Boac, Marinduque, Philippines — The Marinduque State University hosted its first University Flag Raising Ceremony and Thanksgiving Program today, July 8, 2024 in front of the new MarSU Administration Building, MarSU Boac Campus, Tanza, Boac, Marinduque
It’s official. After years of pursuing university status, the Marinduque State College becomes Marinduque State University after its presentation to the 33rd House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Meeting, House of Representatives on May 20, 2024 and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) En Banc certified its compliance with the requirements for university status on May 27, 2024.
Remembering how it all began until its final verification, the on-site evaluation was conducted by CHED’s Office of Institutional Quality Assurance & Governance (OIQAG) on February 20-24, 2023 with the areas such as Programs and Enrollment, Faculty Profile, Research, Learning Resources Support Structures, Linkages and Outreach, Relevant Academic Policies, Systems, Procedures.
From all the joint efforts, hardships and triumphs, this day deeply marks a significant milestone for Marinduque State College community gathering the Board of Trustees for a Special Board Meeting on July 3, 2024 at CHED UP Diliman, Quezon City relative to the declaration of the MSC Universityhood and confirmation of appointment of Dr. Diosdado P. Zulueta as the 1st University President of MarSU.
With profound joy, pride, and honor, all MarSU officials, faculty members, non-teaching workforce, and students bear witness to the 1st University Flag Raising Ceremony and Thanksgiving Program hosted by Dr. Susan B. Pineda.
The ecumenical prayer was beautifully rendered by Jastin Lehyl M. Llasos and Faith Anne R. Fababaer followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem with the MarSU Culture and Arts Brass Band.
Asst. Prof. Raoul J. Magcamit set the mood of the occasion through his warm welcome message which was immediately followed by Bagong Pilipinas Hymn with the recitation of Bagong Pilipinas Panunumpa led by Atty. Arlyn Retardo-Legal Officer while Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas was led by Asso. Prof. Julie P. Rodelas-Campus Director, Boac Campus. Ms. Lenie Z. Rodriguez-Executive Assistant recited the Panunumpa ng Lingkod Bayan. Ms. Maria Morena V. Santos-University and Board Secretary read the Board Resolution on the Adoption of the CEB Resolution.
Going to this new journey of academic embark is the MarSU Vision and Mission, MarSU Mandate and Core Values which were declared by Asso. Prof. Alfredo M. Ofrecio III-Director for Financial Services & Chief of the Presidential Management Staff.
With beaming pride and happiness, Asso. Prof. Marvin P. Plata-VP for Student Affairs Services introduced the MarSU official logo, icon, colors and tagline to the crowd.
On the other hand, Ms. Erma E. Reyes-Supervising Administrative Officer, read the appointment of the 1st University President cascading all the rights and responsibilities of PDPZ in leading MarSU for the next years to come. PDPZ was joined by his mother, Mommy Divina Mantala Pereda Zulueta, to whom appreciation was also given as the life bearer of our visionary leader.
It was followed by the lowering of the MSC banner and singing of MSC Hymn which every employee and students would surely miss but with all hearts welcoming the new one as the ROTC Honor Guards and MarSU officials hoisted the MarSU Banner while everyone was singing the MarSU Hymn.
After the momentous rites, Pres. Zulueta gave his message of gratitude expressing his heartfelt appreciation to everyone and seek the support of everyone in this new journey.
Truly supportive all the time to MSC in its various endeavors until its conversion, Hon. Armi DC. Carrion-graced the event and delivered her message of support to MarSU.
Being the father of all of Marinduque, Hon. Presbitero J. Velasco, Jr. extended also his warm message of congratulations and support to Pres. Zulueta and to the entire MarSU academic community.
The most anticipated figure also for the event was the principal author of RA 11334, Hon. Lord. Allan Jay Q. Velasco-Representative of Lone District of Marinduque, who was represented by Provincial Administrator, Hon. Vincent Michael Q. Velasco, who gave the message of support to MarSU being it not just a legacy but also a fulfillment of every Marinduqueno’s dream for MSC to become a full-fledge university.
The first part of the event closed with a community singing to the song Lipad ng Pangarap by Angeline Quinto which was stunningly rendered by Ms. Francine Nicole N. Doroin.
The second part of the event was the Thanksgiving Mass which was attended by the MarSU officials and non-teaching personnel. A sumptuous lunch was prepared for everyone after the activity.
(D. Sto. Domingo/MarSU Info. Unit)
Photo by C. Olores/MarSU OMIA