Universityhood of Marinduque State College gets Senate approval

MSC was founded on June 21, 1952 when House Bill No. 2743 authored by then Congressman Panfilo Manguera of Marinduque was signed into law as Republic Act 805 by President Elpidio Quirino.

MSC today. Photo courtesy of Adrian Sto. Domingo/PIA

On 23 January 2019, the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture chaired by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero approved with no objection the Senate Bills endorsing the Universityhood of Marinduque State College. 

This huge step will significantly increase the capacity of the institution to deliver higher quality of education to Marinduqueños.

The original author of MSC Universityhood Bill, Cong. Lord Allan Velasco of the Lone District of Marinduque would like to thank everyone, especially his Senate counterparts Senators Angara and Gatchalian, and Dr. Merian Mani of MSC, for the fervent support they have given to the passage of these proposals.

Dr. Merian Mani, the current President of MSC, was exuberant about the passage of the measures and expressed deep appreciation for Cong. Velasco’s sponsorship.

Cong. Velasco optimistically declared, “The people of Marinduque can soon enjoy the benefits of having a State University in the island-province. First, there was the Free Tertiary Education Act. Now, you will soon have a law that will convert MSC into a University and that means a lot for the youth of Marinduque. 

"For those who will graduate from Senior High School, they will be less anxious about where to go after. Because instead of dreaming of attending an NCR-based academic institution, they can soon enjoy having free tertiary learning at MSU – Marinduque State University”, he added. - LAV Media Release

Tatay Digong in Marinduque for Cong. Lord Allan Velasco and wife Wen's birthday celebration

A quite relaxed Tatay Digong speaks to the people of Marinduque 'from the heart'.

So it was no less than the President of the Philippines who came to be one with the people of this island-province to grace the double birthday celebration of Cong. Lord Allan Velasco and his lovely wife, Wen.

Duterte was accompanied by Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Bong Go. No one knew if it's certain these two VIP's would come for it was already past six in the evening.

The program held at Marinduque State College (MSC) that police estimated to have swelled to about 8,000 started at 2:00 pm. By that time the president's popular daughter, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte was on stage with the birthday celebrators flanked by retired Justice Presby Velasco, Jr. and guests Secretary Francis Tolentino,  Senator JV Ejercito, Cong. Dong Mangudadatu.

Cong. Lord Allan Velasco, Davao CIty Mayor Inday Sara Duterte. Behind them: Retired Justice Presby Velasco Jr., Sec. Francis Tolentino, Madam Wen Velasco, Sen. JV Ejercito, 

It's Sara's second time in Marinduque she said, the first one was when she visited Bellarocca Resort Island during it's popularity years ago. It's her wish, she said for Marinduque to take care of its 'garbo ng Marinduque' stressing garbo is a word in Bisaya meaning 'pride'. 'Pride of Marinduque', she said referring to the Marinduque congressman celebrating his birthday. 

Sara also talked about her regional party Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HnP) and was elated to open its doors for the forming of an alliance with the local party Kapatirang Marinduqueno, chaired by Velasco. This is in the same manner that her party has formed an alliance for change with many national, regional and provincial alliances. 'Together we share the same beliefs, trust and vision". she said.

Sec. Francis Tolentino

Presidential political adviser Francis Tolentino reminisced his days as Tagaytay mayor when he became a close friend of Justice Velasco, then a Court Administrator and came to know the latter well. 'Marinduque is in good hands and could also become the next Tagaytay', said Tolentino.

The girl group, 4th Impact

4th Impact, a girl group that rose to popularity when they competed in the television show X Factor UK then rendered two songs to the delight of the crowd, "one of the best audiences we have ever encountered, pinaninindigan po kami ng balahibo", announced one of them. The audience clamored for more, that they had to ask the birthday celebrant if they could sing another song knowing 'we are under time pressure because of our panauhing pandangal'. The group then shared their X-Factor audition piece.

Homegrown talent Angel Penaflor

After 4th Impact was the turn of homegrown talent Angel Penaflor to wow the crowd with her singing prowess. Exuding great confidence, she spoke in her native dialect, no puntong Maynila, the girl coming from Matuyatuya, Torrijos. The proud audience went wild.

By 6:00 pm the show had to be cut short after performances from other guest talents. A podium with presidential seal was put in place on the left side of the stage. Technical people and the soldiers were in a hurry to keep things in order.

It was already dark, but a chopper hovered above the MSC event venue, decreased power and landed on the ground. It was 6:18 pm on my watch. The crowd cheered, they knew who were in that chopper. "Welcome President Rodrigo Roa Duterte" was projected on screen.

The rest is history.

Photo credit: Marinduque News

It was really like giving a first-hand report to the people of Marinduque on what had transpired since he was here during his presidential campaign. 

Part of the MSC ground to be used at that time for the purpose was decorated with red, white and blue colors, but less than a day before his arrival came the news: presidential candidate Duterte would not be allowed the use of MSC ground at all cost for his Marinduque campaign. The municipality of Gasan then welcomed candidate Digong with open arms. 

And the rest was simply just history. 

But now on this occasion today that materialized without any hitch, these pictures are enough to paint a thousand words.

Part of the historic mammoth crowd

Tatay Digong raises arm of Cong. Velasco and Justice 'Governor' Presby Velasco

Angel Penaflor coaches the President in singing "IKAW" which he changed at times with "Kayo"

LAV dancers with the Mobsters

That's LAV singing and dancing

Tatay Digong led the singing of Happy Birthday then went on to sing "Ikaw" for the people of Marinduque. What more could you ask?

Photos courtesy of John Mendoza, CTTO

The biggest surprise of the year with big names at Cong. Velasco's 41st Birthday Celebration at MSC Boac.

Last year's 40th Birthday celebration at Malacanang Park.
From left: The president's partner Ms. Honeylet Avancena, President Rodrigo Duterte, Mrs.Wen Velasco, Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and SAF Christopher 'Bong' Go.

 "As far as 40th birthday bashes go, can anybody top that of Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco? "Velasco celebrated his birthday in an ultra exclusive venue, one not readily available for bookings— Malacanang Park. "And his guests included no less than President Duterte himself and the latter’s partner Honeylet Avancena. He even got a ribbing from the chief executive himself.

"Velasco credited his apparently well-connected wife Wen for making the arrangements for his high-profile party, which also included guests from the judiciary and the legislature..."

This is part of a story that appeared in last year'a social media issue of Politiko, the reset of the story is found below.

What about Cong. Velasco's advanced 41st birthday celebration today, November 3rd in his beloved hometown, Marinduque? The poster below is trending in local social media.

"LAV 2 LOVE U" is a concert to be held at Marinduque State College, Boac Campus, @2:00 p.m. with Free Admission.

Very, very important persons are expected to grace this occasion. A little bird told me that we are in for probably the biggest names yet to visit the island-province this year!

Who could that be? 4th Impact, Gracenote, Agsunta, Escape, Iyah Mina, Moymoy Palaboy and Mojak Perez are big enough I have been told.

But there's something much, much, much bigger, I was assured. 

So am on my way to MSC after this post. And wait for great things to happen. You should come, too!

Meanwhile, here's the continuation of last year's story, titled:

Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco holds 40th bday bash in the ultimate events place— Malacanang.

"He (Velasco) shared photos of the event on Instagram, along with a super sweet thank you message for his wife and a cryptic promise not to repeat his big mistake. "Now this is what we call petmalu! Lodi! “Best Birthday Gift ever from my Wife was to be able to Hold my 40th Birthday in Malacañan Park which was Attended by Officials from the Executive, Judiciary and the Legislative and no less than the Speaker of the House and the President himself attended🇵🇭 I also did not expect that our dearest President would Roast yours truly in front of everyone hehe😬 (Kakampi kasi ni Wen si Prrd, Ate Honeylet & Sap Bong).. B, rest assured, through God’s guidance, i will be Faithful, Loving and ever Devoted.. I Promise that it will never happen again🙏🏻 (Big mistake ever of my life😔) I love you so much B!!😘 I cannot live without you my Baby❤️ PART OF MY SPEECH: Secret to a Man’s Success is a good Woman/Wife.. I don’t have a good wife, i have the Best Wife!! B, i owe you my Success😍👍🏼,” he posted."

Cong. Lord Allan Velasco kick-starts grassroots sports programs for the Province of Marinduque

 

File photo: PSC-PSI grassroots program

Marinduque Lone District Representative Lord Allan Velasco filed last Monday House Bill No. 8317, entitled “An Act Establishing the Marinduque Sports Academy and Training Center in Barangay Baliis, Municipality of Sta. Cruz in the Province of Marinduque.”  Under the Bill, the Marinduque Sports Academy and Training Center upon its establishment shall be the primary sports development and training center here in line with the continued promotion of physical education and holding of sports programs, league competitions and amateur sports.

Simultaneous with the filing of H.B. No. 8317, Velasco will also launch the very first Philippine Sports Commission – Philippine Sports Institute (PSC-PSI) Grassroots Program to be held in the province. This is scheduled on October 5 to 7, 2018 at the Marinduque State College, Boac Campus. 

First PSC-PSI grassroots coaching program in Marinduque,
Oct 5-7 at Marinduque State College

This 3-day event shall host PSC and PSI officers and trainers in Marinduque as they hold consultative meetings on sports development in the Province, as well as the supervision of the training of sports coaches and holding of sports demonstrations. This Grassroots Program shall serve as a platform for sports development in the province of Marinduque and aims to produce nationally-competitive athletes through sustainable provincial and municipal sports development programs.

Cong. Lord Allan Velasco. All for sports development in Marinduque

“Many of my kababayans here in Marinduque have long been waiting for this type of event to happen in our province. We will be building capacities of our local coaches, PE teachers and athletes in the fields of basketball, volleyball, softball, badminton and athletics. I’m glad that PSC and PSI were able to include our province in their grassroots program and hope that our partnership continues for future projects in Marinduque,” Velasco said.

MSC Universityhood: Senate bills passed

On 03 September 2018, the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture chaired by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero passed Senate Bills No. 1940 and 1933. Both dealt with the bid for the universityhood of Marinduque State College (MSC), authored by Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Sonny Angara, respectively.

Dr. Merian Mani, current President of MSC, was in attendance and expressed her appreciation for the huge support that Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco exerted to ensure the university conversion of MSC.

Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco

Improving the educational backdrop in the province of Marinduque has been on top of Velasco’s agenda. With the said universityhood measure, new personnel particularly in the faculty, will help the students become more well-rounded in their scholastic endeavors. The conversion will also provide new training facilities for university students.

On his part, Velasco expressed gratitude to OIC Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for supporting the approval of the measure, and to his counterpart legislators in the Senate, senators Gatchalian and Angara who both sponsored the bills. 

Dr. Merian Catajay-Mani is newly elected President of Marinduque State College (MSC)

Dr. Merian Catajay-Mani, 52, Professor II at Romblon State University was chosen over two other aspirants as the new President of Marinduque State College (MSC) in a special board meeting called yesterday at the CHED office in Diliman, Quezon City.

MSC, a level II SUC which offers 30 academic programs, has about 6,000 students and more than 400 employees in its four campuses and 12 schools.

Dr. Leodegario M. Jalos, Jr. served as the officer-in-charge of the College for almost a year, while the search process was going on.

Dr. Mani was RSU’s Vice President for Research, Extension and Production during the previous administration.

In a flyer distributed during the Public Forum held at MSC-Boac on August 12 this year, Dr. Mani was described as the embodiment of a 21st century woman because of her being a team builder, environmental advocate, climate change champion, academic leader, R&D manager, book author, GAD advocate, community organizer, motivational speaker, and consultant to several organizations.

The flyer also points to her gifts of undying optimism and winning people as markers of her productive and transformative leadership.

In a paper that documents RSU’s journey to universityhood, her leadership was singled out to have brought the R&D Unit of the university into a complete turn making it as one of the vibrant research centers in the country.

Mani has presented and published papers in reputable professional organizations in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Ghana, Indonesia, India, Singapore and USA.

She also holds key positions in some of those associations.

Her advocacies include good governance, environmental protection, climate change adaptation and mitigation, transparency in extractive industry, poverty alleviation and rural development, and youth, women, children and indigenous people empowerment.
- Romblon News Network

Ceramics and pottery techno transfer from Vigan to Marinduque

Barangay residents learn the art of ceramics and pottery making. Photo with barangay officials and trainees with MSC president Romulo H. Malvar and Cong. Lord Allan Velasco.

 Marinduque State College’s (MSC) Gender Advancement Unit (GAD), has identified ceramics and pottery making as one project that has potential to improve the economic condition of some local communities. It is also seen as a viable project that will encourage entrepreneurship especially among women.

MSC’s GAD has collaborated with the DOLE Mimaropa Regional Office and the Office of Cong. Lord Allan Velasco for such a project for the barangays of Anapog-Sibucao and Danao in Mogpog. Representatives from the University of Northern Philippines’ (UNP), ceramics development and research center in Vigan were on hand recently to conduct the project’s production technology transfer. 

Finished samples. Figurines, plant pots, ashtrays and others.

The introduction of a livelihood project in Marinduque. New decorative products.

 

Rudiments of the burnay craft transferred from Northern Philippines to Marinduque.

MSC Universityhood approved by the House, now in Senate

Marinduque State College was originally founded in 1953 as the Marinduque School of Arts and Trade.
In photo is Congressman Lord Allan Velasco and MSC President Romulo H. Malvar.

House Bill No. 04457 entitled "An Act Converting the Marinduque State College in the Municipality of Boac, Province of Marinduque into a State University to be known as the Marinduque State University and Apprpriating Funds Thereof", has been approved by the House of Representatives on November 28, 2012. The bill was transmitted and officially received by the Senate of the Philippines on November 29, 2012. Principal author of the bill is Cong. Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco with co-authors Mark Aeron H. Sambar, Irvin Maano Alcala and Angelo B. Palmones.

House webpage with information on Velasco's committee memberships, House measures he sponsored/authored. Read

MSC Universityhood update

Cong. Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco at the Committee hearing.

House Bill No. 04457 introduced by Cong. Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco in March 2011, seeking the conversion of the Marinduque State College including its satellite campuses into a state university to be known as Marinduque State University (MSU), has undergone First and Second Reading in Congress. A committee hearing was conducted on August 28, 2012, by the Committee on Higher and Technical Education in the lower chamber where the bill was passed for calendaring of the same for Third Reading. The bill will then be filed in the Office of the Secretary, Senate of the Philippines where it will undergo the same procedures.

Committee on Higher and Technical Education hearing 

with Chairperson, Cong. Juan Edgardo M. Angara.

In his earlier introduction of the bill, Cong. Velasco stated that since its establishment, Marinduque State College has developed as an institution of higher learning living up to its mission of providing quality, responsive and dynamic leadership in the areas of Education, Technology, Engineering, Fisheries, Culture, Arts and Sciences. Courses in Allied Medicine, Entrepreneurship, Communication and Tourism, and Information Technology are now also offered by MSC in addition to Industrial Technology and Teacher Education.

MSC officials led by President, Dr. Romulo H. Malvar
were present during the Committee hearing.

Cong. Velasco meets with MSC scholars today

Earlier today, Congressman Velasco addressed more than 2,000 scholars of Marinduque State College (MSC) under the Leaders and Achievers of Velasco (LAV) program for the school year 2012-2013, broken down as follows: MSC Boac: 1,338 recipients; MSC Sta. Cruz: 540 recipients; MSC Gasan: 59 recipients; MSC Torrijos: 135 recipients.

As clearly stated above, these figures are for Marinduque State College alone and do not include beneficiaries from the other schools like Educational Systems Technological Institute (ESTI), St. Mary's College of Marinduque (SMCM), Marinduque Midwest College, Buyabod School of Arts and Trade (BSAT), Torrijos Poblacion School of Arts and Trade (TPSAT) and Sta. Cruz Institute (SCI).

Since the program started in 2010, regular students who applied for the LAV program in that year and who have remained enrolled in said school since then have received a total of Php 12,500 each. For this school year alone, the amount of Php 5.5-million covering the LAV educational assistance program has been remitted directly to the Marinduque State College. This excludes funds remitted to other schools. 

Funds from Velasco's PDAF are remitted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), directly to all participating schools under a MOA entered into by the parties concerned. After distribution of the relevant vouchers, all cash payments are handled by the school's accounting department with students directly receiving the cash from the said school department. The same process is observed in all the other colleges (public or private), participating in the LAV program.   

Also read:
http://marinduquegov.blogspot.com/2012/11/lav-scholarship-program-strengthened.html

The MSC educational assistance recipients under the LAV program listen to Cong. Velasco's inspirational message..

Mr. Almario Seno, main contact person in the Office of Congressman Velasco in charge of the LAV program distributing vouchers to some of the students.

Velasco scholars line up to receive their vouchers.

MSC President Romulo H. Malvar presents a certificate of recognition to Cong. Velasco as vice-presidents Dr. Homer Montejo and Dr. Leodegario Jalos look on.

 Cong. Velasco meeting some of the scholars with Educational Assistance Officer, Mr. Almario Seno who handles the LAV program.

More students line up while others patiently wait for their turn.

Marinduque State College: Diamond Jubillee celebration today

Marinduque State College (MSC), the only state college in Marinduque celebrates its 60th founding anniversary today. Established on June 21, 1952, through R.A. No. 805 authored by Cong. Panfilo M. Manguera, during the presidency of Pres. Elpidio Quirino. It was then known as Marinduque School of Arts and Trades (MSAT), offering two-year vocational courses such as Machine Shop Practice, Electricity, Automotive Mechanics, Building Construction, Furniture and Cabinet making, Garments Trade, Cosmetology and Food Trades. It also opened with a four-year secondary trade curricula.

MSAT then came to be known as the Marinduque Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), in 1983, providing more opportunities for students to take up courses in Civil Engineering, Fisheries, and Trade Technical Education. A satellite campus in Torrijos was then opened. By 1998, a Graduate Studies Program was introduced, alongside the opening of more satellite campuses in Sta. Cruz and Gasan. It came to be known by its present name, Marinduque State College.

1988 photo of high school girls of MIST.

It actively pursues its role as an institution of higher learning and its mission of providing quality education through effective methodologies and strategies. Today, courses in Engineering, Allied Medicine, Entrepreneurship, Communication and Tourism, and Information Technology are among those offered in addition to Industrial Technology and Secondary Teacher Education.

Former students of then MIST.

MSC is committed to achieve status as a premier college in the region along the fields of instruction, research, extension and production.

MSC students join this morning's parade from Boac town to the College located in
Barangay Tanza in the Riverside District. Some 6,000 students are currently
enrolled at all the MSC campuses combined.

The conversion of MSC into a university, as Marinduque State University,
is vigorously pursued at present.

The future MSU will further benefit poor but deserving students not just from Marinduque but also from neighboring provinces who cannot afford to pursue higher education. The university is seen as a unique resource bringing extensive economic benefits to the school and to the provincial community in terms of highly skilled graduate workforce it is committed to produce. 

Thus, the best is yet to come for Marinduque State College that today marks its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary with special activities also retrospecting its history.

Biggel visits Marinduque colleges, continues to inspire youth

Joseph Biggel visited two Marinduque colleges yesterday. The first was Educational Systems Technological  Institute (ESTI), where he enrolled in 2010 but dropped out for financial reasons. ESTI staff turned over to him all school requirements to enable him to enroll in a Manila college that recently offered a 100% scholarship to help him realize his goal of earning a college degree. 

Biggel later paid a courtesy visit to the administrative staff of Marinduque State College (MSC) whose students and staff extended support to him through text voting when he was still a housemate in the country's popular yellow house,
the Pinoy Big Brother house.

Biggel receives his school credentials from the ESTI staff as this blogger looks on. The staff also shared with Biggel how they followed his PBB adventures never giving up on their support to him.

Faculty and staff of Marinduque State College (MSC) were pleasantly surprised with Biggel's unannounced
courtesy visit to MSC yesterday.

An official administrative meeting was temporarily suspended to give way to a brief, impromptu and light-hearted open forum where Biggel answered questions ranging from his feelings toward PBB love interest, Tin Patrimonio, his 'perstaym' experiences, his toughest experiences at the PBB House, his willingness to act as Tourism Ambassador for Marinduque, if ever, and his college plans.

Biggel expressed his gratitude for all support and the kind words from the school's officials about his being an inspiration to the Marinduque youth, particularly to the less fortunate ones. A move was undertaken during the meeting to make formal and official, through a college resolution, MSC's appreciation of Biggel's drive to follow his dreams and succeed, serving as an inspiration to many from this 
island-province.