strategies to nurture both their personal well-being and the emotional safety of their future classrooms.

06/02/2026

Printed copies of Oracle newsletter (July to Dec.) issue and 𝘗𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘢 (Literary Folio) now available.

Claim your copies at the DOUS Library!

04/02/2026

𝗗𝗠𝗠𝗠𝗦𝗨 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀’ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
𝗕𝘆: 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵 𝗧. 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗿.

As part of the celebration of its 45th Anniversary, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) held the University Student’s Day on January 16, 2026, at the DMMMSU–North La Union Campus, bringing together students from its four campuses for a full day of academic, literary, and cultural activities.

The event aimed to showcase the diverse talents and skills of DMMMSU students through a series of competitions designed to highlight both intellectual excellence and cultural appreciation. In the morning, simultaneous academic and literary events were conducted, including spelling bee, quiz bee, inter-campus debate, and other literary competitions, where participants demonstrated their critical thinking, communication skills, and mastery of knowledge across various disciplines.

Following the lunch break, the celebration continued with the much-anticipated Laro ng Lahi competitions. Traditional Filipino games such as 𝘗𝘶𝘬𝘱𝘰𝘬 𝘗𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘬, 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘏𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘶𝘣𝘪𝘥, 𝘗𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘬𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘨 𝘓𝘰𝘣𝘰, 𝘒𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘳𝘢 𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘢𝘬𝘰, and 𝘛𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰 filled the campus with excitement, laughter, and sportsmanship among the participants.

Students from the four DMMMSU campuses actively participated and enjoyed the activities, making the University Student’s Day a meaningful highlight of the university’s anniversary celebration. The event not only strengthened inter-campus unity but also reaffirmed DMMMSU’s commitment to student development by honoring both academic excellence and cultural heritage.

20/12/2025

18/12/2025

𝗗𝗠𝗠𝗠𝗦𝗨-𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 "𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗴,"
𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼, 𝗟𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻
𝗕𝘆: 𝗥𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗠. 𝗖𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘂

The DMMMSU-Open University System (OUS) celebrated its Foundation Anniversary with a commitment to environmental stewardship and community partnership through Project Linong, a tree-planting activity held on October 27, 2025, in Brgy. Cataguintingan, Rosario, La Union.

Aligned with the anniversary's theme: "Strength for Collaboration, Power for Partnership in Lifelong Learning," the project brought together faculty, student leaders, and volunteers to transform academic ideals into real-world impact.

Project Linong was a collaborative success, demonstrating the synergy between the institution's key leaders and vibrant student organizations. The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Meljo Z. Apilado, Head of Student Affairs and Services, Dr. Jayson O. Madayag, Program Chair of BEED, and Dr. Lher Verell S. Palabay, Program Chair of BSBA. They worked closely with student officers from the DOUS Campus and the Provincial Student Body Organization, as well as other Student Organizations. The core planting team consisted of volunteer students from the BSA program, who dedicated their time and effort to the green cause.

Focusing on sustainability and potential future economic benefit for the community, the volunteers planted a diverse collection of seedlings, primarily fruit-bearing species, which are well-suited to the local climate. The trees planted include mango, mabolo, chestnut, tamarind, coffee, santol, jackfruit, and pomelo. This selection not only contributes to reforestation but also helps enhance biodiversity and provide a sustainable source of food and income for the future.

The project proponents highlighted that Project Linong serves a dual purpose beyond environmental protection. The student leaders, supported by their program chairs, actively promoted the initiative as a crucial platform to translate classroom knowledge into tangible, impactful community action.

"This isn't just about planting trees; it's about planting the seeds of responsibility, sustainability, and civic engagement in our students," stated one of the program chairs. "It fosters sustainable practices and is key to strengthening the critical bond between the academic community and the community we serve."

By participating in Project Linong, DMMMSU-OUS students gain invaluable experiential learning, applying concepts of management, environmental science, and social responsibility outside the campus walls. Project Linong stands as a testament to DMMMSU-OUS's dedication to developing well-rounded, socially conscious graduates ready to contribute to nation-building and lifelong learning.

18/12/2025

𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗦𝗔 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀
𝗕𝘆: 𝗥𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗠. 𝗖𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘂

Naguilian, La Union – A significant step towards sustainable livelihood and community empowerment was taken on October 21, 2025, as a comprehensive Livelihood Training on Mushroom Production was successfully held at DMMMSU East La Union Campus (ELUC). The initiative brought together the Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and Barangay Tanods from all 37 barangays of Naguilian, equipping these crucial community frontliners with valuable, practical skills.

Dr. Meljo Apilado, Head of Student Affairs and Services of DOUS, underscored the importance of such training in promoting self-reliance and improving the economic well-being of the participants and their respective communities. His message set a positive and engaging tone for the day's activities, emphasizing the power of knowledge and the importance of community collaboration.

The training was led by Jerico Lubang, the newly elected Campus Student Body Organization (CSBO) Supreme Governor of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSA) program, and Rizalyn Cimatu, the newly elected CSBO Secretary, both members of the BSA Agrivengers.

The speakers provided the participants with a foundational understanding of mycology, meticulously familiarizing them with the different varieties of mushrooms. A key focus was the clear distinction between edible and potentially inedible/poisonous species, a critical piece of knowledge for safety and successful cultivation.

They discussed the morphology, habitats, and common names of various types of mushrooms, ensuring the attendees could confidently identify them.

Following the theoretical discussion, the participants were treated to an informative video presentation on mushroom production. This visual guide illustrated the entire process, from preparing the substrate and inoculation to the proper care and harvesting of the mushrooms. The practical video offered a clear, step-by-step demonstration, making the complex process easily understandable.

The session concluded with a highly interactive question-and-answer portion. This segment allowed the Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and Barangay Tanods to clarify doubts, seek practical advice, and discuss the feasibility of implementing mushroom production in their barangay. The lively exchange demonstrated the participants' keen interest in applying their newly acquired skills.

The Livelihood Training on Mushroom Production is a vital component of Naguilian's community development efforts. By empowering its BHWs and Brgy. Tanods, who are the primary agents of change and information dissemination, with skills in sustainable agriculture, have sown the seeds for a more prosperous and self-sufficient future for their 37 barangays.

The successful training is expected to spark new livelihood opportunities and contribute to food security across Naguilian.

18/12/2025

𝗗𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟵𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆
𝗕𝘆: 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗵 𝗧. 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝗿.

October 21, 2025 — In celebration of the 29th DOUS Anniversary, the DMMMSU Open University System (DOUS) Faculty, Staff, and Student Volunteers conducted an extension activity titled “DOUS Bayanihan” in Barangay Baraoas, Naguilian, La Union. Multiple training programs and information sessions were carried out simultaneously to serve the community.

At the Barangay Baraoas Covered Court, three major activities were held:

B.A.S.I: Bridging Advocacy for Sustainable Industry – Storytelling “Ang Kwento ng Matamis na Tubo” led by Prof. Claudia Denise P. Barbadillo

B.A.S.I: Bridging Advocacy for Sustainable Industry – Basi Heritage Talk “Tuklasin ang Pamana ng Basi” delivered by Dr. Jayson O. Madayag, BEED Program Chairperson

Legal Assistance – “Alamin ang Karapatan, Maglingkod nang Makatarungan” facilitated by Atty. Jonald F. Carrera

Orientation on RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act/Bawal Bastos Law) by Ms. Ces Myra P. Mabalot, Gender and Development Head.

Simultaneously, other training sessions were conducted at the DMMMSU East La Union Campus (ELUC):

Training on Bookkeeping and Records – “Husay sa Talaan, Lakas sa Pamamahala” conducted by Dr. Lher Verell S. Palabay, BSBA Program Chairperson, and Prof. Josephine G. Javonitalla, attended by barangay staff

Livelihood Training on Mushroom Production – “Paunlarin ang Kasanayan, Palaguin ang Pagkakataon” delivered by Dr. Meljo Z. Apilado, SAS Head.

18/12/2025

𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟬𝟭: 𝗔 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
𝗕𝘆: 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘆𝗹𝘆𝗻 𝗥. 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗮𝗻

October 18, 2025 — The DMMMSU Open University System marked a significant milestone as students gathered for SMART Research 101, a seminar designed to strengthen research competencies among learners.

The learning sessions began with Dr. Cristita G. Guerra (Program Chairperson of PhD Development Administration (DA) & Master's in DA), who delivered an informative lecture on “Research Methods and Formats: A Guide to Conducting and Presenting Quality Research.” Her talk highlighted essential frameworks and best practices that students can apply in developing their research output.

This was followed by Prof. Ces Myra P. Mabalot (Head of Gender and Development), who presented “From Awareness to Action: The Role of Gender and Development in Shaping Undergraduate Research Outputs.” Her discussion highlighted the importance of incorporating gender perspectives into academic studies.

Rounding off the presentations was Prof. Claire F. Pascua (In Charge of Library Services), who discussed “Mastering the Basics: APA Formatting and Exploring AI Tools for Smarter Research.” She emphasized proper citation practices and introduced digital tools that support efficient research writing.

The SMART Research 101 seminar provided a valuable learning experience, equipping students with the knowledge and tools necessary to conduct meaningful and high-quality research.