By Charissa Luci-Atienza

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill renaming the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) as the Ferdinand E. Marcos State University (FEMSU).

Before Congress adjourned session on December 17, 2019, the Lower Chamber finally passed House Bill No. 5698, principally authored by Ilocos Norte Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba.

The bill, which renames the MMSU after late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, was approved on second reading on December 11, 2019.

The MMSU was originally named after the late father of President Marcos, Don Mariano who was a lawyer, educator, and a legislator, Barba said.

“In recognition of President Marcos’ unparalleled vision and undying legacy, this bill seeks to rename MMSU as FEMSU—from one generation to the other. A generation that has honored the father and is now ready to honor the son, similar to how a father passes the torch to his son,” he said.

He noted that on January 6, 1978, the MMSU was created by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1279. The presidential decree merged the Mariano Marcos Memorial College of Science and Technology and Northern Luzon State College into a state university, which is known as the MMSU.

“Over the years, MMSU has certainly lived up to its name,” Barba said.

He cited that the MMSU was recognized but the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Center of Excellence (COE) in Teacher Education and Center of Development (COD) in Agriculture, Biology, Forestry and Information Technology.

MMSU has also been chosen as one of the few National Universities for Agriculture and Fisheries Education nationwide, he noted.

“If President Marcos were alive today, he would have been proud of what MMSU has achieved and become. A university that has grown tremendously. This was his dream that finally came to fruition,” Barba said.

He said the measure seeks to expand the curricular offerings of the university, update and strengthen its governing board.

“Staying true to President Marcos’ legacy, the University envisions a premier Philippine university by 2028, guided by the value of knowledge, inclusiveness, professionalism and spiritual and social responsibility,” he said.

Under the HB 5698, which is in substitution of Barba’s House Bill No. 4415, the MMSU in the city of Batac, Ilocos Norte shall be renamed as the Ferdinand E. Marcos State University (FEMSU).

The bill provides that the main campus of the FEMSU shall remain in its present location in the Batac city.

“The provisions of Republic Act No. 8292, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, shall form as an integral part of the proposed Act and shall serve as part of the Governing Charter of the University,” it said.

The House Committee on Higher and Technical Education recommended the plenary approval of the bill on December 4.