CTE, Teatro Normal showcase theater play

With their emotive and evocative acting skills, Mariano Marcos State University’s Teatro Normal successfully presented their theater play ‘Ang Lagusan,’ showcasing the talents and acting prowess of the students from the College of Teacher Education (CTE) as part of the 45th Foundation Anniversary of the university, held at the Teatro Ilocandia, January 24.

Directed by Dr. James Ventura III, the play tells the story of seven

by Ivy Jane Guanzon

individuals who were trapped in purgatory and waiting for their final verdict on whether they should continue to live or should they go to hell or heaven.

Moreover, the audience was taken on a journey through the different life stories of the characters, from being a victim of poverty to a high-profile person abusing the power he has. Also, the production explores the themes, of poverty, abuse of power, and the impact of negligence and support of a family in a very thought-provoking way.

“I believe this is not only in the beginning, this is not the end but the beginning of more theatrical productions of the Mariano Marcos State University,” said Dr. Ventura during his talk before the play started.

The said theater play was a reimagined story of the winning performance of MMSU in the Philippine Association of State Colleges and Universities (PASUC) Region 1 Culture and Arts Festival which was held at Pangasinan State University last year.

ACHIEVE laid the groundwork of MMSU strategic plan for 2023-2028 following the university’s 7-point agenda, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Philippine Development Plan, the Regional Development Plan, and the President’s 8-point Socio-economic Agenda.

Strengthening both internal and external connections to maintain internationalization and other collaborative programs, projects, and activities is the university’s primary aid to achieving the premier university status by 2028.

To further the academe, the university anticipates to open a Master in Healthcare Management in partnership with Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH&MC) as an avenue for the advancement of healthcare workers in the province. Additionally, the recently launched Agri 101 of the institution’s agri-fishery program geared toward ensuring local food security through training and education will extend its services beyond the campus.

Within the campus walls, the institutionalization of safety and security operations, disaster preparedness and response initiatives, gender sensitivity and cultural diversity interventions, and the utilization of agri-waste for income generation are some changes looking to benefit the student body.

Meanwhile, the development of a digital platform unifying research and knowledge management is the university’s stride to improve the availability of information and connectivity to its students and external links, as well as promote collaborative work.

With the addition of suggestions and consideration of concerns presented during the forum, the university’s strategic plan is expected to be finalized by early March this year.