Carlos Hilado Memorial State University President Norberto Mangulabnan, together with Board of Regents Secretary Roy Ramos, Director for Internationalization and External Relations Rhoderick Samonte, and University Secretary Mary Leanne Laganhon, joined academic leaders and dignitaries in witnessing the formal installation of Virgilio Julius Manzano, Jr. as the 8th President of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU).
(top photo)CHMSU Pres. Norberto Mangulabnan (third from left), BOR Secretary Roy Ramos, University Secretary Mary Leanne Laganhon, andCIER Director Rhoderick Samonte witness the investiture of MMSU’s 8th Pres. on Virgilio Julius Manzano, Jr. on January 19, 2026, at Teatro Ilocandia.
Rhoderick Samonte photos
The investiture rites, presided over by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, were held on January 19, 2026 at Teatro Ilocandia.
The investiture not only honored MMSU’s new leadership but also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with fellow state universities and colleges, and some private higher education institutions.
MMSU Pres. Virgilio Julius Manzano, Jr. (third from left) with BOR Sec. Ramos, CIER Director Samonte, and University Sec. Laganhon
Rhoderick Samonte photo
President Manzano was elected by the MMSU Board of Regents on February 11, 2025, assumed office on February 25, 2025, and later sworn in for a full four-year term on July 11, 2025.
In his first State of the University Address, President Manzano outlined his vision for MMSU’s future, with CHMSU’s presence underscoring the spirit of solidarity and collaboration among state universities and colleges in advancing higher education.
The presence of CHMSU, SUCs, and HEIs during the momentous occasion showed the unity of state universities and colleges and the importance of partnerships in driving innovation, competitiveness, and student growth in Philippine higher education.
CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis (second from left) with CIER Director Samonte, University Sec. Laganhon, and BOR Sec. Ramos
Rhoderick Samonte photos
